Has anyone upgraded their 05-07 RL steering wheel to the wood version? I'd be interested in your perceived benefits from doing so. I think the standard version is too thin for my tastes, and the leather on top is looking shiny after 18,000 miles. My dealer is willing to install one for around 500 dollars. Is the wood version thicker or feel better while driving, or is it just a visual improvement?

Thanks

 

I'll bet the answer to that question depends a bit on where you live and your personal choice. Living in Florida, I also get the wood/pastic. Removing leather from the main grab spots is a good thing. Sun and sweat will ruin it quickly. However, if I still lived in NJ I might prefer the leather for those cold mornings.

Anything more then that falls into the category of esthetics. I personally like the look with the wood on the wheel, however that probably means nothing to anyone else.

 

If you like how it looks its definitely worth it. There is really no functional benefit to it.

 

I like it.
the price is about right.

 

you will like it.

Here is my pic.
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3409

Note:
If you upgrade it, get the wood shift knob to match.

 

Thanks everyone....I already have the wood knob, and I think I will go ahead with the steering wheel. Does anyone have pics of it with the Taupe interior?

 

There are before and after pictures of my wood wheel over here: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...steering+wheel

Rob144

 

I have it on my '07 RL and love it. It makes the car's interior look more luxurious. It's for aesthetics only. I wouldn't consider claims of "it's too cold in the winter" or "the handle's too skinny"- that won't matter after you've had it for a while- if initially you agreed with either of these opinons. It's all about how you like the way it looks. The price is terrific- about $100 less than I spent.

 

It was the first upgrade I did when I got my 2006 RL. It makes the car really look good. I get compliments all the time when I have new passengers in my car. I bought mine through ebay and installed it myself. I'm a DYI person. Took about an hour to remove and install. Total cost...$375. If the dealer wants $500, that's not too bad. Definitely go for it, you won't be disappointed.

 

I don't know if anyone among you experienced this, but to me, holding on to something smooth and hard as a fake wood steering wheel for a long period of time irritates my palms so bad and eventually becomes painful on the skin. I guess it's because of the tacky nature of the finish and of course it's hard. Try and take it for a long drive and you will see what i mean. I guess it's just me and my hands. But the feel of leather is a lot better for comfort. I don't go for looks that much, it's all about performance for me. I guess that's why we all own an RL in the first place.

 

"holding on to something smooth and hard..............for a long period of time irritates my palms so bad and eventually becomes painful on the skin."

Wow, you could've just put a "Kick Me" sign on your back.

Just having a little fun with you.

I could see that might be a problem for some- those that aren't "Master of Their Domain". Sorry, I couldn't resist!

Finally, seriously I tend to drive with my hands on the leather part of the time and part of the time they're on the faux wood. I've never felt the need to move my hands because they got irritated. But, to each his own. I just love the look and feel it adds warmth and luxury to the interior.

 

Most of the time I put my hands on the leather parts not the wood so there is no problem for me. The wood steering looks good to me.

 

My wife uses that same excuse -- as well as a few others.