Did I damage my steering wheel? Or is it still just dirty?

[DickBlisken]

Hey all — I attempted to deep clean and condition my leather steering wheel this afternoon, and I was a little alarmed at the results. I used Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and a microfibre cloth. I was not rough at all. I sprayed the cleaner onto the cloth, and started cleaning the wheel. I noticed that black/dark indigo residue started appearing on the cloth, which I assumed was dirt/grime. I then followed-up with a coat of Chemical Guys Leather Conditioner.

Did I mess up? I'm not entirely sure if I removed some sort of top-layer of coating/finish, or if the wheel was just *that* dirty and it's still not clean.

It's my first time doing this. Any help would be much appreciated.

[scubajim]

Strangely, it does look like the surface dye or top layer is damaged. I had wear on my 2003 and redyed it with leather color restorer. It looks virtually brand new. If you elect to do it, start and end on a seam. Do it in a cool location and let it dry for 24hrs untouched. It was very simple.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R4GD4HX...sin_title&th=1

[grannyknot]

Are you sure it is leather?
Is it possible that the lighter shade is wear from use?
Hard to tell from the photos, it does kind of look like dirt might be filling the pores still, if the dye has been rubbed off you will have to refinish anyway.
I would take an old toothbrush, put some cleaner on it and gently rock it back and forth on one spot, it could be it just needs one more application of cleaner.

[philth]

Stop using all that bs cleaner/conditioner garbage. It does more harm than good.
Buy a bar of PEARS soap.
Use a clean microfibre cloth with warm water and work that around the wheel to open up the leather a bit.
Lather up a soft paint or detailer brush with PEARS, work it around the wheel (or work in sections). Let it sit for a min or two.
Use another clean, warm, damp microfibre cloth to wipe the soap out of the wheel.
Use another clean, dry microfibre cloth to do a final wipe on the wheel.
Repeat process if your wheel was disgusting/shiny.
Your wheel will look like it came straight from the factory again - nice and clean and MATTE.
Do this a couple of times per year, or at whatever interval you need to, and your wheel will always look great.
Everything else is a scam in my book. I use the soap to clean the entire interior using the same process.

[M5Rick]

No! Don't use chemical cleaner on the s/wheel just the leather preserver gently.

[Portimao Blue M440ix]

Originally Posted by grannyknot

Are you sure it is leather?
Is it possible that the lighter shade is wear from use?
Hard to tell from the photos, it does kind of look like dirt might be filling the pores still, if the dye has been rubbed off you will have to refinish anyway.
I would take an old toothbrush, put some cleaner on it and gently rock it back and forth on one spot, it could be it just needs one more application of cleaner.

Excellent idea. No further harm can be done and worth a try.

[Mister 305]

I use Gyeon Mild Leather Cleaner and a microfiber scrub pad/sponge. Steering wheel is also ceramic coated.

In my previous X5 and 540i, the leather began to discolor similar to the pictures by OP (although not as bad). In those cases I was using the BMW leather cleaner and an actual brush. About 2-3 times a month. In hindsight, I think it the brush was too hard and messed up the dye over time.

[DocL]

I use Sonex on my alcantara/leather steering wheel and have zero issuses.

[CJ421]

@OP It looks like the finish is worn off. You might try the suggestions here, but you might be looking at getting it refinished or having an excuse to upgrade to a new wheel.

Charles

[Wolf 335]

Bottom line is the dye has worn off, most likely from use and the way you turn your wheel and also hand lotions can contribute.

All you did with the cleaner is remove the oils that were covering the worn out spots.

Within a month of use those will be covered again.

So you're left with redying it or living with it the way it is.

[TboneS54]

Your wheel is cooked

[DrVenture]

Patina!

Also, consult a medical professional about that whole "swamp hands" thing.

[Joebie]

The steering wheel in my car had degraded enough by only 20k miles of normal use that i opted to get a alcantara wheel. I just couldnt stand how easily the stock wheel degraded and it looked awful right in front of my face every time i drove.

I love my new alcantara wheel, one of my favorite mods on my car.

[Nettles]

I had the same exact thing on my F30. It was quality in that generation for sure because I've been using Sonax Leather Cleaner for well over a decade and never had an issue. Granted I think my E90 M3 had real leather vs the F30 had dye. I'm starting to see some fading on my G20 steering wheel and it's very annoying.

[DrVenture]

Originally Posted by Nettles

I had the same exact thing on my F30. It was quality in that generation for sure because I've been using Sonax Leather Cleaner for well over a decade and never had an issue. Granted I think my E90 M3 had real leather vs the F30 had dye. I'm starting to see some fading on my G20 steering wheel and it's very annoying.

I bet you are correct about it being model/era specific. The new-to-me 2022 M550 with 37K miles, has a near perfect interior, steering wheel included. I did clean the seats and steering wheel, but I think the previous owner was fastidious.

There was some strange downward streaking on the instrument panel, like someone swiped at it with a wet rag during a wash. I carefully cleaned it with Sprayway glass cleaner and a fresh microfiber and it all came away - after three tries.

[DickBlisken]

Originally Posted by grannyknot

Are you sure it is leather?
Is it possible that the lighter shade is wear from use?
Hard to tell from the photos, it does kind of look like dirt might be filling the pores still, if the dye has been rubbed off you will have to refinish anyway.
I would take an old toothbrush, put some cleaner on it and gently rock it back and forth on one spot, it could be it just needs one more application of cleaner.

It's the stock M Sport wheel, I'm assuming it's leather? I don't know for sure, to tell you the truth.

I've been pouring over similar threads here and on Reddit, and the consensus seems to be it's either dye fading, or it's actually embedded dirt, and just requires a deeper clean.

I have a horse hair brush arriving today. I'm going to give that a shot in hopes that it actually is embedded dirt that's working its way out. If that doesn't work, I'll just have to redye the wheel. Or live with it.

[John in VA]

I looks like the dye is gone in some areas. Here's a repair kit to consider:
https://leatherique-restoration-prod...heel-kit-black

[Burrcold]

Just get a new wheel, they are a dime a dozen (slightly used).

[Nettles]

Originally Posted by DrVenture

I bet you are correct about it being model/era specific. The new-to-me 2022 M550 with 37K miles, has a near perfect interior, steering wheel included. I did clean the seats and steering wheel, but I think the previous owner was fastidious.

There was some strange downward streaking on the instrument panel, like someone swiped at it with a wet rag during a wash. I carefully cleaned it with Sprayway glass cleaner and a fresh microfiber and it all came away - after three tries.

You mentioned something very important. It’s all about the ownership. If someone never cleans the car and the dirt just piles with all the oils and gunk then the damage is done and you think it’s your fault. Many factors go into it.