randomwalk

hey guys

I got the new 2017 RX350 parchment with bamboo wood (only option unless I go with darker leather or luxury package?)
anyways I'm not too crazy about the bamboo color wood of the steering wheel. Is it possible to swap it out to a darker (expresso color) one?

ggebhardt

I would have to hate it really bad before I spent what it would take to replace it. Maybe a leather wrap.

If you could do all the labor it would not be too bad but there is a lot going on in today's steering wheels.

FastFord

Yes you could order a new wheel and have it replaced. Part number 45100-0E450-C0 in hard Maple is $3,945.00. However there are a lot of combinations depending what options you have ie paddle shifters etc.

If it were me I would have the wheel sanded down, stained and a polyurethane coating. Still big bucks and Bamboo does not receive stain that well.

Note these are Canadian prices so expect at least 30% less in the States.

randomwalk

Stain it? Is it real wood? I thought it's fake plastic made to look like wood.

FastFord

I have a link some where showing how the wheels are made. I'll dig it up and post it....pretty cool stuff.

FastFord

This is not the video I thought I had, but it shows you some cool things about the steering wheel. Lexus has a site that shows you just about everything you would want to know about their vehicles. The video I saw was on the Lexus site but can't find the article anymore....This one is good also....check it out.

randomwalk

Thanks for the video. Yeah I used to own the LS460 so I know that model the wood steering wheel is real wood. Not sure of the lower model though since there's a lot of work to make it.

FastFord

The other video I had was of the RX350, basically the same process. My cpu has been wiped out a few months ago, and that could be the file I was looking for.

randomwalk

Thanks for the info. I think I'll just live with the color for now until I can find a used one on eBay or somewhere for cheap. Getting a little nervous sanding and staining. It's my wife's car and she's okay with it.

FastFord

I think that's a good choice. I had a dark one before and when I saw the Bamboo, it looked better to me. Lots more "grain" lines. Plus I think you'll get used to it and if you messed up the one you have, someone (she) won't be impressed! hahaha

ericsan13

My understanding is that it is wood veneer. So yes, real wood.

I love the bamboo wheel by the way. Keep it!

GunnyFitz

I have done alot of business with this Company before. Actually purchased an aftermarket Steering Wheel for my Dodge Ram too - came out AWESOME!!!

https://www.carid.com/2017-lexus-rx-...-79399747.html

May be worth reaching out to them on this model I selected here from B&I, although they have others there too. Looks like everything remains stock.
Wife and I just got the Luxury Edition with Half Wood / Half Leather Steering wheel (w/ Heat) but I gotta be honest - I liked the ENTIRE Leather wheel better!
Did not even think of asking to swap out wheels, since there were other issues more important. Went w Mica Blue Exterior & Noble Brown Interior.

Good luck!