Would you work with a live airbag in your face..?

I'd bet that safety guidelines require they disconnect the battery..

Ed

Thanks for the replies, man it is great to know that it is covered under warranty. For those that have had this replaced, has your new steering wheel chipped?

I am on my third one since 05, dealer says it is after shave or perfume on your hands that stip the plastic top layer off.

I think it is style of driving.

yes!

un-acceptable to keep having to replace a steering wheel 3 times in a $63,000 car. BMW really needs to upgrade their plastic coatings...my door grabs (not the handles) are also peeling on both my E60 and E53 as well as the armrest release. :rolleyes: I will always be a loyal BMW owner though despite their crappy interior bits..:confused:

I too think it is down to style of driving but also combined with poor quality of finish. I tend to hook my thumb in that position with my elbow resting on the door (UK Right hand drive) when driving in a relaxed fashion. I think it is then caused by my thumbnail rubbing in that area.

I have to agree as well that it should not be happening in a £50,000+ car. Mine only has 14250 miles on the clock and it just seems to be getting worse.

I've got it booked in this week for checking out an oil leak since it's first oil service in May/June. I'll try to see whether they would replace this then.

I`m on my third!

Hopefully the same won't happen with the E70.

replaced under warranty today without any grumbles from the dealer.

PS: I saw them changing it from a distance. Took no more than 10 minutes and they did not disconnect the battery.

I had the steering wheel cover of my 05 X5 4.4 sports replaced with no cost to me but came back with a crooked steering wheel (about 5 degrees off to the left). It was straight when I drove into the dealership but crooked when I drove out the next day. They said replacing the cover doesn't require removing the steering wheel and they claimed my front end alignment is probably off but that would mean they caused it since it was straight when I dropped it off. Anyways, can someone confirm whether the steering wheel needs to be removed when replacing the cover? Thanks!

Here's the part-- #2 in the diagram. Will be covered, but even if not, I don't think is is expensive. My dealer covered it.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...&btnr=32_1465& hg=32&fg=35