F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > 2012-2019 BMW 3 and 4-Series Forums > General F30 Sedan / F32 Coupe / F36 Gran Coupe Forum > Terrified of my M Steering Wheel getting dirty or worn out...
Studio RSR
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-27-2012, 11:29 AM   #23
SomeRandomer123
Colonel
SomeRandomer123's Avatar
England
301
Rep
2,612
Posts

Drives: F30 328i Luxury - Sport Auto
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Lancashire, North West England, UK

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by HighlandPete View Post
That's how I see it.

BTW, does anyone actually wear out the leather steering wheel? If so, how long a period of time/mileage? My last BMW at 6+years and 55k miles, the sport steering wheel was still just like new.

HighlandPete
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
speeddeacon
Second Lieutenant
157
Rep
261
Posts

Drives: 2016 750i xDrive
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
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
3Bimmer
Private First Class
3Bimmer's Avatar
United_States
11
Rep
163
Posts

Drives: 2013 X3 35i
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

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
Cyberdemon
Brigadier General
Cyberdemon's Avatar
1538
Rep
3,332
Posts

Drives: 2020 X5 40i, 2018 M3 Comp
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Long Island NY

iTrader: (3)

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
BMWrules7
Lieutenant Colonel
306
Rep
1,684
Posts

Drives: 2015, 740 LdX, Alpine White
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Boston Area

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scorpioathlete
Call me an anal bastard when it comes to keeping my new M Steering Wheel from getting dirty or worn out.

I ordered the 13' M Sport and I want to find a steering wheel cover that wont f*** the wheel up with an indention because it's too tight.

Any recommendations for a good wheel cover?
Funny. I saw a friends steering wheel rip and blow up like a Ball Park Frank years ago.

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
GE0130
New Member
0
Rep
5
Posts

Drives: F30 320i
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Istanbul

iTrader: (0)

Go to Walmart. İn 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
Cyberdemon
Brigadier General
Cyberdemon's Avatar
1538
Rep
3,332
Posts

Drives: 2020 X5 40i, 2018 M3 Comp
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Long Island NY

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWrules7 View Post
Funny. I saw a friends steering wheel rip and blow up like a Ball Park Frank years ago.

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.
Hand lotions are extremely nasty to everything.

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, 07:16 PM   #30
Elk
Major
32
Rep
1,285
Posts

Drives: 2012 335i
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: *

iTrader: (0)

Appreciate 0
      11-29-2012, 07:46 PM   #31
bumpy
Enlisted Member
11
Rep
34
Posts

Drives: X2, TTS
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: NorCal

iTrader: (0)

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
brandon @ eas
brandon @ eas's Avatar
United_States
516
Rep
3,613
Posts

Drives: F30 335i
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Anaheim, CA

iTrader: (10)

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, 08:08 PM   #33
bumpy
Enlisted Member
11
Rep
34
Posts

Drives: X2, TTS
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: NorCal

iTrader: (0)

Also be aware of type of soap you use to wash, as many contain moisturizer to put more oil back on your hand than what you started with.
Appreciate 0
      11-29-2012, 10:27 PM   #34
ZMM_OMG
First Lieutenant
ZMM_OMG's Avatar
United_States
143
Rep
399
Posts

Drives: '15 M3
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SF Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2015 M3  [0.00]
2009 BMC Pro Machine  [10.00]
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
Cyberdemon
Brigadier General
Cyberdemon's Avatar
1538
Rep
3,332
Posts

Drives: 2020 X5 40i, 2018 M3 Comp
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Long Island NY

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bumpy View Post
minimize touching the wheel when driving.
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, 05:49 PM   #36
Elk
Major
32
Rep
1,285
Posts

Drives: 2012 335i
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: *

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyberdemon View Post
I have OCD, and you people make me feel normal.
Appreciate 1
      11-30-2012, 05:50 PM   #37
justinnum1
Major General
651
Rep
5,803
Posts

Drives: 2018 330i Msport 6mt
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: South Florida

iTrader: (0)

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
Elk
Major
32
Rep
1,285
Posts

Drives: 2012 335i
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: *

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by justinnum1 View Post
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
Sure, if you do not plan to turn.

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
justinnum1
Major General
651
Rep
5,803
Posts

Drives: 2018 330i Msport 6mt
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: South Florida

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Elk View Post
Sure, if you do not plan to turn.

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.
have you ever been to south florida?
__________________
F30 330i Alpine white/Coral red Msport 6MT
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 06:35 PM   #40
Elk
Major
32
Rep
1,285
Posts

Drives: 2012 335i
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: *

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by justinnum1 View Post
have you ever been to south florida?
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
AShehadeh1
Enlisted Member
Australia
11
Rep
39
Posts

Drives: 2016 BMW F80 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
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
snowghost
Colonel
snowghost's Avatar
United_States
155
Rep
2,266
Posts

Drives: '13 335i M-Sport 6MT
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by roadcarver View Post
At first I thought you were joking. Just enjoy the car, the leather on the steering wheel is not going to fall apart. Just take care of it by cleaning with a damp cloth a couple times a week if you like. Avoid lotions and oils on your hands before driving and the leather will look very close to new after 5 years. Putting a cover on the steering wheel is like putting a plastic cover on your couch at home to protect the fabric. If you allow it you will drive yourself crazy worrying about every little imperfection on your car that you will not even enjoy it.
+1
__________________
F30 Sapphire Black M-Sport 335i 6MT
Appreciate 0
      03-04-2015, 04:36 PM   #43
Billfitz
Lieutenant General
Billfitz's Avatar
United_States
8170
Rep
15,969
Posts

Drives: '15 328iX GT
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: New Hampshire

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by snowghost
I hate to put a cover on my penis let alone my steering wheel
Quote:
Originally Posted by AShehadeh1 View Post
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.
Related posts?
Appreciate 0
      03-04-2015, 05:03 PM   #44
sr5959
Captain
138
Rep
690
Posts

Drives: 428GC M-Sport
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by S-Dot View Post
I would cry if you put a cover on that beautiful wheel!
Me too!
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:07 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST