Petri Steering Wheel for BMW
Some steering wheels define an era.
This is one of them.
by Mads – March 13, 2024
The Petri sports steering wheel is one of the most sought-after upgrades for classic BMWs.
Most commonly associated with:
- BMW E9 (CS, CSi, CSL)
- BMW E10 (1502–2002, especially tii)
But it didn’t stop there.
Petri produced steering wheels for multiple manufacturers — and many people have held one without even knowing it.
Still, this particular design became iconic in BMW circles.
Origins & Variants
Produced roughly between 1971 and 1977, the Petri sports steering wheel was available in three sizes:
- 350mm – mainly for BMW 2002 (tii)
- 380mm – the most common variant
- 400mm – larger, often found in E9 and other models
Most were finished in a matte chrome look.
A few rare versions came in black. Even rarer.
Despite different applications, the core design remained the same:
thin metal spokes, subtle dish, and a grip that looked like leather — but wasn’t.
Material & Construction
Unlike many other manufacturers, Petri used steel instead of aluminium.
The grip:
- urethane-based
- embossed with a leather grain texture
- sometimes styled like stitching
Only very few versions — such as the CSL — came with a real leather wrap.
Early vs. Late Versions
There are small but important differences.
Early wheels:
- no logo on the back
- no size marking
- square spoke ends
Later wheels:
- Petri logo stamped on the back
- size marking (e.g. 38 / 40)
- tapered spoke ends
These details matter when identifying original pieces.
Beyond BMW
While strongly associated with BMW, the 380mm version also appeared in:
- Volkswagen Scirocco TS
- Volkswagen Passat TS
And even a dished 400mm version for other models.
Still, its identity remains tied to BMW.
Horn Buttons
Like the wheels themselves, original Petri horn buttons are hard to find.
They were never sold separately — only as part of a complete set.
What to look for:
- subtle design differences on the back
- correct fitment and aging
- original BMW or rare Alpina variants
The Petri Alpina horn button is especially rare.
A collector’s piece.
And yes — there are fakes out there.
Finding a Complete Set
If you’re looking for a Petri steering wheel: Try to find a complete set.
Because:
- horn buttons are rare
- original components are often separated over time
And once they are, putting everything back together becomes difficult.
About Petri
Founded in 1899 in Aschaffenburg, Germany, Petri started as a manufacturer of celluloid products before moving into steering wheels in the early 20th century.
By the mid-20th century, they were producing thousands of steering wheels per day for European car manufacturers.
Later, they became pioneers in integrating airbags into steering wheels, working with companies like Daimler-Benz.
Eventually, the company became part of the TAKATA Group, focusing on automotive safety systems.
Final Note
The Petri steering wheel is not just an accessory.
It’s a piece of automotive history.
And one of the few upgrades that still feels right decades later.