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525iT_Feen 03-13-2013 10:50 AM

Steering wheel upgrades
 
For the record I did search so if I insulted any of you by making a new thread a sincerely apologize.

My 4.8is has this wheel:
http://images.gtcarlot.com/pictures/69847950.jpg

just like the rest and i'd prefer something thicker and sportier. I also wouldn't mind adding paddles but that isn't really as important to me. I found a few wheels on ebay around $700 to $1000 that looked similar to Victor wheels but they're all for e70s+ and I'm not sure if they would fit.

I know I have the option of getting an e46 m3 wheel but as much as I love that wheel I feel like its almost going backwards.

Have people upgraded they're 04+ e53s and if so to what? Is getting an e70, e63 m6, or e60 m5 wheel to work out of the question?

jcm3 03-13-2013 10:53 AM

let me know if you sell that heated steering wheel! Go with a e46 m3 or z4 steering wheel and Victor can modify the width and stitching

upallnight 03-13-2013 11:02 AM

Need a thicker steering wheel how about this?

http://www.cardecor.com/product_imag...58381_zoom.jpg

LOL

Ricky Bobby 03-13-2013 11:10 AM

are the pre-facelift and facelift steering wheels interchangeable? i'd love to have a facelift sport steering wheel in mine

Naz24 03-13-2013 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby (Post 926672)
are the pre-facelift and facelift steering wheels interchangeable? i'd love to have a facelift sport steering wheel in mine

Yep, you'll need a different airbag though. I was lucky to buy a steering wheel with airbag off of a 4.8is for $350

TwinsPoppa 03-13-2013 11:27 AM

I'm sorry but that was hilarious! :bustingup:rofl:

Quote:

Originally Posted by upallnight (Post 926670)
Need a thicker steering wheel how about this?

http://www.cardecor.com/product_imag...58381_zoom.jpg

LOL


XCUSM5 03-13-2013 11:28 AM

The 4.8iS steering wheel is a great looking wheel, nice and modern. But it does lack thickness. You are better off keeping everything as is but just send out your steering wheel to get it recovered. I use Dallas Custom Steering Wheels. They are one of the best and their pricing is very competitive. I've had them do my Cooper JCW, 996TT, E55, and M3. Hit up Don, tell him Lee sent you. He will make the steering wheel to your exact specifications. He was 40% cheaper than other places I've used and the quality was as good or better.

For example here is what I ordered for my 996TT:
Tri-Tone - Solid Black Leather Lower, Suede Upper, Perforated Leather Sides
Silver Stitching
Added Thickness 1/8" all the way around
Horizontal Panel Cuts
Orange Leather Motorsport Ring at 12:00

http://dallassteeringwheel.com/photo...ripe_Front.jpg

525iT_Feen 03-13-2013 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upallnight (Post 926670)
Need a thicker steering wheel how about this?

http://www.cardecor.com/product_imag...58381_zoom.jpg

LOL

I prefer chain link...
Quote:

Originally Posted by XCUSM5 (Post 926676)
The 4.8iS steering wheel is a great looking wheel, nice and modern. But it does lack thickness. You are better off keeping everything as is but just send out your steering wheel to get it recovered. I use Dallas Custom Steering Wheels. They are one of the best and their pricing is very competitive. I've had them do my Cooper JCW, 996TT, E55, and M3. Hit up Don, tell him Lee sent you. He will make the steering wheel to your exact specifications. He was 40% cheaper than other places I've used and the quality was as good or better.

For example here is what I ordered for my 996TT:
Tri-Tone - Solid Black Leather Lower, Suede Upper, Perforated Leather Sides
Silver Stitching
Added Thickness 1/8" all the way around
Horizontal Panel Cuts
Orange Leather Motorsport Ring at 12:00

http://dallassteeringwheel.com/photo...ripe_Front.jpg

Thank you Lee this is what I was looking for. I'll probably try to find a beat to hell and bare 4.8is wheel and send him that then swap them out. Perfect

MANGO 03-14-2013 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XCUSM5 (Post 926676)
The 4.8iS steering wheel is a great looking wheel, nice and modern. But it does lack thickness. You are better off keeping everything as is but just send out your steering wheel to get it recovered. I use Dallas Custom Steering Wheels. They are one of the best and their pricing is very competitive. I've had them do my Cooper JCW, 996TT, E55, and M3. Hit up Don, tell him Lee sent you. He will make the steering wheel to your exact specifications. He was 40% cheaper than other places I've used and the quality was as good or better.

For example here is what I ordered for my 996TT:
Tri-Tone - Solid Black Leather Lower, Suede Upper, Perforated Leather Sides
Silver Stitching
Added Thickness 1/8" all the way around
Horizontal Panel Cuts
Orange Leather Motorsport Ring at 12:00

http://dallassteeringwheel.com/photo...ripe_Front.jpg

Just as a point of reference on cost, how much did those custom details listed above end up totalling to? I agree, I like this route better and depending on cost, may have to consider this instead.


