Is There a Way to Refurbish a Z4M Steering Wheel?

HEY32G · 09-07-2017, 10:15 AM

It seems that just about every Z4M that I see has this wear on the steering wheel. Is there a way to bring it back to looking new?

garz747 · 09-07-2017, 10:36 AM

My coupe only has 14000 miles lol- so no wear yet but ive seen others have success with fine sandpaper and black krylon spray or equivalent. Also viny wrap is worth a try. Best of luck.

Huz-Z · 09-07-2017, 11:46 AM

Sad but true. I obsess over not dragging my hands and wedding ring across the steering wheel's spokes to avoid this. Particularly when you realize that I had my M steering wheel supplied and very capably installed at the local Canadian dealer who had no choice but to do so at Canadian (OUCH!!) prices!

antennahead · 09-07-2017, 02:01 PM

Replaced mine with this and never looked back

SaltyNC · 09-07-2017, 03:33 PM

A number of folks have used Plastidip spray to provide that same rubberized texture. Pieces need to be prepped first to remove the old rubberized coating.

http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=425662

And this from an old Bimmerworld post:

Seems the best outcome was to remove all of the old sticky black soft touch with lacquer thinner right down to the plastic. Not too hard to do. To get a perfect finish it all needs to go. Next get a can of Colorbond BMW black spray paint from Barvarian autosport. This paint will dry fast, will not fisheye, and give you a great finish. Do several light coats with 10 min. for each coat to dry. It will dry to a beautiful satin finish and look factory. I use it for any plastic on my BMW that needs refurbed. Love the quality of the finish. Colorbond BMW Black 258 is what you need. Good Luck.

Salty

Redacre · 09-07-2017, 11:02 PM

If you wanted to wrap these in a CF vinyl would you still need to strip everything down to plastic for a good result? Also interested to hear if anyone has tried hydrocoating?

gpraceman · 09-08-2017, 01:10 AM

I'm not sure if that is a coating on the plastic that just deteriorated over time or a build up of whatever was used to detail the interior. I was able to scrape off the scum with my fingernails. So, I decided to take apart the steering wheel and give those pieces a good scrub down. It took some elbow grease, but they look brand new now. Just make sure to disconnect the battery before you pull the air bag off.

Boosted 1 · 09-08-2017, 02:19 AM

I wrapped mine in cf and did absolutely no prep work. That was a year ago and it still looks like it was just put on.

HEY32G · 09-08-2017, 09:08 AM

Thanks for the great info guys!

racerbruce · 09-08-2017, 10:34 AM

My right side spoke cover was cracked, so I had all three replaced w/OEM in 2010....regrettably, they have suffered scratches from usage. I've tried topical treatments to remove the scratches, but it hasn't helped.

racerbruce · 09-08-2017, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boosted 1

I wrapped mine in cf and did absolutely no prep work. That was a year ago and it still looks like it was just put on.

Thank you - can you provide the CF wrap info, and any details as to how you cut it to fit; did you apply and cut in place?

wdb · 09-08-2017, 08:53 PM

I bought new bits

coh661 · 09-09-2017, 11:36 AM

Remove, strip and repaint. I used matte black Plastikote paint. Worked out real nice. The hardest part was removing the trim. Be careful, the tabs tend to break. The tabs on my center lower trim broke but nothing gorilla glue couldn't fix

Steeler · 09-09-2017, 12:04 PM

I disassembled mine and had them hydro dipped in CF look then clear coated.
Cost $150 locally
Going on 2 years now. As new still

Redacre · 09-09-2017, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbarton62

I disassembled mine and had them hydro dipped in CF look then clear coated.
Cost $150 locally
Going on 2 years now. As new still

Pics????!! Would love to see, leaning towards dipping vs wrapping after a negative experience with a "professional wrap" on my mstache...

wdb · 09-10-2017, 05:51 AM

$150? You can get a complete new set for a bit more. Of course they won't have a carbon fiber pattern on them...

