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      08-02-2020, 10:57 AM   #1
mjposner
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Refinish or replace steering wheel

My steering wheel was worn out by prior owner. Dealer had it refinished, but it doesn't feel good and some of the treatment has come off. So should I have it professionally rewrapped, sew on a cover like this https://www.amazon.com/MEWANT-Genuin...79&sr=8-3&th=1 or install an M Performance wheel (https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...ii-32302253649

Opinions from someone who had done any of these would be appreciated.
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      08-02-2020, 12:31 PM   #2
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Do you have any pics of the condition of your current steering wheel? I have just restored mine and will post pics soon.

RE the wrap - It's something I'm considering, but worried it may make the (already thick) steering wheel far too thick.

I like the M Performance wheel a lot but it loses the heating functionality. The wraps I've found look the same as the M Performance wheel (M colour stitching, alcantara/suede material and single blue stripe at 12 o-clock). This would keep the heating functionality, at the expense of potentially looking shit. You can get these for as low as $40 so may just try it as an experiment with nothing to lose.
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      08-02-2020, 12:33 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mjposner View Post
My steering wheel was worn out by prior owner. Dealer had it refinished, but it doesn't feel good and some of the treatment has come off. So should I have it professionally rewrapped, sew on a cover like this https://www.amazon.com/MEWANT-Genuin...79&sr=8-3&th=1 or install an M Performance wheel (https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...ii-32302253649

Opinions from someone who had done any of these would be appreciated.
My wheel was reasonably worn when I bought my car and I cleaned it up myself. You'd be amazed what a quality leather cleaner and a synthetic brush with light pressure will do. I would recommend Swissvax or Colourlock leather cleaners but I'm sure there are plenty of others out there.

The quality cleaners will remove all of the dirt and oil built up revealing a factory matte look and feel. The mindset that I likened to is using a gentle brushing motion as if you were exfoliating skin, as that's essentially what you're doing.

Just be sure to follow up with a leather treatment afterwards to nourish the leather and protect it in the future. Very happy with my results



That said, if you're dead set on starting from scratch with an Alcantara wheel or having yours re-wrapped I think I would lean towards re-wrapping as leather is easier to maintain than alcantara IMO. Every alcantara wheel I've had matts down despite having all of the brushes and cleaners, but maybe others have had better luck. I looked at buying an entirely new wheel for ~$900 and starting from scratch but figured I would throw $50 at a leather cleaning regimen beforehand to see how it would turn out, glad I did!
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      08-02-2020, 01:05 PM   #4
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I wrapped mine. It had a very minor scuff, but my OCD was going bananas :-)
Couldn't be happier. Yes, i wish the wheel is thinner to begin with and was concerned with the added thickness but subjectively can't tell that the thickness has increased. Maybe because it is already too thick? 😆
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      08-02-2020, 04:19 PM   #5
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I will try to get the finish off first (feels like plasti dip), then try and clean first.
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      08-02-2020, 08:21 PM   #6
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I've actually also wrapped my steering wheel as it was worn from the previous owners rings causing repetitive wear. It came out amazing if take your time, almost impossible to tell its not OEM however the steering wheel is significantly thicker which some people may or may not prefer.
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      08-03-2020, 06:11 AM   #7
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For those who wrapped, what wrap did you use?
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      08-03-2020, 07:19 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mjposner View Post
I will try to get the finish off first (feels like plasti dip), then try and clean first.
You won't get the finish off without making a huge mess, and there is really no need to. It just needs to be very clean for the new finish to adhere. But you won't be happy long term. No finish will have that satin look of the new leather. And it it won't hold up very well to hand oils. I've dyed car leather several times and have decided I'd buy a different car before I'd ever do it again. I sent a wheel off an MB I had to a place in Texas to have the old leather removed and new put on. It came out great.
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      08-03-2020, 07:46 PM   #9
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Hi All, what a co-incidence I see this thread this morning. My steering wheel was perfect I thought ….. hardly looks used but due to my big mitts it was fairly 'shiny' . I have regularly conditioned my leather with natural creams that do not leave a 'shiny / greasy' finish on the leather upholstery in the car, rather it soaks in over a few days and leaves the Nappa leather looking natural with a soft satin look and feel. However, the steering wheel cops your hands and the oils and dirt that is inevitably on them and the patina tends to 'shine' the leather.
I don't mind the shine on the wheel actually.... I watched a video recently on YouTube of some guys cleaning their steering wheels up with gentle cleaners and warm water, the result brings the leather back to the 'new matt/satin' type of finish. I was intrigued …. so down I went to the garage with a very mild soap cleaner and warm water with a chamois. I used the chamois to massage the warm soapy cleaner into the steering wheel. Rinsing repeatedly in clean warm water, it didn't take long ( 5-10 mins ) and goodness the water in the bucket when I'd finished was quite dirty despite me being very OCD about keeping my car clean.
I let the wheel dry for a day and can report my steering wheel is now satin and matt again, it looks new! amazing result. Again, didn't mind it a bit shiny as I thought this was normal …. but now the thought of all that grease and dirt ingrained in the leather is sorta revolting huh! seems I'm going to have the do this type of cleaning every 6 months or so.
Ljohnson32, My wheel resembles your after pic now, satin without excessive shine, ironic that I'm not entirely sure I like it looking as satin as this however I appreciate how clean it actually is!
A side question Mjposner, you mentioned previous owner 'damaged' or wore out the wheel on your car? how on earth do you think they did this? what is the damage ? scratched or tearing ? maybe rings did this? the car isn't that old... odd how people can be so rough isn't it...
'Rewrapping' an already thick M Steering wheel might make it too think... however seems like some knowledgeable peeps on this forum have given you some good suggestions.