Thanks!
MANGO

epdarks 03-14-2013 12:49 PM

Sorry guys, you have to see this same bad picture, AGAIN... but here is my E46 M3 wheel. Thickened, added CF, alcantara, perforated leather, and M stiching. Also flattened on the bottom (not sure how!).

http://just.razzi.me/photos/801294/19b8856.jpg

http://just.razzi.me/photos/777160/29e7087.jpg

MANGO 03-14-2013 12:55 PM

Epdarks,

Where did you have yours done?
The contoured palm rests ( at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock) are custom right?
How much added thickness was added?

Looks nice!
MANGO

epdarks 03-14-2013 01:02 PM

The previous owner did the wheel, so I'm not much help. I just texted him to see if he remembers.

epdarks 03-14-2013 01:28 PM

He just got back to me. He got the wheel here: DCT Motor Sports Carbon Fiber, Alcantara, wood-leather Sport steering wheels for Porsche Mercedes Benz BMW Audi Ferrari

Not sure of exact thickness. He said it was $1200.

MANGO 03-14-2013 03:24 PM

Oh snap!!!

Thanks for checking Epdarks! Appreciate the info!



MANGO

525iT_Feen 03-14-2013 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epdarks (Post 926890)
He just got back to me. He got the wheel here: DCT Motor Sports Carbon Fiber, Alcantara, wood-leather Sport steering wheels for Porsche Mercedes Benz BMW Audi Ferrari

Not sure of exact thickness. He said it was $1200.

I tried to buy that wheel off the PO before you bought the whole car hahaha. Sick wheel but its out of my budget considering the info given to me by Lee.

epdarks 03-14-2013 04:47 PM

I thought about parting the wheel from the truck, as it seems to be silly to have a steering wheel worth 10% of the purchase price of the entire car. PM me an offer if you still want it.

relentlessone 03-15-2013 01:28 AM

How about the E83 M-Sport steering wheel? $500 and you can re-use your airbag.

http://euroactiveparts.com/images/E5...rt%20Wheel.jpg

EuroActive.com - Buy Genuine BMW & Land Rover Parts and Accessories Online

Ricky Bobby 03-15-2013 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XCUSM5 (Post 926676)
The 4.8iS steering wheel is a great looking wheel, nice and modern. But it does lack thickness. You are better off keeping everything as is but just send out your steering wheel to get it recovered. I use Dallas Custom Steering Wheels. They are one of the best and their pricing is very competitive. I've had them do my Cooper JCW, 996TT, E55, and M3. Hit up Don, tell him Lee sent you. He will make the steering wheel to your exact specifications. He was 40% cheaper than other places I've used and the quality was as good or better.

For example here is what I ordered for my 996TT:
Tri-Tone - Solid Black Leather Lower, Suede Upper, Perforated Leather Sides
Silver Stitching
Added Thickness 1/8" all the way around
Horizontal Panel Cuts
Orange Leather Motorsport Ring at 12:00

http://dallassteeringwheel.com/photo...ripe_Front.jpg


if you dont mind me asking what did the job for your M3 steering wheel cost and with what materials? was going to send an email to DCSW upon seeing your pics and get a quote to redo my pre-facelift sport wheel, and perhaps send in my shift knob/e-brake assembly as well!

I was just looking to get it thicker, with some thumb grips added, perfed leather cut horizontal like your wheel above in the middle portions, and regular black leather on top and bottom.

MANGO 03-20-2013 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MANGO (Post 926873)
Just as a point of reference on cost, how much did those custom details listed above end up totalling to? I agree, I like this route better and depending on cost, may have to consider this instead.


Thanks!
MANGO

Called and spoke to "Don".
Cost for the same details as Lee's steering wheel pictured above on an X5 wheel is $429.00 plus $18.00 shipping. Takes 4 days to turn around.

The one exception to the stitching I asked Don was the tri color M colors instead of the single colored stitching that Lee asked for his steering wheel above.


MANGO

giodog2000 03-20-2013 12:55 PM

:popcorn:

upallnight 03-20-2013 01:27 PM

:popcorn:

Ricky Bobby 03-20-2013 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MANGO (Post 927995)
Called and spoke to "Don".
Cost for the same details as Lee's steering wheel pictured above on an X5 wheel is $429.00 plus $18.00 shipping. Takes 4 days to turn around.

The one exception to the stitching I asked Don was the tri color M colors instead of the single colored stitching that Lee asked for his steering wheel above.


MANGO

Spoke to Don as well via email last week, his work looks top notch and he gave me same quote for my E53 sport wheel, thicker padding all around, added thumbrests, solid leather on top and bottom perfed leather on the sides, and black stitching, and for 430 plus shipping, sending back a core. He also said he has my pre-facelift wheel in stock made to order for 25 more and I keep my stock wheel.

He also quoted me for the following:

E-brake handle - 110 with added padding (seems a little slim compared to the E83 handle)
Shift boot - 85
E-brake boot - 85


Great business, going to save my pennies for my other repairs first, hoping my wife can get me a steering wheel for our anniversary :)

MANGO 03-20-2013 01:54 PM

Interesting! Pre-face lift in stock.

