The following BMW E36 M3 oil change information is based on the US spec S50B30 and S52B32 engines. The S50B30 was only used for the 1995 year model in the US, the first year the E36 M3 was made available to the US market. 1996 through 1999 E36 M3 models used the S52B32 engines.

How do I know when my E36 M3 needs an oil change?

The BMW E36 M3 has a series of illuminated lamps under the speedometer that decrease as the time for your next maintenance visit approaches.

A yellow lamp will indicate "OILSERVICE" or "INSPECTION" meaning maintenance is due.

A red lamp will alert you that maintenance is overdue and needs servicing immediately.

What type of oil should I use in my BMW E36 M3 engine?

Per page 103 of the BMW E36 M3 owner's manual, BMW recommends oils that meet the following API ratings:

API SG

API SH

API SG/CD

API SG/CE

API SH/CD

API SH/CE

When the E36 M3 was manufactured in the 1990s, these API ratings were the highest standards oils were produced to at the time. However, as oil technology has progressed over the years, these ratings are now obsolete and oil can no longer be purchased new at these old standards. As a result, these are the current API standards:

API SP

API SN

API SM

API SL

API SJ

Any name brand oil that meets these new standards will be sufficient for the S50B30 or S52B32 motor. Engine oil ratings can be either found on the front or back of the label on the oil container.

BIMMERtips recommends the Liqui Moly brand of oil due to their products meeting the highest of standards as well as made in Germany. The following Liqui Moly oils which meet API SL & API SN standards. For alternate oils available in your country you can always call your local BMW dealership to ask for a recommendation.

5W30 Longtime High Tech

5W40 Leichtlauf High Tech

10W40 Leichtlauf High Tech

WARNING!
FROM PAGE 103 OF THE BMW E36 M3 OWNER'S MANUAL:
BMW engines are designed to operate without oil additives; the use of additives could lead to damage in some cases. This also applies to the manual and automatic transmission, the differential and power steering system.

What viscosity oil should I use in my BMW E36 M3?

Per page 104 of the BMW E36 M3 owner's manual, oil SAE viscosity rating is based off the average seasonal air temperature of the climate in which the vehicle is driven. Refer to the below chart BMW provides in the owner's manual for viscosity ratings.

What is the OEM BMW oil filter kit part number for the S50 and S52 motor?

OEM BMW Kit Part Number: 11427833769
This OEM BMW oil filter kit costs around $20 and comes complete with (1) oil filter, (1) drain plug washer and (1) oil filter cap o-ring.

What are alternative S50 / S52 oil filter kit part numbers?

Mahle Kit Part Number: MAH-OX187D
This Mahle oil filter kit costs around $7 and comes complete with (1) oil filter, (1) drain plug washer and (1) oil filter cap o-ring.

What is the oil filter cap torque?

13mm bolt: 25Nm or 18lb-ft

What is the oil drain plug torque?

17mm bolt (M12): 25Nm or 18lb-ft

What is the oil capacity of the E36 M3?

1995 S50B30: 6.9 quarts (6.5 liters) - page 9 of supplemental owner's manual
1996 / 1999 S52B32: 6.3 quarts (6.0 liters) - page 140 of owner's manual

How do I check my E36 M3 oil level?

Per page 102 of the owner's manual: to obtain precise readings:

✔ Ideally check oil level with a cold engine, when the engine oil has drained back down to the oil pan.
✔ When checking oil level with a warm engine, wait briefly for the oil to drain back down into the oil pan (during refueling for example).

➊ Pull out the dipstick and wipe off with a lint free cloth, paper towel etc.
➋ Push the dipstick all the way into the guide tube and pull it out again.
➌ The oil level should be between the two marks on the dipstick.

How do I know when to add oil?

Per page 103 of the owner's manual:
Wait until the level has dropped to just above the lower graduation before adding oil. Never wait until the oil drops below the lower mark. The space between the two marks on the dipstick corresponds to approximately 1.1 US quarts (1.0 liter). However, do not fill beyond the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess oil harms the engine. Because it would be consumed within a short period, it would also result in an abnormally high rate of oil consumption.

What is the oil service light reset procedure?

Learn the procedure on how to reset the BMW E36 oil reset light HERE

Where can I learn more information on oil weights and viscosity?

Learn more BIMMERtips information on oil by clicking HERE

Although modern BMW models equipped with iDrive feature a "radio" with traditional style buttons to save AM and FM stations, there is a hidden feature that can offer more practicality to your vehicle. In addition to programming the keys radio stations, these buttons can be programmable as "hot keys" to customize iDrive functions.