let us know how it ends up!
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      08-03-2020, 08:06 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JBF650 View Post
Hi All, what a co-incidence I see this thread this morning. My steering wheel was perfect I thought ….. hardly looks used but due to my big mitts it was fairly 'shiny' . I have regularly conditioned my leather with natural creams that do not leave a 'shiny / greasy' finish on the leather upholstery in the car, rather it soaks in over a few days and leaves the Nappa leather looking natural with a soft satin look and feel. However, the steering wheel cops your hands and the oils and dirt that is inevitably on them and the patina tends to 'shine' the leather.
I don't mind the shine on the wheel actually.... I watched a video recently on YouTube of some guys cleaning their steering wheels up with gentle cleaners and warm water, the result brings the leather back to the 'new matt/satin' type of finish. I was intrigued …. so down I went to the garage with a very mild soap cleaner and warm water with a chamois. I used the chamois to massage the warm soapy cleaner into the steering wheel. Rinsing repeatedly in clean warm water, it didn't take long ( 5-10 mins ) and goodness the water in the bucket when I'd finished was quite dirty despite me being very OCD about keeping my car clean.
I let the wheel dry for a day and can report my steering wheel is now satin and matt again, it looks new! amazing result. Again, didn't mind it a bit shiny as I thought this was normal …. but now the thought of all that grease and dirt ingrained in the leather is sorta revolting huh! seems I'm going to have the do this type of cleaning every 6 months or so.
Ljohnson32, My wheel resembles your after pic now, satin without excessive shine, ironic that I'm not entirely sure I like it looking as satin as this however I appreciate how clean it actually is!
A side question Mjposner, you mentioned previous owner 'damaged' or wore out the wheel on your car? how on earth do you think they did this? what is the damage ? scratched or tearing ? maybe rings did this? the car isn't that old... odd how people can be so rough isn't it...
'Rewrapping' an already thick M Steering wheel might make it too think... however seems like some knowledgeable peeps on this forum have given you some good suggestions.

let us know how it ends up!
I do this regularly to restore the matte finish, but as you will soon discover once the wheel has been shiny it becomes shiny again fairly quickly.
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      08-04-2020, 07:24 AM   #11
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The price i got to refinish/redo wheel was $499 plus shipping and a 10 business day turnaround.

"you mentioned previous owner 'damaged' or wore out the wheel on your car? how on earth do you think they did this? what is the damage ? scratched or tearing ? maybe rings did this? the car isn't that old... odd how people can be so rough isn't it"

The wheel was essentially stained/discolored, especially at the top. As a condition of my purchase I told the dealer I wanted it refinished. It came back looking nice but feels sticky and now the "finish" has pealed off on the left side.

