Is there a "trick" to taking of the steering wheel inserts on the new 3-spoke R56 steering wheel? I know the center insert just has to worked a little to pull directly up. Is the side inserts the same or are there tabs I need to worry about?

 

Painting them? I've had thoughts of that because my interior is mostly black and the inserts stand out....same with the paddles.

 

From what I remember reading in an old post about a year and a half ago, the covers just pry off.

 

I would check for screws from the back side of the steering wheel. If there are no holes they probably are held in with some sort of clip. If your dealer is nearby, you could go see the parts guy and ask him to show you the exploded view. That should give you a good idea of how the covers/switches are held in place. Good luck.

 

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...33&hg=32&fg=95

This diagram seems to show that they are held on by screws.

 

That doesn't look like any R56 (or R53) wheel I've ever seen? 3 stalks? square buttons?

This is the MFSW I have seen and have -

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...74&hg=32&fg=35

Looks like a Torx holding the inserts on from the back...

 

I'd be cool to paint them except the buttons would remain silver and that would look even worse IMO.

 

i jus saw a picture of a yellow-interiored car like mine, and they did the steering wheel inserts, it kind of completed the look. is painting them the only way to go? im not the best artist, but would be interested in adding this touch to the car...

and Chimera, that looks like my wheel too.