How do the perforated leather steering wheels hold up?

[sna77]

Wondering how these things hold up? The shelf life of an M3 wheel is about 3 years before the leather starts getting kinda smooth and worn. Wondering how these hold up? i love the look

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=190160&d=1154615707

Part # 32347906682
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=AV53&mospid=47725&btnr=32_1235&hg=32&fg=35&hl=9

[cakM3]

I would like to know as well as I would like to have this installed on my ///M someday...:)

[webster]

i love the perf leather but damn they 'spensive.

[johnrando]

No idea wrt others but for me, '06 just under 60K miles and it's holding up great. Really like it.

[sna77]

No idea wrt others but for me, '09, just under 60K miles and it's holding up great. Really like it.

could we request a real life picture please :)

[johnrando]

I think i have a recent pic of my overall interior I'll post up shortly. I'll go take a closeup of the wheel later.

EDIT: Found it.
http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc481/johnrando/DSC_0151.jpg

[Stu]

Surprisingly well. I test drove an '05 ZHP w/ the perf. wheel and it was in amazing condition.

The best thing you can do to keep your wheel in good condition is to wash your hands before you drive after you eat. Especially fast-food. When it eventually does get worn, there are some good leather cleaners out there that work excellently. Do not use magic eraser - it is very effective, but it does remove a minute layer of the steering wheel leather. With enough uses of it, the wheel will get damaged.

[BCS_ZHP]

My '06's Perforated wheel is like new at 68K miles. It helps that the PO was OCD about cleanliness.

[sna77]

I think i have a recent pic of my overall interior I'll post up shortly. I'll go take a closeup of the wheel later.

EDIT: Found it.
http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc481/johnrando/DSC_0151.jpg

hmmm... I actually like it less in this picture--looks shiny

[JupiterBMW]

I drove Rando's car, and I have to say, the wheel (as well as the rest of the car) was in impeccable condition... Personally, I still like the performance inspired alcantara wheel... It really gives the interior a unique look.

[webster]

i think the camera flash makes Rando's wheel look shinier than it actually is...

[johnrando]

i think the camera flash makes Rando's wheel look shinier than it actually is...

That, and it was right after the paint shop cleaned up the interior, so it's fresh with some sort of shiny leather cleaner/protector stuff. It's not normally that shiny.

Oh, and Jon, thanks!

[nike001]

hmmm... I actually like it less in this picture--looks shiny

Well it's used. It's not brand new so it most likely doesn't have that matte look as new wheels do. A good leather cleaner like leatherique that takes the shine out of it would probably do good to any used leather wheel.

My step dad had one in his 335 and it was much shinier than this after only 1.5 years. It's just from the oils on your hands.

[Hermes]

mine is still in great shape too (82k mi)

[danewilson77]

Umm...Yess.....The interior of a ZHP MUST look drab and dull. IMO...this is very much a personal preference.

[PHZ]

I think i have a recent pic of my overall interior I'll post up shortly. I'll go take a closeup of the wheel later.

EDIT: Found it.
http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc481/johnrando/DSC_0151.jpg

off topic-
John, what's the phone holder you have there?

[SoCalZman]

Haha, you and I have the same taste. I have been eyeing a perforated leather wheel since I bought my ZHP.

PHZ, That phone holder is from Bimmian. i have one and I love it.

[johnrando]

Yup, the Bimmian.

[PHZ]

Thanx guys.

Any issues with installation, holes or marring if removed, or passenger leg crowding issues?

[johnrando]

None for me at all. It's made to screw into the existing screws, and my passengers don't hit it. I recall someone saying his passengers hit his all the time but honestly I don't get that. My only issue is that when I use a fat, extended life battery in my phone it's too fat for the holder so it tends to pop out. The holder is only good for thin phones, which they all are these days.

edit: if you look at the picture I posted, you can see where the mount goes. It's right over the screw underneath that trim piece. Then the piece that holds the phone screws into the mount, they are two separate pieces. The installation is no biggie, you just have to remove 2 trim pieces and a nut.

[PHZ]

Thanx!

For the "mechanically clumsy"... How daunting is removing the trim? How high is the "danger level" for potential cracking or scratching?

Sorry to shift.... Should this move to a different thread? I'm trying to find just the right iPhone mount/dock system

[johnrando]

It's VERY easy, you just are popping it out of the rivets. The key is something non-marring to wedge in the corners to get it started, and sorta pop it out partially. Then, with fingers or something non-marring, work your way down the piece. You can then pop the whole piece out. I forget if you start with the glove box trim first, or the piece over the radio. The glove box piece has 4 (or 5) connection points. Then you screw in the mount, and pop back in the trim.

