One of the only things that I hate about my 06, R50 is the stupid decal badge in the center of the steering wheel. First, from day 1, it started peeling up on the corner. Then somewhere along the way, my wife must have laid on the horn and creased it - read: cheap quality. Because of that, it won't be covered under warranty.

Of course, it isn't just a $5-$10 replacement badge. It's the entire steering wheel center, including the airbag. $$$$$$$$$$$$$

Has anybody found a replacement for this? I know that Aesthetic Creations (scroll down) offers a domed decal that goes there, but they told me it was a cover for what's there, not a replacement.

Has anybody tried to use the AC decal as a replacement? IF so, was it easy to do?

 

I've got an 02 cooper S and the steering wheel center is starting to show some wear and tear too. I own a commercial sign company and have the capability to do printed domed decals, I've been thinking of doing that for mine, I think it would look just fine as long as the measurements were taken carefully and it fits perfectly.

It's not something I really want to get into doing for other people, I just don't have the time, but I'm sure if you found a local sign shop, especially one that specialized in vehicle graphics, you're bound to find one that can do what you're looking for. It might take you a few tries, but there are plenty of guys out there. Specifically, look for someone with a Gerber Edge (type of printer, can print metallic silver and chrome foils onto regular vinyl) printer and who can do domed decals.

 

+1 Ditto on needing a replacement!

A custom one for WINO would be very cool!


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The local dealer replaced mine @ 4K miles but said he wouldn't do it again- He said I shouldn't of used my horn button?!?
I've never used my horn but they didn't believe me!!!

 

I ordered and installed the badge from Aesthetic Creations. Mine was destroyed and took a little effort to get it off. I used super glue on the new one and it looks good.

 

humm yea my dealer just replaced it after i ripped it off cus it got creased..

 

Are these later model that have the horn activated by pressing the airbag?

 

Yeah, those steering wheel MINI wings are a problem. I bet half of all MINIs have bent wings.

And Aesthetic Creations wings are just decals that stick onto the existing metal wings. So... creased metal wings = creased decal. Kind of like kissing your sister... what's the point ?

Those who've had the dealership replace those are either lucky or very gifted at the art of persuasion.

That metal emblem and the expense/difficulty in replacing it is one part of BMW engineering that leaves a lot to be desired.

 

Mine too is beginning to peel at only 7500 miles. Should I attempt to get some glue behind it to prolong it's life?

I wasn't too worried, as I assumed it was an easy to replace sticker...

 

It is a decal that is about 1/8'' thick and fits in the space nicely. It is not made to go over the existing badge.

 

There are at least a few of us in this thread that say otherwise, in my case, I was told by Mike himself.

 

That's what Mike told me as well.

Keep us posted on the long term life of this. I'd like to know if this is a viable option, even if it isn't recommended by AC.

 

Any chance you could post a pic?

Muchas Gracias!

 

Same here - Mike gave me one of the steering wheel decals when I was at his place having my graphics installed, and he even installed it for me - right on top of my factory wings.

The description on his website makes it sound like the decal can be used as a replacement for the factory wings, but I remember when he first announced them here on NAM that he was specific about them going on *over* the factory wings, and that they weren't meant to be a fix for peeling/bent/creased wings.

 

Had mine replaced by the dealer last week under warranty. Along with some other things. They had to replace the whole center including airbag. 30K miles.

 

i had the same thing done to mine at the dealer about a year ago.

 

I had mine replaced at the dealer under warranty. I had heard (and relayed this to the dealer) that when the wings start to push out/get bent/whatever, it is indicative of an air bag problem. That's why my dealer replaced mine.

 

Hmmm. Can you call my dealer and tell them the same thing.

 

2006 S with same problem and the airbag has been replaced 4 times since I bought the car in 7/06. It happened AGAIN and now it's no longer under warranty. MINI USA has refused to fix it and the cost is $650. Was ready to buy a 2011 S this weekend but I think I'm heading to the Honda dealership instead. I'm p/o'd and the hubster is ready to call our lawyer.

 

When was the last time you had it replaced? Dealer-installed replacement parts are warranted for two years or the remainder of the car's factory warranty, whichever is longer. So if you've had the airbag replaced since June of 2009, it should still be under warranty even if the 4yr/50k warranty on the rest of the car has expired.

 

Wow, didn't know that...thank you, SR! It was last replaced just prior to the warranty expiration on 7/31/10. Do you know where I can find this in print to show the service manager (which, btw, is up the road in Richmond)?

 

This FAQ from the MINI site spells out the two-year warranty for dealer-installed accessories. I know that the same warranty covers dealer-installed replacement parts, but I'll keep looking for a reference that says so explicitly.

 

I'll confirm that a dealer repair has a 2 year warranty on parts . . . . my dealer has told me that every time I coughed up full price for a dealer repair.

In writing ... well I just checked a couple of old invoices and ... sorry ... it ain't there.

 

Not on any of my invoices, either. I appreciate your help, both SR and Capt! Will continue to search...

 

Update: The hubster and my Mini visited the service manager today and once again, we were denied. The service manager agreed that there is a two-year warranty on dealer installed replacement parts but because I HAD BEAT THE STEERING WHEEL, it would not be honored. P/O'd is not the word of the day any more. Know those cutesy little emails they send to get your "high fives" on their service ("How did your Mini service go?)? I haven't answered mine yet but just left a message for the general manager to call me back. THIS IS WAR! I was planning to attend their "Rock the Rivals" after work and negotiate a deal on a 2011 S. Not now, no way. More to come...

*rant off*