C300 Steering Wheel Damage
 

I have had my C300 for 2 1/2 years. I live in Florida and despite always putting up sun shade when parked, my steering wheel is starting to show some mild sun damage. It's black steering wheel but starting to fade lightly, but not quite cracking (yet) - see photo.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to clean this/restore to natural condition/black color? before it gets too late?

I called my dealer and they said theres nothing/no products that can do this, which I find hard to believe.

Any cleaning/restoring tips would be helpful!!

thanks!

Why have you not pursued replacement as a warranty repair? That seems to be inappropriate deterioration in that time period rather than "wear and tear". If they resist, ask when the local MB Technical Specialist will next visit and get on his calendar.

A Big Plus One on that! That looks way too bad for just a few years.

Is it leather or MBtex? From the pic it looks like a build up of residue. When did you clean steering wheel last?

I know from experience sunscreen on hands or other lotions mixed with normal persperation from hand will kill leather - have to clean weekly.

Regardless it is a warranty claim since this is not normal "wear and tear" by any stretch.

I had a similar issue years ago on a 3 year old leased car I had. I had to argue a bit but they replaced it for me at no cost under the bumper-to-bumper warranty. It was fading on the side and back - it was mostly visible from the passenger seat.

Good luck!

Yes, if your complain it will get replaced. But that doesn't look like sun damage. That just looks like filth... If you look you will see that your steering wheel stalk too will have this discoloration. I use armor all wipes to clean my stalk as it gets this and it works fine, just need some good ole elbow grease...

My steering wheel cover is made of leather. Leather needs to be kept clean & supple & out of the sun.

You can buy a kit here in Australia for cleaning & oiling leather furniture. I use this.
http://www.pellecare.co.nz/

My steering wheel after nearly 3 years is as new as I use a shiny aluminium sun shade on the inside of the window & also a cover over the steering wheel. Takes 5 seconds to set up & remove.

I'm willing to bet that it's not actually damaged. That looks like oil and dirt buildup. I once detailed a steering wheel that looked similar to that and it cleaned up like new.

I've seen some people have some success with the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Don't laugh--it actually acts as a very light grit wet sanding block. Examples are in this thread: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=681976

I use rubber foam covers on all my cars steering wheels for better grip.

Doesn't look normal, especially at 2-1/2 years old. Have the dealership look at it.

If you don't mind getting an aftermarket replacement cover, I highly recommend Isotta.
I had it on my last car and it fits perfectly and looks sporty (it's two tone black and carbon weave embossed silver leather):
http://www.alanowong.com/b55interior01.jpg

Here's a newer style (other colors are available):
http://www.isotta.com/picture/modell...roen-Fiber.jpg

I don't think Isotta makes one for the C-series unfortunately.