Steering Wheel Shrinking!!!

[YoungGuns]

Hey guys, don't know if I'm the only one who has the problem. But my OEM steering wheel has visibly shrunken in its diameter. I noticed it when my buddy got the same sport steering wheel for his 135 a while ago. His steering wheel is noticeably thicker and more plush. He told me it might be because of my hand sweat, but if that's the case only the 9 O'clock should've shrunken. Another friend who drives the e92 m3 has the same problem.

Is there any way to fix this? I was gonna try taking a heat gun to it lol. Would the Performance Steering Wheel have the same problem?

[ozinaldo]

Originally Posted by YoungGuns

Hey guys, don't know if I'm the only one who has the problem. But my OEM steering wheel has visibly shrunken in its diameter. I noticed it when my buddy got the same sport steering wheel for his 135 a while ago. His steering wheel is noticeably thicker and more plush. He told me it might be because of my hand sweat, but if that's the case only the 9 O'clock should've shrunken. Another friend who drives the e92 m3 has the same problem.

Is there any way to fix this? I was gonna try taking a heat gun to it lol. Would the Performance Steering Wheel have the same problem?

Everyday I learn something new from this Forum

Interesting thing is in fact the stock steering wheel is a bit too thick and needs some shrinking anyway! Maybe yours is just adapting to a optimum grip automatically

[v1k0d3n]

wtf? it isn't even april fools.

[wkndwrrr]

I've go to say, the wear on the 1M is the worse of any BMW I've owned.
My old e46/e92s/e71, the steering wheels and seats didn't seem to wear regardless of how rough I treated it.
The 1M however, lol, the seats are wearing out awkwardly, as is the steering wheel. And I've been treating the car like a queen.
At least we can replace the steering wheel when it gets too bad. We can't get aftermarket seats in Canada with the airbag being integrated.

[ozinaldo]

Originally Posted by wkndwrrr

I've go to say, the wear on the 1M is the worse of any BMW I've owned.
My old e46/e92s/e71, the steering wheels and seats didn't seem to wear regardless of how rough I treated it.
The 1M however, lol, the seats are wearing out awkwardly, as is the steering wheel.
At least we can replace the steering wheel when it gets too bad. We can't get aftermarket seats in Canada with the airbag being integrated.

That's why I am planning to replace the seating area and backrest with alcantara (custom job) after some initial wear, this way I can also add some VO details too I also noticed the steering wheel leather is a very sensitive one, wearing out rapidly, this despite my very low mileage.

[Jezzer]

My OEM 1M seats and steering wheel are like new seems to have no wear on them whatsoever

[Aussie_in_London]

Funny thing is I have a loan steering wheel in my car from a 3 series M sport (while mine is being recovered in alcantara) and I really miss my thicker M wheel somewhat. Interesting what you get use to lol

[Dee Pee]

Originally Posted by Jezzer

My OEM 1M seats and steering wheel are like new seems to have no wear on them whatsoever

No issues here either. I wonder if this may be limited to "batches" of cars or associated with build dates?

[Aussie_in_London]

Originally Posted by Dee Pee

No issues here either. I wonder if this may be limited to "batches" of cars or associated with build dates?

No, it's because Jez has them sitting in his garage and not in his car lol

[YoungGuns]

Originally Posted by wkndwrrr

I've go to say, the wear on the 1M is the worse of any BMW I've owned.
My old e46/e92s/e71, the steering wheels and seats didn't seem to wear regardless of how rough I treated it.
The 1M however, lol, the seats are wearing out awkwardly, as is the steering wheel. And I've been treating the car like a queen.
At least we can replace the steering wheel when it gets too bad. We can't get aftermarket seats in Canada with the airbag being integrated.

wknd are u thinking about getting the performance steering wheel as well? I hope that with the alcantara it won't shrink or wear as quickly

Originally Posted by Aussie_in_London

Funny thing is I have a loan steering wheel in my car from a 3 series M sport (while mine is being recovered in alcantara) and I really miss my thicker M wheel somewhat. Interesting what you get use to lol

Yah I remember when i first got the car it was super thickkkk!!! Need it back to that state

[Dan Parker]

Patiently waits for Viagra joke...

[Ascari]

Originally Posted by Jezzer

My OEM 1M seats and steering wheel are like new seems to have no wear on them whatsoever

Same.

[YoungGuns]

Originally Posted by Dan Parker

Patiently waits for Viagra joke...

Dude, when I was trying to describe the thickness this is exactly what I was thinking

[Dan Parker]

If it lasts for more than 4 hours call you physician (or all your other lady friends)

[v1k0d3n]

Originally Posted by Dan Parker

If it lasts for more than 4 hours call you physician (or all your other lady friends)

in that case...i would definitely get it "serviced".

[TunedM2C]

"I was in the pool, I was in the pool!"

[wkndwrrr]

Originally Posted by YoungGuns

wknd are u thinking about getting the performance steering wheel as well? I hope that with the alcantara it won't shrink or wear as quickly

Yeah I am! I'm thinking the non-digital one, with the flat bottom.

[YoungGuns]

Originally Posted by wkndwrrr

Yeah I am! I'm thinking the non-digital one, with the flat bottom.

ME TOOOOOO

[diegorst]

I replaced the stock steering wheel with the electronic Performance wheel in alcantara and I love it!! I have noticed a little wear at the 9 o'clock position but I reckon it normal wear, not too much.
I really like it and the feel is great!

[ozinaldo]

Originally Posted by diegorst

I replaced the stock steering wheel with the electronic Performance wheel in alcantara and I love it!! I have noticed a little wear at the 9 o'clock position but I reckon it normal wear, not too much.
I really like it and the feel is great!

So you mean that you noticed a bit of a wear on your stock steering wheel or the newer alcantara one? If latter, how long did it take this to happen with the alcantara?