Which means I can use that for the E39!



Man. More reasons to shell out another $500.00!


MANGO

epdarks 03-20-2013 02:43 PM

I took another pic of my wheel for anyone interested in copying the design. You can clearly see the CF, alcantara, M stitching and perforated leather.

http://just.razzi.me/photos/982820/19b8856.jpg

Ricky Bobby 03-20-2013 03:18 PM

darks your wheel looks amazing i am just in awe every time! And yes you're right you do need a new wheel badge!

Dallas Custom Wheels advised they can't do flat bottoms because it alters the shape of the wheel, but adding padding and thumbgrips is no problem.


and MANGO, yeah he said he had a wheel in stock with M tri-stitch that he sent pics of. Ask him to send to you pics of it!


Another option some might like is www.cobywheel.com to have it completed rewrapped in Alcantara, a lot of E90 guys seem to post about the service with great feedback. If I had piano black or Titan Silver trim i'd highly consider it, but with the wood trim I don't think mixing alcantara will work, too much luxury/sporty clash going on. Also, I don't think they add padding or thicken the thumbgrips like some of us are going for, just straight up rewrapped in alcantara, either gray, black, or colors.

A bargain though if you already have an M3 wheel and want it wrapped, i think its like 200-220!

MANGO 03-21-2013 01:44 PM

Thanks Ricky,

I'll go and email him for some photos.


MANGO

Clockwork 03-21-2013 01:53 PM

525iT, PLEASE sell me your heated steering wheel if you DO swap. PLEASE.

525iT_Feen 03-21-2013 02:24 PM

Glad this thread ended up being useful.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clockwork (Post 928201)
525iT, PLEASE sell me your heated steering wheel if you DO swap. PLEASE.

haha that isn't my actual wheel its that style. Mine isn't heated. My A6 has a heated wheel and it is pretty cool but I don't really care much for that feature.

Clockwork 03-21-2013 02:43 PM

525iT, I have the heated 4 spoke and I will never want to be without a heated steering wheel again honestly. I am just looking for the heated Sport wheel to use, but hey are hard to come by.

525iT_Feen 03-21-2013 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clockwork (Post 928210)
525iT, I have the heated 4 spoke and I will never want to be without a heated steering wheel again honestly. I am just looking for the heated Sport wheel to use, but hey are hard to come by.

You also live in Calgary so I can't blame you since you have to endure the cold weather longer then I do. I barely even drive my X5 if its snowy or nasty out. Its only seen snow three or four times since I bought it I'm just waiting for spring and summer so I can open the roof and roll the windows down.

Clockwork 03-21-2013 04:58 PM

I have an 850i for that kind of weather :)

Ricky Bobby 03-21-2013 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clockwork (Post 928242)
I have an 850i for that kind of weather :)


:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: I heart that car <3

Ricky Bobby 05-03-2013 11:44 AM

Resurrecting this thread because if anyone is interested in thickening the steering wheel, perforated leather, thumbrests added, the E90 post guys are raving about a custom shop in Germany:

MeinLenkrad - LederLenkrad

Check out E53 wheels on their German Ebay store, I sent an email yesterday to them ([email protected]), they speak great English and are quick to reply to me. Should only be 130-150 euros plus shipping to redo my pre-facelift steering wheel, thickened all around, added thumbrests, perfed leather on sides and solid on top, and black stitching.

You can also do alcantara, stripe at top, etc. Joanna who I have been speaking with, said return shipping is 34 euros from Germany to US, I am inquiring about pre-paying shipping both ways to see what the cost is.

She said when wheel arrives it is done in 1-3 business days, however you can always check to see if your steering wheel is in stock there, if so, they can modify how you want, and send to you, then they charge you an extra 70 euro for core exchange and supply a return label so you don't have to wait a couple weeks to send to Germany and back.


Hope this is helpful, I most likely will be sending my wheel to them as a birthday present to myself (around 250 USD shipped both ways from my estimates, I will confirm later when I hear back from the company though)

No offense to Dallas Custom Steering Wheels since I was highly considering but I wonder why I can get the same or similar wheel recovering with round trip international shipping for 200 dollars less?


Here is the post on E90 if interested, a member just got his back in the mail:

Got my steering wheel wrapped! - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum - E90Post.com

bcredliner 05-03-2013 03:26 PM

If you were concerned if I would be insulted, certainly not. Great thread, only thing that is a minus on the e46 m3 paddle wheel is that it is a little slippery. I was not aware there is a place right here in Dallas that does custom work. Good to know!

XCUSM5 05-03-2013 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcredliner (Post 935291)
If you were concerned if I would be insulted, certainly not. Great thread, only thing that is a minus on the e46 m3 paddle wheel is that it is a little slippery. I was not aware there is a place right here in Dallas that does custom work. Good to know!

Lucky! Dallas Custom Steering Wheel has been nothing short of amazing for me. All the wheels he's done have come out fantastic. Pricing is great and quality is even better.

