11-27-2012, 11:29 AM | #23 |
Colonel
309
Rep 2,612
Posts
Drives: F30 328i Luxury - Sport Auto
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Lancashire, North West England, UK
|
My 85k 330d Sport Steering wheel was as good as they come!
__________________
Gone: 2006 BMW E60 520d SE 6MT Gone: 2009 BMW E90-LCI 330d SE 6MT Current: 2012 F30 328i Luxury 8AT On Order: 2015 Audi A6 Avant Ultra, Black Edition (sorry!) |
Appreciate
0
|
11-28-2012, 10:35 AM | #24 |
Second Lieutenant
159
Rep 261
Posts
Drives: 2016 750i xDrive
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NC
|
So I have the Sport Line 335i without heated wheel and would like to replace it with the M Sport steering wheel. When I was messing around on the BMW website, it estimated the labor alone at $1100 for parts and labor, plus taxes. Of course, the website doesn't take into account that on the Sport Line it should be a direct replacement (i.e. no airbag module or button).
Has anyone done it themselves or know of a resource so I can see what is involved? I can handle a wrench pretty well but don't want to mess up an airbag or set off fault codes.
__________________
2019 X3 M40i Phytonic Blue/Oyster
Past BMWs: 2016 750i xDrive 2013 335i Sedan Sport Line, 2005 645Ci Coupe 6MT, 2001 M5, 2001 540i 6MT, 2001 M Roadster Last edited by speeddeacon; 11-28-2012 at 12:11 PM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-28-2012, 11:32 AM | #25 |
Private First Class
11
Rep 163
Posts |
Don't cover it -- no need to. I have a 2000 E46 and the steering wheel looks as good as when it was new. As others have said, clean it regularly using established leather care products and you'll be fine. As for covering other things, that is purely personal preference and TMI from some of you!
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-28-2012, 12:16 PM | #26 |
Brigadier General
1542
Rep 3,332
Posts |
All I can think of now is my mother in law with the plastic seat covers still on her couch.
__________________
Current: '20 X5, '18 M3 ZCP
Previous: '11 E90 335i, '11 E90 M3, '16 VW GTI, '15 M235i, '13 335i, '08 TL-S, '00 Corvette |
Appreciate
0
|
11-28-2012, 03:59 PM | #27 | |
Lieutenant Colonel
351
Rep 1,684
Posts |
Quote:
He concluded that this was due to eczema on his hands---he perpetually used a lot of medicated lotion to protect his hands. Apparently, these lotions have acid in them to help exfoliate the dead skin cells. Acid and stitched leather do not a mix make. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-29-2012, 03:15 AM | #28 |
New Member
0
Rep 5
Posts |
Go to Walmart. Ä°n the automotive section you can find colorful steering wheel covers. While you are there you should also pick up matching sheepskin seat covers which will keep your seat clean and warm.
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-29-2012, 09:11 AM | #29 | |
Brigadier General
1542
Rep 3,332
Posts |
Quote:
I'm a product designer and hand lotions will eat through paint, plastic, and just about anything with prolonged exposure. I actually burned a nice mark into the door of my wife's Nissan from the Sunscreen I had on my arm after going to the beach. If you ever look at a woman's cell phone that has soft touch paint on it you'll probably see it's half eaten away. It will even creep through solid plastic and cause it to stress crack after enough time. So don't let women in your car unless they're in a body bag...wait that came out wrong.
__________________
Current: '20 X5, '18 M3 ZCP
Previous: '11 E90 335i, '11 E90 M3, '16 VW GTI, '15 M235i, '13 335i, '08 TL-S, '00 Corvette |
|
Appreciate
1
|
11-29-2012, 07:46 PM | #31 |
Enlisted Member
11
Rep 34
Posts |
Thought it was just me but I hate that shine that comes with leather wear, especially the wheel. I see cars less than 2 years old with 'shiny' wheels.
