Royal Steering wheels

[huytonman]

The steering wheel on my 53k 35iS was a bit manky, very shiny with various marks and no amount of leather cleaner would get it back to a satisfactory condition for me and as its the main interface to the car I want it to feel good. During a recent visit to Bryan (dietcokeman) I saw that the wheel on his now departed E85 looked brand new and he mentioned Royal Steering wheels to me, based near Aylesbury and who refurb steering wheels at a decent price. After some short discussions with Jack who runs Royal, I went for a smooth leather with M sport colour stitching on an exchange basis (returnable deposit). The wheel arrived today (two weeks since ordering) and really is indistinguishable from a brand new wheel - fitting took me about 30 minutes (plus another hour with the battery disconnected to allow the airbag to discharge) and its made a massive difference to the feel of the car, for £160 (inc postage) I struggle to think of a better value upgrade. Highly recommended!

Sadly the light is rubbish here today and the pics I took aren't up to much, when I get the car in the open with the top down I'll post a pic of the wheel.

Keith

 

[sunnydays]

Did you have it wrapped in the stock trim / colouring?

 

[R.E92]

I had mine re-trimmed by Royal Steering wheels a couple of weeks ago.

I spotted an M2 at the dealer and decided I wanted the same wheel in my Z4 so had them do the smooth leather on top and bottom, perforated on sides and had the tri-colour stitching. Also went for the extra padding option so it's the same thickness as the M wheels.

They did a great job, I'm tempted to do the same to my 3 series too.

 

[Busterboo]

Royal did a flappy paddle wheel for my 911. First class job.

 

[huytonman]

Did you have it wrapped in the stock trim / colouring?

Pretty much apart from the tri-colour stitching, the thickness suits me and I dont like perforated leather or alcantara but these options are all available.

Keith

 

[IRD]

Royals are great to deal with and provide excellent value for money. You can have the wheel exactly as you want it. I had mine done to 11/2times the normal thickness because it suited my hands. Highly recommended.

 

[IRD]

Royals are great to deal with and provide excellent value for money. You can have the wheel exactly as you want it. I had mine done to 11/2times the normal thickness because it suited my hands. Highly recommended.

 

[BeardyJon]

I had mine re-trimmed by Royal Steering wheels a couple of weeks ago.

I spotted an M2 at the dealer and decided I wanted the same wheel in my Z4 so had them do the smooth leather on top and bottom, perforated on sides and had the tri-colour stitching. Also went for the extra padding option so it's the same thickness as the M wheels.

They did a great job, I'm tempted to do the same to my 3 series too.

How much did that all cost, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[R.E92]

I had mine re-trimmed by Royal Steering wheels a couple of weeks ago.

I spotted an M2 at the dealer and decided I wanted the same wheel in my Z4 so had them do the smooth leather on top and bottom, perforated on sides and had the tri-colour stitching. Also went for the extra padding option so it's the same thickness as the M wheels.

They did a great job, I'm tempted to do the same to my 3 series too.

How much did that all cost, if you don't mind me asking?

Mine cost £145 since I removed the wheel and sent it to them. I only use my Z4 on the weekend so it wasn't an issue.

 

[benv6]

Sounds interesting, especially the tri-colored stiching, Any pics please guys ?

Are there any instructions on how to change the steering wheel ?

 

[huytonman]

Sounds interesting, especially the tri-colored stiching, Any pics please guys ?

Are there any instructions on how to change the steering wheel ?

if you drill down into the gallery on their website you will see plenty of examples:

http://royalsteeringwheels.com/bmw-z-series/

Do a Youtube search and you will find examples of wheel removal, its straightforward but you do need the right tools (nothing special) and most importantly disconnect the battery for a while (I did it for an hour) to make sure that the airbag is safe to remove and that you dont get error messages afterwards. Getting the airbag off is meant to be tricky but was very easy in reality, just requires a relatively small screwdriver to push the retaining spring clip in, again take a look at Youtube under paddle change for the E89.

Keith

 

[R.E92]

It's a simple job. Just need a couple of screwdrivers and a socket (I can't remember the size but youtube should tell you).
Just a note:
MAKE SURE YOU DON'T CLOSE THE BOOT AFTER YOU DISCONNECT THE BATTERY

Luckily I have the ski-loading hatch but it was still a huge pain in the arse to get it open.

 

[Smartbear]

It's a simple job. Just need a couple of screwdrivers and a socket (I can't remember the size but youtube should tell you).
Just a note:
MAKE SURE YOU DON'T CLOSE THE BOOT AFTER YOU DISCONNECT THE BATTERY

Luckily I have the ski-loading hatch but it was still a huge pain in the arse to get it open.

Couldn’t you just connect a power source to the terminals under the bonnet to get the boot open again?
Rob

 

[R.E92]

It's a simple job. Just need a couple of screwdrivers and a socket (I can't remember the size but youtube should tell you).
Just a note:
MAKE SURE YOU DON'T CLOSE THE BOOT AFTER YOU DISCONNECT THE BATTERY

Luckily I have the ski-loading hatch but it was still a huge pain in the arse to get it open.

Couldn’t you just connect a power source to the terminals under the bonnet to get the boot open again?
Rob

Yes that will also work. I didn't have any jump leads or a charger to hand

 

[SteveSmith]

I really want mine done, mine is so shiny it's horrible. Would need it on the exchange basis but I can't decide what I'd want (smooth / perforated / alcantara).

 

[R.E92]

I really want mine done, mine is so shiny it's horrible. Would need it on the exchange basis but I can't decide what I'd want (smooth / perforated / alcantara).

If it's just shiny leather then try some Gliptone GT11 and GT12 first. It works wonders on leather. Leaves a nice matt finish.

 

[benv6]

MAKE SURE YOU DON'T CLOSE THE BOOT AFTER YOU DISCONNECT THE BATTERY

Already done that (and got the t-shirt) on my previous E85 when working on the roof, so I certainly learnt my lesson the hard way

PS: Locked my keys in the boot on a previous e46 coupe as well, that was in France and with hardly any tools (That was a real pain)

 

[suttz83]

I had mine done a few months back but forgot to post pictures. Massive change from the worn original. I went for added padding, smooth and perforated with red stitching to match the seats. Well worth the money (which is a bargain in my eyes).

Before






After

 

[R.E92]

Same as my wheel other than stitching colour. The quality of the leather is better than OEM too.

Your original wheel was really beat up!

 

[Taz]

very nice