Blackonblackonblack

O.K., I did this once before with a previous car. Someone cut in front of me and I had to slam on my brakes and I punched the steering wheel bmw roundel, thinking it was the horn...and dented it. The dealer told me it was a $600+ fix because it was attached to the airbag. I thought maybe a dentless repair guy could solve this thing...any ideas?

pinguhk

I got a 2nd hard airbag and there was a bent in the bage too which I was pissed of*ed so I just got a new carbon logo and replaced it.

Rudy

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I think the dealer is correct that the emblem is part of the airbag. This issue has come up many times here and people have had different results as far as repair. Some dealers won't do it and some have. I'd say that the only argument you can make is that you weren't abusing the car, you were using the horn as designed and the emblem bent. If you're lucky, they'll warranty a replacement airbag for you (which is around $700!)

Here is a post that contains some additional info -- pay attention to the links in my post (post #5) to see more about a warranty repair:
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=23034

Here are some other threads about this:
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?s=&showtopic=11047
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=13283

jet190rs

wow this must be a common problem, mine has a dent too!

bmw should address this in a TIS! lol

Blackonblackonblack

Pinghuk, do you mean you bought another roundel and placed it over the one on the wheel? Wouldn't it have had to be a larger circumference to fit over the original? You cannot just put the same sized logo on the bent one? I was thinking of doing what you just indicated...if there was a decent way to attach it inconspicuously.

BTW, Rudy, thanks for all the threads, I read through them...and I clearly recall reading some of these...way back when our cars were new. I was telling myself...I would never press/punch that roundel...'cause I had done it on a previous car...and here I am! Anyway, thanks for clarifying that I'm SOL!!!

Rudy

Why not call BMW NA and politely ask them why the part failed under normal use? Maybe they'll authorize a replacement? Maybe try another dealer?

Who knows, you may not be SOL just yet...

Blackonblackonblack

I'll give it a shot...but if all else fails, I'm not so picky that if I find a larger one to go over the dented roundel...I'll be satisfied with the bandaid fix.

HotLap

That's actually a good question. I have seen the aftermarket roundel's on various colors, stock, black and white, carbon fiber, etc....how are these affixed to the stock roundels? Might call one of the aftermarket shops and see what they say?

iversonm

Be cautious, given that the roundel could be flying at you with the airbag. I wouldn't fear a sticker, but avoid anything with any heft.

rpav

Mine has a dent from when i bought it!! And i didnt do it