[Colw1]

Hi I have Milano leather in my x3 but the drivers seat along with the steering wheel have become shiny and I wondered if there is a way to get these back to the original matt look
Thanks col

[jwong77]

Yeah don’t use any of that leather cleaner stuff at your local Walmart. I found good luck using saddle soap and a saddle brush. Those “cleaners” people love to recommend will just introduce more grease, and they’re overpriced.

[jrveron]

Originally Posted by Colw1

Hi I have Milano leather in my x3 but the drivers seat along with the steering wheel have become shiny and I wondered if there is a way to get these back to the original matt look
Thanks col

I use this to clean my leather interior Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner.

For the seats, I combine the cleaner with Chemical Guys Leather Conditioner.

These also come in a kit ( Leather Kit ) with a proper brush and microfibers. You can find them on Amazon or similar sites. They are highly recommended. These are top-notch products.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by Colw1

Hi I have Milano leather in my x3 but the drivers seat along with the steering wheel have become shiny and I wondered if there is a way to get these back to the original matt look
Thanks col

What type leather/finish is Milano ?

BMW offers different types or leather that have different cleaning approaches. Some is cow hide with an impervious painted surface, some is sheep (Merino), which is less hard wearing and requires a different approach cleaning.

Often shiny leather is simply dirt/oil transfer or conditioning products.

Be careful if your leather is Merino type. Generally the stuff you use for painted automotive leather may not be suitable.

[fdpxfunix]

Each to their own with cleaning, but I use AutoGlym Leather cleaner on my Vernasca seats, and whatever leather is on the steering wheel.

I tend to clean the seats in 3 separate parts. Seat base, back/headrest, rear/sides... and yes it takes about an hour per seat to do it properly...

1 - Cover anything you don't want to get cleaner on! Like iDrive controls, center console, dash etc.
2 - Use a damp microfiber (with leather cleaner already applied) and rub in/spread around.
3 - Spray a bit more on the seat part you're cleaning.
4 - Use a soft leather cleaning brush to agitate the surface. I tend to go up/down, then left right so I’m not missing any spots. Bit like if you’re using a machine polisher on car paint work. Don’t forget to get into the nooks and crannies and extend the leg support on the seat if fitted.
5 - Use a damper microfiber to wipe off several times, rinsing after each wipe off.
6 - Use a dry microfiber to dry. Some say just leave the seats to air dry, but I like to dry them.

I do the steering wheel differently and don't use the brush. Instead, just use a microfiber to rub the product around (quite vigorously) to remove the dirt. You must be a bit careful of getting fluid in the switch gear, so just be mindful of that and dry off in-between the gaps with kitchen roll. I've cleaned my wheel several times (all the leather parts on the wheel) and never caused any issues with electrics.

I'm still amazed that a 6-year-old steering wheel comes up matt after a decent clean. Yes, there's a bit of wear and tear on the leather and it feels smoother than a new wheel, but it feels lovely driving the car again with a clean wheel. I did my front seats last weekend and was surprised how much dirt came off my seat

J.

[Colw1]

Thanks for the advise some good tips there also my leather is Milano and really need to find the right product to do this right

[avi66]

Originally Posted by Colw1

Thanks for the advise some good tips there also my leather is Milano and really need to find the right product to do this right

I’ve never heard of Milano in a G01 M40 which is a relatively recent 2019+ model. Usually the option are Merino or Vernasca.

I’d start with that, as the wrong products/process will mess up your leather.

Good leather specialist solutions from companies like Colourlock are very useful, and they will offer advice based on the type and condition of your leather.

https://www.colourlock.co.uk/?gad_so...SAAEgKqGPD_BwE

[turbobeagle]

Regarding the steering wheel…

Before you go out and buy products, you might be surprised at how well a damp microfiber towel works. Warm it up a bit in the microwave if you like.

Myself, I’ve tried some of the fancy products but now just use a spray bottle with water and a few drops of dish soap. Make it a very mild dilution. I work it in gently with a soft detailing brush and then wipe it off. I spray the brush, not the steering wheel. It gets rid of all that greasy, shiny stickiness on multiple cars.

I tried the colorlock stuff but do not find it works any better than above. The brush in particular seems too stiff to me and I saw some marks on the steering wheel after using it.

[chhappy7]

I just use the leather wipes that BMW dealership sells for like a few bucks. It's like a travel pack that has wipes in like a wet wipe and I keep a couple and wipe down once I start seeing it become shiny. Less of a hassle than carrying some cleaner and microfiber towel since you just wipe and toss.

[Qsilver7]

Milano? At least it has 3 syllables like the Merino leather BMW uses.

Vernasca has become the base leather that’s in the same category as Dakota/Nevada leather. And the faux leather has now become Sensafin vs Sensatec of the past.