Steering wheel leather cracking a bit

SaMaster14 · 11-11-2015, 04:25 PM

This is definitely an ocd issue, but the top of my steering wheel is cracking a bit. I usually don't have my hands there while driving, so I'm thinking it might be from the sun (even though my car is parked indoors mostly when not driving). There is no cracking where I usually place my hands (by the paddle shifters like normal...)

Anyone else?

04RC51 · 11-11-2015, 05:58 PM

How many times have you conditioned the leather?

IM2C · 11-11-2015, 05:59 PM

Are you sure it's not scratched? Wristwatch?

SakhirM4 · 11-11-2015, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e90im

Are you sure it's not scratched? Wristwatch?

Agree that those look like scratches.

F80silverstone · 11-11-2015, 06:10 PM

I had a similar issue. BMW replaced it with the performance wheel. I guess for the inconvenience. Bring that baby in ASAP before someone sees it.

SaMaster14 · 11-11-2015, 06:42 PM

I do have a wristwatch, but I never have it on the top of the wheel.

It definitely feels like cracking, not scratches. I will take it in soon

Never used leather conditioner, I didn't think that would be necessary in a mass production car of this price after 6 months and 5k miles

Any recommendations on good dealers in LA who can help me?

TheFlyingMouse · 11-11-2015, 07:31 PM

Conditioner every 2-3 months so I hear. Do you have a good sunshade? My dash was dry after I picked it up post-ED. Conditioner really restored the color. Easy DIY but research and get the right stuff first! I used Zaino Z-9 and Z-10. Need to apply more of the latter. The dash is a bit splotchy from uneven application.

SaMaster14 · 11-11-2015, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFlyingMouse

Conditioner every 2-3 months so I hear. Do you have a good sunshade? My dash was dry after I picked it up post-ED. Conditioner really restored the color. Easy DIY but research and get the right stuff first! I used Zaino Z-9 and Z-10. Need to apply more of the latter. The dash is a bit splotchy from uneven application.

I don't have a sunshade, I'm almost always parked in doors.

I will get some leather conditioner and use it asap! Should I be using that on the seats too? My seats have held up extremely well.

TheFlyingMouse · 11-11-2015, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaMaster14

I don't have a sunshade, I'm almost always parked in doors.

I will get some leather conditioner and use it asap! Should I be using that on the seats too? My seats have held up extremely well.

Everything leather. Make sure to test a hidden spot for color change first. You can use the stuff on vinyl too, but I didn't see any point when I tried It on my 128 dash. It just cooks out in the sun from vinyl.

TheFlyingMouse · 11-11-2015, 07:56 PM

Note that I have leather dash. I wouldn't use leather conditioner on the normal dash.

Mark's M · 11-11-2015, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaMaster14

I don't have a sunshade, I'm almost always parked in doors.

I will get some leather conditioner and use it asap! Should I be using that on the seats too? My seats have held up extremely well.

How about a ring? I've noticed mine had the potential to scratch at the leather under certain conditions...so I took it off. What a relief...in more ways than one lol!!

SaMaster14 · 11-11-2015, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark's M

How about a ring? I've noticed mine had the potential to scratch at the leather under certain conditions...so I took it off. What a relief...in more ways than one lol!!

I do wear a gold class ring on my right hand. I guess that could be doing it, although I barely touch that part of the wheel.

TheFlyingMouse · 11-11-2015, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaMaster14

I do wear a gold class ring on my right hand. I guess that could be doing it, although I barely touch that part of the wheel.

Pretty easy to scratch steering wheels. I wear a smooth ring and there are a few scratches on my 128 wheel. Just condition it so it's not so dry. It'll hold up better and the darker color will help hide damage.

RocketBoots · 11-12-2015, 09:28 AM

Those look like they could be either to me. If they are deeper, and you can feel the ridges, I'd probably say cracks. Almost looks like someone took a wire brush to it or something.

