Alcantara steering wheel

[IEDEI]

How many of you installed an Alcantara steering wheel? Have always wanted one and am thinking about getting one. There are a few variations with different coloured 12:00 stripes......i don't think i want the one with the lights and stuff on it.

can you guys share some photos of the interior with the Alcantara steering wheel? Also any recommendations on places that sell them for the best price?

thanks!

[ozinaldo]

Here you go, mine is done at 12.00 as well as the rear cf spoiler by IND:

[zzimbile]

Anyone have any insight into how these wear over time?

[rkives]

Originally Posted by zzimbile

Anyone have any insight into how these wear over time?

Mine is an 09 with 53,000 KM. The alcantara seems to wear fine, just don't drive with greasy hands! Clean up is easy with a damp cloth with a small drip of soap, then bring up the pile with a suede brush, or toothbrush should work.

[gregthegr8]

Originally Posted by ozinaldo

Here you go, mine is done at 12.00 as well as the rear cf spoiler by IND:

Ooh, gotta say, that orange stripe version is a must have for a VO 1M. IND do that custom? Thought BMW only made it in yellow, blue and red, so I assume IND painted/did the VO orange?

[Harlequin]

I am seriously leaning toward getting one of these....

[ozinaldo]

Originally Posted by gregthegr8

Ooh, gotta say, that orange stripe version is a must have for a VO 1M. IND do that custom? Thought BMW only made it in yellow, blue and red, so I assume IND painted/did the VO orange?

Yes, they did and for a price! However, once we are in these things you know how it goes and how wallets get lighter.

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by ozinaldo

Here you go, mine is done at 12.00 as well as the rear cf spoiler by IND:

very nice

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by rkives

Mine is an 09 with 53,000 KM. The alcantara seems to wear fine, just don't drive with greasy hands! Clean up is easy with a damp cloth with a small drip of soap, then bring up the pile with a suede brush, or toothbrush should work.

I've read the same....easy to clean but should be cleaned regularly right?

[BMW86]

I've got the electric v2 wheel and it's great. Definitely worthwhile spending the extra for the LCD display. I usually leave mine on oil/water temp. You'll be surprised how slow the oil heats up before it shows any movement on the minimum needle mark on the dash. The steering wheel itself is very nice and is of high quality. The flat bottom is cool too. If you get one I recommend getting the centre steering wheel trim in alcantara too.

[Narek]

Mine is a BMWP alcantara with blue 12oclock, plus the centre is alcantara as well.

It does wear, especially in the heat of dubai, and i usually put my hand on 9oclock while the other one is usually on the gear, so the 9oclock is a little more worn, but I suspect others can't tell, its just that I know so i see it.

I like the feel more than leather though. Much more.

[scotth944]

I had no wear on my wheel during the first year on the car but after the second year, the wear is starting to show around the 9:00 position which is where I primarily make contact with the wheel. The LCD and RPM indicators have been useful, as BMW86 pointed out, oil temp takes at least twice as long as water to get up to temp and as soon as I see 180 on the oil, I know I can punch it. After it's up to temp, I switch over to G meter to see how much the tires can handle as they come up to temp. RPM lights have been helpful on occasion to help me from punching through the red line limit. For the rice factor, people notice the startup message and light sequencing that gets displayed when I start the car.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Very popular steering wheel.
Some customers have had it for over 1-2 years and it still looks great and others complain that it starts to wear after 6 months.
If you plan on getting one make sure to do regular maintenance

[zzimbile]

is there any way to change the color of the strip as a DIY?

[IEDEI]

thanks for your thoughts! your orange stripe one looks great ozinaldo

I'm thinking of getting the blue stripe one....in the spirit of Gulf colours and all!

[BEAM3R]

I've got the blue stripe. It wears ok, but definitely needs a regular clean. I use the OEM BMW Alcantara cleaner w/ some rags and a toothbrush and it's incredible how much grime comes off it.. Feels amazing when it's freshly cleaned though.

[E30 Racer]

Originally Posted by Narek

Mine is a BMWP alcantara with blue 12oclock, plus the centre is alcantara as well.

It does wear, especially in the heat of dubai, and i usually put my hand on 9oclock while the other one is usually on the gear, so the 9oclock is a little more worn, but I suspect others can't tell, its just that I know so i see it.

I like the feel more than leather though. Much more.

Off topic, but how do you like your center vent gauge? Worthwhile? Is the loss of airflow through the vent noticeable?

[Narek]

Originally Posted by E30 Racer

Off topic, but how do you like your center vent gauge? Worthwhile? Is the loss of airflow through the vent noticeable?

You mean the AWRON? It's fine, even in Dubai in 50 degree (c) summer weather. The difference is it doesn't blow straight on you, but the car stays cool enough. Worth it in my opinion, especially for boost, and oil temperature readings. You don't want to push the car until the oil warms up, and the wait from cold start to around 70-75 degrees takes quite long. I don't use boost until its 70+.


In regards to the thread, I actually cleaned my steering wheel for the first time in a LONG time, and the "wear" marks that I mentioned, turns out they were dirt! Feeling brand spanking new right now. Definitely a good product.

[ChrisBuer]

How exactly are you cleaning these wheels? Mine has gone quite shiny around the 3 and 9 o'clock and I've tried dabbing on some Swissvax alcantara cleaner, but it doesn't seem to be doing much.

Do I need to be a bit more aggressive and scrub it with a toothbrush?

[Nkc]

sorry to go off topic but looking at all the pics here, it seems like a lot of you have Navi. How hard would it be for me to install the NAV unit if I don't even have the screen in the first place?

[CP 1///M]

Originally Posted by Nkc

sorry to go off topic but looking at all the pics here, it seems like a lot of you have Navi. How hard would it be for me to install the NAV unit if I don't even have the screen in the first place?

You would need to change the dash cover and for me that's far too much trouble - don't know why most of the GVRD cars didn't have Navi.

[I35it]

Originally Posted by Nkc

sorry to go off topic but looking at all the pics here, it seems like a lot of you have Navi. How hard would it be for me to install the NAV unit if I don't even have the screen in the first place?

My understanding on this is that you would actually need to cut into your dash. Not replace your entire dash. After that its some software and some supporting modules and good to go.