My MCS is the first car ive owned that has a leather steering wheel, what do you guys recommend to clean all that hand grease and other dirt that may start accumulating on it?

 

I have used the Authentic Mini Dealer "Leather Cleaner" since day one, and have no complaints. I believe it runs about $10 right from the dealer and they even deliver.

 

Zymol leather cleaner works very well, smells great, and it's about $6 at Target. I also use Zymol leather conditioner ($6, Target) once every couple of months. Great smellin stuff! Jimbo

PS I also wear leather/webbed Bell bike gloves (wth cutout fingers) to cut down on the hand oils and other grub that can find its way to the wheel. They also help provide better grip as well.

 

The important thing to remember with leather is that it needs to be cleaned AND conditioned. There are products that claim to do both, but it's best to use a separate cleaner and conditioner. I like the Pinnacle products.

 

Lexol products work very well and are reasonably priced. Get a bottle of cleaner and condition, if all you have is a leather wheel, it should last you forever.

By the way, it works good on all leather products. (Like a leather recliner that a muddy dog has jumped up on.)

 

I use Oakwood leather products. Good stuff, but might be hard to find. What I have, I've had for a long time.

 

My 2003 R50's wheel has gone to bits, can someone recommend a good after market wheel cover? Has anyone used Wheels Skins?

 

good product - how good it fits depends on how hard you work to put it on well.....

 

Thanks Captain !

 

ok where can I get an air filter lid for my 2003 MC R50? The MINI garage broke off the tabs opposite side of the screws last service and didn't say anything. Fat chance getting them to replace it.

 

put one on my Miata wheel after 10 years ... original leather color coat was peeling off

work slow and think about where you are going next when you work around the spokes . . . pull it as tight as you possibly can as you stitch

 

you can probably find a spot to drill a small hole and run a small self tapping screw in the edges . . .

 

That or add a latch of some type....depends on how handy you are!!
If you want a new/used one.....folks sometimes replace them with a CAI, so check the parts for sale/post a want add.....maybe call a wrecking yard, or call WMW...he sometimes parts out cars...he might be able to ship one to ya!!

 

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Just goto waymotorworks.com & select the used parts $10bucks for the R53 but might have R50. If you ever need anything he knows his stuff.

 

www.Leatherique.com is the best leather care.......

 

i had a wheelskins cover on my lancer evolution. Fit great, didin't move and great feel because it fattened up the wheel. looked nice too. I got mine in all black leather perforated. I will get one for my mini when it starts showing exessive wear.

 

Thanks for the tips everybody, I really appreciate it !!!

 

When I got out mini about a few weeks ago the steering wheel was covered in this white crap. The steering wheel actually looked like very light gray. I really thought we were going to have to get a new steering wheel.

I went ahead and tried some my detailing stuff. I used Adam's leather and dash cleaner along with their interior brush and scrubbed away. It took about 5 minutes and all that white junk had dissappeared. It still didn't look great so I also used the Adam's leather conditioner.

The steering wheel looks good as new, my wife was pretty blown away too. I really like the Adam's stuff. Not the cheapest but defiantely very effective. Plus, they have a 110% guarantee. I don't think anyone comes close.

 

with a leather steering wheel

watch out for sunscreen or any type of hand lotion on the wheel

if the spousal unit keeps a bottle of hand lotion in the car WORRY!!!!

bad juju for the leather on most steering wheels

cleaner then conditioner about every 3 months . . .

sweetie - your hands are so soft you don't need that stuff

 

I've used nothing but those chlorox wipes that come in cylinders to wipe down all human interface surfaces once a week. My wheel is beautifully worn, with a subtle shine and has no residue, smell, flakiness, grease, or anything.

I'll carry on as I do, and if the time comes, I'll have the whole wheel professionally restitched to concourse standards using exact color match BMW grade charcoal leather, stitch pattern, etc.

 

I don't know about the older 2-spoke wheels, but I read somewhere that the 3-spoke (non-JCW) wheels aren't even leather...they're stitched vinyl...!?

 

[/B]QUOTE=nabeshin;3122988]I've used nothing but those chlorox wipes that come in cylinders to wipe down all human interface surfaces once a week. My wheel is beautifully worn, with a subtle shine and has no residue, smell, flakiness, grease, or anything.

I'll carry on as I do, and if the time comes, I'll have the whole wheel professionally restitched to concourse standards using exact color match BMW grade charcoal leather, stitch pattern, etc.[/QUOTE]


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Same here, no bleach! Once sHoW oFf days come just rub on some shoe polish & wipe it right back off.