When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Just taking a poll if anyone has ever seen or heard of this weird problem.
I have a 2021 AMG GLC 43 purchased new in Feb 2021 (before the 'chip shortage' issues) and the car overall has been great. However, it had to go back to the dealer 3 times and is currently getting its THIRD steering wheel replacement (under warranty). I picked the heated steering wheel option and I think the heating coil is the culprit of the problem. The first steering wheel replacement occurred about 6 months after I got the car because the heating element in the wheel stopped working altogether. The dealer replaced it with no questions asked. Then, with the now-new steering wheel, I started noticing the problem you see in the attached photo. It happened in the lower left position of the wheel (on the leather) -- very small scratches or superficial cuts, or (even warping of leather?) that became worse over time. I took the car to the dealer again, and they replaced it for the second time. Then, almost a few weeks after the second replacement, the wheel started getting the same kind of damage in the exact same spot. Again, it kept getting worse. I went back to the dealer for the third time and they agreed to replace it for the third and final time free of charge.
Has anyone ever seen this on a new car? The manager helping me at the dealer said he "has never seen something like this before." I mean, sure, but the fact remains that this is a build quality issue. I also don't understand how this can keep happening on brand new steering wheel parts. Is there maybe something off with the internal wiring of the steering column? My solution is now not to use the heated wheel function at all, as I believe that is causing the issue. It sucks because I paid for a feature that I can no longer use. Really disappointing stuff... Thanks for any feedback.
Yeah, that's the rub with heated parts covered in leather, the leather wears much faster due to the heat and drying out the natural oils in the leather(assuming you use it a fair amount). Shouldn't wear that fast, but heat certainly does not help. And if you think about it, steering wheel leather is much thinner than seats, so it is probably even a faster process. I use my heated seats some during the winter, but I keep them treated with conditioner to make sure they stay nice and soft/pliable.
To me this clearly looks like a mechanical (friction) type of surface damage. These little 'winglets', or scuffs,
don't grow by themselves, they are formed by scratching or rubbing the surface with a hard object, perhaps when entering the car, or as the previous poster suggested, with a ring.
To me this clearly looks like a mechanical (friction) type of surface damage. These little 'winglets', or scuffs,
don't grow by themselves, they are formed by scratching or rubbing the surface with a hard object, perhaps when entering the car, or as the previous poster suggested, with a ring.
+1
Those railroad track-like scuffs have happened to me with other cars, it was my wedding ring. Only thing I can think of is to make sure the wheel's got plenty of leather conditioner on it at all times.
I understand it "clearly looks like mechanical type of friction damage" but I do NOT and have not worn any rings on either of my hands. I suspected that maybe my 'grip' was strange and potentially damaging the leather at first, but after the first wheel replacement I have been incredibly careful with the leather and the same exact damage has occurred. I also do not have overly oily hands or scales for skin. The only variable here is whether the wheel heater is on vs off.
I understand it "clearly looks like mechanical type of friction damage" but I do NOT and have not worn any rings on either of my hands. I suspected that maybe my 'grip' was strange and potentially damaging the leather at first, but after the first wheel replacement I have been incredibly careful with the leather and the same exact damage has occurred. I also do not have overly oily hands or scales for skin. The only variable here is whether the wheel heater is on vs off.
the leather that mercedes uses on the new wheels is really crappy is the nice way of putting it. really not a fan of it which is why i dont use mb leather on my wheels. it is odd that is wearing out that fast im guessing something up with the lot of heating elements used.
I have similar wear on my other cars caused by my knife's pocket clip (right front pocket) rubbing on the 7-8 o'clock portion of my steering wheel as I exit the car. On the GLC63 it has not been a problem as the wheel tilts up and seat move back when the driver door opens
I have similar wear on my other cars caused by my knife's pocket clip (right front pocket) rubbing on the 7-8 o'clock portion of my steering wheel as I exit the car. On the GLC63 it has not been a problem as the wheel tilts up and seat move back when the driver door opens
Again, get all that, and I have a pocket knife too. usually, but with the steering wheel tilt and just being conscious of not touching the steering wheel as I get into the vehicle, it's not that I promise... I don't have a photo of it but there is the same kind of (albeit very subtle) warping on the other side of the steering wheel.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