While conditioning will help overall, it is absolutely not essential; and lack of conditioning should not cause 'cracks' in the leather. Probably 95% of people will not condition the leather. If you condition it, it will just look and feel nicer. Unless you did the damage yourself, I'd take it in and see what the dealer says. Although, I'm always surprised when the dealer replaces a steering wheel (E46 M3 Comp pack wheel).

Bluex · 11-12-2015, 09:31 AM

I'm surprised nobody has said this yet, and I say this to you SaMaster14 in all fun.......

But....

......Lemon it.

JoeFromPA · 11-12-2015, 09:37 AM

The leather is cracking, no doubt, but there is a very clear serious abrasion there that can be clearly seen and runs where the leather cracks.

I'm not in person but just going off what I can see I'm guessing the leather got ripped into by something that scraped off the outer layer, and in the inner layer is now cracking as a result.

Leather conditioner will slow down it's breakdown, but won't restore that away.

FYI this happens to my steering wheels (the abrasion, not the cracking) sometimes just from getting in and out of the car while wearing jeans with rivets or jackets with zippers. It get caught on the wheel as I'm getting out of the car and the continued movement abrades the leather a bit. If you rub it down with conditioner, it goes away just fine.

Damasconian · 11-12-2015, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluex

I'm surprised nobody has said this yet, and I say this to you SaMaster14 in all fun.......

But....

......Lemon it.

And demand an i8 as a loaner. You bought a BMW!

Bbb34 · 11-12-2015, 09:52 AM

That looks like imperfection in leather ended up in cracking (s... happens), does not like a scratch at all, to me at least.

Just take it in and see what they say, they should just take care of it since the care is fairly new. Good luck

SMV_M4 · 11-12-2015, 09:55 AM

One thing to consider is that although it's the top of the wheel where you don't touch when driving straight, you are frequently turning the steering wheel and eventually your hand will touch about every surface of the leather at some point. It could have happened while turning.

Cooltones · 11-12-2015, 10:09 AM

Yup. Looks like scratches to me, OP.
Such things are better brought to the dealer's attention ASAP as there's always the risk of them thinking that over time it was caused by you...

Good Luck.

SaMaster14 · 11-12-2015, 11:54 AM

Thank you all for the replies! I will try and take the car in this weekend.

For any in LA, do you recommend Santa Monica, Valencia or Bob Smith (Calabasas) or others??

Dshady · 11-13-2015, 11:41 AM

Really does look like a scratch to me as well. I've done this in other cars when getting in. It can be that the wheel was turned when it happened and just rubbed up against it with something hard like a pocket knife clip in my case. Even the edge of your belt is strong enough to do it.

