Do you like your alcantera wheel?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 4,650
Likes: 74
From: Gdynia, Poland
'08 C63 Estate
I like the look of the full alcantara steering wheel. Looks sporty. You say it wasn't your thing, what made you change your mind after 2 weeks?
I do love the feel of alcantara, but the main thing holding me back is wear and tear. Although I've read if you find the right material it will last the life of the car. Most of the stuff out there, even OEM, will wear out fast from what I've researched.
I do love the feel of alcantara, but the main thing holding me back is wear and tear. Although I've read if you find the right material it will last the life of the car. Most of the stuff out there, even OEM, will wear out fast from what I've researched.
Don't get me wrong, I loved the look but I missed the perforated leather on the sides. I drive 60'ooo km per year so it was a stupid idea in the first place but I had to try it out. However if your car is a weekend toy or track toy go for it. It definitely gives more grip.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
Likes: 532
From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
I love the look and feel of alcantara, but I wouldn't like the wear. As all of you may or may not know, alcantara is a man-made fabric that simulates real suede. Real suede is heavy, that is why they used alcantara in the headliner of my E63. And of course your not touching it all the time, as you would with a steering wheel. I've seen the M3s with it, and after several years of wear, it looks dirty and worn out. Alcantara will wear out over time, especially in the 3 and 9 o'clock positions on the steering wheel. I'm sorry but I would prefer leather on my steering wheel.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 869
Likes: 35
From: Pacific NW
AMG GT-R
I also love the feeling of the alcantara. The alcantara on my wheel was the highest quality and darkest black that was available. Nevertheless it felt as if it was wearing out every day a little more - especially on 9 and 3 (clock).
Don't get me wrong, I loved the look but I missed the perforated leather on the sides. I drive 60'ooo km per year so it was a stupid idea in the first place but I had to try it out. However if your car is a weekend toy or track toy go for it. It definitely gives more grip.
Don't get me wrong, I loved the look but I missed the perforated leather on the sides. I drive 60'ooo km per year so it was a stupid idea in the first place but I had to try it out. However if your car is a weekend toy or track toy go for it. It definitely gives more grip.
It looks like they also carry perforated Alcantara, so one could keep that look of the leather wheel by having the sides perforated. I'm thinking of maybe going this route, hmmm.