How do I program BMW multimedia iDrive hot keys?

To assign a function to the programmable hotkeys, simply use the scroll wheel on the center console to highlight any function within the iDrive system. Do not press the scroll wheel down to execute the function. Instead, press and hold the desired hotkey (numbered 1 thru 8) until an activation signal sounds off. The key is now programmed.

How do I verify the assigned programmed function of each iDrive button?

If you need to verify key function assignment, the process to check the assignment is simple. Touch the desired button without pressing down on it. You can slide your finger across the row of buttons to easily view all the functions quickly. The top bar of the navigation screen will highlight the existing assigned function of the key. Note, the use of gloves will not allow for this verification process. The operator must use bare fingers to verify contact with the keys.

How do I delete the programmed button assignments?

Press buttons 1 and 8 simultaneously for approximately 5 seconds. This will delete all button memories at once. The BMW iDrive system will not allow for you to erase the button memories individually.

Can I program a hot key button to turn off the iDrive screen?

Yes. If the screen is a distraction or too bright while driving at night, BMW allows the screen to be turned off and go completely black. The process is outlined in the simple steps below.
➊ Press "Option" on the center console iDrive controller.
➋ Scroll down and highlight "Switch off control display".
➌ Press and hold desired programmable button number.

Are the BMW programmable iDrive buttons saved to each driver profile?

Yes, the button functions stored in the hotkeys are stored to each driver profile. This allows practicality if a husband and wife, for example, desire to have their own functions stored. Ensure each driver has a profile stored in the system settings.

What are some suggestions for programming functions?

➊ A favorite GPS address.
➋ Call a favorite person.
➌ Turn off the navigation screen.
➍ Check tire pressure monitor sensors.
➎ Display performance gauges.
➏ Owner’s manual.

Where can I learn more BMW tips?

Learn more BMW pro tips by clicking HERE

The braking system in your BMW is arguably the biggest safety feature of any car. Proper maintenance is critical to maintaining optimal brake performance as well as ensuring your safety on the road. Bleeding of the brake system as well as performing brake fluid flushes are the two most basic requirements of brake maintenance.

What is the difference between brake bleeding and a brake fluid flush?

A brake fluid flush is the process of replacing the entire brake fluid with fresh, new fluid. Using a different color brake fluid is an easy way to tell when the new fluid is through the brake lines during the bleeding process.

Bleeding of brake lines is the process of pressurizing the brake system and pushing out fluid until no air bubbles exit the bleeder screw on the caliper. This indicates an air-free system. Unlike an entire fluid flush, bleeding of the brakes involves only a small loss of fluid which will need to be topped off if the reservoir drops below the minimum mark. Bleeding of the entire system means bleeding each caliper. The recommended order is bleeding the calipers furthers to closest to the brake fluid reservoir. In most cars, this is the right rear, left rear, right front and finally left front calipers. Refer to your maintenance manual for the proper bleeding sequence.

How can I tell if I need to bleed or flush my brakes?

• Spongy, soft unresponsive brake feel.
• Repetitive pumping of the brake pedal.
• Increased stopping distance.
• Lack of braking power.
• Brake drag.
• Early brake pad wear.
• Dark brake fluid indicates water absorption.

What is the benefit of bleeding brake fluid?

Bleeding the brake system of your vehicle removes any trapped air in the system. Air present in your brake fluid system can lead to a spongy feeling in the brake pedal. This can lead to slower braking times and be a potential safety risk to yourself and other vehicles on the road.

What causes air to enter my brake system?

Air will naturally enter your brake system very slowly over time. The plastic cap does not form a perfect seal especially during expansion and contraction in extreme temperatures. Pressurization of the brake pedals with an imperfectly sealed cap will allow air to enter the system.

Every time one removes the brake fluid reservoir cap, a small amount of air enters your brake fluid system. Another possibility for air to enter your brake system is a leak in the fluid system. A leaking brake line or reservoir allows for air and possibly debris to enter your brake fluid system.

How often should I flush my brake fluid system?

It is recommended every few years to flush your brake system entirely if you have not had to do any maintenance to your brake system. If you do maintenance on your brake system such as topping off the fluid or replacing brake lines, you must bleed your system to ensure optimal performance. If your brake fluid is dark in color, this indicates heavy moisture and will require an entire fluid flush.

