Can I replace
 

After 100K miles, my steering wheel 'cover' has become scratch up to the point it actually bothers me. I believe I need the following part. Can someone confirm? I have a 2005 BMW X5 with the sport package. I'm attaching a picture of my steering wheel.



Cover32 30 6 778 412

Has anyone done this before? I'm not very DIY inclined, but the part is fairly inexpensive and I would like to replace myself. Adding in labor and effort to take my car in to have this done isn't worth it. Curious to know what tools or effort it would take to get this done.



Thanks!

VERY easy to do. lots of write ups on how to remove the steering wheel and how to take one apart. Just search the E53 forum.

Paint it . New one will chips too.

I wonder how well plasti-dip would work on this?

Vinyl wrap it or paint it as Tom suggest.

I did my with Rustoleum Matte black and it matches perfectly.

Tip: after you disconnect the battery. Do Not close the liftgate fully. Otherwise you will have to climb thru the back seat to release the liftgate with the emergency release cable which is on the inside of the liftgate.

Another tip: if you did not follow deanblue9's tip above (due to having to park on the street or you forgot about the power unlocking of the tailgate) and you have a battery charger/tender/maintainer...you can hook up to the jump start posts in the engine bay...or if you have one of those 9-volt battery maintainers that you insert into the cig lighter...this should supply enough power to electronically unlock the doors/tailgate (with the remote key, int/ext hatch release button, or the 45° door lock cylinder position) when the battery cables are disconnected. Just make sure that you shielded the battery cable ends so that they aren't touching each other or metal. ;)

I opted NOT to plastidip because it will peel like oem steering wheel.

Thanks for the feedback. I'll look into some of the DIY instructions for removal of steering wheel. It seems like my best bet it to just remove and repaint myself. I'll go with some Rustoleum Matte black, as you mentioned. How did you prep the part that needs painted? Did you have to remove ALL of the original black paint, or did you just spray paint as is?

Removing the old paint is not needed. I just washed the trim piece with cleaner e.g. Simple Green. Just dry it with a microfiber clothe. Be sure to wear some latex gloves so that you do not leave any grease from your hand. Just take your and done rush the paint. Multiple thin coats. Trust, the Rustoleum Matte is a perfect match. GL