Steering Wheel Roundel / Logo "Pitted"

BMWZ4 · 04-15-2011, 10:43 AM

Cleaning the interior yesterday and noticed the roundel on the steering column looked "pitted". Took it the dealer thinking they could simply replace the roundel; nope! They'll have to replace the entire Airbag assembly, under warranty naturally. The corrosion, or whatever it is, is actually underneath the clear coat that's on top, so very strange how this might have happened, as I've used NO alcohol based cleaners.

FYI cost was estimated at ~ $2.5k! Thank god for warranties! Definitely would have left it as-is otherwise.

Dave

marcw · 04-24-2011, 04:04 AM

My wife's E61 has this problem too. Not going to do anything about it as it is out of warranty. Wonder what's causing this.

Mr. ///M3 RD · 04-25-2011, 10:44 PM

just wondering if it might be skin cancer

no pun intended

get a new one, I would the Roundel, not the car

Thew LINK for it CLICK here

BMWZ4 · 04-26-2011, 08:41 AM

Rolf, as I said, the Roundel is NOT replaceable. The entire air bag assembly has to be changed at a cost of nearly $2.5k, although under warranty naturally.

The only other option (if your vehicle has this problem & is out of warranty), would be to use one of these overlays:

http://www.jlevistreetwerks.com/Z-Se...duct_info.html

Dave
p.s. guess things are a little slow on the m3 side.....

persian54 · 04-27-2011, 12:36 PM

2.5k? Crazy...

considering you can get a BMW Performance Steering wheel and airbag for way less..

an Airbag assembly costs a couple hundred dollars here at most... not sure where their 2.5k came from...

Guess it's different in Canada

BMWZ4 · 04-27-2011, 12:43 PM

Yeah, I thought that was a little out of whack as well, but the SA showed me the part(s) on his screen, sure enough, just over $2k, plus tax, labor etc....wound it up to roughly $2.5k. Guess there's more to the assembly than meets the eye I suppose.

Like I said, I'd go with the roundel overlays if it wasn't covered by warranty and even then, normally I wouldn't have chased for this to be repaired, but hey, it is warranteed after all!

Dave

Beemer12 · 05-05-2011, 11:43 AM

I have had 2003, 2007, and 2009 Z-4s and currently a 2011 Z-4 and they all had and the new one is suffering from the curse of the air bag Rondel. I believe it is BMW's policy to change the air bag once if you complain enough.

HerrK · 05-05-2011, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by persian54

.. an Airbag assembly costs a couple hundred dollars here at most... not sure where their 2.5k came from... Guess its different in Canada

Even in the US from one of the online BMW discount parts house - the Drivers steering wheel airbag module/BMW logo assy is $750. Where's your source for a $200 unit. Not that I need one but it would be good information for the future/others.

CobraR1339 · 05-05-2011, 03:25 PM

That is de-lamination of the clear coat. It will get worse. The entire silver areas will go away first.

This is a known BMW defect dating back to at least 2006.

Fighting with them now on a 07 M Coupe under warranty. They told me $1,500. Buying it from a net BMW source is about $750.

Only 3 people make air bags. There is a lot of margin at $750 still when a domestic bag made by the same folks is about $400. They are both vinyl and rubber, the only logical reason to be much higher are BMW margins or lower production with less discount.

Don't feel sorry for them, they have made a decision to keep using the same poor mfg process or vendor to supply the logos. They have known about this for years. Most others would have made a change to avoid the problem.

They have the same issue with the rubber coated plastic on the steering wheel trim for some cars. The let that go for about 10 years before changing.
It will get through a 2-3 year lease in most climates though. Warmer climates had more issues.

I think the bad news is the emblem one will do it again in a couple years.

Good luck.

fusion01 · 06-11-2012, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CobraR1339

That is de-lamination of the clear coat. It will get worse. The entire silver areas will go away first.

