[Jemster68]

I noticed yesterday that there’s something odd about the stitching or padding on the top left steering wheel join. It’s like the padding has gone just before the join, and the folded stitch line is standing up proud of the wheel. Noticeably different from the other side.

I don’t know why I had not noticed before as I have had the car a month now, or if it’s changed due to the drop in temperature, or perhaps me gripping the wheel. I was wondering if anyone else had this and found a way to fix it, maybe by a heat wrap or some kind of balm to soften and/or puff up the leather.

Couple of pics to show the difference in the 2 sides (hope they come through ok as they look odd in the App today, must be an iOS26 bonus feature)

Hardly the end of the world, but one of those ‘once you’ve seen it, you can’t un-see it’ things.

[Joe-BMW33]

I assume you mean the bulge on the top picture? I am not a leather expert, but you can try a leather softener like Leatherique Rejuvenator and let it bake in for at least 24 hours. The more the better. It is water based. I would then put more on and massage the shit out of it from right to left towards the seam. If you have a hair dryer or heat gun, warm it up on the lowest setting while massaging.

[Jemster68]

Yep, it’s strange, its not so much a bulge as a dip in the foam behind the join, and then a ridge from the leather fold at the stitching. The other side is perfectly normal.

Heat is a good idea, will have a look for some leatherique too. I want to make sure whatever I use doesn’t leave the wheel tacky. The 540 steering wheel always felt slightly sticky no matter what I cleaned it with, but this one has been fine.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Jemster68

Yep, it’s strange, its not so much a bulge as a dip in the foam behind the join, and then a ridge from the leather fold at the stitching. The other side is perfectly normal.

Heat is a good idea, will have a look for some leatherique too. I want to make sure whatever I use doesn’t leave the wheel tacky. The 540 steering wheel always felt slightly sticky no matter what I cleaned it with, but this one has been fine.

I can definitely share my experience and tips on cleaning and treating the steering wheel to get that glove soft feel back. You could do the Leatherique system of applying Rejuninator and then cleaning it off with Pristine Clean. It is a kit. This more often used to bring the leather back to life if it's old and worn. Leatherique is a top notch product that has been around for well over 30 years.

Alternatively, put a touch of Dawn dish detergent in some hot water and scrub it to remove all the slippery oils from your hand in it and then apply a cream like Bick. I do this a few times a year.

[Chappers 71]

Is that where you hold the steering wheel? To my eye the ‘ridge’ looks to follow the line of an outside of a left hand.

As for a fix maybe try warming the area with a hair dryer & manipulating the area, it may push back….or tightening something like a Jubilee Clip around that area, with some protection around it obviously & try tightening gently, that may put it back into shape.

As a disclaimer (due to some recent comments about a post of mine) I am no steering wheel restoration expert & have no idea if my suggestions would work or make it worse, if it were my issue that’s what I’d try

[Jemster68]

It's close enough to where I'd hold it. I'm trying to gently release my death grip when I stomp on the throttle and have to hang on

It does seem that heating it is going to be the way to go. I was wondering about a warm damp cloth compress perhaps.

I just don't want to make it any worse than it is. It's hard to see in the photo, but much easier to feel, which is why I'm not entirely sure why I hadn't noticed it for the first few weeks.

I'll get some leatherique ordered up and see if I can get it softened up. Thanks everyone!

[Jemster68]

So the Leatherique turned up at the weekend and I applied the rejuvenator and let it sit for 24 hours. Cleaned it up and it has left it nicely matt and soft.

Doesn't seem to have improved the strange fold-over at the stitch, but it's early days. I'll give it another soaking next weekend and see how it goes.

Might have to do the entire car at the weekend if it stays dry enough...