I have the multi-function steering wheel, and have been under the impression that it's made of leather. However, in two little spots on the outer edge where my left hand goes, the surface material is coming apart. It's like a very thin film--not leather-like at all.

Anyone know what's up here?

 

mmmark,

I would call the dealer right away, thats bites.. I went with the stock wheel, and have been considering upgrading to the new style wheel in leather, thats good to know, thanks for the heads up.

.. that kind of stuff should be covered under the warantee... how many miles do you have on the car..

DA

 

Seems like there have been may posts about deterioration of the 'leather' steering wheels. Do a search and you might find some useful info.

 

XAlfa's right...its been discussed recently, too. Sorry but I never seem to have time to find the link, but do a search.

 

It is leather but treated, which causes the harder 'film' on top. I have the same issue with a Toyota wheel.

 

>>I have the multi-function steering wheel, and have been under the impression that it's made of leather. However, in two little spots on the outer edge where my left hand goes, the surface material is coming apart. It's like a very thin film--not leather-like at all.
>>
>>Anyone know what's up here?
>>
>>
Here's what's up with that...

I've posted a few times on this subject. My wheel has peeled in 3 different spots (also MFSW) and I am taking it in to be replaced later this month. I was told that it would be covered under warranty...we'll see.

My peeling locations are in the 9, 12, and 3 o'clock positions. It is the CHEAPEST, THINNEST "leather" (and I use that word very liberally) I have ever felt. What kind of leather is really a leather coating? I want an upgrade to a Cooper S MFSW with the thumb indents on it. Or at least use thicker materials!!!

Glad I don't have "leather" seats!

:evil:

 

I just posted this same question about a month ago. I have since taken my car in for service and they replaced the leather with no questions asked. They did NOT however give me a new steering wheel which I was hoping they'd do because my cap on my wheel has a lot of dings and scratches because of the poor quality. But you should get it replaced under warranty.
BTW: I had 27k on the car when I took it in.

 

I have the leather steering wheel and haven't had a problem so far, but just in case I bought a steering wheel cover to protect it from the sun when I park outside.

 

Anybody still reporting issues with their steering wheel? My MFSW has wear marks--like scuff marks on the 9 and 12 o clock positions where I keep my hands mostly. It actually feels "stickier" at these locations since it's no longer smooth. It's not peeling, but definitely wearing. I've got 15,000 miles in about 6 months so far.

It concerns me. Anyone know if the warranty on leather is the same as for the whole car?

 

My MFW's rim is pristine at 28,000 miles (it does have a scratch in the plastic trim in the middle though). I'm wondering if you routinely use any sort of cosmetic or skin lotion that could remain on your hands and be injurious to the wheel material?

 

Blame sweaty hand palms. It seems to me that the sweat from some people has an 'acidic' effect on leather materials.


The MFSW wheel of our '02 Cooper CVT is perfect and spotless after 21,900 miles. My wife and I drive the car on a frequent basis and I do have sweaty palms.

Also I have found out that cleaning your steering wheel leather covering helps tremendously in increasing its durability. I have used "Meguiar's" Leather cleaner and conditioning wipes since day #1 and have had no problems.


Sweat and dirt will destroy even the very best steering wheel cover leather.

 

Thanks Jsun and Cooper4us,

Nope, no lotions or sunscreen here--like most guys. LOL.

I would have to say it's probably sweat. The MINI is a strange little beast. It's given me so many "firsts". The first car that I've owned that is so much fun, has so much character, brings so much joy, but also the first I've ever had to replace a windshield, or had rattles that needed to be fixed with electrical tape.

And now, a new steering wheel cause it's coming apart after 6 months, heh heh, oh yeah and new tires after 15,000 exciting miles (probably good for another 5k)!

I still love my MINI despite the flaws.

 

Ok I solved my peeling steering wheel problem today. I went to Autozone and found this cool rubber steering wheel cover for $15. It just stretches over the steering wheel. It fattens it up a bit, and now my wheel feels even MORE like a go cart. The fit is pretty good. The cover doesn't move on the wheel. It's very secure.

 

The bubbling of the steering wheel leather is a known issue. Mine was recently replaced under warranty after 15K miles.

 

Is this mainly a Cooper problem or does it also affect the S? The wheel in my S looks great after 8 months (crossing my fingers). I did notice that the 3-spoke optional wheel in the showroom at my dealer was made of a much more soft and supple leather than the 2-spoke.

 

>>I'm wondering if you routinely use any sort of cosmetic or skin lotion that could remain on your hands and be injurious to the wheel material?

Ours is pealing too. Not much use of skin lotion, just eat lots of jalapenos.

 

It should affect both as the wheels are the same, excluding the sports wheel with the thumb indents (not the 3-spoke) as the leather does seem to be different on those.

 

my regular 2 spoke wheel is starting to peel. i noticed it on the front and back of 9 0 clock, bottom of 6 o clock, and a little bit at 3 o clock on the front. 34k miles, and it's an 04