MANGO 05-03-2013 08:44 PM

2 Attachment(s)
RickyB!

Thanks for sharing some great info. I'll hit them up on a wheel wrap as well. I would be curious too if they can bundle in a round trip shipping cost. Please keep us posted on what your contact says.

I've heard shipping charges costing an arm and a leg when sending stuff overseas so I would be curious to see what the eventual cost would be.

In the meantime, here's one for you RickyB, it's the wheel I picked up not too long ago that you were following on the for sale thread.

Thickness added
Tri color stitch
Perforated leather sides
Solid leather bottom strip
Alcantara Upper
12 o' clock ring

Cost: $250.00.

Like you, I felt the same way about Dallas Custom. Just couldn't justify the cost they were charging.



MANGO

Ricky Bobby 05-04-2013 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MANGO (Post 935323)
RickyB!

Thanks for sharing some great info. I'll hit them up on a wheel wrap as well. I would be curious too if they can bundle in a round trip shipping cost. Please keep us posted on what your contact says.

I've heard shipping charges costing an arm and a leg when sending stuff overseas so I would be curious to see what the eventual cost would be.

In the meantime, here's one for you RickyB, it's the wheel I picked up not too long ago that you were following on the for sale thread.

Thickness added
Tri color stitch
Perforated leather sides
Solid leather bottom strip
Alcantara Upper
12 o' clock ring

Cost: $250.00.

Like you, I felt the same way about Dallas Custom. Just couldn't justify the cost they were charging.



MANGO


Did you find a local upholstery place MANGO? Care to share, that wheel came out nice!

I received word back from Joanna @ meinlenkrad yesterday, she is extremely easy to communicate with and answered all questions great.

She cannot supply round trip shipping, I would have to send myself with courier of choice, but to do what I asked on my pre-facelift (E46) sport steering wheel which was thicken wheel, add thumbrests, perfed leather on sides, black leather top and bottom and black stitching, would be 119 euro plus 34 euro for shipping back to USA. So that would be $201 USD, plus my shipping of the wheel to her.

Probably put me right at $250 as well!

Hope that helps MANGO


EDIT: Did you wrap your trim yourself in Dinoc vinyl? Ive been meaning to wrap mine one of these days as well and would like to know how you did on the center console piece, its definitely the toughest!

MANGO 05-04-2013 02:37 PM

RickyB,
Yep, that wheel was done locally. Small mom and pop upholstery shop down the street from me.
If I were to do it again I would probably go with Meinlenkrad since they actually specialize in steering wheels and had it not for the overseas shipping, clearly charge less.
The mom and pop place I went to were able to do it successfully but I don't think can continue to provide the service consistently.
I think the difference between where I had the wheel done and Meinlenkrad is the shorter lead time and instant gratification going local provides versus across the pond. But if Meinlenkrad charges less for steering wheel work which is their staple bread and butter, I'm willing to wait the 3 weeks and go with them.

I posted the price of what it cost me here locally to give everyone a reference of the average (and reasonable!) cost regardless of which side of the pond you're on (as Meinlenkrad further validated with their prices).

Dallas Custom and a few others seems to be charging a whole LOT more, adding the additional charge of a core even though you're already sending them your own wheel plus the services of refurbishing.

One added opportunity for those interested that I happened upon. Cobywheels (BMW Alcantara Steering Wheels, Shft Boots & E Brake Boots) has a special for wheel work plus matching shift boot and hand brake boot included for $225.00. Only difference is they do all alcantara and cannot add thickness at this time. They're in Georgia I think. Another great option regardless.

MANGO

Ricky Bobby 05-05-2013 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MANGO (Post 935374)
One added opportunity for those interested that I happened upon. Cobywheels (BMW Alcantara Steering Wheels, Shft Boots & E Brake Boots) has a special for wheel work plus matching shift boot and hand brake boot included for $225.00. Only difference is they do all alcantara and cannot add thickness at this time. They're in Georgia I think. Another great option regardless.

MANGO

Great reference to Cobywheel, I did look into them but I would only do alcantara on my wheel if I had an iS model, on my 3.0 it doesn't seem right. Very reasonable prices but you are right, no added thickness/thumbrests as I am looking to get that done as well..

My birthday is in August, I probably will send to Meinlenkrad then as a me/X5 birthday present :)


Joanna @ Meinlenkrad said outside of ebay for the mods I requested price is 120 euro plus 34 euro shipping, which due to current exchange is 200 USD. I should be able to ship to Germany for under $50 I would hope, just need to do a small enough box! Haha.

bcredliner 05-05-2013 05:56 PM

FYI- BMW Accessories Lighting and Carbon Fiber from Bimmian for M3 F30 E90 E92 E46 M5 E60 F10 X5 Z4 offers CF wheels similar to epdarks wheel. Prices range from $899 up to $1,300. They do have an exchange program.