11-11-2015, 04:25 PM	#1
SaMaster14 Brigadier General 4439 Rep 3,866 Posts Drives: '23 G80 M3C xDrive; '13 e92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [8.50] 2023 BMW M3 Competi ... [10.00]	Steering wheel leather cracking a bit This is definitely an ocd issue, but the top of my steering wheel is cracking a bit. I usually don't have my hands there while driving, so I'm thinking it might be from the sun (even though my car is parked indoors mostly when not driving). There is no cracking where I usually place my hands (by the paddle shifters like normal...) Anyone else? Attached Images __________________ 2023 G80 M3 Competition xDrive Isle of Man Green on Kyalami Orange full leather - 826M black wheels - Carbon Fiber Trim - Carbon Bucket Seats - Executive/Driving Assist/Parking Packages - Laserlight - M Shadowline Lights - M Drive Pro - CS Trans/Diff/Steering Coding 2013 E92 M3 Mineral White on Bamboo Beige noviello leather (Base w/ Nav, Comfort Access, Lighting Pack) - DINAN Stage 1 and Free Flow Axle-Back Exhaust
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-11-2015, 05:58 PM	#2
04RC51 Large Member 951 Rep 1,749 Posts Drives: E92 M3, F82 M4 Join Date: May 2008 Location: NYC iTrader: (1)	How many times have you conditioned the leather? __________________ 2008 E92 M3 (Engine swap completed), 2015 F82 M4
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-11-2015, 05:59 PM	#3
IM2C Major General 2067 Rep 5,373 Posts Drives: ∞ Improbability Drive Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: FL iTrader: (9)	Are you sure it's not scratched? Wristwatch? __________________ ///\| g87 \| f87 Comp \| g29 M40i \| f97 Comp \| f80 Comp \| f80 \| f30 \| e92 \| tt \| S5 \| e92 \| 350z \| e90 \|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-11-2015, 06:10 PM	#5
F80silverstone Private 13 Rep 55 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	I had a similar issue. BMW replaced it with the performance wheel. I guess for the inconvenience. Bring that baby in ASAP before someone sees it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-11-2015, 06:42 PM	#6
SaMaster14 Brigadier General 4439 Rep 3,866 Posts Drives: '23 G80 M3C xDrive; '13 e92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [8.50] 2023 BMW M3 Competi ... [10.00]	I do have a wristwatch, but I never have it on the top of the wheel. It definitely feels like cracking, not scratches. I will take it in soon Never used leather conditioner, I didn't think that would be necessary in a mass production car of this price after 6 months and 5k miles Any recommendations on good dealers in LA who can help me? __________________ 2023 G80 M3 Competition xDrive Isle of Man Green on Kyalami Orange full leather - 826M black wheels - Carbon Fiber Trim - Carbon Bucket Seats - Executive/Driving Assist/Parking Packages - Laserlight - M Shadowline Lights - M Drive Pro - CS Trans/Diff/Steering Coding 2013 E92 M3 Mineral White on Bamboo Beige noviello leather (Base w/ Nav, Comfort Access, Lighting Pack) - DINAN Stage 1 and Free Flow Axle-Back Exhaust
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-11-2015, 07:31 PM	#7
TheFlyingMouse Second Lieutenant 80 Rep 251 Posts Drives: 2016 F80 M3 6MT / E82 128i 6MT Join Date: May 2015 Location: SF Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW 128i [0.00] 2016 BMW M3 [0.00]	Conditioner every 2-3 months so I hear. Do you have a good sunshade? My dash was dry after I picked it up post-ED. Conditioner really restored the color. Easy DIY but research and get the right stuff first! I used Zaino Z-9 and Z-10. Need to apply more of the latter. The dash is a bit splotchy from uneven application.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-11-2015, 07:56 PM	#10
TheFlyingMouse Second Lieutenant 80 Rep 251 Posts Drives: 2016 F80 M3 6MT / E82 128i 6MT Join Date: May 2015 Location: SF Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW 128i [0.00] 2016 BMW M3 [0.00]	Note that I have leather dash. I wouldn't use leather conditioner on the normal dash.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-12-2015, 09:28 AM	#14
RocketBoots Colonel 1860 Rep 2,104 Posts Drives: Horse Drawn Carriage Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (3)	Those look like they could be either to me. If they are deeper, and you can feel the ridges, I'd probably say cracks. Almost looks like someone took a wire brush to it or something. While conditioning will help overall, it is absolutely not essential; and lack of conditioning should not cause 'cracks' in the leather. Probably 95% of people will not condition the leather. If you condition it, it will just look and feel nicer. Unless you did the damage yourself, I'd take it in and see what the dealer says. Although, I'm always surprised when the dealer replaces a steering wheel (E46 M3 Comp pack wheel).
	Appreciate 1 Quote

11-12-2015, 09:31 AM	#15
Bluex Useful Idiot 1330 Rep 1,777 Posts Drives: My wife and kids insane. Join Date: May 2011 Location: West Chester, PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW F80 M3 [10.00]	I'm surprised nobody has said this yet, and I say this to you SaMaster14 in all fun....... But.... ......Lemon it. __________________ 2015 M3 Sakhir Orange ED Pickup 5/13/15 My European Delivery Thread
	Appreciate 1 Quote

