Steering wheel quality issues

[BazKing69]

Hi all
Dont know if this is a common problem on Minis being new here, but the steering wheel on our Cooper (2002 52) seems to be falling apart in my hands!!!
The top of the wheel obviously has a thin layer of something over the plastic of the wheel, which seems to be slowing wearing/peeling off with use. It now looks awful, and I cant see a way round it. I was thinking of approaching the dealer to see their stance, as even though it is outside of warranty, it has a TLC pack, and in all fairness, I dont expect a problem like thing on a car that is built by BMW.
Is it a common fault?
Have people had it done under or outside of warranty?
It just makes an otherwise tidy 52 plate car look a right mess.

[SimonSJR]

hi.
I noticed this problem on my 01 wheel about a year ago.... Took it to the dealer and they said it was down to wear and tear and this is not covered under the TLC pack. Hopefully you will have better luck than I did.
Although it was an excuse to upgrade to the newer multifunction wheel
good luck mate.

[venox22]

yeah mine has started peeling, mines a 52 plate MCS, just getting my wheels replaced, so will try the steering wheel after they have done my wheels!!

But steering wheels are surely designed to last longer that 3 years

[BazKing69]

Wear and tear on a steering wheel??!?!? I'm sorry, but what planet are they on. A few scuffs maybe, but I thought these cars were made by BMW not Trabant?
On any car, I would not expect a steering wheel to be crumbling like a flake in my hands...
A strong word with the dealer me thinks, especially as one could class it as a safety issue if bits of the steering wheel cover are falling off of their own accord....
I'm certainly not splashing out for a new steering wheel/airbag on a company car. I just cant believe some of the quality issues I have uncovered already.

[russyellocoops]

We're just buying a 52 late cooper with a MFSW that was exactly the same!

Can't believe they hadn't sorted it prior to putting it on the forecourt?

We'll take it if you sort the steering wheel!

Glad to say, picking it up tomorrow!

[Peartreeproductions]

This isnt a wear and tear issue, the dealer is feeding you a load of BS.

I had my steering wheel replaced on my 52 MC about a year ago under warranty. They tried to fob me off with wear and tear but I stuck to my guns. The steering wheel has some sort of plastic covering on it thats starts to bubble up and peel off.

If you do a search on the forums you will see that loads of people have had this sorted under warranty - Mikeythemini for one IIRC.

Cheers

[mikeythemini]

I did but it was within the 3 years
However even if it happened outside - I would go straight to MINI as there is no way a wheel on a car that has done 20000 miles should fall to bits. I work on cars that ave done 150000 miles & never seen a wheel fall to bits

[mGP]

Is this just on the pre-facelift two spoke wheels; or does it affect all steering wheels including the current 3-spoke ones??

Just a little conerned.

[mikeythemini]

Never seen it on a 3 spoke , but then they aint that old yet....

[MarkW19]

I've got one small peel already on the top of my 3 spoke!!

[mGP]

True; but i think the current wheels are made better; they have a soft touch feel about them.

The older wheels in older cars seem to get a sheen on them; like most cheap plastics; but as you say they are not that old yet; so who know's how they will cope, wear and tear wise.

[Smurfn]

I had that problem on my 2002 MCS. Took it to the dealer and they replaced it without question, however, it was still within the warranty period.

I do think they should replace it even outside warranty, it does seem to be a fault, not just wear and tear

[MsAmy]

Quote: Originally Posted by mGP (original)

Is this just on the pre-facelift two spoke wheels; or does it affect all steering wheels including the current 3-spoke ones??

The three spoke ones have their own problems unfortunately - like flimsy badges that bend pretty much if you even breathe on them.

MsAmy.
xox

[Robert Stancliff]

Going to the dealer, (4.5 hour drive), next week to get my two-spoke muti-function steering wheel replaced. Talked to them on the phone about the blistering and peeling of the leather. They said, "no problem, we'll put on a new wheel for you, this happens all the time".

I have an 03 MC with about a year of warranty left.

I also got a letter a few months ago from MINIUSA saying that when I get to the dealer they will replace my battery with a new one under warranty.

[the-ruff-puppy]

I'm on my second wheel too (2003 one!)

Very unhappy, the replacement has began to peel, too.