FYI: 458 Steering wheel swap

Hi everyone,

Ever since I bought my 458 a year ago, I was keen on replacing the steering wheel that came with the car (all leather with special stitching) with the LED carbon fiber one. I've searched high and low, seen a lot of different prices, etc. My main concern was if the switch from one to the other was possible and, if so, if it was "plug & play". If possible but not "plug & play", what were the requirements. Never found a definitive answer for that, not even here. Now that I've been there, done that, I'd like to share what I've learned with you.

Once my 458 was at the dealer for its yearly maintenance, I asked for the steering wheel to be replaced and ordered the new one from the factory. Taste is subjective, but once my car is Bianco Avus and has the carbon fiber racing seats, I love what the new steering wheel had to offer in terms of cabin design. And yes, I love it and it was one of the best things I could've done to the car, imho!

Long story short: most definately NOT "plug & play": wheels have to undergo realignment, software needs to be updated so the ECU can recognize the new steering wheel and power the LED lights, and new functions have to be added to the car's menu, namely the option to turn off the LED lights (night driving, for instance).

Nothing out of this world: your official dealer most certainly has the capability, tools and knowledge to perform the procedure without concern or difficulty. It is possible. It's just not what I'd tell any DIYer to have a go.

Regarding one steering wheel vs. the other, imho:

All leather: superior grip, feels nicer on both hands.
LED + carbon fiber: much nicer aesthetically, lights are indeed handy.

Kind regards,

Nuno.

 

Hi LVP488, sorry maybe I didn't explain myself correctly.

You're of course totally right, I mean that in city trafic, when negociating tight and slow corners and/or when parking, you sometimes find your hands on the carbon fiber bits and it feels odd at times having your hand go from leather to another harder, colder surface. But it's all a matter of getting used to it. In my humble opinion, the carbon fiber steering wheel adds more than it subtracts to the overall driving experience. Even at night, I don't feel the need to switch off the LEDs.

Hi saraojo, I don't know how much Ferrari asked for the carbon fiber steering wheel as an extra when buying the car new, but I assume it'll always be a bit more expensive, once now you have to pay labor.

Kind regards,

Nuno.

 

Hey Mike, it came with the car when I bought it. But you can find it (genuine Ferrari product) on your local dealer or through major retailers, such as Eurospares. Occasionally you'll also find it on Ebay. It's added protection and conservation for your cockpit, and it does look quite nice imho. There are some replicas out there that go for lower prices, but the factory feel is quite good.

Angelo, that sounds great. Pretty rare to see a 458 with that steering wheel (in my neck of the woods at least). Got a picture?

Kind regards,

Nuno.

 

Angelo, first one I've ever seen. Looks really nice, congratulations!

You're welcome, Mike. I spent a lot of time searching for an answer, so now that I went through the process it's nice to give something back!

Kind regards,

Nuno.

 

David,

I was told the LED steering wheel required an extra set of connectors to power the LED lights, in comparison to the all leather version (less connectors, nothing to light up).

When you removed the old and installed the new LED steering, when all things were connected, the LED lights lit up on the same connections that fed the all leather steering?

Kind regards,

Nuno.