Ricky Bobby 09-13-2013 09:39 AM

Bumping the thread because I picked this up yesterday in my steering wheel search:

04 BMW M3 ///M Steering Wheel Assembly R18033


I would have loved to go the "Meinlenkrad" route and get it fully recovered, and still may do that someday to this wheel, but for the price I couldn't pass up the M3 wheel. Pics coming soon although you all know what it looks like.

I checked USPS for shipping and its about 60 bucks to ship to Germany, plus Meinlenkrad takes 1-3 days for refurbishment and then they send back to you. I wasn't going to have my X parked for 3 weeks without a steering wheel installed which is a big reason why I ended up buying the M3 wheel.


If someone is looking to go the Meinlenkrad route and send the stock wheel to Germany for refinishing, I have a pre-facelift sport steering wheel in perfect shape I can sell you so that you have an extra and can drive your X, but I'm not looking to break rules on the forums so if there is any interest please PM me, the wheel is for sale on Bimmerforums as well.

tmv 09-13-2013 03:04 PM

Nice find RB.

MANGO 09-13-2013 04:39 PM

That's definitely a great deal!

A note on Meinlenkrad. I've had the chance to qualify them on two occasions now. The first time I sent them a wheel, they turned it around in less than a day. One month tops. I received the wheel and the quality and workmanship is great. Superb. Couple of things worth mentioning though:
1. The instructions the way I wanted the wheel refurbished were not followed accurately. I asked for a solid leather lower, they instead covered it in alcantara. Not a big deal since they did a great job with the workmanship.
2. The internals (i.e. spring mechanism, wire harnesses) they removed and did not re-install. Don't even know why they removed them since they weren't part of the work order. Again, not a big deal but I did have to wait an extra 4 weeks to receive these parts after the fact.
3. They did not add thickness as I instructed.
Overall satisfaction: 80%. It would've been a hundred if these issues were not factored in.

When I was talking to Joanna, the Meinlenkrad contact, her conversational English was acceptable but I did sense there were some things that were lost in translation. So prior to sending her the first wheel, I printed out a photo of the wheel and highlighted the sections of what I wanted done, included that with the wheel as I thought, the more detailed the instructions, especially with pictures, the better off I'll be in getting the order correct, especially from across the pond. I was redundant with these instructions on my email to her as well when I let her know the wheel was headed her way.

The second wheel I sent them, I did the same protocol, photo of the wheel included with the actual wheel itself with arrows to different sections of the wheel addressing certain material choices. This time I was even more detailed, including "ADD THICKNESS TO ENTIRE WHEEL". This time I took the liberty to remove all the internals myself so there's no issue in not getting those back.

When Joanna emailed me that the wheel was finished and she was going to ship it the next day, I pay for it then but also told her to hold on and asked her to send me a photo first of the final product to verify correctness. I learned my lesson with the first one. Three days pass and I remind her. Photo came in and just as I suspected, it was not accurate. The top and bottom sections were done in reverse contrary to the instructions I provided. Three days pass. Joanna said if I would like to accept a 15% discount because they did not want to do the work all over.

I said please fix it the way I was expecting it to be done since I already paid for it a 2 weeks back. So I go on Photoshop and added notes on the photo they sent of the wheel and re-sent it back to them.

A week pass. Joanna said it's ready to ship. I asked her "do I need to see another photo of it to make sure it's done correctly?" She said no, I think this time it's correct. 7 weeks later, after all that, I received it yesterday. Again, the craftsmanship is awesome. They were able to make the corrections. The problem:
Still no added thickness. I'm resigned at this point. It is what it is. I'm leaving it alone.

Lessons learned:
1. Remove all the steering wheel internals before you send it to Meinlenkrad
2. Ask for status reports (everyday if you have to!) from whomever you're in contact
with over there.
3. Ask for photo verification
4. Include a photo of your wheel with the wheel you're sending with arrowed
instructions
5. I don't think they do added thickness orders
6. The correspondence was a bit more challenging than I had anticipated.

One other item of note I found interesting that could shed some light on the loss in translation, when you send your wheel in, you're asked to attention it to a "Miroslaw Kobierski". Both times. When I paid for the wheel by Paypal, in going back at my Paypal transactions, the name of the receiving party was that of a Chinese national's. May or may not have any bearing on anything but Joanna said they do have technicians working on these wheels and if there are multiple nationalities there cranking these out who might not necessarily read and understand English, it can become a factor in getting things done accurately.

I was hoping I could get in front of the anticipated challenges of dealing with someone from a different country by providing pictorial instructions of what I wanted. Explaining these in English might not have helped as much I think.

Dennis Cooper, who is a UK based BMW enthusiast and long running member on some of the other U.S. BMW boards mentioned another possible vendor who's based in the UK.
He vouches for this outfit: Royal Steering Wheels | Exclusive look, unique feeling

I've bought brand new sets of wheels from Dennis before and I can vouch for his standards in high quality and if he finds that company to be good, I'd probably consider it. I might try this UK vendor next if I ever get my hands on another steering wheel that can benefit from refurbishing and if the price is competitive. I do see the allure of having a wheel product worked on directly from Germany as it adds to the German mystique of a German car. Question is, like anything these days, are actual Germans building these things?

