Member Since: 02 Nov 2016
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1047
Shiny Steering Wheel? Not Anymore
As most D3's are at least 6 years old all but the low mileage ones will have a high gloss finish to the leather covering on the steering wheel. They start to look like they are made of plastic and it gives appearance of a high milage taxi! I found a good tip for removing this "shine" when I had my D2 and have just de-shined the wheel on my new to me D3.
I use Meguiars Leather Cleaner & Conditioner. Apply with a clean cloth, the cloth will soon go black but keep changing sides/cloth until the black marks on the cloth diminish. I did about 6 applications but my wheel wasn't too bad in the first place. Buff up with a microfibre or similar and once it has dried (might feel slightly stick for an hour or so, I left mine overnight) the wheel will have lost that high shine. You can even start to see the grain of the leather. It doesn't get back to that brand new look but is a massive improvement IME.
Didn't take a before pic but there are some shots of the results below.
18th Dec 2016 4:03 pm
steve-o
Member Since: 22 Dec 2016
Location: Sussex
Posts: 9
That looks so much better than the shiny finish, I'll have to give it a try. Thanks for the tip!
22nd Dec 2016 2:58 pm
oldstout
Member Since: 03 Apr 2016
Location: North East England
Posts: 247
Nice one 8)
I do the same with Gliptone leather conditioner
6th Jan 2017 7:16 pm
Henda
Member Since: 05 May 2016
Location: Gateshead
Posts: 473
Looks good I used a magic eraser sponge thing on mine first messy but good then leather cleaner feels nice when driving All transmission oil replaced
3 flash indicators
All timing belts changed
EPB serviced
De cat fitted
Wind deflectors
De-tango done
Tints fitted
Egr blanked
6th Jan 2017 7:56 pm
ClassikFan
Member Since: 02 Nov 2016
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1047
Was thinking of giving the gear selector knob a go too. It's so shiny I didn't realise it is meant to be leather!
6th Jan 2017 9:08 pm
Bones2014
Member Since: 10 Jan 2014
Location: Essex
Posts: 26
Good tip, I'll give mine a go
14th Feb 2017 11:59 am
ClassikFan
Member Since: 02 Nov 2016
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1047
Before
After
14th Feb 2017 12:12 pm
NickJ
Member Since: 11 Oct 2010
Location: there's no f in point
Posts: 2137
Is a magic eraser okay to use? My steering wheel is about five years old now, having replaced it from the bobbly original, but now it's gaining a shine. Have read some good reports on the 'net about magic erasers but don't want to wreck the leather
14th Feb 2017 7:16 pm
ClassikFan
Member Since: 02 Nov 2016
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1047
Never tried magic eraser, I use lanolin free cleaner & conditioner. I think the shine is caused by oily skin so best not to eat greasy food while driving!
14th Feb 2017 8:50 pm
hilly10
Member Since: 29 Sep 2016
Location: Staffordshire
Posts: 325
Wipe mine with a leather wipe once a week, always looks new17 Golf GT TDI Tornado Red
BMW 5 Series Touring
New Toy 1974 TR6 Memosa Yellow
2nd Mar 2017 7:33 pm
euangibson
Member Since: 24 Dec 2010
Location: Borders
Posts: 11027
NickJ wrote:
Is a magic eraser okay to use? My steering wheel is about five years old now, having replaced it from the bobbly original, but now it's gaining a shine. Have read some good reports on the 'net about magic erasers but don't want to wreck the leather
Magic eraser is absolutely fine...it worked well and took the shine away immediately....unfortunately the effects only lasted a very short time (about a week I think), so I would recommend you use a good leather cleaner, as suggested in the opening post,for a better and longer lasting result "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool,than to speak out and remove all doubt" ?.....what rubbish...
Locking rear E-diff
RLD spare wheel protector & sump guard
Extended roof rails
Series 111 mudflaps
Black side tubes,grill and vents
Timed climate remote
Hids4u interior lights
D4 Firenze my2012 HSE
D3 Java 2005 SE manual (sold,sadly,thanks for the memories)
1966 '88 Series 2a....still starts in the morning better than I do...
2nd Mar 2017 7:55 pm
grumpyoldmule
Member Since: 10 Sep 2015
Location: Scotland
Posts: 178
There's nothing quite like sitting in a discovery polishing your knob with a big smile on your face
2nd Mar 2017 10:44 pm
titters
Member Since: 27 Apr 2013
Location: london
Posts: 419
it had to be said2006 TDV6 HSE Wrapped Matt Black STOLEN NOT RECOVERED
2nd Mar 2017 10:55 pm
ClassikFan
Member Since: 02 Nov 2016
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1047
2nd Mar 2017 11:55 pm
Charliecloud
Member Since: 31 Jul 2014
Location: Tonbridge
Posts: 980
grumpyoldmule wrote:
There's nothing quite like sitting in a discovery polishing your knob with a big smile on your face
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