gdavis

My 2004 heated steering wheel (sports suspension version) has leather that looks much more worn than anything else on the car! It's awful and I know I could have the whole steering wheel changed out, but it seems like an enormous effort and cost. My car now has about 94,000mi/150,000km.

Does anyone know of a quality approach to refinishing the existing leather or any alternative to bringing it back to new conditions?

thanks

my530i

If it has not worn out dye layer, I'd suggest the following before spending large amount of money:
- Clean steering wheel with leather cleaner
- Use Mr. Clean Magic Erase sponge and lightly scrub the steering wheel
Don't use too much force or you'll remove finish layer.

Steering wheel will have matte finish like new.

Give it a try and report back here.

gdavis

It seems like the dye layer is still there, but it's shiny instead of matt like it used to be.

I'll definitely try this and let you know how it went. I'll take before & after pics to compare....

thanks,

AchtungE60

I got a real leather wrap to sew onto my wheel about 2 years ago and still have to find the time....

e60oholic

I was looking into this also I found a website http://dallassteeringwheel.com/

They have some real nice looking recovers.

so i emailed them and here is their response.

Hi, The only way to keep heating element on your steering wheel is having new leather cover over the existing leather. The cost to recover your 2004 BMW 545i steering wheel to factory's specification is- Wheel $299 (solid black leather) or $329 (perforated & solid black leathers. The same cost for Alcantara or combine Leather & Alcantara).- Tricolor stitching $30.- Extra 1/16" padding $30 (if prefer much thicker than stock).- Shipping $18.Turn around time about 4 days.Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions.
Thanks,
Don Le
469-449-7973

iamsoopaman

you can go this route too: http://passatb5.wikidot.com/refinish...steering-wheel