Project E46 M3 - Restoring Alcantara Steering Wheel February 18 2025
The Alcantara steering wheel that comes as part of the competition package on our E46 M3 had always been matted down in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions ever since we have had it. I had incorrectly assumed that matted down Alcantara is just a fact of life and that Alcantara is inherently susceptible to matting. I have had great success with Sonax wheel cleaner (see article: cleaning extreme wheel dust), so when I saw that Sonax makes an Alcantara cleaner that has good reviews, I was eager to see what it could do.
The wheel started off shiny and matted especially in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions where the wheel is gripped. The fibers are supposed to be fluffy and dull, with the fibers providing a soft and grippy texture. I followed the directions on the Sonax bottle.
First, I wiped everything down with a dry microfiber cloth to loosen any surface dirt. The steering wheel looked no different afterwards and there was no visible dirt transferred onto the microfiber cloth. Then, I fully wet the microfiber towel and wrung it out thoroughly. With the damp (not wet) microfiber towel, I wiped down the wheel.
It was then time to apply the Sonax cleaner. I shook the bottle and applied some foam to the wheel and massaged it in with the corner of the microfiber towel, working a section at a time. The product has a light fragrance that is pleasant and not overpowering.
I let the product sit on the wheel for about 5 minutes and then wiped it off with a clean, damp microfiber cloth. Some dirt came off and was immediately visible on the microfiber cloth.
The fibers were also starting to become less matted and shiny.
I repeated the cleaning process of applying the foaming cleaner, letting the cleaner sit and then wiping it off. I rinsed the microfiber cloth out after every round to get out the dirt and foam per the instructions. After 3 rounds, there was no further improvement and no longer any visible dirt being transferred onto the microfiber cloth.
I got a new soft bristle toothbrush and fluffed the Alcantara fibers. I was happy with the end results and the wheel looks nearly brand new again. This Alcantara cleaner has earned my recommendation.
Here is a link to the exact product that I used: Sonax Alcantara Cleaner
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