Contact Ring
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2000 BMW Z3, 2000 BMW 328i, 2000 BMW 323i, 1999 BMW Z3, and 1999 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Contact ring (mounted on steering column, under steering wheel) is a continuous loop of wire ribbon that forms an electrical circuit between the steering wheel and steering column. This wire ribbon winds and unwinds to ensure electrical contact when the steering wheel is turned. A replacement contact ring may come with a lock screw to keep the contact ring centered until it is installed. See CONTACT RING under ADJUSTMENTS.