Dennis did mention that this place works with German partners directly from Germany regarding their wheel work. If anything I'd use them as a work around to the loss in translation issue and let them handle the translating on behalf of your needs. Don't know their pricing as yet but if it's the same as Meinlenkrad's, I can definitely benefit from an English to English correspondence rather than an English to German translation.

Hope this helps out someone heading this route.


MANGO

MANGO 09-13-2013 04:43 PM

Just saw what I just wrote posted up.
Holy crap that's long! LOL!!!


MANGO

bcredliner 09-13-2013 04:45 PM

Great recap!

ukrcan 09-14-2013 12:17 AM

Great thread!

One question - can someone add thickness to a heated wheel?

Ricky Bobby 09-14-2013 09:12 AM

MANGO

Great writeup about Meinlenkrad, and I feel somewhat bad in a way because didn't i originally refer them to you in a way? Sorry to hear that you did not have 100% satisfaction, the guys on the E90 forum seemed to be happy.

Did you send your 4.8 wheel to get redone again, or did you leave it as is?

I was thinking about someday in the future sending the M3 wheel I just purchased, out for refurbishment, for added thickness, etc, but I won't know how it feels until I get it in my X. (I think the M3 wheel is slightly thicker anyway)

The UK shop you posted about seems like a viable option, I will look into them as well.


I always spoke to Joanna when I emailed Meinlenkrad, and not sure if she ever mentioned to me but she did tell me to totally strip the wheel down before shipment, including trim pieces and multifunction buttons, as they do not put it back together before sending back. Maybe she missed mentioning that to you.

Also, you're right her email English is great, however as a side note, if I or you were to ever send them another wheel, I would definitely translate my English instructions at least roughly to German, and make sure to get a picture before return shipment.

I know she mentioned to me, the entire wheel can be added extra thickness ("extra dick" in German lol), but it is subtle thickness, I don't think they add too much. Just have to read the German words and perhaps add them in your English instructions, see the title on the E70 steering wheel listing:

BMW X5 E70 E71 extra DICK Lenkrad Lederlenkrad Art 402a1 | eBay


Lastly MANGO, we need pics of your wheels! Which cars did they do them for?

bcredliner 09-14-2013 02:00 PM

Here is another source although I don't think they will add thickness. Also, you will need to translate instructions into Texacano.
Dallas Custom Steering Wheel

Ricky Bobby 09-14-2013 02:29 PM

DCSW was mentioned earlier in this thread, and do come highly recommended from many on the forum. They DO add thickness to the wheel, and come out to about 400 bucks for recovering of our E53 wheels.


The overseas options were slightly more affordable, coming in around 250 with the shipping costs, which is why I know MANGO gave them a try. However, the 150 or so in savings might not necessarily be worth it to some given the language barrier and execution of the orders as evidenced above.


Texacano btw = the real 'Murican English! :)

bcredliner 09-14-2013 02:34 PM

Ooopsie.

Ricky Bobby 09-25-2013 04:46 PM

OK Update (and a story to tell):

So long story short I got screwed out of that M3 wheel I posted up about a couple weeks ago. I placed my order in the afternoon 9/12, and got my confirmation email right after placing. The steering wheel said "in stock" when I ordered and added to my cart, and apparently the inventory was live (so if it wasn't available I couldn't add it)

Also this vendors website is quoted as "in stock items ship same day or next business day", so I expected it to be quickly. This was Thursday afternoon. Well Tuesday morning shows up and nothing, no shipping confirmation, etc. So I call up Slidegood, and say pretty much "where the hell is my steering wheel"


Guy gets back to me, John, nice guy, and he proceeds to tell me that there was a glitch in their system, because someone literally phoned in an order minutes before I placed mine online, and he was local (like 30 miles away) so the order went to him. Now, my :bsflag: is SKY HIGH at this point, but I made nice with him because he had 200 bucks of my money at his mercy, and he was nice about it, apologetic, etc, told me he'd find me another, just give him a couple days. This was 8 days ago.

I had him give me updates daily, he came up dry on Wendesday, Thursday, Friday, and Monday. Found me a 2000 M5 wheel on Friday (no dice as its different design), and it was beat up anyway.



So yesterday, thank God, I got my money refunded to my paypal. Glad I got my money back but still kinda sour at the service. Do they really expect me to think that someone magically phoned in an order the same time as me, or "minutes before", and the inventory didn't update it fast enough? I ordered the wheel off their website, added to cart and said "in stock" then when I refreshed the page it said "out of stock" LOL!

I'm sure one of the workers there said "Holy shit that's a good price on an M3 wheel", phoned a buddy to get his ass down there and just figured they'd give me a good BS story when I asked where it was. Because there's no way, even if the order was "phoned in at the same time", would they not be updating the inventory while placing that phone order.