The installation guides are here:

http://www.bimmian.com/Mobile-Dash-Mount-for-BMW-E46-3-Series

[zhpnsnv]

Just like the Alcantara wheels get pitted when oils amass on them, leather wheels will get shiny and smooth. All you need to do to keep your leather wheel "soft" is regularly clean it and protect it with a leather cleaner and a leather protectant. A leather wheel should last the life of a car, in my opinion. If anything, I would think the perforated wheels are more difficult to maintain because of the schmutz that can pile up in those little holes.

If your wheel is really bad, you can use degreaser, but make sure you cut it or else the wheel will get slimy.

[az3579]

^^ What do you mean by "cut" it?


hmmm... I actually like it less in this picture--looks shiny

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser fixes this problem in short order. My wheel looks BRAND NEW after using a Mr. Clean bar on it. Matte and everything.

[zhpnsnv]

^^ What do you mean by "cut" it?



Don't wipe down your leather wheel with pure degreaser (simple green, etc...), mix it 1:1 with water.

[az3579]

Gotcha. Thanks for the clarification.

[terraphantm]

hmmm... I actually like it less in this picture--looks shiny

Unless you wear gloves every time, I think any leather steering wheel will get shiny after a while.

[sna77]

Unless you wear gloves every time, I think any leather steering wheel will get shiny after a while.

understood... But shiny = slippery. While I always keeps my hands clean, I have no intention of being the douche that gets into his car and puts on driving gloves for every ride to the store... so I guess I'm stuck just replacing the wheel every 3 years. :)

[zhpnsnv]

understood... But shiny = slippery. While I always keeps my hands clean, I have no intention of being the douche that gets into his car and puts on driving gloves for every ride to the store... so I guess I'm stuck just replacing the wheel every 3 years. :)

hahahah

I REALLY think that if you regularly clean/maintain your steering wheel, it will remain soft for you. Maybe Andrew (the stig) can chime in - my wheel had over 80k on it, and I think it was pretty good. It would get shiny in between cleanings, but that's expected.

[danewilson77]

understood... But shiny = slippery. While I always keeps my hands clean, I have no intention of being the douche that gets into his car and puts on driving gloves for every ride to the store... so I guess I'm stuck just replacing the wheel every 3 years. :)

There may be "douches" here, that are part of the Family.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[johnrando]

For the last time my wheel is NOT THAT SHINY! lol, j/k. This thread is now officially cracking me up though, as one pic launched a whole 'nother direction. Hey PHZ, your inbox is full.

[PHZ]

already responded :)
it was the shiny-ness of your wheel that blinded me from seeing my inbox notification.... :)

[johnrando]

:rofl BTW, still full though.

[PHZ]

:rofl BTW, still full though.

oh... yeah. I mistook "inbox is full" as code for "sent you a PM".....
cleaned.

[SoCalZman]

understood... But shiny = slippery. While I always keeps my hands clean, I have no intention of being the douche that gets into his car and puts on driving gloves for every ride to the store... so I guess I'm stuck just replacing the wheel every 3 years. :)

haha. I have gloves in my car :-(

[webster]

i need to get me some driving gloves :shift

[Hermes]

I haz gloves too but I don't wear them all the time. They help the most on hot days when the leather is the temperature of the sun

[sna77]

oh $hit--hope I didn't offend anyone. I had no idea people actually wore driving gloves in real life. I've never actually met anyone that does. ;)

[webster]

oh $hit--hope I didn't offend anyone. I had no idea people actually wore driving gloves in real life. I've never actually met anyone that does. ;)

message board of BMW enthusiasts devoted to an option package...should be no surprises here lol

[SoCalZman]

Admittedly I have had them since my first Z. They fit my 80s look with my Z and the T-tops off. :D

Anyway, if you find this perforated wheel anywhere for less than 700 please share with the board. the cheapest I have seen is is that OEM parts place.

[az3579]

understood... But shiny = slippery. While I always keeps my hands clean, I have no intention of being the douche that gets into his car and puts on driving gloves for every ride to the store... so I guess I'm stuck just replacing the wheel every 3 years. :)

Once again.... Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. This will restore the wheel to brand new condition!
You do have to use it at every cleaning to keep it perfectly matte though, but it's a small price to pay. Definitely cheaper than buying a $700+ steering wheel every 3 years.

[sna77]

Once again.... Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. This will restore the wheel to brand new condition!
You do have to use it at every cleaning to keep it perfectly matte though, but it's a small price to pay. Definitely cheaper than buying a $700+ steering wheel every 3 years.

