Peeling on the steering wheel cover?

[///M///]

Anyone seen this? Never happened on my 7 year old E46 M3

I found the cover Part#32307845940. It is $115 Wondering if it's even worth switching?

[Rupes]

Mines doing this too, barely. Any options besides replacement? I feel like you have to remove the airbag to get to this part too, but I could be mistaken.

[09E92M34ME]

It's a known problem. It peels every where, including the power window area, cup holders, anywhere there is that black overlay, it will peel. I had most of mine replaced under warranty. It's starting to peel around the start/stop button now.

[Dannys M3]

Mine has started doing this also. You basically have two choices if you don't want this to happen again. #1 replace with carbon fiber wheel cover or remove the factory piece, remove coating and paint it body color.

[Amirsm3]

Originally Posted by Dannys M3

Mine has started doing this also. You basically have two choices if you don't want this to happen again. #1 replace with carbon fiber wheel cover or remove the factory piece, remove coating and paint it body color.

I was going to remove all that shit and paint in gloss black. Simple and concise - and it won't interfere with my carbon fiber trim.

[gambitx28]

Same here.

[W///]

I'm gonna buy a new one. I thought about painting it gloss black, but then it matches absolutely nothing int he interior. Yea for such a little plastic piece, the price hurts.

[dparm]

Some people have sweat that is more acidic than others. Over time this sweat, along with the friction of your skin sliding across it, will just wear the finish away. Sometimes BMW will goodwill it and replace for free, but don't count on it.

My advice is to wash your hands more often, as any dirt on your palms will act like sandpaper and accelerate the process.

[8k3]

why not paint it semi-gloss or egg shell shine black? that's what I'm going to do to mine

[MTROUBLE93]

Dealer replaced mine

[kaleb]

We could try spraying with PlastiDip, to keep the soft feel.

[Amirsm3]

I was thinking CF overlay, but then I would have to try and match the direction (and dimension) of the weave of my trim to keep the consistency of the interior going. What a pain in the ass.

[Amirsm3]

Originally Posted by kaleb

We could try spraying with PlastiDip, to keep the soft feel.

Yeah! Do black and then a matte clear top coat. 3-4 coats should be durable and last you long enough to not make it such a hassle.

[W///]

Originally Posted by kaleb

We could try spraying with PlastiDip, to keep the soft feel.

That's what I'm going to try first before throwing in the towel. Doubt the finish would be satisfactory but we'll see

[Amirsm3]

Originally Posted by W///

That's what I'm going to try first before throwing in the towel. Doubt the finish would be satisfactory but we'll see

It's all about prep, spray consistency and sufficient prep. And more prep

[tinman831]

I just got done removing all the rubber on the cover last weekend. Going to be spraying a few coats of black on it this weekend. WTF is up with BMW and their cheap ass rubberized coating?

[kenwelch]

Originally Posted by tinman831

I just got done removing all the rubber on the cover last weekend. Going to be spraying a few coats of black on it this weekend. WTF is up with BMW and their cheap ass rubberized coating?

You might also try locating your local auto body paint supplier (the paint store for body shops). They might have a solution that looks OEM and is rubberized. They might have some advice on the right product.

[scutts]

I've uninstalled the trim, sanded down nicely, painted flat black but it was prone to scratch and just not durable to use where you'll be touching it all the time. I wasted probably good 3-4 hours of my life doing that project and at the end, it wasn't worth it. I think if you have access to proper paint gear and thick clearcoat, it MAY be worth it, but then the new part is only $100 (compared to the trouble you'll go through).

I ended up purchasing the new trim and it's perfect. Based on my experience, I wouldn't recommend this particular DIY project. Not to mention removing the trim is PITA. GAHH I don't even want to think about it.

[s85e90]

OP you never saw this on your e46??? This has happened on every one of my M cars and EVERY single one I have seen that wasn't brand new. It's a shitty rubberized coating and most euro cars have it.

Under that trim it's actually a nice gloss black. A steamer will remove the top coat perfectly.

This is the first time that I may say that Plasti Dip sprayed right may be the best match to look right and retain the OEM texture feel.

If you are under warranty the dealer will replace this for free.

[Z K]

I get the feeling this happens when the car is parked in the sun and/or in hot weather.

I've seen a lot of cars that are garaged and not driven often and it looks fine. I've also seen M3s that are parked outside a lot that have it peeling.

[s85e90]

Originally Posted by Z K

I get the feeling this happens when the car is parked in the sun and/or in hot weather.

I've seen a lot of cars that are garaged and not driven often and it looks fine. I've also seen M3s that are parked outside a lot that have it peeling.

Grease/hands/fingernails/keys.

Careless owners who drop their keys into the door cubby or console. Not just the weather, it is very easy to scratch and over time it gets gummy.

Ferrari consoles do the same thing. It's a shitty product plain and simply. In time it gums up and wears worse.

[Z K]

Originally Posted by s85e90

Grease/hands/fingernails/keys.

Careless owners who drop their keys into the door cubby or console. Not just the weather, it is very easy to scratch and over time it gets gummy.

Ferrari consoles do the same thing. It's a shitty product plain and simply. In time it gums up and wears worse.

Mine is fine. I guess I am just super careful. I make sure my hands are clean before I touch the steering wheel. After 50k+ miles, the steering wheel leather is still matte and hasn't gotten glossy.