So fast forward to today and I still want an updated steering wheel, so I go on my favorite place, ebay.de and see who can speak the best English and who can get me what I want, while responding quickly. It seems this chap Sebastian Jamroz can, I ordered this exact wheel from him today, and asked him how much extra to keep my own wheel (aka order one of his in stock) and shipping to US. Total cost 184 Euro (249 USD). 40 Euro to keep my own wheel (as I don't want to deal with sending it overseas), and 34 Euro shipping to USA. He asked if I had wood trim on my wheel or plastic, as he had both, and told me it will look just like the picture. This listing is for a thickened wheel, as if you look at his other E46/E53 offerings some are not as thick.

If you send him a message through ebay as well, he responds fast, and I am a big fan of using Paypal/my credit card in conjunction with ebay for buyer protection, and he said no problem, just use Buy It Now, and wait to pay until he revised the invoice. Easy as can be, and he said he will send me a picture on Friday and ship it then. I'm happier this way anyway, probably the same market price as an E46 M3 wheel, but its freshly redone as new, and I won't be sporting the M badge on my lowly 3.0 (something I am somewhat against, although I made an exception when originally shopping for this steering wheel, the iS models get a pass)

Here is the listing that I purchased, you may look at his other options as he does different designs, leathers, stitching, etc, just inquire, and he does facelift wheels too!:

BMW E39 NFL x5 E46 Lederlenkrad Daumenauflage incl Tuning Teile Sport Lenkrad | eBay





-Thickened all around
-Added thumbrests
-Perforated leather on sides
-Solid leather top and bottom
-Black Stitching

bcredliner 09-25-2013 04:54 PM

nice find! Looks great!

Ricky Bobby 09-26-2013 09:25 AM

Thanks man, really looking forward to receiving it!

ukrcan 09-26-2013 10:24 AM

Does anyone know if you can thicken a heated wheel? I really like the idea of having a thicker wheel, but i am afraid i will loose the heat from the wheel.. and in my climate i really need my heated wheel :)

Doru 09-26-2013 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ukrcan (Post 957536)
Does anyone know if you can thicken a heated wheel? I really like the idea of having a thicker wheel, but i am afraid i will loose the heat from the wheel.. and in my climate i really need my heated wheel :)

I don't think it's possible the "normal" way steering wheels are thickened.
I believe you have to take out the resistor that's imbedded and add an extra fireproof layer with the molding for the resistor. Then re-wrap. That might cost a pretty penny.

bcredliner 09-26-2013 12:12 PM

It would take longer for the heat to come through, it wouldn't get as warm, but since the heating assembly is not disturbed the cost to recover should be the same as a non heated wheel.

Ricky Bobby 10-25-2013 11:55 AM

Arrived and installed....
 
2 Attachment(s)
Pics of my wheel installed last week, received direct from seller in Gorlitz, Germany!

Took out airbag fuse 44 and went to work, about a 20 minute swap, and 150% better looking and feeling in the hand, the X is extremely fun to drive with this wheel!

Btw both leathers are the same color the flash makes it look different, came just as expected, excellent finish and craftsmanship...

bcredliner 10-25-2013 12:01 PM

Steering wheel looks good!

Doru 10-25-2013 12:35 PM

Looking good :thumbup:

tmv 10-25-2013 01:08 PM

Nice upgrade J.

davintosh 10-25-2013 04:02 PM

Nice upgrade, RB! Did you have the sport wheel to begin with and transfer your switches, airbag, et al to the new one?

I've been thinking about doing something with the wheel in the X5; some of the stitching is loose. I probably should do something with that before it gets any worse (funny thing is that two of my other cars with leather wrapped wheels have loose stitching in the same area, lower-left. Weird.)

Ricky Bobby 10-26-2013 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davintosh (Post 961053)
Nice upgrade, RB! Did you have the sport wheel to begin with and transfer your switches, airbag, et al to the new one?

I've been thinking about doing something with the wheel in the X5; some of the stitching is loose. I probably should do something with that before it gets any worse (funny thing is that two of my other cars with leather wrapped wheels have loose stitching in the same area, lower-left. Weird.)


Yes Dave, my X has sport package so my wheel was the same, the new wheel came without trim pieces, multifunction buttons, and the airbag "cage", but all is very easily swapped over to the new wheel. There are 3 screws for the airbag holder, two screws on the bottom trim piece and 2 screws on the inside that hold the multifunction buttons down. Very easy swap!

Do you have the sport wheel? You literally can have my old wheel if you do, and just swap your buttons/trim and airbag to it if you want to refresh, its in the basement just pay me for shipping, its in good shape with no stitching loose, I only have 69k miles so its probably less worn than yours.

Joshdub 07-01-2015 07:41 PM

Necro bump.

It look like the seller that RB got his wheel from is no longer selling things. His ebay store is empty and there are no items listed.

What are your guy's thoughts on this? My wheel is pretty worn at 12 o clock due to the gangster PO, and something a litter sportier than my sport wheel would be nice.