'08 135i and same story. Does look pretty shitty and told entire airbag must be replaced to get to the roundel. Under warranty but I think that's all excessive for a little trim and will live with it. Disappointing though.

Been using on my steering wheel trim, should be safe for plastics and clearcoats I hope but should ideally really keep it away from the latter in case! http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotiv...tectant-spray/

redhot · 03-20-2013, 07:28 PM

Having the same issue. Logo pitted badly.. Car is at the dealership for the battery recall and roof issues and was told that BMW will not replace the airbag for a "minor cosmetic issue".

Is there are recourse? I certainly don't think an issue with finish on a brand logo is a minor cosmetic issue.

ManiacGT · 03-21-2013, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhot

I certainly don't think an issue with finish on a brand logo is a minor cosmetic issue.

It is really... IMHO.

erichui · 03-24-2013, 07:14 AM

Well I noticed this issue a few months ago and I swear I saw this thread before but couldn't find it when I tried to look for it.

Now I see this again, and realise I am not alone.. but my car just got out of warranty for about 2 months... oh wells I guess I will have to live with it..

jparnes1 · 05-27-2013, 09:40 AM

I just came across a guy in the UK who sells, among other things, adhesive Roundel decals. I'm thinking maybe you can stick one of these on your steering wheel roundel if he has the right size. His email is IanRClifton1234@aol.com. He'll send you a PDF of his catalog.

Z4Andy · 05-27-2013, 12:39 PM

Mine was replaced under warranty.

Looked terrible when the sun light hit the logo. Just hope it doesn't happen again.

BMWZ4 · 05-27-2013, 03:44 PM

Mine was replaced in June 2011 and so far, no sign of the finish deteriorating.
Dave

buzzard · 11-22-2014, 12:48 PM

I smashed my badge when installing my M3 steering wheel. You can't replace the badge without replacing the whole air bag ($$$$$). The best and only solution I could find is to buy the self-adhesive "sticker" from ebay. It's shaped to fit right on top of the original badge and it's a thin metal. Looks great IMO. Cost was $12.