Why is moisture in the brake fluid bad?

As brake fluid ages over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture. After moisture enters the brake fluid the boiling point of the fluid is significantly lowered which in turn can lead to vaporization (boiling) of the brake fluid. This leads to “brake fade” which increases stopping distance. A clear indicator of moisture in your brake fluid is the darkening of the original yellow. This can easily be checked through your clear brake fluid reservoir.

Moisture in the brake fluid can also lead to corrosion of the hard brake lines. Rust forming on the inside of the lines can clog the system and cause brake failure. If you see small rust particles when bleeding the brake lines, this is a clear indicator you have corrosion in your brake lines. Also, too much moisture in the brake fluid can also lead to a potential failing of the ABS (anti-lock braking system).

Brake fluid warnings.

BMW recommends topping off your brake fluid reservoir with a new bottle of fluid every time. This will ensure fresh fluid with no water absorption. An open brake fluid bottle that has been sitting on the shelf for years has had time to absorb moisture in the air. This trapped moisture can lead to brake failure as well as corrosion of the brake lines.

What are the OEM BMW part numbers for brake fluid?

• DOT 4 gallon 81220142155
• DOT 4 12 ounces 81220142156

Where can I learn more about brake systems?

Learn the advantages of stainless steel brake lines by clicking HERE

 

How do I know if I need to replace my BMW E30 E36 or E46 fuel door spring hinge?

If your fuel door is floppy or no longer “snaps” shut, your fuel door spring hinge is likely worn out. The good thing is the replacement takes minimal effort and the fuel door spring hinge OEM BMW replacement part is relatively inexpensive.

What is the OEM BMW spring hinge part number?

OEM BMW part number: 51171888374

What tools are needed?

The only tool needed to perform the fuel door spring hinge replacement is a needle nose pliers.

How long does the procedure take?

Approximately 3 minutes.

Where can I buy the fuel door hinge replacment part?

You can buy them from our store HERE. This is a brand new, Genuine OEM BMW spring hinge. Make sure to check out our other OEM BMW parts available.

What is the spring hinge replacement procedure?

Remove the old spring by taking a needle nose pliers and grabbing the hinge in the middle just below the center tab. Push inwards towards the car to disconnect the hinge from the center point until the hinge is loose. This allows the hinge to drop down and become disconnected from the top pivot point. Finally, completely remove the old hinge by pulling it out of the lower hinge pivot point. Scroll down for helpful images.

Install the new spring in the reverse order. Make sure the long, straight end is towards the bottom. First, slide the new spring into the lower hole and then the upper end of the spring into the upper hole. Hold the spring in place with one hand and grab the middle of the spring with a needle nose pliers just below the center tab. Push firmly inwards with the pliers until the spring flexes and catches on the center tab. Installation is complete. Scroll down for helpful images.

Where can I learn more BMW tips?

Learn more BMW pro tips by clicking HERE

Upgrading your E36 radiator with an OEM solution rather than aftermarket radiators give your E36 superior, proven quality and reliable performance. Avoid aftermarket radiator modification and fitment headaches with a proven OEM solution you will not regret.

Why is the S54 radiator a perfect fit the E36 chassis?

The 2001 - 2002 BMW Z3M coupe and roadster models feature the same 3.2L S54 engine found in the E46 M3 chassis. Because the Z3 front end was largely based on the E36 model to save in development costs, many parts between the two chassis are interchangeable.

What is the difference between the stock E36 and radiator from the S54?

The radiator found on the S54 Z3 model features a larger cooling capacity than the largest engine found in any E36 chassis. The upgraded core is 42mm thick verse the standard 34mm core. The thicker core allows for more surface area which air can pass over resulting in additional engine cooling.

Should I upgrade my stock E36 radiator to the S54 radiator?

Yes. Whether you are running your stock E36 engine on stock horsepower, tracking your car or upgrading to forced induction this upgrade is for you. Radiators are wearable items that will eventually need replacing on all models. Upgrading your cooling for nearly the same price as your OEM radiator is a no brainer.

What are other benefits of the S54 radiator upgrade?

The S54 radiator features mounting provisions for the European oil cooler. This upgrade requires additional brackets sold separately.

What model E36’s will the S54 radiator fit?

The upgraded radiator will fit all 6 cylinder model E36s. This includes all M3, 323i, 325i, 328i and models.

Are there any modifications required for upgrading?