BMW E46 E39 E53 x5 M3 M Tech M Sport Steering Wheel Preformance Indywidual | eBay

525iT_Feen 07-02-2015 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshdub (Post 1043269)
Necro bump.

It look like the seller that RB got his wheel from is no longer selling things. His ebay store is empty and there are no items listed.

What are your guy's thoughts on this? My wheel is pretty worn at 12 o clock due to the gangster PO, and something a litter sportier than my sport wheel would be nice.

BMW E46 E39 E53 x5 M3 M Tech M Sport Steering Wheel Preformance Indywidual | eBay

That looks pretty solid minus the wood. If I'm not mistaken my coworker bought a wheel from him for an Audi S6 and was satisfied.

- Olek

Joshdub 07-02-2015 11:46 AM

That's good to hear. I'd swap the wood for my black plastic.

I asked the seller if this is a new wrap and what kind of leather was used. All I got back was "high grade top notch leather".

It makes me hesitant but you don't need to speak English to sew. I glad your coworker had a good experience.

Ricky Bobby 07-02-2015 09:15 PM

Hey Josh, try my seller again, I just went on German Ebay and found his listing, search keywords are "e53 lenkrad"

Lederlenkrad Lenkrad passend für BMW E39 , E46 , X5 Leder incl.Daumenauflagen | eBay

I didn't want the tri-stitch as I wanted black stitch to blend into the interior. Wheel still looks like the day I bought it and I love it, was an awesome find for the price, and now that the Euro is even lower, its even better. You just have to swap your Multifunction buttons and lower trim piece onto the new wheel before fitting to the car and re-fitting your stock airbag.

4.8isguy 07-02-2015 09:35 PM

I have the same steering wheel. I sent it out to a guy in Latvia that had it wrapped in Nappa with tricolor stitching. I get compliments all the time on it. Feels just like the f10 m steering wheel which is the thickness i requested. I think I paid around 200-250 to get it done including shipping and everything. If there is some interest I can take a pic and get the guys info.

Joshdub 07-02-2015 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby (Post 1043392)
Hey Josh, try my seller again, I just went on German Ebay and found his listing, search keywords are "e53 lenkrad"

Lederlenkrad Lenkrad passend für BMW E39 , E46 , X5 Leder incl.Daumenauflagen | eBay

I didn't want the tri-stitch as I wanted black stitch to blend into the interior. Wheel still looks like the day I bought it and I love it, was an awesome find for the price, and now that the Euro is even lower, its even better. You just have to swap your Multifunction buttons and lower trim piece onto the new wheel before fitting to the car and re-fitting your stock airbag.

Thank you. I much prefer that wheel. I'll send them a PM and see what the process is.

Ricky Bobby 07-02-2015 11:02 PM

^Just mention to him in email that you'll want to pay the extra $40 euro or whatever it is to keep your own wheel, unless you want to send a core back to Germany.

525iT_Feen 07-06-2015 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshdub (Post 1043327)
That's good to hear. I'd swap the wood for my black plastic.

I asked the seller if this is a new wrap and what kind of leather was used. All I got back was "high grade top notch leather".

It makes me hesitant but you don't need to speak English to sew. I glad your coworker had a good experience.

What do you want to ask him? I'm Polish and speak it fluently/read it well. Not the greatest at writing but I can convey a message.

The guy he bought it from spoke English so it may not be the same guy :dunno:
PM me and i'll take care of it for you.
- Olek

Joshdub 07-06-2015 05:29 PM

Thanks Olek. I am going to pass on that polish one and I'll go with the same vendor that RB did.

Cadesto 07-06-2015 07:48 PM

Anyone have a link or info on how to remove/replace the sport (3 "prong") wheel covering..
Ive got the part.. Got tired of the little rubber paint peeling.. I just don't want an airbag blowing off in my pretty little face!
Thanks PC

X53Jay4.8is 07-06-2015 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby (Post 1043404)
^Just mention to him in email that you'll want to pay the extra $40 euro or whatever it is to keep your own wheel, unless you want to send a core back to Germany.

Rb is this re-stitched wheel have thicker padding than the OEm sport Steering wheel? I may go this route.

94csi 07-06-2015 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cadesto (Post 1043805)
Anyone have a link or info on how to remove/replace the sport (3 "prong") wheel covering..
Ive got the part.. Got tired of the little rubber paint peeling.. I just don't want an airbag blowing off in my pretty little face!
Thanks PC


Here you go: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...placement.html

Cadesto 07-06-2015 07:59 PM

great thanks I knew I had seen it before.. the search doesn't seem to be working very well
PC

94csi 07-06-2015 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cadesto (Post 1043809)
great thanks I knew I had seen it before.. the search doesn't seem to be working very well
PC

:iagree:Not to take this thread too far off topic but the search is horrible...

LVP 07-06-2015 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94csi (Post 1043810)
:iagree:Not to take this thread too far off topic but the search is horrible...

Yay! Someone used my thread. For the search, don't use this site's search. Use google and enter something like the following:

"Steering wheel trim replacement site:xoutpost.com"

Much better results :)


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