Delamination/finish fade on M235 steering wheel?

XutvJet · 05-15-2019, 10:04 AM

Last night while cleaning my interior, I was wiping down my steering wheel with microfiber wetted with warm water and to my shock, the finish on the upper portion of the steering wheel literally came off. There's now a ~2" by 1/2" area that is now bare leather leather rather than having the satin protective finish? Anyone had this happen? I'll post a picture later.

I don't use lotion or other products on my hands, I keep my hands clean, wipe down the leather once a month, the windows are tinted, and I use a sunshade. The car is almost 3.5 years old.

Anyone else had this happen? I've made an appointment to see if BMW will cover it as the car is still under warranty; fingers are crossed. Admittedly, this is the first real issue I've had with the car. Not a bad showing for a BMW, I suppose.

CP911 · 05-15-2019, 10:10 AM

Yeah, not the worst thing in the world, but that still sucks if you have to fork out the cash for a new steering wheel. I'd ask if you cruise with one hand on top of the steering wheel, but since you drive a 6-speed, I can't imagine you wore it out doing that. Could just be a random defect with the leather upholstery supplier. I'd like to see a picture.

XutvJet · 05-15-2019, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CP911

Yeah, not the worst thing in the world, but that still sucks if you have to fork out the cash for a new steering wheel. I'd ask if you cruise with one hand on top of the steering wheel, but since you drive a 6-speed, I can't imagine you wore it out doing that. Could just be a random defect with the leather upholstery supplier. I'd like to see a picture.

Yeah, it's definitely a defect, but you never know what BMW's take will be. They seem to be wishy-washy on leather claims. Not surprising.

My hand doesn't have a preset resting spot, though the area is typically the spot I grab initially when turning.

I can't get into the dealer until two weeks from now since it's a non-priority issue.

BEM-S4 · 05-15-2019, 07:25 PM

If it needs fixed on your dime call Dallas Custom. They'll reupholster for around $500 and do amazing work. Can do any style you can dream up.

XutvJet · 05-16-2019, 11:59 AM

Here's the damage. The photo makes it look more obvious/significant than it really is, but it's quite apparent. Basically the impacted area has lost all the satin finish and it's now bare charcoal leather. Luckily it's on top of the wheel and mostly out of my field of view or else it would really bug me.

I do not scrub the wheel when cleaning it and have never had an issue prior. The finish literally came off on a water-wetted rag when I cleaned the wheel a couple nights ago.

Rocky58 · 05-16-2019, 12:11 PM

Did pieces of the finish come off on the cloth, or did cleaning just reveal this worn/faded area?

overcoil · 05-16-2019, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky58

Did pieces of the finish come off on the cloth, or did cleaning just reveal this worn/faded area?

you think it was a repair job that failed ?

XutvJet · 05-16-2019, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky58

Did pieces of the finish come off on the cloth, or did cleaning just reveal this worn/faded area?

It came off on the cloth. As I was turning the cloth, I noticed black on the cloth and thought it was odd as I had never seen that. Then I looked at the wheel and said SOB.

XutvJet · 05-16-2019, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

you think it was a repair job that failed ?

I'm the only owner and no leather repairs have been made. The interior, exterior, and under hood are spotless after 3.5 years of ownership. Not even a scratch or dent in or outside. Then there's the wheel. LOL

overcoil · 05-16-2019, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XutvJet

I'm the only owner and no leather repairs have been made. The interior, exterior, and under hood are spotless after 3.5 years of ownership. Not even a scratch or dent in or outside. Then there's the wheel. LOL

Have u used any leather products on the steering wheel leather ?

I had a well known leather product funk up the MB-Tex center arm rest on my car some years back. It made the vinyl permanently sticky - even water couldn’t bring it back,

XutvJet · 05-16-2019, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

Have u used any leather products on the steering wheel leather ?

I had a well known leather product funk up the MB-Tex center arm rest on my car some years back. It made the vinyl permanently sticky - even water couldn’t bring it back,

Just an OEM BMW leather care product every three to four months and monthly wet wash cloth cleaning. Nothing else.

Poochie · 05-16-2019, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XutvJet

Here's the damage. The photo makes it look more obvious/significant than it really is, but it's quite apparent. Basically the impacted area has lost all the satin finish and it's now bare charcoal leather. Luckily it's on top of the wheel and mostly out of my field of view or else it would really bug me.

I do not scrub the wheel when cleaning it and have never had an issue prior. The finish literally came off on a water-wetted rag when I cleaned the wheel a couple nights ago.

[IMG]http://i66.tinypic.com/71muk6.jpg[/IMG]

It looks like when my friend cleaned his M3 wheel with rubbing alcohol..

That's so strange water would erode the leather skin like that..

There's a 50/50 chance they'll cover it and not try to blame it on user error.

Worst case, make it a life/lemon situation and buy an M4 (heated?) wheel on eBay, with the tri-stitching and just throw it on.. It's a PnP install..

