[Eric335xi]

So I've done some research on here and didn't find another post with a similar problem. I bought my car back in September as a year end left over special (got a pretty good deal on it) so it had been sitting on the lot for almost a year.

I'm not sure if I'm making too much of an issue out of this or not, but I have two problems with the steering wheel. The vinyl on the airbag cover is faded on the outer edge and along the top. It is a lot more pronounced in person and in sunlight. The other problem is on the bottom portion of the wheel rim. The vinyl(leather) seems to be peeling away.

Now, these issues have been present since I bought the car but didn't start really noticing until after a few hundred miles. I bought the car at dealer X, but usually get it serviced at dealer Y since its closer to my home/work. I finally was able to get it in a couple of weeks ago when the local BMW Rep would be there as the dealer would not make the call if its a warranty issue. The Rep said it was a dealer issue as the car was sold that way and not a warranty issue. So then I took it to dealer X to look at it, and said they would not make the call either and wanted the Rep to look at it as well (its the same Rep for dealer Y). I told them the Rep already looked at my car, but they still want him to see it...

Anyways, I wanted to show you guys on here and see what you think? Is this a legit warranty claim? Or am I being too nit picky and should of caught it before I bought it (even though it is a new car)?

[asdflkijd]

my steering wheel cover (rubbery plastic piece) is peeling.. my camry didn't even do this..

[Higgs1]

Originally Posted by asdflkijd

my steering wheel cover (rubbery plastic piece) is peeling.. my camry didn't even do this..

same here, had it replaced in Jan of 09 and going in again to get it done tomorrow......cheap if you ask me

[._.]

my mtech wheel is doing the same thing, since I bought it and installed myself,not sure I can have it replaced.

[Eric335xi]

Well, I have the car at the dealer today waiting for the regional BMW rep to look at it. I hope they will replace it under warranty. If not, I may need to give BMW NA a call...

[asdflkijd]

Originally Posted by Higgs1

same here, had it replaced in Jan of 09 and going in again to get it done tomorrow......cheap if you ask me

Did your dealership replace the trim piece?

[Eric335xi]

Here's a follow up on the steering wheel. The dealer I purchased the car from dyed the airbag cover and "repaired" the wheel rim with some sort of paint. The airbag cover came out alright but the paint started peeling right away again so took it back for another repair. Now its been a month and that repair is peeling again and I requested the dealer replace the wheel under warranty.

After about a week all they came back was with an offer to pay half for a new wheel at $849. I've even called BMW NA to complain and they said what the dealer offered is all BMW can do for me.

Any thoughts on what other options I could have? I just don't think its right I have to pay $424 to replace a part that has come apart on a car with less than 9k miles

[Moz_e90]

That's just unbelievable! How can they not stand behind their product??

I had the steering wheel replaced on my e90. The leather was shrinking and peeling away from the back/top of steering wheel spokes, near the airbag. It literally looked like a 50 year old suitcase. SF BMW was pretty cool about it, however, and agreed to replace it right away.

BMW needs to find better vendors for these types of parts, and be embarrased when this type of thing happens. I had a VW Passat for nearly 10 years and the leather steering wheel never came close to looking like this.

[Eric335xi]

I know, this is ridiculous! I just don't know what recourse I have other than a stern verbal lashing at the Manager...

[Eric335xi]

Anybody have any advice on handling this??

I'm thinking about writing a letter to the general manager of the dealer giving him 3 days to do something, or I will seek legal action against them (small claims court).

[MusclezMarinara]

I know there was a replacement of trims around the multicontrol buttons............but the dealer said they wouldnt replace it ? its a 2010 .. try another dealer or talk to the service manager going to small claims is going to be a waste. IMO

[Eric335xi]

I originally took it to another dealer and they had the regional BMW warranty rep look at it. He said it was up to the dealer I bought the car from to take care of it. Since its coming out of their own pocket they don't want to pay!

[joec500]

OP, I have a great conditioned steering wheel I would be happy to sell you for a lot less than new. Send me a message if interested