BMW Steering Wheels
A heated steering wheel is a nice luxury feature that can help you stay comfortable and reduce the need for gloves in cold weather. It’s available as part of the Cold Weather package or as a separate option on some models. However, it is not offered on all BMW vehicles, especially ones that have an automatic transmission.
If you’ve got a model that doesn’t have a heated Buy BMW steering wheels, you might be able to add one through the company’s new digital personalization initiative. As the name suggests, this allows owners to add or remove features from their cars through a software update, rather than paying to have them installed in the dealership.
Which features will be available through this system will vary by market, but some are expected to include things like augmented engine sounds that play through the car stereo to make it sound as though it’s running in real time when the vehicle is driven. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel are other options that might be made available in this way, a BMW spokesman tells TTAC.
Are BMW Steering Wheels Heated?
Those kinds of options require built-in hardware, such as sensors and cameras for tech features like the lane keeping assistant and the camera-based Driver Recorder, but BMW would sell them to owners for fixed periods of time almost like apps. It is already testing this kind of in-car subscription service in the US with a camera that records what happens outside your car for 20 seconds before an accident, which can be helpful in proving who was at fault.
If you want to know whether your BMW has a heated steering wheel, you can check by taking off the trim around the steering wheel and looking at the wiring. If there’s a thick wire connected to a black plug near the center of the wheel, it is heated. You can also turn on the wheel heater by pressing a button on the steering wheel itself, but only when the car is turned on.
For those who crave an even more engaging driving experience, BMW offers steering wheels with integrated paddle shifters. These allow the driver to manually control gear changes without taking their hands off the wheel, adding a touch of motorsport-inspired performance to the driving experience. The tactile feedback from the paddle shifters enhances the connection between the driver and the car, creating a sense of synergy that is quintessentially BMW.
In recent years, BMW has embraced cutting-edge technology to elevate the capabilities of its steering wheels. The advent of gesture control technology allows drivers to interact with the car’s infotainment system using simple hand movements, further reducing distractions and enhancing the overall driving experience. The steering wheel becomes a command center, where a wave or a pinch can adjust settings, answer calls, or even control navigation.
Another noteworthy advancement is the integration of haptic feedback into BMW steering wheels. This technology provides subtle vibrations or resistance to the steering wheel, conveying information to the driver without requiring them to take their eyes off the road. For example, haptic feedback can be used to signal lane departure warnings or provide tactile cues during parking maneuvers. This innovation is a testament to BMW’s dedication to safety and its constant pursuit of innovative solutions to enhance the driving experience.