No. This is a plug and play installation with no modifications of any kind required. All OEM mounting points for this installation will fit the upgraded radiator under your hood without any clearance issues with adjacent components.

What is the part number of the S54 radiator?

OEM BMW part number: 17 11 2 227 281, 376712211
OE Mahle / Behr part number: 376712211
It is important to note this S54 radiator found in the Z3M is not the same radiator part number found in the E46 M3 chassis.

What is the cost of the S54 radiator?

The OEM E36 S54 radiator currently sells for around $499 new but around $165 for the Mahle version.

Where can I buy the upgraded S54 radiator?

Any BMW dealership parts counter can order this part for you along with any online parts store in your region. Simply google the OEM BMW part number shown above and choose your favorite online retailer.

What is the part number and cost for BMW coolant?

When doing the radiator swap it is important to replace your coolant with OEM BMW coolant. We recommend doing an entire coolant flush of not only your radiator but your entire system including your engine block. The OEM BMW concentrated coolant part number is 82141467704 and costs about $21. This is a gallon of concentrated coolant and must be mixed with distilled water upon installation.

Where can I learn more tips and tricks about the BMW E36?

Learn more about the BMW E36 by checking out our reference guide HERE

Where can I learn more BMW tips?

Learn more BMW pro tips by clicking HERE

Why do headlights turn to a faded yellow haze?

Like all plastic and rubber parts on your vehicle, exposure to the ultraviolet rays from the sun will eventually lead to a break down of the part through the oxidation process. Further exposure to harmful elements such as air pollution, road salt, oils, chemicals and harsh cleaners can also expedite the breakdown of plastic headlight lenses.

BMW sprays a UV protective film over the plastic lenses to slow down the oxidation, however, if you park your car outside or expose it to harmful elements, it is inevitable that your headlights will turn a faded yellow. We will teach you how to avoid this unsightly and unsafe issue to prevent costly repairs in the future and maintaining a proper look of your vehicle.

Headlights and important safety feature during the night and harsh weather conditions. It is just as important to maintain headlight lenses as it is your engine to ensure longevity and safety.

Why doesn’t BMW just use glass headlights like the good old days?

Glass is much more expensive than the plastic alternative. Most new car buyers today do not plan on owning their vehicle for 200,000 miles of use like many owners were in the 1980s. Modern-day vehicle owners (or leasers) are buying new cars every 3-5 years. Because of this, a permanent solution to hazey headlights are often not an issue. BMW manufactures millions of vehicles a year and can save millions by offering “temporary” plastic lenses which will last the now shorter lifespan of newer vehicles.

Headlight design is becoming one of the few features that allow freedom of design for manufacturers without being overly restricted by government regulations. Plastic lenses allow for the manufacturability of unique and complex shapes compared to the limited manufacturability glass lenses.

Additionally, glass lenses are a hazard when broken in an accident. Pedestrians hit on the road, other vehicles may run over broken glass headlight lens, animals crossing the road are all threatened by broken glass shards. These threats are all prevented by using plastic lenses.

What are the downsides of faded yellow haze headlights?

➊ They look disgusting.
➋ It makes your car look old and unkept.
➌ They prevent proper road visibility at night and during inclement weather.
➍ It is harder for oncoming traffic to notice you.

How do I prevent my brand new headlights from turning to a yellow haze?

If you already have clear lenses and want to prevent the future threat of yellow lenses we highly recommend clear vinyl wrapping the face of your lenses. Clear vinyl will not only act as a barrier to rocks chipping your lenses but they act as a barrier between the exposed plastic lens and UV rays from the sun. Clear vinyl can be wrapped around intricate shapes and is a solution to all types of headlight designs over the ages of BMW models.

You can find clear vinyl on Amazon or eBay for a very cheap price (around $6 for a sheet 1 x 6 foot). You do not need a professional to install it, installation is easily perfomed at home with a heat gun and soapy water. The best part is, if you mess up, you can peel off the vinyl and start over. The process is completely reversible and for how cheap the material is, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

An alternate option to clear vinyl is to apply UV spray over the lenses. Meguiar’s makes a 4oz bottle of UV headlight coating for around $9. If you live in a hot climate near the equator where UV rays are more direct, you want to apply it more often than northern climates.

How do I fix my already yellowed headlight lenses?

E21 / E30 / E28 / E34 owners:

Rejoice! You have glass lenses and will not have this problem. You can still apply clear vinyl on your lenses to prevent rock chips and pitting.

