M performance steering wheel questions

sammyj · 11-11-2023, 02:13 PM

Hey folks,
About to enter production (!!!!!) so was thinking about a few port installed accs. M steering is high on my list, but curious if the juice is worth the squeeze on this one. A few questions for those that have gone down this route::

Does it work with manual? The website seemed to allude to this being only paddle shifter compatible. I’m probably reading this wrong, but wanted to double check.
Do you lose heated?
Is the carbon fiber “frozen”? I believe that the stock comes with glossy to match the rest of the trim, so this may look strange?
This might be a long shot, but does it do anything for steering feel?

Thanks!

Squidget · 11-11-2023, 03:45 PM

It works with the manual, there are covers that are put on the back side when there are no paddles.

The official M wheel is just as fat and squishy as the stock wheel so will not improve feel at all. BMW does not believe in thin wheels, which could help.

I don't know the answers to the other questions. (A BMW parts guy let me handle the wheel at the counter, and I decided not to install it.)

sclui56 · 11-11-2023, 05:41 PM

I have that on my F87 6MT but decided to skip this for the G87, it felt good with the texture, BUT the blue piece on my sample, as well as quite a few I have seen, simply does not hold up well - color coming off with mild cleaning. I don't mind the loss of heated steering, but don't think I will go for it this time.

BTW, mine was getting worse early on, like in year 2, so it's not because of the SoCal sun.

xxyion · 11-11-2023, 05:52 PM

I ordered it with mine but my car isn’t here yet so I can’t say, but for me I imagine it will be nicer to drive with. I personally really like alcantara steering wheels and the fact that this one has both leather and alcantara is a nice touch imo. I live in California so there’s no use for heated steering wheels for me so I don’t feel the loss. I’m looking forward to having it. I also chose to get the M Performance suspension installed port side.

sclui56 · 11-11-2023, 07:01 PM

xxyion You will like the feel, I know I do. Just can't get over the quality of the blue dye though. If/when I decide to swap later, it would be a simple job at least.

OTOH, I am more keen in finding a solution for the 6MT knob for the G.

xxyion · 11-12-2023, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sclui56

xxyion You will like the feel, I know I do. Just can't get over the quality of the blue dye though. If/when I decide to swap later, it would be a simple job at least.

OTOH, I am more keen in finding a solution for the 6MT knob for the G.

Seems so weird they would dye the racing stripe rather than it be a leather piece stitched in, oh well. Luckily I almost never put my hand in the top middle so I expect it to last.

M_Power Rob · 11-12-2023, 07:15 AM

Alcantara is nice when new but with constant handling (on a steering wheel) and the natural body oils in your hands especially on a daily dtiver, a hard pass.

If you feel the need for an "improvement" steering wheel, I suggest also checking out aftermarket versions.

Sculpin · 11-12-2023, 07:24 AM

I had the alcantara wheel in my E90 M3 and loved it. Wanted one for the G87 but I personally don’t like that this one has leather on the top and bottom so I skipped it.

Someone else here on the forum made me aware of the M3 CS wheel and it’s exactly what I was looking for so I’ll be ordering one of those very soon. It is not heated but here in Florida that doesn’t matter.

https://paddleshifterz.com/product/o...l-32307874035/

40 Cylinders · 11-12-2023, 07:29 AM

I did order the M-Performace wheel and agree the info was vague regarding use with a manual.. but my M2 came in 14 days ago and the wheel was port installed... looks and feels good to me.. CF is gloss and matches the rest of the interior CF.. no heat... no idea about the 12 o'clock blue strip being an issue.. all leather is dyed.. why would one use a cleaned strong enough to strip your color ?
Feel is subjective...I like this wheel compared to Porsche wheels which seem a touch thinner..
Enjoy your M2....

sammyj · 11-12-2023, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 40 Cylinders

I did order the M-Performace wheel and agree the info was vague regarding use with a manual.. but my M2 came in 14 days ago and the wheel was port installed... looks and feels good to me.. CF is gloss and matches the rest of the interior CF.. no heat... no idea about the 12 o'clock blue strip being an issue.. all leather is dyed.. why would one use a cleaned strong enough to strip your color ?
Feel is subjective...I like this wheel compared to Porsche wheels which seem a touch thinner..
Enjoy your M2....

Any chance you could post a pic? Would love to see it!!

Congrats on the new addition to the family

sclui56 · 11-12-2023, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 40 Cylinders

I did order the M-Performace wheel and agree the info was vague regarding use with a manual.. but my M2 came in 14 days ago and the wheel was port installed... looks and feels good to me.. CF is gloss and matches the rest of the interior CF.. no heat... no idea about the 12 o'clock blue strip being an issue.. all leather is dyed.. why would one use a cleaned strong enough to strip your color ?
Feel is subjective...I like this wheel compared to Porsche wheels which seem a touch thinner..
Enjoy your M2....