11-12-2015, 09:37 AM	#16
JoeFromPA Colonel 1796 Rep 2,997 Posts Drives: '15 AW M3 6MT Stripper Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: SE PA iTrader: (0)	The leather is cracking, no doubt, but there is a very clear serious abrasion there that can be clearly seen and runs where the leather cracks. I'm not in person but just going off what I can see I'm guessing the leather got ripped into by something that scraped off the outer layer, and in the inner layer is now cracking as a result. Leather conditioner will slow down it's breakdown, but won't restore that away. FYI this happens to my steering wheels (the abrasion, not the cracking) sometimes just from getting in and out of the car while wearing jeans with rivets or jackets with zippers. It get caught on the wheel as I'm getting out of the car and the continued movement abrades the leather a bit. If you rub it down with conditioner, it goes away just fine.
	Appreciate 1 Quote

11-12-2015, 09:52 AM	#18
Bbb34 Major 731 Rep 1,472 Posts Drives: '11 535i 6sp. DHP/RWD Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: ON iTrader: (0)	That looks like imperfection in leather ended up in cracking (s... happens), does not like a scratch at all, to me at least. Just take it in and see what they say, they should just take care of it since the care is fairly new. Good luck
	Appreciate 1 Quote

11-12-2015, 09:55 AM	#19
SMV_M4 Lieutenant 300 Rep 442 Posts Drives: 2016 F82 M4 AW/SO Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: West Des Moines, IA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [0.00]	One thing to consider is that although it's the top of the wheel where you don't touch when driving straight, you are frequently turning the steering wheel and eventually your hand will touch about every surface of the leather at some point. It could have happened while turning. __________________ 2016 F82 M4 / AW/SO - Current 2013 E92 M3 ZCP / SG/FR - Sold 2008 E92 M3 / AW/FR - RIP 2008 335xi Coupe / JB/CR - Sold
	Appreciate 1 Quote

11-12-2015, 10:09 AM	#20
Cooltones Happy M Driver 241 Rep 390 Posts Drives: E60 M5, F82 M4, G05 X5 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Silicon Valley Area iTrader: (0)	Yup. Looks like scratches to me, OP. Such things are better brought to the dealer's attention ASAP as there's always the risk of them thinking that over time it was caused by you... Good Luck. __________________ 2020 X5 40i M Sport - The "Unicorn" (B&W Sound, Touch Screen, Heated/Cooled Cup Holders, Soft Close Doors, Acoustic Glass, Full Alcantara & Glass Controls, Luggage Compartment Package, Heated/Ventilated Seats, Laser Lights, Fog Lights) 2016 M4 Coupe; 2008 Dinan S1 M5; 2006 530i; 1998 328i
	Appreciate 1 Quote

11-12-2015, 11:54 AM	#21
SaMaster14 Brigadier General 4439 Rep 3,866 Posts Drives: '23 G80 M3C xDrive; '13 e92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [8.50] 2023 BMW M3 Competi ... [10.00]	Thank you all for the replies! I will try and take the car in this weekend. For any in LA, do you recommend Santa Monica, Valencia or Bob Smith (Calabasas) or others?? __________________ 2023 G80 M3 Competition xDrive Isle of Man Green on Kyalami Orange full leather - 826M black wheels - Carbon Fiber Trim - Carbon Bucket Seats - Executive/Driving Assist/Parking Packages - Laserlight - M Shadowline Lights - M Drive Pro - CS Trans/Diff/Steering Coding 2013 E92 M3 Mineral White on Bamboo Beige noviello leather (Base w/ Nav, Comfort Access, Lighting Pack) - DINAN Stage 1 and Free Flow Axle-Back Exhaust
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2015, 11:41 AM	#22
Dshady Private First Class 55 Rep 138 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: TX iTrader: (0)	Really does look like a scratch to me as well. I've done this in other cars when getting in. It can be that the wheel was turned when it happened and just rubbed up against it with something hard like a pocket knife clip in my case. Even the edge of your belt is strong enough to do it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote