Steering wheel leather peeling. Warranty cover it?

Damage Inc · 03-10-2019, 11:21 PM

So I finally got my 16 535i. Looks like the steering wheel leather is peeling? I wiped it down with a damp micro cloth and it peeled even worse.

It peeling a bit on the drivers side armrest as well. Passenger side no issue.

Car is under factory warranty.

Anybody seen this before? I've had a dozen bmw's over the years, never seen anything like this on a wheel especially an M wheel

lsturbointeg · 03-10-2019, 11:28 PM

so i'm assuming you're not the original owner? probably used some type of cleaner not meant for leather and thus why it's peeling. leather should not do that. I've had my Ledermanz leather/Alcan Tara steering wheel for more than 2 years and the leather doesn't look anything like your pictures. also, I've never seen anyone here post with regards to leather peeling so you're the first. bring it to the dealer and see if it's covered. GL!

ezaircon4jc · 03-10-2019, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damage Inc

So I finally got my 16 535i. Looks like the steering wheel leather is peeling? I wiped it down with a damp micro cloth and it peeled even worse.

It peeling a bit on the drivers side armrest as well. Passenger side no issue.

Car is under factory warranty.

Anybody seen this before? I've had a dozen bmw's over the years, never seen anything like this on a wheel especially an M wheel

If you're under the original 4/50K bumper-to-bumper it should be covered. Outside of the 4/50? Doesn't hurt to try.

Damage Inc · 03-11-2019, 10:39 AM

I just got the car Friday. It was shipped sight unseen. The pics from the dealer showed a perfect wheel. I gently wiped with a clean cloth to get the shippers dirty hands off the wheel, then all this peeling showed.

It almost looks like the dealer covered it with something. Which came off when I cleaned it.

It was a BMW dealer I bought the car from. 32k miles. 1 year of factory plus 1 year of CPO left.

Rest of the car is mint. I'm going to see if I can get the selling dealer to do something for me. Plus drop by the local dealer today to see what they say.

I've never seen this before either. My wheels are always mint, even my alcantara M wheel no issues.

Damage Inc · 03-11-2019, 03:03 PM

dropped by the local dealer (not the selling dealer). They said no way. their policy is no replacement on "trim". And this was caused by skin lotion lol. Not surprising, the local dealer here is corporate owned and "by the book".

ezaircon4jc · 03-11-2019, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damage Inc

dropped by the local dealer (not the selling dealer). They said no way. their policy is no replacement on "trim". And this was caused by skin lotion lol. Not surprising, the local dealer here is corporate owned and "by the book".

Hmmm... Doesn't bumper-to-bumper mean just that? Make them show you where this is NOT covered. Dealer POLICY does NOT supersede FACTORY warranty against this OBVIOUS defect! I would certainly elevate this!

Qsilver7 · 03-11-2019, 04:41 PM

If this condition is from the use of lotion or other products...I wonder if something simple like a LIGHT scrubbing with a Mr Clean Magic Eraser will remove the coating and re-expose the leather...which you could then clean/lubricate with a good leather product.

Just a thought. BTW...do a google search for Mr Clean Magic Eraser and BMW steering wheels. It has been used in the past (which is why I have a mental note about it). But make sure you don't over do it since this product does contain a mild abrasive.

Damage Inc · 03-11-2019, 06:41 PM

Well, I called BMWUS to open a case. Maybe they can help me out. She said since I've had 12 BMW's in 15 years maybe they will do some goodwill for me.

If they pitch in anything I'll be happy at this point.

I'm super picky about steering wheel condition. So I will end up getting a new one, one way or another.

I figure my current one is still worth a couple hundred bucks on ebay since it can be reconditioned. So I'll put the money towards a new one.

blackdevil · 03-12-2019, 02:18 PM

looks like the dealer has tried to "smart" repair the steering wheel, try rubbing with your thumb, if your thumb goes black it's been re-sprayed.

johnhva · 03-12-2019, 09:02 PM

That's not normal wear for steering wheel and armrest. I have to conclude that the previous owner either used a lot of skin lotion or sunscreen or had very corrosive perspiration! Crossing fingers that BMW will help you out.

Damage Inc · 03-12-2019, 09:15 PM

The thing is, its around the entire wheel. Its not like its in 1 or 2 spots where somebody would put their hands. I can understand that. But I have a pic of the entire wheel, theres a ring around the entire thing.

Was somebody rubbing their hands all over the wheel lol. Makes no sense this is normal.

lsturbointeg · 03-13-2019, 01:54 AM

time for a steering wheel upgrade!

rahdigga165 · 03-13-2019, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damage Inc

The thing is, its around the entire wheel. Its not like its in 1 or 2 spots where somebody would put their hands. I can understand that. But I have a pic of the entire wheel, theres a ring around the entire thing.

Was somebody rubbing their hands all over the wheel lol. Makes no sense this is normal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damage Inc

The thing is, its around the entire wheel. Its not like its in 1 or 2 spots where somebody would put their hands. I can understand that. But I have a pic of the entire wheel, theres a ring around the entire thing.

Was somebody rubbing their hands all over the wheel lol. Makes no sense this is normal.

If its heated and for a good price, i'll consider buying

Damage Inc · 03-14-2019, 08:29 PM

Well, BMW USA called me to tell me... they will cover the full replacement for the steering wheel. Ha. I asked to repeat, make sure I heard her correctly lol.

I was happily surprised that's for sure.

I mean, they SHOULD cover it. Not like I'm getting away with anything but it was nice to not have to put up a big fight.

Well, maybe it helped that I've owned 11 BMW's in 18 years.

Either way, kudo's to BMW USA.

lsturbointeg · 03-16-2019, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damage Inc

Well, BMW USA called me to tell me... they will cover the full replacement for the steering wheel. Ha. I asked to repeat, make sure I heard her correctly lol.

I was happily surprised that's for sure.

I mean, they SHOULD cover it. Not like I'm getting away with anything but it was nice to not have to put up a big fight.

Well, maybe it helped that I've owned 11 BMW's in 18 years.

Either way, kudo's to BMW USA.

ezaircon4jc · 03-16-2019, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damage Inc

Well, BMW USA called me to tell me... they will cover the full replacement for the steering wheel. Ha. I asked to repeat, make sure I heard her correctly lol.

I was happily surprised that's for sure.

I mean, they SHOULD cover it. Not like I'm getting away with anything but it was nice to not have to put up a big fight.

Well, maybe it helped that I've owned 11 BMW's in 18 years.

Either way, kudo's to BMW USA.

Did you tell them about your dealer's "policy"? I would like to be a fly on the wall when the dealer explained to corporate why they were denying a legitimate BUMPER-TO-BUMPER claim! It's not like the dealer was going to be out any money. My dealer finds ways to have the warranty cover a repair!

Xuliganf10 · 01-26-2021, 01:38 PM

Hi i have the same issue i got a 2011 bmw 550i a month ago the leather started pealing only on the steering all around. Keep in mind this car has almost 100k miles the interior is clean except the plastic on the door handle inside is melted

03-10-2019, 11:21 PM	#1
Damage Inc Lieutenant Colonel 800 Rep 1,932 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Nashville iTrader: (1)	Steering wheel leather peeling. Warranty cover it? So I finally got my 16 535i. Looks like the steering wheel leather is peeling? I wiped it down with a damp micro cloth and it peeled even worse. It peeling a bit on the drivers side armrest as well. Passenger side no issue. Car is under factory warranty. Anybody seen this before? I've had a dozen bmw's over the years, never seen anything like this on a wheel especially an M wheel Attached Images __________________ Current: 17 OG M2 / R8 Performance Past Performance Cars: 01 M3, 05 M3, 06 M5, 08 M6, 08 M3, 11 M3, 13 M3, 15 M3, 911 C4S, 911 GTS, 17 M2,R8 V8, R8 RWS
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03-10-2019, 11:28 PM	#2
lsturbointeg Lieutenant General 9161 Rep 14,521 Posts Drives: 2011 535i Jet Black Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Asian lost in OH iTrader: (0)	so i'm assuming you're not the original owner? probably used some type of cleaner not meant for leather and thus why it's peeling. leather should not do that. I've had my Ledermanz leather/Alcan Tara steering wheel for more than 2 years and the leather doesn't look anything like your pictures. also, I've never seen anyone here post with regards to leather peeling so you're the first. bring it to the dealer and see if it's covered. GL! __________________ ~F90Conversion~21"3Piece Forged AvantGardeWheels~KWV1Coilovers~CQUENCE slotted/drilled rotors~GoodridgeStainlesslines~MeisterschaftQuadEx haust~Akrapovic 4"tips~VRSF DP~VRSF CP~TurboSmart BOV~K&N filter~CarbonFiberExteriorComponents~GladenAlphaCo mponents~MatchUp7BMW~Punch P300-12T~ Follow me on Instagram: lsturbointeg
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03-11-2019, 10:39 AM	#4
Damage Inc Lieutenant Colonel 800 Rep 1,932 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Nashville iTrader: (1)	I just got the car Friday. It was shipped sight unseen. The pics from the dealer showed a perfect wheel. I gently wiped with a clean cloth to get the shippers dirty hands off the wheel, then all this peeling showed. It almost looks like the dealer covered it with something. Which came off when I cleaned it. It was a BMW dealer I bought the car from. 32k miles. 1 year of factory plus 1 year of CPO left. Rest of the car is mint. I'm going to see if I can get the selling dealer to do something for me. Plus drop by the local dealer today to see what they say. I've never seen this before either. My wheels are always mint, even my alcantara M wheel no issues. __________________ Current: 17 OG M2 / R8 Performance Past Performance Cars: 01 M3, 05 M3, 06 M5, 08 M6, 08 M3, 11 M3, 13 M3, 15 M3, 911 C4S, 911 GTS, 17 M2,R8 V8, R8 RWS
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03-11-2019, 03:03 PM	#5
Damage Inc Lieutenant Colonel 800 Rep 1,932 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Nashville iTrader: (1)	dropped by the local dealer (not the selling dealer). They said no way. their policy is no replacement on "trim". And this was caused by skin lotion lol. Not surprising, the local dealer here is corporate owned and "by the book". __________________ Current: 17 OG M2 / R8 Performance Past Performance Cars: 01 M3, 05 M3, 06 M5, 08 M6, 08 M3, 11 M3, 13 M3, 15 M3, 911 C4S, 911 GTS, 17 M2,R8 V8, R8 RWS
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03-11-2019, 04:41 PM	#7
Qsilver7 Major General 4482 Rep 7,519 Posts Drives: F06 650ix GC / F15 X5 50i Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Indiana, USA iTrader: (0)	If this condition is from the use of lotion or other products...I wonder if something simple like a LIGHT scrubbing with a Mr Clean Magic Eraser will remove the coating and re-expose the leather...which you could then clean/lubricate with a good leather product. Just a thought. BTW...do a google search for Mr Clean Magic Eraser and BMW steering wheels. It has been used in the past (which is why I have a mental note about it). But make sure you don't over do it since this product does contain a mild abrasive. __________________ 2015 F06 650ix Gran Coupe`(Moonstone/Cohiba Brown)\| 2014 F15 X5 50i MSport (Space Gray/Mocha) Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.
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03-11-2019, 06:41 PM	#8
Damage Inc Lieutenant Colonel 800 Rep 1,932 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Nashville iTrader: (1)	Well, I called BMWUS to open a case. Maybe they can help me out. She said since I've had 12 BMW's in 15 years maybe they will do some goodwill for me. If they pitch in anything I'll be happy at this point. I'm super picky about steering wheel condition. So I will end up getting a new one, one way or another. I figure my current one is still worth a couple hundred bucks on ebay since it can be reconditioned. So I'll put the money towards a new one. __________________ Current: 17 OG M2 / R8 Performance Past Performance Cars: 01 M3, 05 M3, 06 M5, 08 M6, 08 M3, 11 M3, 13 M3, 15 M3, 911 C4S, 911 GTS, 17 M2,R8 V8, R8 RWS
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03-12-2019, 02:18 PM	#9
blackdevil New Member 0 Rep 16 Posts Drives: X5 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	looks like the dealer has tried to "smart" repair the steering wheel, try rubbing with your thumb, if your thumb goes black it's been re-sprayed.
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03-12-2019, 09:02 PM	#10
johnhva Private First Class 57 Rep 161 Posts Drives: 2014 535ix Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0) Garage List 14 BMW 535ix [0.00] 04 BMW 325cic 5MT [0.00] 16 BMW R1200RT [0.00]	That's not normal wear for steering wheel and armrest. I have to conclude that the previous owner either used a lot of skin lotion or sunscreen or had very corrosive perspiration! Crossing fingers that BMW will help you out. __________________ 2014 535i XDrive Alpine/Mocha Nappa Contour
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03-12-2019, 09:15 PM	#11
Damage Inc Lieutenant Colonel 800 Rep 1,932 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Nashville iTrader: (1)	The thing is, its around the entire wheel. Its not like its in 1 or 2 spots where somebody would put their hands. I can understand that. But I have a pic of the entire wheel, theres a ring around the entire thing. Was somebody rubbing their hands all over the wheel lol. Makes no sense this is normal. __________________ Current: 17 OG M2 / R8 Performance Past Performance Cars: 01 M3, 05 M3, 06 M5, 08 M6, 08 M3, 11 M3, 13 M3, 15 M3, 911 C4S, 911 GTS, 17 M2,R8 V8, R8 RWS
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03-13-2019, 01:54 AM	#12
lsturbointeg Lieutenant General 9161 Rep 14,521 Posts Drives: 2011 535i Jet Black Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Asian lost in OH iTrader: (0)	time for a steering wheel upgrade! __________________ ~F90Conversion~21"3Piece Forged AvantGardeWheels~KWV1Coilovers~CQUENCE slotted/drilled rotors~GoodridgeStainlesslines~MeisterschaftQuadEx haust~Akrapovic 4"tips~VRSF DP~VRSF CP~TurboSmart BOV~K&N filter~CarbonFiberExteriorComponents~GladenAlphaCo mponents~MatchUp7BMW~Punch P300-12T~ Follow me on Instagram: lsturbointeg
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03-14-2019, 08:29 PM	#14
Damage Inc Lieutenant Colonel 800 Rep 1,932 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Nashville iTrader: (1)	Well, BMW USA called me to tell me... they will cover the full replacement for the steering wheel. Ha. I asked to repeat, make sure I heard her correctly lol. I was happily surprised that's for sure. I mean, they SHOULD cover it. Not like I'm getting away with anything but it was nice to not have to put up a big fight. Well, maybe it helped that I've owned 11 BMW's in 18 years. Either way, kudo's to BMW USA. __________________ Current: 17 OG M2 / R8 Performance Past Performance Cars: 01 M3, 05 M3, 06 M5, 08 M6, 08 M3, 11 M3, 13 M3, 15 M3, 911 C4S, 911 GTS, 17 M2,R8 V8, R8 RWS
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01-26-2021, 01:38 PM	#17
Xuliganf10 New Member 2 Rep 12 Posts Drives: 2011 bmw 550i 6mt Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Pa usa iTrader: (0)	Hi i have the same issue i got a 2011 bmw 550i a month ago the leather started pealing only on the steering all around. Keep in mind this car has almost 100k miles the interior is clean except the plastic on the door handle inside is melted
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