BEM-S4 · 05-16-2019, 02:50 PM

If you end up needing to DIY repair call these guys and send them your pics they'll be able to tell you exactly what to do. I just reconditioned the bolster on our 2006 E46 and it looks brand new. They looked at my photos, helped me pick products and walked me through the fix.

www.leatherworldtech.com

Lucky13 · 05-16-2019, 03:46 PM

I have some of the same wear on my 2014 M235 but to a much lesser degree because I only have 16,000 miles on it. Was just cleaning it the other day because it looked a little weathered but no where near as bad as OP’s.

Interesting, I just went out and looked at it again and its mostly the left side and I too have a manual. Apparently when we drive with a stick were putting much more pressure on the left side of the wheel since our right is on the shifter.

XutvJet · 05-16-2019, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

If you end up needing to DIY repair call these guys and send them your pics they'll be able to tell you exactly what to do. I just reconditioned the bolster on our 2006 E46 and it looks brand new. They looked at my photos, helped me pick products and walked me through the fix.

www.leatherworldtech.com

Thank you. This company popped up in another search where a BMW owner used it on their wheel (same issue) and had good results.

I may also get the M Performance alcantara wheel if BMW doesn't cover it. I won't go down without out a fight because a wheel shouldn't wear like this and it's clearly a defect.

BEM-S4 · 05-16-2019, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XutvJet

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

If you end up needing to DIY repair call these guys and send them your pics they'll be able to tell you exactly what to do. I just reconditioned the bolster on our 2006 E46 and it looks brand new. They looked at my photos, helped me pick products and walked me through the fix.

www.leatherworldtech.com

Thank you. This company popped up in another search where a BMW owner used it on their wheel (same issue) and had good results.

I may also get the M Performance alcantara wheel if BMW doesn't cover it. I won't go down without out a fight because a wheel shouldn't wear like this and it's clearly a defect.

I've heard those don't wear very well, if you're OCD about that sort of thing. Just an FYI would hate to see you spend $$$ and end up back where you started in another year.

Dylan86 · 05-16-2019, 04:29 PM

Damn that's bad. I'd be going into BMW with your story, given the rest of the car's condition. I think you'll get some help.

XutvJet · 05-16-2019, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I've heard those don't wear very well, if you're OCD about that sort of thing. Just an FYI would hate to see you spend $$$ and end up back where you started in another year.

It just depends on how you care for it. Most say they last fine assuming you clean them once a month and don't have super sweaty hands; which I don't. Hopefully it won't come to that.

John in VA · 05-16-2019, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucky13

Interesting, I just went out and looked at it again and its mostly the left side and I too have a manual. Apparently when we drive with a stick were putting much more pressure on the left side of the wheel since our right is on the shifter.

Unless it's due to UV/sun damage coming through the glass.

Luftwaffe1O1 · 05-16-2019, 08:51 PM

I have the exact same thing, and same situation, wet cloth with warm water, and it stripped it at the top. A little less damage than yours, but its there. I am guessing it is damaged by the sun, since it didn't occur anywhere else on the wheel when I cleaned it.

I had tried twice to get them to warranty it, they said no because its wear and tear. I ended up buying a used steering wheel for $100, I still haven't thrown it on, as mine is still minimal, but it is rather annoying, its obvious the leather is pretty weak on these, so I don't know why they don't just fix it.

morphomeman · 05-17-2019, 01:57 PM

The real problem is cleaning the wheel in the first place. In all my many years of car ownership, I have never cleaned a steering wheel!

golf4501 · 05-17-2019, 02:28 PM

Never had any issue with my 235 in 5 years of ownership, but the 335 I had prior had tons of peeling around the radio and cruise buttons. The top of the plastic was coming off in strips. I ended up selling the car to my cousin who actually had the plastic pieces replaced and I don't think they were cheap to do.

