How to Choose the Best Racing Steering Wheel for Your BMW G80 M3
Updated: July 2025
By RMD Performance
If you drive a G80 M3, you already know it’s more than a car. It’s a purpose-built machine ready to dominate both backroads and track days. While the stock steering wheel gets the job done, upgrading to a performance-focused racing wheel transforms the entire experience. It’s not just about looks, it’s about connection, control, and feedback.
At RMD Performance, we’ve tested dozens of setups. Here’s how to pick the right steering wheel for your G80 M3, plus the exact options we recommend to sharpen your driving edge.
Why Upgrade Your Steering Wheel?
Your steering wheel is your primary point of contact with the car. A motorsport-grade wheel gives you:
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Tighter control under high-speed driving or during hard cornering
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Weight savings, especially when switching to carbon or Alcantara
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Improved grip, with materials that perform better under heat and gloves
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Race-inspired aesthetics that elevate the entire cabin
Whether you’re chasing apexes or just want your interior to reflect your build’s aggression, the right wheel changes everything.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Racing Steering Wheel for the G80
1. Fitment & Compatibility
BMW’s G80 M3 uses an advanced steering column with electronic controls, including adaptive cruise, lane keep, and heated options. Not every aftermarket wheel retains these features, so choose wisely.
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Direct-fit vs. adapter required: Some wheels bolt right on, others need a hub adapter
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Button retention: Do you want OEM controls or a minimalist track setup?
Pro tip: We recommend choosing wheels that maintain key OEM functions unless you’re building a dedicated track car.
2. Material: Leather, Alcantara, or Carbon Fiber
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Perforated leather gives you daily drivability with sporty grip
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Alcantara offers that motorsport feel and performs well with gloves, but requires more care
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Dry carbon fiber delivers unmatched aesthetics and weight reduction, plus serious race car vibes
Want the best of both? Many hybrid wheels blend carbon top and bottom sections with leather or Alcantara grips.
3. Shape: Round, Flat-Bottom, or D-Shaped
The G80’s stock wheel is round, but aftermarket options open the door to:
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Flat-bottom wheels for easier entry and exit, with aggressive looks
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D-shaped or oval designs for better leverage and track feel
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Smaller diameters for quicker response and a tighter feel behind the wheel
RMD Performance Picks: Top G80 M3 Steering Wheels
We’ve handpicked several options that deliver fitment, function, and form without compromise. All available through RMD Performance.
G80 M3 Dry Carbon Steering Wheel Upgrade (Pre-Trimmed)
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Lightweight dry carbon construction
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Contoured Alcantara grips with tri-color stitching
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Pre-trimmed for plug-and-play installation
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Airbag and buttons reused from OEM wheel
This is our go-to for builds that balance daily usability with track-ready aesthetics.
Carbon & Alcantara D-Shape Steering Wheel (Core Exchange)
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Flat-bottom D-shape for improved legroom
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Alcantara side grips with M stitching
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Core exchange required. OEM wheel must be sent in
Perfect for M3 owners who want a motorsport feel without sacrificing OEM quality.
Motorsport-Style Wheel for G80 Track Builds (No Controls)
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True race wheel feel with no OEM buttons
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Ideal for full-send track builds
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Includes hub and wiring harness
Built for drivers who want the most raw, connected driving experience possible.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your G80 M3’s steering wheel is more than cosmetic. It’s one of the most impactful mods for driving feel and feedback. Whether you’re carving through a canyon, attacking a time trial, or just upgrading your interior vibe, a quality wheel sets the tone.
Still not sure which one’s right for your build? Reach out. We’ll help you find the perfect fit.