Shellbmb

For those of you with the performance packages, do you like the feel of the alcantera fabric on the wheel? I am looking to get a new wheel with maybe come CF and don't know if I should put the alcantera or leather wrap on the sides.

I have the standard leather wheel and I like how the side leather is perforated and firm. Is the alcantera really soft and mushy? Or firm?

And would you buy it again?

ZephyrAMG

I love my classic all leather with perforated leather sides. It's just classic and firm and sporty. Not a big fan of the suede like material. Perforated leather always signified sport to me growing up seeing Italian sports cars and German sports cars. Just my preference.

dynomite05

lol, funny you mention this. I should be recieving my custom CF wheel with black alcantara grips in the next week or two. I would also like to know peoples opinion on these types of wheels.

lebreeze

I love my alcantera wheel. One of my fav parts of my car. I'm thinking about getting one for my m3 too.

FastDonzi

i was on the fence about it prior to getting this car.i only saw pics of it on the web.but it's fantastic in this car. i love it.it really gives the car a unique look.

C63newdude

I actually like the looks and the feel of the alcantara wheel but the main issue that I see is getting the steering wheel dirty. The moment you put some dirty hands, hands with small amount of dirt, grease, sweat, dust or any residual it will get dirty very quick.

elidolo

Does anyone sell a leather steering wheel?

SonnyakaPig

+1. It's the same for me. I was very excited when I saw the perforation on the steering wheel. That always signified MB leather to me.

FastDonzi

do to my type of work,i wash my hands very often,so i use alot of lotion.i dont want to get it on the wheel.so i try to wear my gloves when i get in this car.i know,im

black-clk500

wasn't a big deal to me before buying the car, but it is the first thing I noticed about the car when I drove it for the first time--it feels really nice in your hands, kinda light if that makes any sense.
I love it now, ask me in 3-4 years after it looks like $h!t--I may have a diffeent opinion then
I'm neurotic about washing and drying my hands before touching it--aweful for a daily driver, but for me it works just fine!

in al honesty, if I woke up tomorrow and it was just leather, I wouldn't really be too upset--it's cool, but not a must for me!

Jons95c36amg

I love my alcantra steering sides. It has a grippy feel. Different then leather.

C63Dude

Simply loving it!

zhamr

Love it - wouldn't have anything else. I don't cover a huge amount of distance in the car, but it always feels 'special'.

olszowa12

I had a full alcnatara steering wheel and got rid of it after two weeks. Not my thing at all.

yazid

full alcantara? i love my current alcantara on the sides.. at the end of the day it's personal preference..

dynomite05

Tue, I think I would prefer the grip over the full wheel.

olsowa, loving that interior!

olszowa12

Thanks The Sahara Beige interior looks far better than black IMO.

It looked great but I prefer the perforated leather. The full alcatara wheel was a custom job.

rory breaker

I love the alcantara - feels great and looks awesome. Doesnt get dirty like some have mentioned unless you like to dip your hands in canola oil while youre driving.

Multispeed

At first I really liked the alcantra but after a while it just flattened down and felt as flat and hard as the leather sections. I am obsessive about clean hands and I used to gently wipe it down with a wet miracle cloth but that didnt help much. I am just left wondering why Benz would use such a short life, undurable material. Last visit to the dealer I complained and they did something that fluffed it up a bit but then after 2 weeks it was flat again. It was awesome for the first 6 months but I dont like for it anymore.

Mort

I don't think you should have wiped it down with anything. Try some products made for suede to clean the alcantara side grips maybe a suede brush to raise the nap. Treat it like a suede jacket and realize how fussy it is to keep one looking good and how prone they are to water damage and friction burns. The Alcantara may not be strong enough for DD life. Maybe invest in a pair of leather driver's gloves. I still like mine but realize it may not have a long service life, in like new condition and that it is prone to degrade by friction, perspiration and whatever other stuff we may get on our hands.

nrgy

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.

Dark_Knight

wear driving gloves wear problem solved

brt3

If you follow the link, it will take you to a booklet in pdf form with Alcantara care instructions:

http://www.alcantara.com/en_US/exper...tenzione.shtml

ZephyrAMG

Hey olszowa, you listening to Christina Aguilera there?....in a 451hp C63?....LOL

olszowa12

Haha I knew someone would pick up on that... Well, saying that my sister brought the car for me from the shop while I was away and left her fabolous CD in the changer won't help me here, will it?

Let the comments begin haha