Don't cover it, wearing gloves would be the best option, otherwise wash your hands of oils before touching it, wipe it down with damp cloth weekly, minimize touching the wheel when driving. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-29-2012, 07:57 PM | #32 |
518
Rep 3,612
Posts |
I obsessed over my M-Sport and M3 wheel in my e92, it was life altering. I would wash my hands, without fail, before getting in my car every single time. Still after a few months the leather developed a slight shine to it. I had a few cleaners I would use that made the leather appear dull again, but the shine would always come back after a few drives.
I think the only way to keep it look powder dull like it is when its new, is to drive with a pair of knit gloves. I think even leather gloves would create enough friction to remove some of the matte clear coat applied to the leather. Another technique I use is not sliding my hands on the wheel when turning. I would either grip the wheel firmly, or not at all-no letting the wheel slide underneath my hands ever. This started when I got an alcantara wheel, and after 3 years the wheel still looks immaculate. So to sum it up: •Always wash hands •If needed, use knit gloves •Never let the wheel slide underneath your hands |
Appreciate
0
|
11-29-2012, 10:27 PM | #34 |
First Lieutenant
144
Rep 399
Posts
Drives: '15 M3
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SF Bay Area, CA
|
OP: When you look back after several years and XX,000 miles of driving and ownership, which would you rather remember:
-- How well you took care of the steering wheel? -- How much fun you had driving the car like a bat out of H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks? Just drive the car and enjoy it. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-30-2012, 09:16 AM | #35 |
Brigadier General
1542
Rep 3,332
Posts |
This plays out well in my head
"Sorry officer I lost control of the car, I didn't want to get the wheel greasy and then that truck pulled in front of me". Or in the middle of summer "No officer, these are my racing mittens" They make leather care products, there is no "magic coating" applied to leather. It's not soft touch paint that's going to delaminate over time. Leather wears due to oils, and pressure. Pressure flattens out the texture of the leather, and the dead skin from your hands will fill up the nooks and crannies to make it seem smooth. There are plenty of leather care products that you can use once a week/month/3 months that will keep your wheel looking fine. I have OCD, and you people make me feel normal. Jesus I can't bear the thought of what happens when you get your first door ding.
__________________
Current: '20 X5, '18 M3 ZCP
Previous: '11 E90 335i, '11 E90 M3, '16 VW GTI, '15 M235i, '13 335i, '08 TL-S, '00 Corvette |
Appreciate
0
|
11-30-2012, 05:50 PM | #37 |
Major General
651
Rep 5,803
Posts |
i usually put me left elbow on the door sill(top near the wondow) and put the wheel between the left middle and left index finger. if that makes sense
__________________
F30 330i Alpine white/Coral red Msport 6MT
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-30-2012, 06:13 PM | #38 | |
Major
32
Rep 1,285
Posts |
Quote:
I've had track students like this - not wanting to actually hold the steering wheel in both hands and truly control the car. A steering wheel is a tool, not a decorative object. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-30-2012, 06:14 PM | #39 |
Major General
651
Rep 5,803
Posts |
have you ever been to south florida?
__________________
F30 330i Alpine white/Coral red Msport 6MT
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-30-2012, 06:35 PM | #40 |
Major
32
Rep 1,285
Posts |
Yes, more often than I would prefer and, unfortunately, I usually need to travel there in the summer.
Drive the way you want to. I, for one, will however not be sharing your steering . . . "technique." Come to think of it, I now have yet another reason to avoid south Florida roads . . . |
Appreciate
0
|
03-04-2015, 03:50 PM | #41 |
Enlisted Member
12
Rep 43
Posts
Drives: 2016 BMW F80 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Australia
|
Clean M Steering Wheel
Hey Guys,
Just recnetly purchased a second hand BMW F30 335i and noticed the steering wheel and a light white film on the steering wheel. Any ideas how to clean it? https://www.dropbox.com/s/1x8zfc4j0b...44018.jpg?dl=0 |
Appreciate
0
|
03-04-2015, 03:56 PM | #42 | |
Colonel
155
Rep 2,266
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
F30 Sapphire Black M-Sport 335i 6MT
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-04-2015, 04:36 PM | #43 |
Lieutenant General
8279
Rep 16,143
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|