Steeler · 09-10-2017, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdb

$150? You can get a complete new set for a bit more. Of course they won't have a carbon fiber pattern on them...

Agreed...
I however did many other pieces besides that.

Steeler · 09-10-2017, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redacre

Pics????!! Would love to see, leaning towards dipping vs wrapping after a negative experience with a "professional wrap" on my mstache...

Thread here http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1057522

NickyC · 09-10-2017, 10:16 AM

Replace that crap with CF!

Steeler · 09-10-2017, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickyC

Replace that crap with CF!

Sweet pit Nicky

XMetal · 09-10-2017, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickyC

Replace that crap with CF!

That looks great - do you have a link for those CF pieces? I'll need to eventually do mine and would just want to fix it with those CF. Thanks.

Manxman1950 · 09-10-2017, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdb

$150? You can get a complete new set for a bit more. Of course they won't have a carbon fiber pattern on them...

I checked with the local (Canadian) dealer, who quoted >$300 for these parts, ordered from Germany.

Refurbing definitely the better option!

09-07-2017, 10:15 AM	#1
HEY32G Captain 224 Rep 770 Posts Drives: Z4 sdrive35is Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Is There a Way to Refurbish a Z4M Steering Wheel? It seems that just about every Z4M that I see has this wear on the steering wheel. Is there a way to bring it back to looking new? Attached Images
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09-07-2017, 10:36 AM	#2
garz747 Captain 286 Rep 678 Posts Drives: 07 Z4MC 01 330i 18 X3 M40i Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	My coupe only has 14000 miles lol- so no wear yet but ive seen others have success with fine sandpaper and black krylon spray or equivalent. Also viny wrap is worth a try. Best of luck.
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09-07-2017, 11:46 AM	#3
Huz-Z Brigadier General 846 Rep 4,057 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0si, 328 XDrive, X5 35i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Sad but true. I obsess over not dragging my hands and wedding ring across the steering wheel's spokes to avoid this. Particularly when you realize that I had my M steering wheel supplied and very capably installed at the local Canadian dealer who had no choice but to do so at Canadian (OUCH!!) prices! __________________ Huz-Z BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster. Montego Blue Metallic. Premium and Sport Package.
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09-07-2017, 02:01 PM	#4
antennahead Captain 73 Rep 820 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4MR silver grey Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Charleston, South Carolina iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 Z4 M Roadster [5.00]	Replaced mine with this and never looked back Attached Images
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09-07-2017, 03:33 PM	#5
SaltyNC Captain 370 Rep 870 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW Z4M Roadster Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 BMW Z4M Roadst ... [0.00]	A number of folks have used Plastidip spray to provide that same rubberized texture. Pieces need to be prepped first to remove the old rubberized coating. http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=425662 And this from an old Bimmerworld post: Seems the best outcome was to remove all of the old sticky black soft touch with lacquer thinner right down to the plastic. Not too hard to do. To get a perfect finish it all needs to go. Next get a can of Colorbond BMW black spray paint from Barvarian autosport. This paint will dry fast, will not fisheye, and give you a great finish. Do several light coats with 10 min. for each coat to dry. It will dry to a beautiful satin finish and look factory. I use it for any plastic on my BMW that needs refurbed. Love the quality of the finish. Colorbond BMW Black 258 is what you need. Good Luck. Salty __________________ 2006 BMW Z4M Interlagos Blue/Black Aux Port\|LED Interior\|LED Strip Trunk\|Underseat First Aid Box\|Stubby Antenna\|Intravee II\|BMW Oil Change Kit\|Top Down Side Panels\|Vibra Technics Engine Mounts\|Rogue Trans Mounts\|Engine Mount Bolts Upgrade\|RS Windblocker\|Euro Front Plate\|M5 Illum Shift Knob\|Supersprint Powerloop Exhaust\|Gruppe-M Intake\|RPI Scoop\|Black Grills\|19x8.5 ET35 F 19x9.5 ET22 R Sportline 8s PSS\| Besian Vanos\|CDV Delete