05-15-2019, 10:04 AM	#1
XutvJet Major General 5538 Rep 5,364 Posts Drives: 2011 Cayman Base, 2016 M235 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Kansas City iTrader: (-1)	Delamination/finish fade on M235 steering wheel? Last night while cleaning my interior, I was wiping down my steering wheel with microfiber wetted with warm water and to my shock, the finish on the upper portion of the steering wheel literally came off. There's now a ~2" by 1/2" area that is now bare leather leather rather than having the satin protective finish? Anyone had this happen? I'll post a picture later. I don't use lotion or other products on my hands, I keep my hands clean, wipe down the leather once a month, the windows are tinted, and I use a sunshade. The car is almost 3.5 years old. Anyone else had this happen? I've made an appointment to see if BMW will cover it as the car is still under warranty; fingers are crossed. Admittedly, this is the first real issue I've had with the car. Not a bad showing for a BMW, I suppose. __________________ The forest was shrinking, but the Trees kept voting for the Axe, for the Axe was clever and convinced the Trees that because his handle was made of wood, he was one of them.
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05-15-2019, 10:10 AM	#2
CP911 Major 986 Rep 1,241 Posts Drives: '18 M240i 6-speed Coupe Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: NW Indiana iTrader: (0)	Yeah, not the worst thing in the world, but that still sucks if you have to fork out the cash for a new steering wheel. I'd ask if you cruise with one hand on top of the steering wheel, but since you drive a 6-speed, I can't imagine you wore it out doing that. Could just be a random defect with the leather upholstery supplier. I'd like to see a picture. __________________ CP911
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05-15-2019, 07:25 PM	#4
BEM-S4 Major General 4516 Rep 8,942 Posts Drives: Dinan M235, Dinan Sport Wagon Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (5)	If it needs fixed on your dime call Dallas Custom. They'll reupholster for around $500 and do amazing work. Can do any style you can dream up. Attached Images __________________ 2022 Macan S 2016 F31 328i xDrive Sport Wagon 2006 E46 330ci ZHP Convertible Last edited by BEM-S4; 05-16-2019 at 10:02 AM..
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05-16-2019, 11:59 AM	#5
XutvJet Major General 5538 Rep 5,364 Posts Drives: 2011 Cayman Base, 2016 M235 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Kansas City iTrader: (-1)	Here's the damage. The photo makes it look more obvious/significant than it really is, but it's quite apparent. Basically the impacted area has lost all the satin finish and it's now bare charcoal leather. Luckily it's on top of the wheel and mostly out of my field of view or else it would really bug me. I do not scrub the wheel when cleaning it and have never had an issue prior. The finish literally came off on a water-wetted rag when I cleaned the wheel a couple nights ago. __________________ The forest was shrinking, but the Trees kept voting for the Axe, for the Axe was clever and convinced the Trees that because his handle was made of wood, he was one of them.
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05-16-2019, 12:11 PM	#6
Rocky58 Second Lieutenant 121 Rep 201 Posts Drives: m240xi Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: UT iTrader: (0)	Did pieces of the finish come off on the cloth, or did cleaning just reveal this worn/faded area?
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05-16-2019, 02:50 PM	#13
BEM-S4 Major General 4516 Rep 8,942 Posts Drives: Dinan M235, Dinan Sport Wagon Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (5)	If you end up needing to DIY repair call these guys and send them your pics they'll be able to tell you exactly what to do. I just reconditioned the bolster on our 2006 E46 and it looks brand new. They looked at my photos, helped me pick products and walked me through the fix. www.leatherworldtech.com __________________ 2022 Macan S 2016 F31 328i xDrive Sport Wagon 2006 E46 330ci ZHP Convertible
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05-16-2019, 03:46 PM	#14
Lucky13 Lucky13 211 Rep 1,762 Posts Drives: 2014 M235 manual, 2020 X3 30X Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Columbia, S.C. iTrader: (0)	I have some of the same wear on my 2014 M235 but to a much lesser degree because I only have 16,000 miles on it. Was just cleaning it the other day because it looked a little weathered but no where near as bad as OP’s. Interesting, I just went out and looked at it again and its mostly the left side and I too have a manual. Apparently when we drive with a stick were putting much more pressure on the left side of the wheel since our right is on the shifter. __________________ 1995 325i, 1996 328ci, 1997 528i, 1997 Z3 2.8, 2000 528i, 2001 X5 3.0, 2001 330i Convertible, 2002 M3 Convertible, 2003 M3 Coupe, 2004 M3 Coupe, 2004 Z4 3.0, 2004 X3 3.0, 2007 X3 3.0, 2007 335i Convertible, 2013 X1 28 sdrive, 2014 M235 manual, 2020 X3 30i Xdrive Last edited by Lucky13; 05-16-2019 at 03:53 PM..
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05-16-2019, 04:29 PM	#17
Dylan86 Colonel 1330 Rep 2,214 Posts Drives: F15d msport, F22 m235i Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: GTA iTrader: (0)	Damn that's bad. I'd be going into BMW with your story, given the rest of the car's condition. I think you'll get some help. __________________ My F22 Road/Track Build
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05-16-2019, 08:51 PM	#20
Luftwaffe1O1 Lieutenant 230 Rep 555 Posts Drives: M235i, 2000 Z3 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	I have the exact same thing, and same situation, wet cloth with warm water, and it stripped it at the top. A little less damage than yours, but its there. I am guessing it is damaged by the sun, since it didn't occur anywhere else on the wheel when I cleaned it. I had tried twice to get them to warranty it, they said no because its wear and tear. I ended up buying a used steering wheel for $100, I still haven't thrown it on, as mine is still minimal, but it is rather annoying, its obvious the leather is pretty weak on these, so I don't know why they don't just fix it. __________________
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05-17-2019, 01:57 PM	#21
morphomeman Major 593 Rep 1,219 Posts Drives: 2015 M235ix Join Date: May 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (1) Garage List 2016 BMW X3 [0.00] 2015 BMW M235ix [0.00]	The real problem is cleaning the wheel in the first place. In all my many years of car ownership, I have never cleaned a steering wheel!
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05-17-2019, 02:28 PM	#22
golf4501 Lieutenant 105 Rep 584 Posts Drives: 2020 M2C Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: chicagoland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW M2C [0.00]	Never had any issue with my 235 in 5 years of ownership, but the 335 I had prior had tons of peeling around the radio and cruise buttons. The top of the plastic was coming off in strips. I ended up selling the car to my cousin who actually had the plastic pieces replaced and I don't think they were cheap to do.
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