Materials Used in BMW Steering Wheels
BMW Steering Wheels
When designing a custom steering wheel, BMW owners can choose from a variety of different materials. These include leather, suede, carbon fiber, and more. Each material offers a unique look and feel that can complement the vehicle’s interior design or reflect the driver’s personal style.
Leather is a classic and luxurious material choice for a steering wheel. Its smooth texture feels good in the hand and provides a comfortable grip for long drives. It also adds a sense of elegance and sophistication to the interior, making it an attractive option for a custom BMW steering wheel.
The leather used in a BMW steering wheel can vary from full-grain to split leather. Coated split leather is common in lower-priced vehicles, while full-grain leather is typically found in higher-end cars. The type of leather used on a steering wheel can also affect the overall price.
A leather-wrapped steering wheel is often covered with polyurethane. This material is made by mixing 2 polyurethane chemicals that expand and react to form dense foams. The armature of the BMW steering wheels is placed in a mold cavity where these foams are injected and then pressed against it to create the desired shape. This foam is then coated with a layer of paint or coating. This coating protects the armature from fading and scratching, as well as prevents the polyurethane from absorbing heat or humidity.
Materials Used in BMW Steering Wheels
Another popular steering wheel material is aluminum. This lightweight metal is a cost-effective alternative to steel, which helps reduce the weight of the steering wheel. Aluminum is also stronger and more resistant to corrosion than steel. It is produced through die casting, in which hot molten aluminum is injected into a mold cavity to make the steering wheel.
Many BMW owners prefer the natural look of wood. This material is durable and easy to maintain. It is also available in a range of finishes and colors, which makes it easy to match it with the rest of the interior design of the vehicle. Wood is also an environmentally friendly choice, which can appeal to some drivers.
Some manufacturers use a process called flow-forming to produce their wheels. This is a semi-forging technique that mixes traditional cast methods with the forged process. The barrel is cast with a shortened inside diameter, and then shaped using hydraulic rollers that apply tremendous pressure. This method results in a light alloy wheel with strength similar to forged wheels.
While some owners may prefer a specific style or material, others find it more important to select a BMW steering wheel with a precise fit. This includes a bolt pattern that matches the vehicle’s existing hardware. Most BMWs have a 5/120 bolt pattern, which means they have 5 bolt holes and a 120mm diameter for the bolt ring.
It is also possible to customize the offset of a BMW steering wheel, which refers to the distance between the bolt mounting pad and the centerline of the wheel. A higher offset will tuck the wheel closer to the body of the car, while a lower offset will push the wheel further out.