E36 owners:

You have sealed headlight assemblies and cannot replace just the clear lens. New headlight assemblies cost about $90 each. The best solution is replacing the entire assembly with brand new assemblies, then applying clear vinyl for a lifetime solution to the problem.

➛ OEM BMW E36 left headlight assembly part number: 63121387861
➛ OEM BMW E36 right headlight assembly part number: 63121387862

Another option is to find glass headlights from Europe. People will post these on eBay or Forums from time to time. Depo makes OEM replicas with glass lenses that is also another permanent solution. These can be found through online parts suppliers via a simple google search, "E36 depo headlights". Even if you buy glass lens headlights we recommend clear vinyl over the front to prevent rock chips from pitting the lens.

A final, but least recommended, solution is to sand the yellowing oxidation off the lens and apply clear vinyl. This is for the true budget conscious owner but definitely not the best solution when you have the best option of glass lenses. It is hard to get the lenses perfectly clear and the headlights are prone to oxidation again in the future.

E46 / E39 / E53 X5 owners.

You have the best option of them all. BMW had the best headlight design with these models, by allowing the replacement of just the clear lenses without having to replace the entire headlight assembly. New lenses can be purchased for around $85 each side. Depending on early or late model, xenon or halogen the lens part number will be unique to your vehicle. We recommend going to realoem.com to get your OEM BMW headlight lens part number then using google to search a vendor for that part number. Vendor websites such as FCPeuro.com also will display these replacement lenses once your input your vehicle make and model.

Once the headlight lenses are replaced, we highly recommend applying clear vinyl over them to create a barrier between the plastic and the outside elements, eliminating the possibility for yellowing in the future.

E9X / E60 and later owners:

This is where BMW started to go downhill with design for headlight maintenance. The lenses themselves are not replaceable, you have to replace the whole headlight assembly which is very costly (especially for xenons). Your options are to replace the entire assembly (ideal) or to sand off the oxidation and cover the newly exposed surface with clear vinyl or UV spray to prevent it from happening again.

Why does sanding headlights only work short term?

Sanding the headlights look fantastic for the short term. You are literally removing the oxidation and exposing a fresh layer of clear plastic. The problem is, this plastic is now exposed and unprotected from the sun and other harmful elements. Oxidation will set in much quicker and lead to faded yellowing within months. If you sand the lenses, remember to protect them by applying vinyl or UV spray.

What are headlight alternatives I should avoid completely?

Avoid all aftermarket (eBay) headlights. These are not only assembled using very cheap plastics and age quickly, they aren’t sealed as good as OEM lens and often leave moisture trapped on the inside of the lenses. Don’t waste your money.

Where can I learn more BMW tips?

Learn more BMW pro tips by clicking HERE

OEM BMW Windshield Sunshades:

Summer is quickly approaching and that means hot temperatures. If you live in the south extreme UV (ultraviolet) rays can ruin not only the clear coat on your car but also your vehicle's interior. Investing is a quality windshield sunshade will pay for itself over time by protecting your interior.

Many stores offer universal windshield sunshades but the disadvantages are that they do not perfectly fit your windshield cut out. Sunshades without a perfect fit let light in the corners (or in the middle with cheap two piece ones) and can cause sun fade lines at the border of covered and uncovered sections. Luckily, BMW makes OEM windshield sunshades that perfectly fit your car. Let us go through the advantages and how effective these sunshades can actually be, they are not a gimmick.

How UV & Infrared radiation can harm your interior:

• Cracked dash
• Dred leather
• Cracked vinyl seats
• Headliner sag (heat breaks down the adhesive)
• Faded fabrics

 

Advantages of windshield sunshades:

• Lower interior temperatures by up to 50 degrees F
• Prevent interior fade
• Protect interior electronics from overheating
• Protects burns from steering wheel, shift knob etc

 

Do windshield sunshades actually work?

Hell Yes, they do!

How do windshield sunshades scientifically work?

As light enters your vehicle, some of the light is reflected back as visible light, the rest of the light enters your vehicle and cannot escape. This infrared light (invisible to the human eye) trapped inside your vehicle in the form of heat bounces around until absorbed by the interior materials. The heat breaks down the materials at a molecular level. Windshield sunshades reflect back as much light as possible reducing the trapped light inside your vehicle.

What is ultraviolet radiation (UV)?