BP... I've used Magic Eraser before. It removes a layer from the leather--and while it initially looks much better, give it a week or 2, it goes back to how it was before--definitely not new though.

[danewilson77]

oh $hit--hope I didn't offend anyone. I had no idea people actually wore driving gloves in real life. I've never actually met anyone that does. ;)

I know RickeyReevey wears them for a fact.

Just throwing it out there as a "sensitivity pause".

That's all.

[az3579]

BP... I've used Magic Eraser before. It removes a layer from the leather--and while it initially looks much better, give it a week or 2, it goes back to how it was before--definitely not new though.

Ah ok, didn't know it removed leather. I can't make a noticeable difference in the year or so I've been using it on my leather, but then again, I haven't been using it that long to know. So what do you recommend in its place? I don't see any other products that remove the shininess. I hate shiny wheels; makes them look aged, so I try to keep mine as matte as possible. I'd love to explore other options if there's something safer to use on leather wheels...

[danewilson77]

I lube down the interior of my car, with Canola.

[az3579]

I lube down the interior of my car, with Vaseline.

:shifty

[danewilson77]

Oh...I can think of better stuff.

[az3579]

I know you can.


Back to the topic of steering wheels, I was thinking about this a while ago. Even if replacing with a brand new one, that one would start to get shiny within a year as well, depending on how much one drives. With the amount I drive, it would for sure have noticeable oily deposits on the wheel. Of course, my mileage is the equivalent of 2-3 years for most people, so I guess that shouldn't surprise me.

Steve,
How much do you drive? Perhaps you'd get better mileage with the new one? Those buggers definitely aren't cheap, so if there's an effective cleaning method, that would be best for sure.

[JKO_ZHP]

I think i have a recent pic of my overall interior I'll post up shortly. I'll go take a closeup of the wheel later.

EDIT: Found it.
http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc481/johnrando/DSC_0151.jpg

I thought these were common and that the alcantara ones were more sought-after?
Anyways I have the exact same one, virtually the same like-new condition at 77,500 miles.

[az3579]

Negative; leather is the sought-after option. Alcantara wheels were standard on most ZHPs, and people want leather because the alcantara wears out so quickly. Perforated leather was standard on coupes and convertibles from 2005-2006.

[JKO_ZHP]

Negative; leather is the sought-after option. Alcantara wheels were standard on most ZHPs, and people want leather because the alcantara wears out so quickly. Perforated leather was standard on coupes and convertibles from 2005-2006.

I'm starting to feel that it's getting more and more special with each passing day I spend on here....

[sna77]

I know you can.


Back to the topic of steering wheels, I was thinking about this a while ago. Even if replacing with a brand new one, that one would start to get shiny within a year as well, depending on how much one drives. With the amount I drive, it would for sure have noticeable oily deposits on the wheel. Of course, my mileage is the equivalent of 2-3 years for most people, so I guess that shouldn't surprise me.

Steve,
How much do you drive? Perhaps you'd get better mileage with the new one? Those buggers definitely aren't cheap, so if there's an effective cleaning method, that would be best for sure.

I do about 25k per year. I put a brand new M3 wheel on when I bought the car 2.5 years ago...

[az3579]

Already showing too much? Pic?


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

[BRGcoopahS]

heres sort of a close up shot of ours at around 58k miles
http://i545.photobucket.com/albums/hh369/Pearldrum10/IMG_1640.jpg

It has a shine to it, but nothing bad about the wheel. It could just use a decent cleaning.

[danewilson77]

Looks great.

[webster]

pics of the new wheel. it's a perf-leather tri-stitch remanufactured in Germany. i found it on ebay HERE (http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-M-TECHNIC-STEERING-WHEEL-E39-M5-E46-M3-NEW-LEATHER-/221145819493?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item337d516965&vxp=mtr). damn this thing is grippy!

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k433/wtolson/ZHP%20Pics/DSCN0355.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k433/wtolson/ZHP%20Pics/DSCN0349.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k433/wtolson/ZHP%20Pics/DSCN0346.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k433/wtolson/ZHP%20Pics/DSCN0348.jpg

[johnrando]

Ooh, that's sezzy!

[UdubBadger]

Berry nice


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[Johal E32]

pics of the new wheel. it's a perf-leather tri-stitch remanufactured in Germany. i found it on ebay HERE (http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-M-TECHNIC-STEERING-WHEEL-E39-M5-E46-M3-NEW-LEATHER-/221145819493?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item337d516965&vxp=mtr). damn this thing is grippy!

