steering wheel trim - help!

CSLut · 15-09-2016, 06:49 PM

well...a common complaint im sure, but the paint has worn off my steering wheel trim, which when coupled with the freshly done Royal recovering, really wont do

Looking at a few threads on here it seems matching the paint can be a b***ard, but my question is: do i have to take airbag unit out to remove trim to paint?
Any advise on whole process from anyone who's done before, gratefully accepted.

Has csl · 15-09-2016, 07:12 PM

Hi mate, yes you do have to take the airbag off, then you'll see the screws to take the trim off. It's pretty simple. Take two medium length , flat blade screwdrivers, and insert them into the small slits on either side of steering wheel. Make sure they are facing slightly diagonally down, if that makes sense. Then you need to push in a spring clip which releases the airbag, then remove the wiring plugs, job done, once you've done it the first time, after that would be a doddle.
Regarding matching the paint, I had a body shop paint mine an e30 colour after some extensive research which was Sebring grey, but the trick is to use a satin lacquer, and how much you use determines how it's matched, mine came out perfect, just do both of the steering wheel trims so they're both exact, the rest of the trim isn't right next to it so won't make much of a difference if done right. I have proper ocd when it comes to my cars, and I'm well happy with the result. Good luck , nothing much can go wrong

Don't forget to remove the track mode button on the trim before prepping

CSLut · 15-09-2016, 07:56 PM

Brilliant, nice one! Apreciate the advice.
Do i need to disconnect the battery before playing around with airbag? And does disconnecting trigger any dash warning light that will need resetting?

Has csl · 15-09-2016, 08:09 PM

Oh yes, just disconnect the negative, no warning lights should come on, I did mine a couple times, all was ok.

**shimmy** · 15-09-2016, 10:50 PM

I did mine myself so it must be easy.

MisterCorn · 15-09-2016, 10:58 PM

Really easy, give it a go.

MC

GregorFuk · 16-09-2016, 01:15 AM

I had mine done by the local sprayer. Sebring Grey, 30% matt. Came out perfect.

O'Neill · 16-09-2016, 08:47 AM

Back in a CSL?

CSLut · 16-09-2016, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O'Neill

Back in a CSL?

Ah...busted...no, its a CS. Can i stay on here though please? I dont like it on m3cutters...they're mean

MisterCorn · 16-09-2016, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CSLut

Ah...busted...no, its a CS. Can i stay on here though please? I dont like it on m3cutters...they're mean

They are not all mean, but they do seem to be a bit more on edge about things. This place is much more relaxed.

MC

15-09-2016, 06:49 PM	#1
CSLut S3 - On the open road Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: bristol Posts: 103 Casino cash: $1976	steering wheel trim - help! well...a common complaint im sure, but the paint has worn off my steering wheel trim, which when coupled with the freshly done Royal recovering, really wont do Looking at a few threads on here it seems matching the paint can be a b***ard, but my question is: do i have to take airbag unit out to remove trim to paint? Any advise on whole process from anyone who's done before, gratefully accepted.

15-09-2016, 07:12 PM	#2
Has csl S3 - On the open road Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Uk Posts: 85 Casino cash: $2003	Hi mate, yes you do have to take the airbag off, then you'll see the screws to take the trim off. It's pretty simple. Take two medium length , flat blade screwdrivers, and insert them into the small slits on either side of steering wheel. Make sure they are facing slightly diagonally down, if that makes sense. Then you need to push in a spring clip which releases the airbag, then remove the wiring plugs, job done, once you've done it the first time, after that would be a doddle. Regarding matching the paint, I had a body shop paint mine an e30 colour after some extensive research which was Sebring grey, but the trick is to use a satin lacquer, and how much you use determines how it's matched, mine came out perfect, just do both of the steering wheel trims so they're both exact, the rest of the trim isn't right next to it so won't make much of a difference if done right. I have proper ocd when it comes to my cars, and I'm well happy with the result. Good luck , nothing much can go wrong Don't forget to remove the track mode button on the trim before prepping Last edited by Has csl; 15-09-2016 at 07:14 PM. Reason: Spelling

15-09-2016, 10:50 PM	#5
shimmy CSL Register Uber-poster! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Uk Posts: 14,646 Casino cash: $43909	I did mine myself so it must be easy. __________________ .

16-09-2016, 01:15 AM	#7
GregorFuk S5 - Full Throttle Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 318 Casino cash: $11097	I had mine done by the local sprayer. Sebring Grey, 30% matt. Came out perfect. Last edited by GregorFuk; 16-09-2016 at 09:57 AM. Reason: Because I got the colour wrong LOL!

15-09-2016, 07:56 PM	#3
CSLut S3 - On the open road Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: bristol Posts: 103 Casino cash: $1976	Brilliant, nice one! Apreciate the advice. Do i need to disconnect the battery before playing around with airbag? And does disconnecting trigger any dash warning light that will need resetting?

15-09-2016, 08:09 PM	#4
Has csl S3 - On the open road Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Uk Posts: 85 Casino cash: $2003	Oh yes, just disconnect the negative, no warning lights should come on, I did mine a couple times, all was ok.

15-09-2016, 10:58 PM	#6
MisterCorn S5 - Full Throttle Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 391 Casino cash: $8663	Really easy, give it a go. MC

16-09-2016, 08:47 AM	#8
O'Neill S5, Sport On, DSC M-track Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 1,058 Casino cash: $21503	Back in a CSL?