06-28-2016, 01:38 PM | #1 |
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M-Sport steering wheel quality issue
Hi,
Brand new 428i M-Sport owner here. My first BMW and one issue is driving me crazy. The M-Sport steering wheel central spoke makes annoying creaking noises everytime I touch it: Somewhat takes away from the premium feeling from owning a BMW. I mean, the steering wheel is such a primary point of contact in the car. Went to the dealer a couple of times about this, they told me there is nothing they can do as all M-Sport steerings wheels are like this. I even suggested paying for the central spoke part myself - if replacing it will solve the issue. The dealer said to save my money as it won't help. So, I was wondering, how widespread is this issue? Any way to solve it? Is the central spoke from an M4 (which is metal, right?) compatible? Can I just buy one and replace mine? Thanks! Last edited by OneMoreEspresso; 06-29-2016 at 06:33 PM.. Reason: Typos... |
06-28-2016, 01:54 PM | #2 |
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I've had my M-Sport 3 years and I don't think I've ever touched that part of the steering wheel. I'm not sure why that would be considered a primary contact point. What are you doing that you regularly need to grasp that part of the wheel?
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06-28-2016, 02:00 PM | #3 |
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In the video I'm touching the central spoke to provide an example of the creaking noise "on demand", but, sadly, the steering wheel also makes this noise if I just grab the bottom part (near the "M" logo). In all of my previous cars, the steering wheel always felt very "solid" (for a lack of a better word).
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06-28-2016, 02:08 PM | #4 | |
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06-28-2016, 02:19 PM | #5 |
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Thanks, I've been to the dealer twice about this issue. They told me that all M-Sport cars have the same issue and as much as they want to help, they can't.
They said they have checked other cars with the M-Sport steering wheel and reproduced the same issue. Also, because the part is near the airbag, they don't want to "mess" with it too much. |
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06-28-2016, 02:25 PM | #6 | |
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06-28-2016, 02:58 PM | #7 |
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Agree that you should find another dealer. Or send an email to BMWNA and ask for clarification / help.
Especially suspicious about them "not wanting to mess with the airbag". Puh-lease. http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/ContactUs/ |
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06-28-2016, 03:04 PM | #8 |
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My steering wheel on my 2,000 mile 340 started make a faint clunk noise when I turned the wheel more than 90°.
After they took the wheel - and airbag - off and replaced the $600+ switch cluster and reinstalled the wheel and airbag, no more issue. No charge of course, a warranty issue. I'm glad I don't have your dealer. Airbag issue indeed, the only airbag issue at your dealership is whoever is talking to you. |
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06-28-2016, 03:38 PM | #9 | |
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06-28-2016, 03:41 PM | #10 |
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Thank you guys, but since I've been twice to the dealer and they insist that replacing the part won't solve the issue as all M-Sport steering wheels have creaking plastics.
Before going to another dealer and making a big deal out of this, I was reaching out to see if anyone else with the same steering can comment if this is an issue they experience as well or not. |
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06-28-2016, 04:24 PM | #11 |
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I've never noticed my wheel creaking. If you don't have any luck with the dealer, you might try replacing that part with the m-performance CF piece.
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06-28-2016, 04:37 PM | #12 |
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I have the M wheel on my 2015..I have a creaking noise issue from the steering collumn but no complaints from the wheel itself. As others have suggested, take it to another dealer. My breaks used to screech & the dealer told me that this is a known issue which cant be fixed. Two months later, the same dealer fixed it for me (the noise came back in a couple of days). The point is that dealers will say anything to get you off their back.
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06-28-2016, 05:09 PM | #13 | |
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Last edited by DerekS; 06-28-2016 at 07:21 PM.. |
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06-28-2016, 06:27 PM | #14 |
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To follow up, yes if I squeeze the wheel in the locations and manner I see in your video I hear the creaks.
However, I've never heard them from normal driving. |
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06-28-2016, 06:46 PM | #15 |
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My '14 528 with the same wheel will make the same noise if I push it. I just don't push it and I don't hear the noise.
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06-28-2016, 06:53 PM | #16 |
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Thank you BmwFlooner and wrickem. Just to be clear, I'm not applying any measurable force here. Just gripping the steering wheel at different locations.
It's just that I really don't want to waste time with another trip to the dealer (or another dealer) if they will be unable to repair the problem. That's why I was wondering - if other owners don't experience this issue maybe I'll have a case. I'm not the one to usually complain (and it's a good car overall) but honestly, being my first BMW, this issue alone makes the overall "ownership experience" feel less than premium. I know it may sound like a small thing, but having the steering wheel plastics flex and creak when you touch them it is not something you expect for a $55K car. |
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06-28-2016, 07:05 PM | #17 | |
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I wasn't applying an 'excessive' amount of force to reproduce. But at the same time if I didn't go looking for this creak I wouldn't have found it. Touching the wheel the way I normally grip it to drive doesn't make this noise.
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06-28-2016, 07:20 PM | #18 | |
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06-28-2016, 08:46 PM | #19 |
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-sigh-
Does anyone know if the part from an M4 will fit? I know it has a hole in it but... will it fit? Are parts from the M-Sport and M3/4 steering wheels interchangeable ? |
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06-28-2016, 09:21 PM | #20 | |
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The front cover is especially expensive because it is trimmed in leather as well, much like how the BMW Individual and F20 older style M-Sport wheels were trimmed in leather for the centre piece as well. DECOR TRIM COVER STEERING (front) 32307846029 COVER FOR STEERING WHEEL (back) 32307848270 |
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06-28-2016, 10:15 PM | #22 |
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Yes, the M Sport steering wheel in mine creaks like that as well when I nudge that area (the center "surround" part around the horn). I noticed it about a month after I got the car and I can confirm another brand new showroom M sport car at my local dealership does it too. The bottom spoke of the wheel is fine though so if you're getting creaks there you might want to try tightening the torx screw on the back.
It is a rarely touched area of the steering wheel so it doesn't bother me that much but I totally understand the annoyance from just knowing that it's there. Perhaps there's a way to lubricate the plastic contact points so it stays silent when flexed?
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