[Espi2]

Has anyone had an issue with the m steering wheel fading on the top? I've been using griots garage to preserve it and today it basically looks like a portion of the leather faded off. Kind of ridiculous with the car being less than a year old. Any recommendations on fixing or replacement? Wonder if the dealer would cover it?

[Aaaaaaaaa]

Are you sure it's just not excess residue? Do you grip your steering wheel there really firmly? Park outside in the sun a lot? My steering wheel looks and feels like new because I make it a point to have clean hands before driving. I don't use any conditioners on it and clean it gently with a damp microfiber.

[Espi2]

Yea, it looks like the dye is faded. I'm wondering if the cleaner did it. I keep my hands clean as well. Was trying to clean to get off some dust that was sticking to it.

[rolltidef32]

Originally Posted by Espi2

Yea, it looks like the dye is faded. I'm wondering if the cleaner did it. I keep my hands clean as well. Was trying to clean to get off some dust that was sticking to it.

What cleaner exactly were you using from Griot's?

You only use a dedicated leather cleaner or something like a wet wipe to clean the seats or wheel, then use a UV leather conditioner to protect.

Also, just checking to make sure, you didn't happen to have used any insect repellent with DEET in it did you?

[Espi2]

No insect repellant, lol. I think the griots is the 3 in 1. I've used it before with great results.

[rolltidef32]

Originally Posted by Espi2

No insect repellant, lol. I think the griots is the 3 in 1. I've used it before with great results.

I meant with repellant on your hands since DEET melts paint particularly auto paint and clear coat.

Is that 3 in 1 for leather care?

[Espi2]

Yes, it's for leather care

[rolltidef32]

Originally Posted by Espi2

Yes, it's for leather care

Really odd. Can you post a few pics of the wheel?

Even if left in the desert for a while, that treated auto leather should hold up for at least 3 years. This would be even if you hadn't treated it with leather conditioner at all.

May be a defect that BamW needs to know about if they don't already. Really liked the M Sport wheel on my old E90, but this one may be the best I've ever had the pleasure to work with. It's a little big, but nice and so pretty.

[Espi2]

Yea, I'm pretty frustrated. Should I mention the leather cleaner or just say it had faded.

[Espi2]

Wonder if they could just dye it a little. No cracking or anything. Just like a faded small patch. I'll get a pick up here later.

[rolltidef32]

Originally Posted by Espi2

Yea, I'm pretty frustrated. Should I mention the leather cleaner or just say it had faded.

I wouldn't mention the cleaner to the dealer, they'll pass the buck. If anything, contact Griot's, they are very responsive and helpful.

[Jmpascual]

I have the same problem on my 2 year old car

[Espi2]

Looks exactly like that but on top. And less than a year old.

[Anchored]

Do you wear a lot of lotion?

[Espi2]

No lotion and I am very careful to have very clean hands prior to getting in the car, probably a bit obsessiive if you ask my wife.

[Kid Red]

Rather than start a new thread, I'll try posting here in this somewhat old thread. I have the same fade/wear on my wheel. I only use warm soapy water and a microfiber towel to clean the wheel. I use a window shade to prevent sun damage.

Is there any dye that would spot fix this? It's on the top and left side. I don't use lotion and I typically have clean hands.

[BMW11]

that looks like abrasion damage

[ahero4eternity]

This is why I wrapped my steering wheel with a leather cover. Had to sew it on. Took about an hour. Well worth it. Feels better, too.

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by Kid Red

Rather than start a new thread, I'll try posting here in this somewhat old thread. I have the same fade/wear on my wheel. I only use warm soapy water and a microfiber towel to clean the wheel. I use a window shade to prevent sun damage.

Is there any dye that would spot fix this? It's on the top and left side. I don't use lotion and I typically have clean hands.

Is your car still under warranty? Even at four years old I'd call that a manufacturing defect. It should wear better than that.

[COKen]

That looks a bit like the issue a friend of mine had with his steering wheel. He was going to get it recolored, but I suggested trying saddle soap first. It turned out to be something on the steering wheel and the saddle soap removed it making it look good as new.

[SportySpice]

Are you wearing a ring?

[Kid Red]

I didn't see it really until after I cleaned it with soapy water. I have the BMW gold warranty, so I'll look into that coverage.

Saddle soap? I'll check that out.

Sportyspice- Yes, I wear a wedding ring, but I place my hands 3-9, and never on the top near 11 o'clock where it's fading.