[DARK_M3]

Yes or no?

My understanding is that the driving glove had been used by those driving Early Formula One racing cars which used steering wheels taken directly from road cars. They were normally made from wood necessitating the use of driving gloves. In this case the glove provided protection. A practicality.

Today however, steering wheels are made from forgiving and comfortable materials such as leather and even suede! Therefore the driving glove is no longer a necessity. Yet I see people wearing them. There is one older gentleman in my neighborhood who looks to be a mix of Errol Flynn and that Dos Equis guy from the commercial as he drives his Maserati complete with Ray Bans and no doubt a capacity to tell you stories that would keep you entranced for hours.

But he... looks the part as stereotypes go for wearing such an antiquated item. And I think it's cool as hell.

But what do you think? Personally I like the idea. Even though I won't be getting any splinters from my supple M3 wheel, I like the idea of keeping both the wheel and my hand clean as well as the increased grip it provides. Plus, if it gives me the aura of Steve McQueen, all the better

I just placed an order for these:


I have a friend who laughs and calls me gay but at the end of the day, I will wear them proudly and let the haters hate. Who knows, maybe I will inspire a fellow motorist as the elderly gentleman in his Maserati inspires me.

Happy motoring.

[Want]

Wow!

Ur friend is right, gay.

[Crimson92]

I see nothing gay about it. Esp at the track.

[E90SoFlo]

I have a set for when its cold.

[danniexi]

gloves are a necessity if you have an alcantara steering wheel (like the BMW performance steering wheel). it'll prevent oil/dirt/sweat from ruining it and keep it in good condition.

other than that, meh. just enjoy em!

[CJ421]

Driving gloves are nice on the track. I take my car to the track several times a year but haven't bought any yet.

Originally Posted by danniexi

gloves are a necessity if you have an alcantara steering wheel (like the BMW performance steering wheel). it'll prevent oil/dirt/sweat from ruining it and keep it in good condition.

other than that, meh. just enjoy em!

As long as you wipe down the alcantara with a damp microfiber cloth once a week or so, it'll last. BMW uses high quality stuff.

[DARK_M3]

Interested in all opinions. Keep em coming!

Ever borrow someone's car or look at their steering wheel and it's dirty? Years of oil, sweat and dirt accumulation? Disgusting!! I would really like to prevent that.

Agreed about the track. Have a pair of track gloves as well.

Also, since some see it as "gay" or douchy, why? What's gay about it? I welcome explanation and enlightenment rather than just, "it's gay". And if that is your opinion that's cool I would just like to know in your mind why you think so.

[danniexi]

Originally Posted by CJ421

As long as you wipe down the alcantara with a damp microfiber cloth once a week or so, it'll last. BMW uses high quality stuff.

oh... TIL. i've been looking into the bmw perf. v2 wheel. now its even more tempting.

i only said it since i've seen used bmw perf. steering wheels that weren't in good shape, although that might be indicative of the owners and not the quality itself.

[CJ421]

Originally Posted by danniexi

oh... TIL. i've been looking into the bmw perf. v2 wheel. now its even more tempting.

i only said it since i've seen used bmw perf. steering wheels that weren't in good shape, although that might be indicative of the owners and not the quality itself.

This is what mine looks like after 7 mos/5k miles and four track days (no gloves worn); I can't tell the difference between when I got it brand new and now.


I use water + microfiber (just so it's damp, not wet) and wipe it down each week. If it gets soiled in any way, you can use a diluted Woolite solution to remedy.

[NYC6]

For the track fine. When you're madly sawing the wheel back and forth with sweaty hands on a tight track in a hot interior, gloves can prevent a slipping wheel that lead to disaster in a turn at high speed.

On the other hand(pun),those that wear them on public streets are laughed at by most I know, including me.
Worrying about a wheel getting a little worn or soiled over time is comical also. Its normal wear and tear. A little preventive maintinence can keep it looking great for years and a replacement years later wont break the bank.

If that doesnt suit, use old grandmas method. Wrap everything in protective plastic like the couches of old.

[dtwyim]

Originally Posted by NYC6

If that doesnt suit, use old grandmas method. Wrap everything in protective plastic like the couches of old.

But then, it will be slippery and you will need driving gloves!

[Augenbrauezug]

My buddy does this in the Winter, though we live in Texas. I thought it was a bit strange, but have thought about buying a nice pair myself.

[bimdo]

i've been thinking about some,too.people think they're silly and give you a hard time,but hell i think they'll feel good and will enjoy them.my mom gave me some when iwas 16 and i really liked the grip they gave you on thwe wheel.there's a practical reason in my nsx bc the top stows above the engine,and it's real hot when you put it back on.

i use leatherique on my wheel about twice a year and that keeps the leather nice.

[GOLFFRR]

You know we sell a ton of them so they must be very popular, def a must for the track IMO.

[Mr Tonka]

Originally Posted by DARK_M3

Interested in all opinions. Keep em coming!

Ever borrow someone's car or look at their steering wheel and it's dirty? Years of oil, sweat and dirt accumulation? Disgusting!! I would really like to prevent that.

Agreed about the track. Have a pair of track gloves as well.

Also, since some see it as "gay" or douchy, why? What's gay about it? I welcome explanation and enlightenment rather than just, "it's gay". And if that is your opinion that's cool I would just like to know in your mind why you think so.

Because driving gloves were necessary with thin, large diameter wooden steering wheels. With thicker, smaller diameter, ergonomic leather covered wheels wearing driving gloves is just for show. The older wooden wheels also typically had more revolutions from lock to lock. Modern steering wheels have less turns from lock to lock meaning you don't have to change your hand grip as often as you did with wooden wheels.

But hey, if it makes you feel good, who cares what other BMW drivers think.

[kevinbahnz]

also dont forget the helmet..

[bimdo]

people will probably give you a little hell if you show up at a car meet with driving gloves,but i would definitely advise against wearing lederhosen...

[gary88]

Unless you're driving something like this, driving gloves on the street just make you look kind of foolish. Especially in a late model BMW.

[CamelBiscuit]

Gloves are good if they nomex and you have a full nomex suit. If not then you'll be ok.

[MDyDinanM]

There is nothing wrong with driving gloves. I have a pair. Though I don't use them on a daily basis, I do use them on the track or spirited runs because my hands get sweaty.

[thetedderbear]

Originally Posted by mdyaman

There is nothing wrong with driving gloves. I have a pair. Though I don't use them on a daily basis, I do use them on the track or spirited runs because my hands get sweaty.

+1 in functional situations they're great, I wouldn't wear them just whenever though.

[NSFW 335i]

I just use my motorcycle gloves lol, I think they are they same thing?