Is this a dirty steering wheel or worn leather?

[Karnidge]

Hello Everyone,

I have been reading a lot about cleaning steering wheels lately. I am hoping you can help me out.

My car is fairly new. It's a 2014 Z4 with 17K miles on it. I bought it with 500 miles, basically brand new, and have driven it for a little over a year now.

I noticed that the left side of the steering wheel was sticky when driving to work the other day. I licked my finger and rubbed the area and a layer of dirt was coming off. I did some research and it sounded like this was a common problem and some leather master cleaner and/or degreaser would do the trick. My steering wheel was not shiny like older steering wheels get because, like I said, it has only been driven for about a year.

I tried the leather master degreaser and the leather master soft cleaner this evening and it didn't help. If anything, it looks like the leather is worn off to me. I don't see how this is possible but I took a picture. I am hoping to get some opinions or feedback. Is this just a dirty steering wheel and I need a better cleaner? OR is the leather worn through already?





Thanks,
Keith

[BQTuning]

Amino acid break down from your sweaty hands

[Karnidge]

Can this be cleaned or do I need to replace the wheel?

My local BMW stealership quoted me $1300 for a new wheel (wheel only). I found it online for half that... ~ $720.

But wow... $720 for a new steering wheel, after only driving the car for 1 year, is pretty frustrating.

[DEEEPIDDY]

contact a leather restoration place and have them redye it for you. Probably cost around $100.

[Karnidge]

Originally Posted by DEEEPIDDY

contact a leather restoration place and have them redye it for you. Probably cost around $100.

Now that's a good idea. I will look into that. Thanks.

[NoQuarter]

Just clean the darn thing. Spray on some interior leather/vinyl cleaner and scrub it gently with a soft bristled brush.

Repeat until it is clean.

[Karnidge]

I did clean it. I bought Leather Master soft cleaner and Leather Master degreaser. I used both products and the discolored area is still there. The area is not smooth anymore after cleaning it; feels like it has been damaged but I'm not sure.

[fifthdawn]

I agree with redying it. My driver side side bolster was all scuffed and peeling. I sanded it down with sandpaper and dyed it back to its original color. Almost impossible to tell its been dyed. Looks almost like OEM.

Bought the dye from https://www.leatherworldtech.com/BMW...ors-s/1846.htm. Just choose your leather color.

[Karnidge]

I took your suggestion and had a leather restoration service re-dye the steering wheel and it turned out great. Looks brand new again and it only cost me $100.

[rking117]

Originally Posted by Karnidge

Can this be cleaned or do I need to replace the wheel?

My local BMW stealership quoted me $1300 for a new wheel (wheel only). I found it online for half that... ~ $720.

But wow... $720 for a new steering wheel, after only driving the car for 1 year, is pretty frustrating.

its black... scrub it with a good cleaner and then polish it with black shoe polish like you get in the can and you will be happy with the results i suspect.

[kosd]

I'm in Chicago as well. Can I ask, what is the name of the leather restoration company you used?

Thanks.

[Karnidge]

Creative Colors International

http://www.wecanfixthat.com/

They fix it onsite too. He did mine right in the driveway.

[BBriner]

Originally Posted by rking117

its black... scrub it with a good cleaner and then polish it with black shoe polish like you get in the can and you will be happy with the results i suspect.

I did that and it was a total disaster, the leather gets shinny and sticky. I ended up having it re-wrapped with a brand new leather.

[bobmos]

Originally Posted by Karnidge

I took your suggestion and had a leather restoration service re-dye the steering wheel and it turned out great. Looks brand new again and it only cost me $100.

Brilliant!