Violet is the highest frequency color of light humans can see. Ultraviolet is "beyond" violet and thus invisible to the human eye. UV rays are absorbed by materials such as human skin, rubbers, fabrics, polymers, paints etc. Once the material absorbs these rays they begin to oxidize and break down.

What is infrared radiation (IR)?

Red is the lowest frequency color of light humans can see. Infrared is "under" red and thus invisible to the human eye. When an object is not hot enough to radiate visible light, it will emit most of its energy in the infrared (heat). Infrared radiation can simply be thought of as "heat" radiation.

How much do OEM BMW windshield sunshades cost?

Around $56

Where can you buy them?

Dealership, any online BMW parts seller

What are the OEM BMW part numbers?

See table below.

What if my car is not listed in the table below?

All models are available at ShopBMWusa.com.

Model	OEM BMW Part Number
E30	82111467109
E34	82111467114
E36	82111467115
E38	82111468940
E39	82111469896
E46 Coupe	UV10792SV (non OEM)
E46 Sedan	82111470411
E60 / E61	82110302993
E90 / E91	82110399145
E92 / E93	82110415260
Z3	82111469557

Where can I learn more BMW tips?

Learn more BMW pro tips by clicking HERE

BMW E46, E39, E53 X5 sport wheel trim scratches fix:

The black rubberized coating on the BMW E46, E39 & E53 X5 interior plastic parts are notorious for scratching and peeling as the vehicle ages. The plastic steering wheel trim is one of the most common spots for this defect to happen. With the steering wheel being one of the main jewels of a vehicle's interior, it is a magnet to your eye every time you enter your vehicle. Restoring this eye sore will bring back a clean interior look. Below we will go over some of the main causes for this issue as well as typical fixes.

What are the main causes for this defect?

1. Scratches are the number one cause. Dragging your keys, watches, nails, purses etc. across the plastic steering wheel trim will easily create irreversible damage.
2. Hand lotions contain many chemicals that react with the rubberized coating and break it down to the point where it wears off completely.
3. Interior detailing / cleaning products. When detailing the inside of your vehicle ensure to use non harmful cleaners which will not react with the plastic in an irreversible way.
4. Smoking. For all you cigarette smokers out there, the chemicals in the smoke you exhale will find their way on your hands and can be transferred to the steering wheel trim to expedite the wearing reaction.
5. Excessive touching with your hands. Your hands contain many natural oils (or unnatural oils: grease monkey) which will again react to the coating and deteriorate the finish.

What are the OEM BMW part numbers to replace steering wheel trim?

The obvious fix is to just replace the worn part. The below part numbers are for BMW E46, E39 and E53 X5 models with either the sport or mtech wheels. The standard 4 spoke wheels do not have a replaceable cover. The 4 spoke wheel trim pieces are part of the button assembly.

1. Sport wheel: OEM BMW Part: 32306756514, $162, fits E46, E39 & E53 X5
2. Mtech wheel: OEM BMW Part: 32347833355, $175, Fits E46 M3 & E39 M5
3. E46 M3 CSL: OEM BMW Part: 32347833354, $175, Titan Shadow color

What are other options besides replacing steering wheel trim?

1. A popular solution to the peeling coating is to remove all the coating in its entirety and vinyl wrap the existing plastic trim. This allows for the customization of many colors and patterns. Best of all it is reversible. If you get sick of a color, just remove and replace the vinyl with a new one. You can get a whole 6 foot roll of vinyl for around $5
2. Plasti dip is another cheap solution to essentially restore a rubberized coating on the cover similar to the factory finish. You can get a can for about $5 at a hardware store. The solution is cheap, however, this is only a good short-term solution as long-term the plasti dip will eventually peel and fail just like the original factory finish.
3. Hydro dip the part. This process uses water to transfer a patterned film to your part. This technique may sound new but once you google the process, chances are you have seen products with this finish before. This technique is not as easy as vinyl wrapping since you will likely have to send the part off to a shop to be dipped. However, the hydro dipping process allows for a unique look that cannot be easily replicated by vinyl or paints. You can google the finish to get a better idea of what hydro dipping is.

What if my upper steering wheel trim is scratched?

The upper steering wheel trim on the sport wheels contain the multifunction buttons as an assembly to the plastic trim. Unfortunately, to replace the plastic trim you have to replace the entire upper assembly with the buttons. This is OEM BMW part number 61316949754 and cost around $200 to replace.

What are other steering wheel tips?

Click here to learn how to clean dirty colored steering wheel stitching.