[Wiesia]

Really need some help - Steering wheel damage (by the dealer!)

Got my steering column changed 2 weeks back by Sytner High Wycombe. I have an MSC 04 (facelift) with 23k on the clock. Came to drive it back home and found damage to the steering wheel - two puncture wounds to the leather either side of the main section of the steering wheel where it attaches to the main column. It also had the awful cosmetic clicking noise as if it had been badly assembled. I took it back twice to sort out the noise and complain about the damage to the steering wheel.

Just got it back last week and the dealer told me they've spoken with BMW who have confirmed that the steering wheel leather needs to be punctured to get at two small buttons either side of the wheel to access the air bags and steering column etc and basically I'm stuck with this damage because that's how it has to be? Now I'm sat here scratching my head because this seems like the are taking the p*ss - if this was the case then all minis would have these puncture wounds when they roll out of Oxford?

Any advice from a very cheesed off mini owner.

P.S. Just took a look at the fit of the steering wheel and it's just been thrown together and the plastic is moving and bending - hence the noise when I'm driving. Back to Sytner it goes!

[DaFlake]

Very normal..... The vinyl is not applited at the factory until after the screws are in place. Unfortunetly it needs to be punctured for them to get into it. I had the alarm installed and mine is the same.

It probably looks like this...


Sorry for the crude photo...

[Wiesia]

Quote: Originally Posted by DaFlake (original)

Very normal..... The vinyl is not applited at the factory until after the screws are in place. Unfortunetly it needs to be punctured for them to get into it. I had the alarm installed and mine is the same.

It probably looks like this...


Sorry for the crude photo...

Thanks for answering my question. I just can't believe they don't warn you about it before letting you drive off. I adore my car, I keep it immaculate yet I'm left with two eyesores. Guess I'll just have to live with it and quietly simmer everytime I see them.
My car still has to go back to the dealer though because they've literally thrown together the outside shell of the steering column. It doesn't sit flush, the plastic is contorted and it makes an awful plastic clicking sound whenever I turn the wheel, regardless of the speed. I don't expect such shoddy work from BMW engineers.

Thanks for the pic .

[DaFlake]

No problem and I know how you feel. When they did mine I freaked out as well and did the exact same thing. To be honest, I really don't even notice it any longer. You could get something black and fill them if wanted or simply trim the vinyl so that it looks like it should be open. At least it would look better than a puncture.

FYI, the pic is of my car.

[boxednfresh]

hey i had a problem like this but they damaged my dashboard instead. Still trying to get it sorted. Just seems as if bmw standards are slipping.