Matt Lane

Looking into a new SW (Daytona, 340mm) and considering one in Alcantara.

Any thoughts on how bad an idea this is from a wear and tear perpsective?

I assume they'll eventually go smooth and shiny at 9:00 and 3:00... but will it really matter? Anyone BTDT?

If it was a 100% track car, it would be a Momo mod07 no questions asked, but need to keep the airbag for now.

Thanks for any input.

Best,

Matt

goofballdeluxe

I would advise against Alcantara on any surface that is chronically exposed to human oils or sweat, like a steering wheel is. Much preferred is leather, etc.

Bearclaw

I have alcantara inserts in my leather Volvo R seats, and it's great to sit on but pills pretty badly. They tried to put matching inserts into the steering wheel in a couple MY's, and found out it was a bad idea. As was mentioned, it soaks up dirt and sweat and is hard to clean - everything you don't want in a steering wheel.

camlob

I have had alcantara in my previous E34 M5 and it was ok in terms of maintenance. Its synthetic so you can use a mild detergent. Also a steel brush comes in handy to avoid the alcantara to solidify.

But after using it for a while, leather feels better. Not unless you put a premium for a grippy wheel then alcantara wins.

VNTGSPD

I'll be the dissenting opinion here.

I put a used but VERY nice condition alcantara 3 spoke wheel in my car back in February. After 10 months and about 10K miles, it looks every bit as good as when I bought it. I have washed it twice during this time using only a clean white terry towel that is slightly damp. I rub the wheel to moisten all of the surfaces paying close attention to the 9 and 3 position and then use a clean white terry cloth that is dry to absorb most of the moisture. I then let it sit overnight before driving it again.

It has held up better than anticipated and feels awesome.

bbs993tt

am i the only one here who saw the title of this thread and actually thought about WHEELS made of alcantara?

ppashley

+993 :-)

97_993C2

Actually ...No. That was my first thought, too.

Mark in Baltimore

+4.

The Momo Mod .07 wheel on my car still looks pretty good, even after four plus years. Keep in mind that my car isn't driven that much and that I wear gloves. Also, I'm really good about hand placement and rarely ever deviate from the two spokes. I have some friends whose Mod .07 wheels, with far less time than my car, look terrible on nearly very square inch, mostly because they're touching the rim in multiple places.

Chuck W.

This has always been my opinion too. It good to hear that other have had luck with keeping them looking good. However, it may be like owning a black 993. Those that put some effort into keep them looking good have a nice look car. While most others struggle with keeping them presentable.

nile13

Yep, my first thought was about wheels as well. A double-take of epic proportions, I almost broke my finger rolling the mouse wheels back

Alcantara steering wheel's health, I think, will depend on an individual. Some people sweat more, some have more oily skin. BMW replaced a whole bunch of alcantara a steering wheels in ZHP packaged E46s under recall. The replacement was leather if owner wanted it.

But alcantara feel... somebody said "it's like having sex with your car"

goofballdeluxe

Probably be easier just to use the exhaust pipe for that sorta kinky stuff, I'd think.

timothymoffat

Nope, me too. Laughed a bit at the odd picture in my head too.

Matt Lane

Hey guys - thanks for all the input (and sorry for the false alarm on those newfangled Alcanatara wheel and tire sets!).

When I posted, I was hoping to hear an answer contrary to what I intrinsically knew. Sounds like a "high maintenance" proposition.

When I originally looked into that model of Daytona (October), it was available in all leather. The current version is Alcantara. Gert is checking in to see if they'll make one the old way...

Best,

Matt

curve lover

Matt-- Good luck!
Brian-- +6!
Agreed; leather's much more practical ...
^^From the "Laugh or cry: puke green & other oddities PHOTO THREAD."