on my '07, the steering wheel doesn't look as shiny/luxurious as the one in the stock photos on honda.com....see how it's wrinkled and looks....moisturized? is that even the word i'm looking for? i'll post a pic of my own tonight, but it feels cheaper, like a civic's steering wheel.

 

Leather cleaner and conditioner

 

yeah, i will do that, but still....the "leather" on my steering wheel feels like vinyl, almost. it's certainly not cushy, but hard and slippery and...kinda cheap feeling after seeing someone else's steering wheel.

i'm guessing it would cost like $400 to do a swap?

 

You're saying it's more of a matt finish?
If so, it's because it's new.
If you keep on driving and after the steering wheel gets more dirt / sweat from your palm, it'll become shinier.

Dan

 

Can one keep the new matte look over time w/ leather cleaner & conditioner? I really don't like that glossy look over time. It makes the steering wheel look like it's covered with a plastic wrap. A buddy of mine with a 17-year old S-class MB (with over 310,000 miles!) keeps his steering wheel looking matte even with all that time & mileage. It makes me wonder if the Germans are using a different process on their steering wheels compared to the Japanese.