[satz]

hi all

the rubber coating on the trim part of my 2009 E90 335i's steering is wearing out.

I've seen some nice looking glossy 'carbon fibre' replacements on Ebay. But I'm worried whether they'll fit nicely, or be warped.

Can anyone recommend a good seller for these?

My steering wheel looks like the one in the attached image (I wish I could get the leather part that matte again!)

thanks

Satz

[zero2sixtyZ]

Buy a 1x1 of 3M 1080 Satin Black vinyl.
Sand down smooth / remove old material. Clean and dry.
Lay vinyl and trim.

I covered the silver strips with spare 3M 1080 Brushed Black to match the dash trim. Still holding up like day one after 3 years.

Tip:Use a test scrap and lay over sanded areas to see if they will show through before applying final vinyl piece.

[Wolf 335]

Originally Posted by satz

hi all

the rubber coating on the trim part of my 2009 E90 335i's steering is wearing out.

I've seen some nice looking glossy 'carbon fibre' replacements on Ebay. But I'm worried whether they'll fit nicely, or be warped.

Can anyone recommend a good seller for these?

My steering wheel looks like the one in the attached image (I wish I could get the leather part that matte again!)

thanks

Satz

I think going with a carbon trim may look a bit off as your other trim pieces are plain.

Wrapping it with vinyl is the best option as 'zero2sixtyz' suggested.

If you want to achieve identical look to oem matte rubberized finish, then go with 3M 1080 Mate Black vinyl wrap.

Personally sanding the rubber finish is a pain in the ass. I took my whole trim and let it soak in acetone nail polish remover (EDIT: DO NOT USE PURE 100% ACETONE AS IT WILL EAT INTO YOUR PLASTIC. USE NAIL POLISH REMOVER WITHOUT ACETONE OR LOW CONCETRATION). Rubberized coating comes off within minutes and with ease (see my thread about this: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1122789).

[kickserve]

I bought my steering wheel trim off ebay (bmwpartssource1) for <$60. (Oops- may not be helpful— didn't notice you were in Aus)

[tcphoto]

I had the same issue when I bought my used E92 and replaced it with the M trim. I was happy to get rid of the chrome and it matches the ZHP shift knob.

[satz]

hi guys
the picture I posted in my first post was just a stock image, mine has the same wheel but I have the brushed alum trim and black leather (and of course RHD!)

Hence my interest in adding a bit of gloss via the carbon-fibre piece. However, perhaps I should do the vinyl wrap option...

Is it easy to remove that piece from the steering wheel? Do I have to disconnect/remove the airbag

cheers

[tcphoto]

Disconnect the battery.
Standard screwdriver in the slot on both sides of wheel to release airbag.
13mm? Socket to pull wheel.
Torq bit to pull trim and same to separate trim from upper controls.
Reverse to assemble.

There are plenty of videos on YouTube and they will help.

[Wolf 335]

Originally Posted by satz

hi guys
the picture I posted in my first post was just a stock image, mine has the same wheel but I have the brushed alum trim and black leather (and of course RHD!)

Hence my interest in adding a bit of gloss via the carbon-fibre piece. However, perhaps I should do the vinyl wrap option...

Is it easy to remove that piece from the steering wheel? Do I have to disconnect/remove the airbag

cheers

I didn't disconnect the battery as there is absolutely no need to remove the airbag.

All that is required is to remove the screws from the back that are holding the trim. Slowing maneuver the trim from around the airbag cover. Disconnect the wires from the steering wheel controls, its gonna be a bit tight but totally doable.

There are a few diy tutorial on here that will guide you in detail.

Also, if you feel like spicing things up a bit you could get the trim from 1 series.

[Adieu]

Just dont buy anything OTHER than 3M 1080 (or maybe just maybe Avery, never tried but heard some people found it workable)


Most other "vinyls" are unstretchable contact paper that only works on utterly flat surfaces

[ptpending]

Originally Posted by Wolf 335

I didn't disconnect the battery as there is absolutely no need to remove the airbag.

All that is required is to remove the screws from the back that are holding the trim. Slowing maneuver the trim from around the airbag cover. Disconnect the wires from the steering wheel controls, its gonna be a bit tight but totally doable.

There are a few diy tutorial on here that will guide you in detail.

Also, if you feel like spicing things up a bit you could get the trim from 1 series.

Attachment 1755963

Attachment 1755964

i can ship such trim, without buttons, slightly used for 70 USD shipped