Alcantera News

[BEEMIN]

Well, I know several people posted comments and questions regarding the durability (or lack thereof) of the Alcantera in the Performance Package. I thought I'd let you know about my experience.

My car only has alcantera on the steering wheel and shift base. However, even though I only have 2800 miles, my steering wheel was, in my very angry opinion, in horrible shape. Peeling, pilling, you name it. Plus, my shift knob (which is standard bmw leather) was peeling on one side as well. This is my third BMW and I have never experienced that before.

So I finally made an appointment to bring my car in and when I called and they asked me what needed to be done, I calmly stated, "I need a new steering wheel and shift knob." (Well, I needed my side mirror tilt fixed too but that's another thread.) No comment from them, they just made the appointment. I brought the car in and my service rep took a look at both the steering wheel and the knob and I waited for something along the lines of, "well, let me get my manager and we'll see what we can do for you." But instead I was handed the keys to a rental car and promised a phone call the next day.

Got the phone call and before I could even get myself ready for a fight, I was told that the new steering wheel was installed and the shift knob had to be ordered but the part would be in the next day and the car would be available for pick up that night.

So very long story short - BMW of North Scottsdale gave me no problems whatsoever - Kudos To Them!!! I plan to give this steering wheel time and see how it fares and at that point decide if I want to keep getting it replaced or go for replacing it for good with two-toned leather. But I thought I'd just let you know of my experience and suggest that perhaps your delearship might be just as accomodating. If they're not - find another. I'm really pleased with mine.

I'll let you know how steering wheel #2 goes...

 

[codex57]

Good to hear of their good service. I'm a firm believer in letting people know when dealers are bad AND when they're good. I just got back from Long Beach BMW and I am VERY satisfied with the way I was treated. Will be going there instead of Shelly BMW despite the distance and the inconvenience that causes.

 

[paddyLV]

BEEMIN

Thanks for the Alcantara report...

I have an '04 'ZHP' with the full Alcantara interior and the 'silver cube' trim dash.

Although I only have approx. 1800 miles on mine I am very pleased with the
Alcan. interior and recommend the fabric to anyone wanting the 'ZHP' package.
Keep us apprised of steering wheel #2.

The ONLY issue I have with my 'ZHP' is the constant cleaning of the 10 double- spoke 'M' badge wheels.

I am going to see my dealer and find out what other type of brake pads I can switch to in order to cut down on the amount of brake dust created.

This weekend I plan on going to Sears and purchase a 3 ton hydarulic jack & a Craftsman torque wrench so every 5-6 weeks I can remove the wheels and get to [ALL] the 'gunk' build-up behind the 18" wheels and be able to re-torque the
lug nuts, which BMW recommends doing.

There's nothing worse than seeing a nice lookin' ride then looking down and seeing several inches of black dirt 'gunk' on the wheels.

 

[BEEMIN]

Hey PaddyLV!

You know, I just figured the brake dust is the standard BMW brake dust issue. It's my third brand-new BMW and the first two took about a year and half exactly before the brake dust died down. Is this your first BMW bought new? Or are you saying that the zhp rims are harder to clean... God - don't you love the way those rims look though??? (well, when they're clean anyway!)

 

[codex57]

The ONLY issue I have with my 'ZHP' is the constant cleaning of the 10 double- spoke 'M' badge wheels.

I am going to see my dealer and find out what other type of brake pads I can switch to in order to cut down on the amount of brake dust created.

It just so happens that while at the dealer, I was eavesdropping on one of the service or parts guy explaining that issue to a customer on the phone. He was saying that the reason for the dust is that BMW uses a rotor that isn't meant to be turned. They replace the whole thing when it wears. And, when you brake, the dust that comes out is not just from the pad, but partially from the rotor (or maybe it's the disc, I can't remember) as well. So, simply changing the pad isn't gonna completely clear up the problem.

 

[theBMWenthusiast]

Good to hear of their good service. I'm a firm believer in letting people know when dealers are bad AND when they're good. I just got back from Long Beach BMW and I am VERY satisfied with the way I was treated. Will be going there instead of Shelly BMW despite the distance and the inconvenience that causes.

IrvineBMW (same owner as Shelly as you know) has impeciable service...i drove by Shelly on the 5 on day on the way to L.A. and it looks too small of a dealership...if u have seen IrvineBMW or even heard about it, the stuff they have there is amazing and the center itself is just a few years old and now it the largest BMW center in North America according to them...

why did u switch away from Shelly???

 

[paddyLV]

Thankx for the info, Codex...

BEEMIN: My 'ZHP' is the third Bimmer [currently] in the garage...

I think it's mostly the fact that I am so meticulous with ALL of my BMW's that I clean
the wheels every other day because you're right, they look so damn good when they're clean... The problem with the 'ZHP' rims is gettin' the dust that accumulates
between the double spokes, and that each wheel has ten (10) pair

 

[bikie]

Cleaning between the spokes and rear of rims.

I use a small foam paint brush (with soap and water or p21s wheel cleaner) to clean the slot in the spokes. To clean the rear of the wheels go to your local supermarket or hardware store and get a "dish daisy" it has a long plastic handle and foam strips in a dandilion pattern which works works great will even clean at the caliper part of the wheel. wears out fast but they only cost about $1.50.

 

[codex57]

IrvineBMW (same owner as Shelly as you know) has impeciable service...i drove by Shelly on the 5 on day on the way to L.A. and it looks too small of a dealership...if u have seen IrvineBMW or even heard about it, the stuff they have there is amazing and the center itself is just a few years old and now it the largest BMW center in North America according to them...

why did u switch away from Shelly???

Irvine's too far. Crevier is closer and it has a great rep. I decided to give Long Beach a try cuz I think it's just a touch closer to me than Crevier. It's a Dinan dealership so I figured I'd take a look around too.

I switched from Shelly cuz of my experience when I got my car. They never gave me that sheet that tells you what computer options to put. I had to specifically ask for DRL off. They thought I was crazy. Took them 30 min of asking a service advisor before they agreed it could be done. I then tried to get them to do the visual lock/unlock. They said it was impossible. I showed them instructions. They insisted that because I didn't have an alarm, it couldn't be done. But, if i were to purchase an alarm for the low, low price of $700 (or so), then they'd be happy to do it. I'd even get a warranty on that alarm that lasts as long as the warranty on my car. Because of that show of incompetence/sleazy dealer attitude, I don't trust them to even be able to do an oil change right. Plus, they are really small. They're expanding though, but I assume this means lots of dust and junk and I didn't want my car covered with crap that's flying around.

For cleaning wheels, I use those wheel cleaner sprays first. Then a wheel brush. Got one from Pep Boys that lets me reach all the way to the back of the rim.