I am leaning towards the F10, F12/13/06 M Performance Steering Wheel II - BMW (32-30-2-253-649) which I can get for $875 and install my self.

Will probably take one wack at a deep clean to get the coating off and try and salvage. Then replace. I have tried sewing years ago with a leather wrap, never came out that good.
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      08-04-2020, 09:50 AM   #12
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Is the shininess bad, or is it a patina? I’m all for cleaning the leather, in fact after reading this thread I’m about to go out and do just that. But does your steering wheel have to look factory fresh at all times? This is definitely possible. You can keep your whole car factory fresh forever! Just don’t ever drive it. Even if you do spend a grand or so for a new steering wheel, it will achieve a patina of use (if you touch it) in a few short months. I can understand if you only want your own oils on your steering wheel, I get that - I even considered buying a new steering wheel a few months ago. But I decided to clean the one I have. As for Alcantara? You’d best wear driving gloves.
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      08-04-2020, 07:16 PM   #13
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+1 on cleaning! I just did the same and the results are excellent. I used a soft nail brush and Maguire's Leather Cleaner 3in1. Also used it in the centre armrest leather. It's all matte and soft again...much like the nappa leather in our X5. Very pleased with the results indeed
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      08-05-2020, 06:41 AM   #14
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Okay lets be clear I am not a neat fanatic. The issue was almost staining or discoloration, especially at the top. I simply do not want to look at that all the time. Also, I do clean and condition my leather regularly. I suspect that something the po put on his/her hand (oil, soap, cream) damaged the leather.

I started to try and strip the crappy refinish spray installed by the dealer, just wouldn't come off with a sponge, so I will carefully go through 600-1000-1500 sandpaper to clean off the material and also the top layer of the leather, then retreat and hope for the best.

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      08-05-2020, 05:19 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mjposner View Post
Okay lets be clear I am not a neat fanatic. The issue was almost staining or discoloration, especially at the top. I simply do not want to look at that all the time. Also, I do clean and condition my leather regularly. I suspect that something the po put on his/her hand (oil, soap, cream) damaged the leather.

I started to try and strip the crappy refinish spray installed by the dealer, just wouldn't come off with a sponge, so I will carefully go through 600-1000-1500 sandpaper to clean off the material and also the top layer of the leather, then retreat and hope for the best.

Attachment 2381653
oh that's terrible, yes it does look like some twit has put a harsh sandpaper type of sponge to the wheel at some point maybe in an attempt to clean it...??
I agree with you Mjposner! I couldn't look at that everyday either and I am a little OCD.... lol that would send me bonkers.
Good luck I hope it comes up well. Have you considered taking it to a leather trimmer shop? just a suggestion as they could help removed that dreadful finish on the leather and then re-dye leather to improved the finish and look.

keep us updated !
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      08-06-2020, 06:41 PM   #16
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First I will sand to get the plastidip stuff off, then try to clean and condition.
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      08-07-2020, 01:31 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mjposner View Post
First I will sand to get the plastidip stuff off, then try to clean and condition.
Yeah, that was a bad job with probably no prep so it did not adhere. That won't sand off in any way that will be even remotely satisfactory, IMO. Because it has not adhered, you won't be able to sand a feather edge to blend the old and new, and by the time you sand it all off you will cut through the smooth layer on the underlying leather and it will be fuzzy. Try one section, but I think you will soon decide life is too short.
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      08-07-2020, 06:23 AM   #18
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opie55 I figure I will give it a try, and then if it looks like crap replace with the M Performance wheel.
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      08-08-2020, 12:24 PM   #19
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Decided to get the M Performance Wheel instead. As long as hands are clean the alcantara seems to hold up, plus I am a 5,000 mile max user (or less)
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      08-14-2020, 12:45 AM   #20
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Nice choice. Post some photos when you can.
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      08-14-2020, 06:40 AM   #21
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New wheel comes saturday, will install on Sunday and will post pics. Plan is to buy mewant sew on cover for old wheel and then sell online. I have a friend who is really good at sewing covers so should come out nice.

I have always wanted the M Performance Wheel!
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      08-23-2020, 03:47 PM   #22
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Finally installed the M Performance Steering Wheel.

Install is easy but take your time.

The BMW instructions are helpful but not crystal clear.

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