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09-07-2017, 11:02 PM	#6
Redacre 6 Cylinders 3 Ways 368 Rep 458 Posts Drives: M5, 911, Macan Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: FL iTrader: (10) Garage List 2019 BMW M5 [0.00] 2015 BMW M4 [0.00] 2015 Porsche Macan ... [0.00] 1986 Porsche Carrera [0.00]	If you wanted to wrap these in a CF vinyl would you still need to strip everything down to plastic for a good result? Also interested to hear if anyone has tried hydrocoating?
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09-08-2017, 01:10 AM	#7
gpraceman Second Lieutenant 56 Rep 202 Posts Drives: '06 Z4 ///M Roadster Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Highlands Ranch, CO iTrader: (0)	I'm not sure if that is a coating on the plastic that just deteriorated over time or a build up of whatever was used to detail the interior. I was able to scrape off the scum with my fingernails. So, I decided to take apart the steering wheel and give those pieces a good scrub down. It took some elbow grease, but they look brand new now. Just make sure to disconnect the battery before you pull the air bag off. __________________ 2006 Z4 ///M, Interlagos Blue/Beige Last edited by gpraceman; 09-08-2017 at 01:18 AM..
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09-08-2017, 02:19 AM	#8
Boosted 1 Where Does He Get Those Wonderful Toys? 94 Rep 290 Posts Drives: 07 M coupe, Gx470, M2 PE Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Pel’lum iTrader: (5)	I wrapped mine in cf and did absolutely no prep work. That was a year ago and it still looks like it was just put on.
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09-08-2017, 09:08 AM	#9
HEY32G Captain 224 Rep 770 Posts Drives: Z4 sdrive35is Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the great info guys!
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09-08-2017, 10:34 AM	#10
racerbruce Brigadier General 3852 Rep 3,004 Posts Drives: 21 X3 & 13 335is E93 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Seattle iTrader: (1)	My right side spoke cover was cracked, so I had all three replaced w/OEM in 2010....regrettably, they have suffered scratches from usage. I've tried topical treatments to remove the scratches, but it hasn't helped. __________________ Racerbruce
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09-08-2017, 08:53 PM	#12
wdb dances with roads 4717 Rep 4,094 Posts Drives: '07 E86, '02 996, '95 Seven Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: the perimeter iTrader: (4)	I bought new bits
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09-09-2017, 11:36 AM	#13
coh661 Banned 191 Rep 453 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: WY iTrader: (4) Garage List 2007 Z4 M COUPE [8.00]	Remove, strip and repaint. I used matte black Plastikote paint. Worked out real nice. The hardest part was removing the trim. Be careful, the tabs tend to break. The tabs on my center lower trim broke but nothing gorilla glue couldn't fix
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09-09-2017, 12:04 PM	#14
Steeler Colonel 2428 Rep 2,702 Posts Drives: Built not Bought 04 Z4 VF Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Kitchener Ontario Canada iTrader: (2)	I disassembled mine and had them hydro dipped in CF look then clear coated. Cost $150 locally Going on 2 years now. As new still __________________ W2A Intercooled Vortech V3Si, custom ducting, Alpha N, 60# Bosch,2.62 pulley, multi port WMI, Severn Tuning(pokeybritches), Tial, magnaflow,SS race muffler, 42 design,3.91LSD, H&R, Hotchkis,ST coils,Konis, Megan camber arms, AKG SS, Nylon mounts, Poly bushings, Carbon interior, CF Aero.APEX
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09-10-2017, 05:51 AM	#16
wdb dances with roads 4717 Rep 4,094 Posts Drives: '07 E86, '02 996, '95 Seven Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: the perimeter iTrader: (4)	$150? You can get a complete new set for a bit more. Of course they won't have a carbon fiber pattern on them...
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09-10-2017, 10:16 AM	#19
NickyC Lieutenant General 17442 Rep 10,646 Posts Drives: M4 CS. Former G82, x2 F82, F80 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Jacked out of my mind iTrader: (23)	Replace that crap with CF!
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