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k433/wtolson/ZHP%20Pics/DSCN0355.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k433/wtolson/ZHP%20Pics/DSCN0349.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k433/wtolson/ZHP%20Pics/DSCN0346.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k433/wtolson/ZHP%20Pics/DSCN0348.jpg

I saw that e-bay too. I think I'll buy one when I have some more cash to spend on car stuff. It looks very nice, and oem.

[Torxuvin]

Looks good. My interior has some definite wear, but the perforated leather steering wheel is still holding up great. I know it's been on the car at least 60k miles. (The first owner had the alcantara switched out for it.) I guess I could go through all the maintenance records and find out how long exactly.

[SoCalZman]

Interesting. That is like half the price of a perf wheel from BMW. For some reason they think its worth 700+ dollars. So you are happy with the quality of the leather and re wrap huh? I wonder if its a whole business that does this or some guy in his garage. Heh.

[webster]

Interesting. That is like half the price of a perf wheel from BMW. For some reason they think its worth 700+ dollars. So you are happy with the quality of the leather and re wrap huh? I wonder if its a whole business that does this or some guy in his garage. Heh.

not sure how big the operation is. the guy has an ebay store with dozens of BMW re-wrapped wheels and the feedback from previous customers was pretty stellar. the quality seems equal or better to OEM. the leather is thick and rich feeling.

[terraphantm]

Wow that tristitched perforated wheel looks awesome. Might be worth replacing the Alcantara wheel with that

[danewilson77]

Wow that tristitched perforated wheel looks awesome. Might be worth replacing the Alcantara wheel with that

Agree.

[derbo]

that wheel looks great. i want one lol.

[webster]

installed...

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k433/wtolson/ZHP%20Pics/20121201_150657-1.jpg

[danewilson77]

Damn...that's the wheel the car should have cone from. The tri stitch anyways.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[Hornung418]

So bad ass!

From a GS3, this was sent.

[johnrando]

Someone buy me that for Christmas!

[az3579]

Someone buy me that for Christmas!

You already have one, John. :p

[derbo]

As tempt as that perf. wheel is. I want the tri-stich alcantara....

[az3579]

As tempt as that perf. wheel is. I want the tri-stich alcantara....

Coby wheel.
'Nuff said.

[cakM3]

Coby wheel.
'Nuff said.

:rofl

[cakM3]

installed...

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k433/wtolson/ZHP%20Pics/20121201_150657-1.jpg

I want..... :drool

[johnrando]

You already have one, John. :p

lol, yes. but not tri-color stitch!

[cakM3]

John, on leather I kinda like it. The steering wheel on my ///M has the tri-stitch so replacing that wheel with this on my ///M would be perfect :thumbsup

I really like that wheel..... :drool

[zhp43867]

How long the wheel lasts depends on how oily your hands are, what you eat, what you clean your hands with, and how often you clean the steering wheel. Body moisturizers really grease the wheels up quickly as well.

Wiping it down with Leather Masters soft cleaner, Leatherique Prestine Clean, Ultima Interior gel or similar will improve the life (grease free) of the wheel dramatically.

[sna77]

installed...

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k433/wtolson/ZHP%20Pics/20121201_150657-1.jpg

LOVE IT. Ordering one

[sna77]

Does anyone know the German seller selling this wheel? the ebay link is dead and I'm ready to pull the trigger one one.

Thanks!

[cakM3]

Steve, I don't know if you're going to find that guy unless Webster (Wes) kept the information....perhaps he can post the seller he got his wheel from???

[Avetiso]

+1. Looking for update on leather wheel.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

[BRGcoopahS]

installed...

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k433/wtolson/ZHP%20Pics/20121201_150657-1.jpg

umm....

I never thought I'd say it, but that perf wheel looks better than any alcantara wheel i've seen. Is that coby? I NEED!!!

[webster]

I looked up the seller I bought the perf leather tri stitch wheel from on ebay, but it doesn't look like he has any of the E46 wheels available/in stock. You might want to email him to ask if he has any or will make any more. Here is a link to the seller's current listings: http://www.ebay.com/sch/tainik/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

The wheel is holding up great so far (granted I've only had it for 3 months or so), but the leather is still as sticky as the day i installed it. i LOVE it. i honestly thought i would miss the alcantara but i really haven't...

[Torxuvin]

The wheel is holding up great so far (granted I've only had it for 3 months or so), but the leather is still as sticky as the day i installed it. i LOVE it. i honestly thought i would miss the alcantara but i really haven't...

I don't doubt it. I've never had an alcantara wheel but the perforated one on my ZHP is much nicer than the wheels on both the M3 and Corvette. I think it's at least 7 years old too.

