Steering Wheel Trim problem

[Outfielddan]

I noticed today that my 2008 M3 steering wheel finish on the black painted bezel surrounding the airbag is starting to peel. I still have about 6 months to go on full maintenance. Will I be able to get it replaced under warranty?

This is particularly disappointing because I've been through several BMW trim problems in the past. My E36 M3 had vinyl surface separation on the door handle surrounds and inside surfaces. My E46 M3 had trim surface decay wherever frequent human touching occured. It was a dark silver dashboard and door handle surface disintegration problem. Now it looks like the paint is peeling off part of my steering wheel and that's going to look like crap if I don't fix it.

[THE TECH]

Anything is possible, but I am doubting it.

[rod1]

Mine is peeling too.....really annoying.

[uplusd]

My steering wheel trim was peeling also and dealer replaced it under warranty.

[Z K]

I saw that on a used M3 when I was looking at them. I think the heat and parking outside in the sun does that. The trim piece is about $60 so you can buy another one if you like.

[MatthewDavid]

Originally Posted by uplusd

My steering wheel trim was peeling also and dealer replaced it under warranty.

What dealer did you take this to? Peter Pan refused to replace mine under warranty, as it is "normal wear and tear".

I think this part is relatively cheap, figuratively and literally.

[Z K]

Originally Posted by MatthewDavid

What dealer did you take this to? Peter Pan refused to replace mine under warranty, as it is "normal wear and tear".

I think this part is relatively cheap, figuratively and literally.

Really? I would think the dealer would do it. I go to Peter Pan too.

[tmntmn]

Mine peeled also

[BPMSport]

It happened to me and BMW replaced it under warranty. They also replaced the trim inbetween the cupholders, and the window switch due to peeling.

And after that, they replaced my center armrest as it seemed slightly loose.

Now the car looks like it has a brand new interior.

BMW will usually replace these cosmetic defects if you are the original owner and have less than 40K on the clock. Sometimes they will fight, but if you press the issue they should technically cover it up to 50K or 4 years.

PS: Mine was not peeling anywhere near as bad as the pic in the post above. It was a very small peel by the M logo at the bottom. I've seen this trim peeling off on so many cars, it's not even funny. Another cosmetic issue is the BMW logo on the airbag delaminating - something I've seen multiple times as well. No go on that one at the dealer though, as an airbag is quite expensive, so BMW outright denies that claim.

[uplusd]

Originally Posted by MatthewDavid

What dealer did you take this to? Peter Pan refused to replace mine under warranty, as it is "normal wear and tear".

I think this part is relatively cheap, figuratively and literally.

Stevens Creek

[MatthewDavid]

Well then... I'm going to be extra stern with my Peter Pan service rep. on Monday.

[TheClozer]

Yep, I took mine in for the routine maintenance and my SA said he had the trim replaced on the steering wheel and the doors and replaced the wiper blades without me telling him anything! He said those things always need to be replaced due to lack of better design. Great guy, he always takes care of me.

[banshee350]

the waranty should replace this under wearing over time, depends who you go to though

[Andy_H_E92_M3]

Originally Posted by uplusd

My steering wheel trim was peeling also and dealer replaced it under warranty.

+1

[docbolo]

This is covered by warranty folks! Just had mine replaced at BMW of SD - they were happy to do it.

[Reedomn]

Originally Posted by uplusd

My steering wheel trim was peeling also and dealer replaced it under warranty.

+1...

[8_is_enough]

mine was replaced under warranty also, no questions asked