Wasn't any strong cleaner, it didn't take much even with mild cleaning. It was annoying to see when it first happened, but I am used to it. Just don't need a repeat. I have seen quite a few with similar issues, hope yours will hold up well.

aerobod · 11-12-2023, 07:53 PM

Alcantara should hold up fairly well, if maintained to the manufacturer’s instructions: https://www.alcantara.com/cleaning-m...y%20(overnight).

11-11-2023, 02:13 PM	#1
sammyj Private First Class 256 Rep 130 Posts Drives: G87 Join Date: Jul 2023 Location: Triangle, NC iTrader: (0)	M performance steering wheel questions Hey folks, About to enter production (!!!!!) so was thinking about a few port installed accs. M steering is high on my list, but curious if the juice is worth the squeeze on this one. A few questions for those that have gone down this route:: Does it work with manual? The website seemed to allude to this being only paddle shifter compatible. I’m probably reading this wrong, but wanted to double check. Do you lose heated? Is the carbon fiber “frozen”? I believe that the stock comes with glossy to match the rest of the trim, so this may look strange? This might be a long shot, but does it do anything for steering feel? Thanks! __________________ Whoever said "money can't buy happiness" clearly never drove an M2.
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11-11-2023, 03:45 PM	#2
Squidget Lieutenant Colonel 3534 Rep 1,547 Posts Drives: 2023 G87, 2011 E90 335i Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	It works with the manual, there are covers that are put on the back side when there are no paddles. The official M wheel is just as fat and squishy as the stock wheel so will not improve feel at all. BMW does not believe in thin wheels, which could help. I don't know the answers to the other questions. (A BMW parts guy let me handle the wheel at the counter, and I decided not to install it.)
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11-11-2023, 05:41 PM	#3
sclui56 Private First Class 98 Rep 147 Posts Drives: E86, IS-F, G42, G87 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	I have that on my F87 6MT but decided to skip this for the G87, it felt good with the texture, BUT the blue piece on my sample, as well as quite a few I have seen, simply does not hold up well - color coming off with mild cleaning. I don't mind the loss of heated steering, but don't think I will go for it this time. BTW, mine was getting worse early on, like in year 2, so it's not because of the SoCal sun.
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11-11-2023, 05:52 PM	#4
xxyion Captain 762 Rep 786 Posts Drives: 2024 M4 Competition xDrive Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Fremont CA iTrader: (0)	I ordered it with mine but my car isn’t here yet so I can’t say, but for me I imagine it will be nicer to drive with. I personally really like alcantara steering wheels and the fact that this one has both leather and alcantara is a nice touch imo. I live in California so there’s no use for heated steering wheels for me so I don’t feel the loss. I’m looking forward to having it. I also chose to get the M Performance suspension installed port side.
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11-11-2023, 07:01 PM	#5
sclui56 Private First Class 98 Rep 147 Posts Drives: E86, IS-F, G42, G87 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	xxyion You will like the feel, I know I do. Just can't get over the quality of the blue dye though. If/when I decide to swap later, it would be a simple job at least. OTOH, I am more keen in finding a solution for the 6MT knob for the G.
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11-12-2023, 07:15 AM	#7
M_Power Rob Brigadier General 3760 Rep 3,032 Posts Drives: '23 M240 and '23 M2 Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	Alcantara is nice when new but with constant handling (on a steering wheel) and the natural body oils in your hands especially on a daily dtiver, a hard pass. If you feel the need for an "improvement" steering wheel, I suggest also checking out aftermarket versions.
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11-12-2023, 07:24 AM	#8
Sculpin Private First Class 278 Rep 185 Posts Drives: 8Y RS3 Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Winter Garden, FL iTrader: (0)	I had the alcantara wheel in my E90 M3 and loved it. Wanted one for the G87 but I personally don’t like that this one has leather on the top and bottom so I skipped it. Someone else here on the forum made me aware of the M3 CS wheel and it’s exactly what I was looking for so I’ll be ordering one of those very soon. It is not heated but here in Florida that doesn’t matter. https://paddleshifterz.com/product/o...l-32307874035/ __________________ 2024 G87 M2 \| 6MT \| Carbon Package \| ///M Performance Suspension 2023 8Y RS3 \| Mrs. Sculpin's car 2011 E90 M3 (Retired) 1995 E36 M3 (Retired)
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11-12-2023, 07:29 AM	#9
40 Cylinders Private 171 Rep 60 Posts Drives: 2014 535d M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2023 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	I did order the M-Performace wheel and agree the info was vague regarding use with a manual.. but my M2 came in 14 days ago and the wheel was port installed... looks and feels good to me.. CF is gloss and matches the rest of the interior CF.. no heat... no idea about the 12 o'clock blue strip being an issue.. all leather is dyed.. why would one use a cleaned strong enough to strip your color ? Feel is subjective...I like this wheel compared to Porsche wheels which seem a touch thinner.. Enjoy your M2....
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11-12-2023, 07:53 PM	#12
aerobod Car Geek 3708 Rep 3,621 Posts Drives: Caterham R500, M2-G87, Macan S Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	Alcantara should hold up fairly well, if maintained to the manufacturer’s instructions: https://www.alcantara.com/cleaning-m...y%20(overnight).
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