04-15-2011, 10:43 AM	#1
BMWZ4 Major General 1910 Rep 5,103 Posts Drives: '23 X1/'23 Allroad Progressiv Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	Steering Wheel Roundel / Logo "Pitted" Cleaning the interior yesterday and noticed the roundel on the steering column looked "pitted". Took it the dealer thinking they could simply replace the roundel; nope! They'll have to replace the entire Airbag assembly, under warranty naturally. The corrosion, or whatever it is, is actually underneath the clear coat that's on top, so very strange how this might have happened, as I've used NO alcohol based cleaners. FYI cost was estimated at ~ $2.5k! Thank god for warranties! Definitely would have left it as-is otherwise. Dave Attached Images __________________ '11 Z4 30i (retired);'11 X3 28i (retired); '15 M235i Stage 1 Dinan (recalled & crushed); '16 M235i Stage 3 Dinan (retired); '15 X3 28i (retired); '14 328i (retired), 2019 X3M40i (retired); Loaded '18 X1 (retired); Loaded '20 X3MC DG, Black/Tan Merino (retired); Loaded '23 X1 Cape York green and Red/Black interior; '23 Audi A4 Allroad Progressiv
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04-24-2011, 04:04 AM	#2
marcw Captain 584 Rep 695 Posts Drives: 2021 M2 Competition Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland, OR USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 Porsche C4S Coupe [0.00] 2019 330ix Sportwagon [0.00] 2014 Jaguar F-Type ... [0.00] 2021 M2 Competition [0.00]	My wife's E61 has this problem too. Not going to do anything about it as it is out of warranty. Wonder what's causing this.
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04-25-2011, 10:44 PM	#3
Mr. ///M3 RD Happy Camper 612 Rep 7,869 Posts Drives: C63 AMG & 280 SL on Weekends : Join Date: May 2010 Location: GTA, Ontario - Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 1969 Restored Merce ... [7.50] 2011 M3 Coupe TRADED [7.34] 1987 BMW 535is [1.00] Cars from the Past [6.50] The ///M3 Engine S65 [9.59]	just wondering if it might be skin cancer no pun intended get a new one, I would the Roundel, not the car Thew LINK for it CLICK here __________________ Cheers, Rolf-Dieter Life will take us to some interesting places, fortunately The ///M3 will too with a many of us know this very well, now my C6.3 AMG with 487 HP does it too ---> Click here for some good stuff I found
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04-26-2011, 08:41 AM	#4
BMWZ4 Major General 1910 Rep 5,103 Posts Drives: '23 X1/'23 Allroad Progressiv Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	Rolf, as I said, the Roundel is NOT replaceable. The entire air bag assembly has to be changed at a cost of nearly $2.5k, although under warranty naturally. The only other option (if your vehicle has this problem & is out of warranty), would be to use one of these overlays: http://www.jlevistreetwerks.com/Z-Se...duct_info.html Dave p.s. guess things are a little slow on the m3 side..... __________________ '11 Z4 30i (retired);'11 X3 28i (retired); '15 M235i Stage 1 Dinan (recalled & crushed); '16 M235i Stage 3 Dinan (retired); '15 X3 28i (retired); '14 328i (retired), 2019 X3M40i (retired); Loaded '18 X1 (retired); Loaded '20 X3MC DG, Black/Tan Merino (retired); Loaded '23 X1 Cape York green and Red/Black interior; '23 Audi A4 Allroad Progressiv Last edited by BMWZ4; 04-26-2011 at 09:48 AM..
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04-27-2011, 12:36 PM	#5
persian54 Lieutenant General 923 Rep 15,818 Posts Drives: M760/G83M4 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: The Valley, SoCal iTrader: (298)	2.5k? Crazy... considering you can get a BMW Performance Steering wheel and airbag for way less.. an Airbag assembly costs a couple hundred dollars here at most... not sure where their 2.5k came from... Guess it's different in Canada __________________ From E93 335i to E89 Z4 to E93 M3/E89 Z4 to E350/SL550
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04-27-2011, 12:43 PM	#6
BMWZ4 Major General 1910 Rep 5,103 Posts Drives: '23 X1/'23 Allroad Progressiv Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	Yeah, I thought that was a little out of whack as well, but the SA showed me the part(s) on his screen, sure enough, just over $2k, plus tax, labor etc....wound it up to roughly $2.5k. Guess there's more to the assembly than meets the eye I suppose. Like I said, I'd go with the roundel overlays if it wasn't covered by warranty and even then, normally I wouldn't have chased for this to be repaired, but hey, it is warranteed after all! Dave __________________ '11 Z4 30i (retired);'11 X3 28i (retired); '15 M235i Stage 1 Dinan (recalled & crushed); '16 M235i Stage 3 Dinan (retired); '15 X3 28i (retired); '14 328i (retired), 2019 X3M40i (retired); Loaded '18 X1 (retired); Loaded '20 X3MC DG, Black/Tan Merino (retired); Loaded '23 X1 Cape York green and Red/Black interior; '23 Audi A4 Allroad Progressiv
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05-05-2011, 11:43 AM	#7