[zhpnsnv]

I have the perf. leather and it's as MATTE and dry (no shine) as it was on day one, 3.5 months later. I've used leather masters soft cleaner on it once, but that wasn't really necessary. I protected it with the leather masters protectant, and I try to wash my hands and keep oil off of it. Summer will be more difficult with hand sweat, but I think just like with the alcantara wheels, proper products and attention will keep the perf. leather wheel looking/feeling great for a long time. I know 3.5 months isn't a lot of time, but it's enough time to ruin something if you're not paying attention!

[wsmeyer]

Here's the one both johnrando and I purchased:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E46-E39-M3-M5-sport-steering-wheel-M-stitching-new-/300733627605?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item46051efcd5

They were the only shop I could find that could do the seam between the perf and smooth horizontal like the OEM wheel instead of perpendicular to the wheel. We've only had them 2 weeks so I can't comment on longevity but the leather and workmanship are excellent.

Johns got more pics in his mod thread here:

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?4241-Jet-Black-ZHP-quot-Mini-quot-Mod-A-Palooza&p=246163#post246163

[SoCalZman]

^^ This shop is in Mountain View huh? That is not to far south of San Francisco. I might take a drive down there sometime and check out these wheels in person.

[BRGcoopahS]

I have the perf. leather and it's as MATTE and dry (no shine) as it was on day one, 3.5 months later. I've used leather masters soft cleaner on it once, but that wasn't really necessary. I protected it with the leather masters protectant, and I try to wash my hands and keep oil off of it. Summer will be more difficult with hand sweat, but I think just like with the alcantara wheels, proper products and attention will keep the perf. leather wheel looking/feeling great for a long time. I know 3.5 months isn't a lot of time, but it's enough time to ruin something if you're not paying attention!


Thats what makes em so much better looking. (the matte finish) Mine has a shine to it and while it really isnt that bad, its nothing compared to a new bmw wheel. Anytime I go to the dealer and see a brand new wheel it makes me want a new wheel.

edit: Here is my most recent picture.... less than a week ago after cleaning the interior up a bit. Its not very close up but just trying to stay on topic.
http://i545.photobucket.com/albums/hh369/Pearldrum10/3692B896-F4BB-4F16-8AEE-62B148AB6C69-4329-000003972B0E359E_zps13d34deb.jpg

[JupiterBMW]

Oh wow, grey shift boot in the grey interior. VERY sexy! Is that OEM or did you make that change? Wheel looks great too... (on topic)

[BRGcoopahS]

Thanks! Thats actually the only part of my grey leather I actually like. Yes, its stock.

[johnrando]

My orig leather perf wheel is now on charlie's M. I had 62k miles on it and charlie vouches that it's in great shape. The only reason i sold it was to fund a rewrap of my (new to me) SMG wheel.
Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk 2

[cakM3]

My orig leather perf wheel is now on charlie's M. I had 62k miles on it and charlie vouches that it's in great shape. The only reason i sold it was to fund a rewrap of my (new to me) SMG wheel.
Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk 2

True... I even put pics of John's wheel mounted in my ///M in the project's thread. :thumbsup Love this wheel :)

[sna77]

I emailed the ebay seller. he is getting more in soon and will contact me when they arrive.

[danewilson77]

I emailed the ebay seller. he is getting more in soon and will contact me when they arrive.......

..........And you shall contact us after placing your order.

Thank you Sir.

[sna77]

Just got mine.

This is the ebay seller:
http://myworld.ebay.com/tainik

He didn't have one available at the time, so I emailed him, and he wrote back and told me once he got a new M3 wheel in, he'd wrap one for me. A few weeks later he sent me a note that he had one ready. I sent him $375 USD via PayPal and a few weeks later the wheel arrived.

Had it installed this past week. I love it so much better than the M3 wheel. The grip is fantastic.

[johnrando]

So he re-wrapped the wheel in leather?

[sna77]

not my wheel. He gets used M3 wheels, and rewraps them with perforated leather with tri-color stitching. I like it better than the OEM perf leather wheel (no tri-stiching)

[webster]

that looks familiar :)

glad you finally got one!

[wsmeyer]

Perforated leather tri-stitch FTW!

[BRGcoopahS]

My perf is still holding up very well at 72k. I do condition it every other week or so though. I hate that greasy look.

[jiggz]

The leather perforated wheel looks great!

How about alcantara perforated? Here's a pic of my cousin's wheel - he's actually having a new one made, but with a thicker wrap...

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6043/6316823011_271fb0d8e8_z.jpg

[Racinghart]

That looks sick man.