Go back a few years in the automotive world, and heated seats were starting to become a feature on most cars. In 2023, it’s almost impossible to buy a car where the option to add heated seats doesn’t exist, and their popularity has given manufacturers plenty of ideas. One of these has been to introduce heated steering wheels, and when it comes to adding optional extras, few brands are better than BMW.
BMW has been adding heated steering wheels to cars for a couple of generations now, and every car in the current BMW lineup has the option for a heated steering wheel. The heated steering wheel feature is often standard on higher-spec BMWs, but it’s usually an optional extra on low-spec cars.
In this article, we’ll talk you through which models come with a heated wheel at no extra cost, and on the other BMW models, we’ve listed how much it costs to add this feature. We’ll also cover how to access the heated steering wheel and, most importantly, our thoughts on the cost.
How does the BMW Heated Steering Wheel work?
Turning on your heated steering wheel is simple on every BMW model. On the steering wheel itself, you will have a button just below the center that looks similar to the one shown below. Simply press that, and your heated steering wheel turns on.
Do all BMW models come with a Heated Steering Wheel?
Every model in the current BMW range has a heated steering wheel option. Below, we’ve split those models into two lists to cover:
- BMWs where a heated steering wheel is available at no cost
- BMWs where a heated steering wheel is an optional extra
We’ve also included the cost of adding a heated steering wheel to those models.
BMW models with a Heated Steering Wheel as standard
The highest-spec BMW models usually come with a heated steering wheel as standard. This means you won’t have to pay extra for this feature – and with some models over $100,000, you would expect most features to come as standard here.
- XM
- X5 M
- X6 M
- X7 40i
- X7 M60i
- 760i
- i7 e50
- i7 x60
- i7 M70
- 840i
- M850i
- M8
- iX 50
- iX M60
BMW models with a Heated Steering Wheel as an optional extra
For other BMW models, you will have to pay extra for the option of a heated steering wheel. On most cars, this is only $200, although a few models include the heated steering wheel as part of a larger options pack. In some BMW models, the heated steering wheel feature is bundled in with the front seats too.
- X1 28i – $550 (includes heated front seats)
- X1 35i – $550 (includes heated front seats)
- X3 30i – $200
- X3 M40i – $200
- X3 M – $200
- X4 30i – $200
- X4 M40i – $200
- X4 M – $200
- X5 40i – $350 (includes heated front seats & armrests)
- X5 50e – $350 (includes heated front seats & armrests)
- X5 M60i – $350 (includes heated front seats & armrests)
- X6 40i – $350 (includes heated front seats & armrests)
- X6 M50i – $350 (includes heated front seats & armrests)
- 230i – $550 (includes heated front seats)
- M240i – $550 (includes heated front seats)
- 228i – $550 (includes heated front seats)
- M235i – $550 (includes heated front seats)
- M2 – $200
- 330i – $200
- 330e – $200
- M340i – $200
- M3 – $1,450 (part of the Executive package)
- 430i – $200
- M440i – $200
- M4 – $1,300 (part of the Executive package)
- 530i – $750 (part of the Convenience package)
- 740i – $4,600 (part of the Executive package)
- 750e – $4,600 (part of the Executive package)
- Z4 30i – $550 (includes heated front seats)
- Z4 M40i – $550 (includes heated front seats)
- i4 e35 – $200
- i4 e40 – $200
- i4 M50 – $200
- i5 e40 – $550 (part of the Convenience package)
- i5 M60 – $200
Is the Heated Steering Wheel option worth it?
A few years ago, I didn’t have a heated steering wheel on my previous BMW, and I can’t remember a day when I wished I had that feature available. Now, on my current 4 Series, I have a heated steering wheel and turn it on every time I use my heated seats.
The point of that story is to be as honest with you as possible – most drivers can live without a heated steering wheel, but if the option is there, you’ll definitely see the benefit. I live in a mild climate, and I only ‘need’ heating for a few months in the year, so it’s not a vital feature for me. A heated steering wheel must be on your list if you’re in a colder region and it’s regularly freezing.
For just $200, this is one of the least expensive options from BMW, and although $200 is still a lot of money, I’d pick this every time now. If you never use your heated seats, then I’d skip the heated steering wheel option, but for every other BMW driver, I think it’s worth having.
Can you add a heated steering wheel to a BMW?
If you own a BMW without a heated steering wheel, is it possible to add this feature? The bad news first is that you can’t just turn this option on. Heated steering wheels require a different wiring setup, so your options are limited – but there are some choices available.
Replacing your steering wheel
This option involves replacing your entire BMW steering wheel with a heated option, and rewiring. This is an expensive and complicated process, and replacement wheels are usually $1,000+. With that in mind, this isn’t an option I’d recommend because there is an easier way.
Buying a heated steering wheel cover
Buying a heated cover for your current BMW steering wheel is easier. These covers can be easily attached and removed, so if you only need a heated steering wheel for winter, these are perfect. BMW doesn’t sell a cover of its own, but here is our favorite option:
- Comes in a range of colors
- Connected with a 12V plugin
- Fit any steering wheel 14.5-15.5 inches
Does a heated steering wheel work with a cover?
If you already use a steering wheel cover on your BMW, one question I’m asked often is “Will the cover block the heating?” It’s a great question, and the last thing you want is a feature you can’t use. The simple answer is this depends on the type of steering wheel cover you use, but most won’t be suitable.
For the best steering wheel cover, you need one with a thin material and avoid those options that cover the entire steering wheel. Your BMW has sensors to avoid the wheel overheating, but thicker covers will stop any heat from getting through.
Are there other good optional extras for your BMW?
If you’re looking at the heated steering wheel and want to know if there are any other features you should consider on your next BMW, here are a few of my favorites:
- Climate Comfort Pack – This is only available on a handful of BMW models, but you get heated and ventilated seats, which are the perfect combination for year-long use.
- Head-Up Display – a great tech feature, a HUD helps you to focus on the road while driving, and the BMW system is one of the best on the market.
- Shadowline Pack – a package to improve the look and style of your BMW, the Shadowline pack is one of the most popular options across the BMW range.
If you liked this article and want to find out more about other options from BMW, check out the links below:
Which BMWs Have The Best (and Worst) Resale Values?
BMW Dynamic Handling Package Explained