Beemer12 New Member 3 Rep 19 Posts Drives: 2018 X2 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	I have had 2003, 2007, and 2009 Z-4s and currently a 2011 Z-4 and they all had and the new one is suffering from the curse of the air bag Rondel. I believe it is BMW's policy to change the air bag once if you complain enough.
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05-05-2011, 03:25 PM	#9
CobraR1339 Private 4 Rep 72 Posts Drives: M Coupe SG Join Date: May 2011 Location: So California iTrader: (0)	That is de-lamination of the clear coat. It will get worse. The entire silver areas will go away first. This is a known BMW defect dating back to at least 2006. Fighting with them now on a 07 M Coupe under warranty. They told me $1,500. Buying it from a net BMW source is about $750. Only 3 people make air bags. There is a lot of margin at $750 still when a domestic bag made by the same folks is about $400. They are both vinyl and rubber, the only logical reason to be much higher are BMW margins or lower production with less discount. Don't feel sorry for them, they have made a decision to keep using the same poor mfg process or vendor to supply the logos. They have known about this for years. Most others would have made a change to avoid the problem. They have the same issue with the rubber coated plastic on the steering wheel trim for some cars. The let that go for about 10 years before changing. It will get through a 2-3 year lease in most climates though. Warmer climates had more issues. I think the bad news is the emblem one will do it again in a couple years. Good luck.
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03-20-2013, 07:28 PM	#11
redhot Private First Class 8 Rep 138 Posts Drives: 09 Z4 sDrive35i Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Chandler iTrader: (0)	Having the same issue. Logo pitted badly.. Car is at the dealership for the battery recall and roof issues and was told that BMW will not replace the airbag for a "minor cosmetic issue". Is there are recourse? I certainly don't think an issue with finish on a brand logo is a minor cosmetic issue. __________________ 09 Z4 35i
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03-24-2013, 07:14 AM	#13
erichui Private 16 Rep 77 Posts Drives: E89 z4 sdrive30i AW/CR Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	Well I noticed this issue a few months ago and I swear I saw this thread before but couldn't find it when I tried to look for it. Now I see this again, and realise I am not alone.. but my car just got out of warranty for about 2 months... oh wells I guess I will have to live with it..
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05-27-2013, 09:40 AM	#14
jparnes1 Colonel 243 Rep 2,387 Posts Drives: 2016 340i, 2012 Z4 35i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NY iTrader: (1)	I just came across a guy in the UK who sells, among other things, adhesive Roundel decals. I'm thinking maybe you can stick one of these on your steering wheel roundel if he has the right size. His email is IanRClifton1234@aol.com. He'll send you a PDF of his catalog. __________________ 2016 340i XDrive, EBII/black, 6 MT, M Sport, Track Handling, Cold Weather, Tech, Lighting, Driver Assistance Plus. 2012 Z4 35i, ED 2/24/2012, Melbourne Red Metallic, Black Leather, Carbon Trim, 6MT, M Sport, CW, PP, PS, NAV, CA.
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05-27-2013, 12:39 PM	#15
Z4Andy Private First Class 10 Rep 170 Posts Drives: Z4 Sdrive 35iS Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Belfast iTrader: (0)	Re: Mine was replaced under warranty. Looked terrible when the sun light hit the logo. Just hope it doesn't happen again.
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05-27-2013, 03:44 PM	#16
BMWZ4 Major General 1910 Rep 5,103 Posts Drives: '23 X1/'23 Allroad Progressiv Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	Mine was replaced in June 2011 and so far, no sign of the finish deteriorating. Dave __________________ '11 Z4 30i (retired);'11 X3 28i (retired); '15 M235i Stage 1 Dinan (recalled & crushed); '16 M235i Stage 3 Dinan (retired); '15 X3 28i (retired); '14 328i (retired), 2019 X3M40i (retired); Loaded '18 X1 (retired); Loaded '20 X3MC DG, Black/Tan Merino (retired); Loaded '23 X1 Cape York green and Red/Black interior; '23 Audi A4 Allroad Progressiv
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11-22-2014, 12:48 PM	#17
buzzard Lieutenant 113 Rep 450 Posts Drives: 2007 E90 328i "LCI" M-SPORT Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Sacramento iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 328i [9.00]	I smashed my badge when installing my M3 steering wheel. You can't replace the badge without replacing the whole air bag ($$$$$). The best and only solution I could find is to buy the self-adhesive "sticker" from ebay. It's shaped to fit right on top of the original badge and it's a thin metal. Looks great IMO. Cost was $12. Attached Images Last edited by buzzard; 11-22-2014 at 01:00 PM..
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