my steering wheel is showing quite a bit of fading. whats the best way to bring it back to life? i don't want a cover for it. is there a dye i can use on it? i don't want anything that will make it greasy or slippery, cause obviously that would not be a good idea

I've never personally dealt with a steering wheel the way you're asking or really even heard of someone but I have a suggestion anyway. I'd look into the leatherique dye kit assuming it's leather.

I've never personally dealt with a steering wheel the way you're asking or really even heard of someone but I have a suggestion anyway. I'd look into the leatherique dye kit assuming it's leather.
its black leather. it just shows wear around the ring, the part that holds the airbag is fine. i'll look into the leatherique dye kit, thanks

Try Wheelskins. It wraps around the steering wheel, but its not the cheap stuff, its high quality and custom fit for car type. E36 is size AXX

I'll bet Leatherique would fix it up. I haven't used their dyes, but the regular maintenance stuff works wonders. I slathered my steering wheel in it and it came out feeling great, without being greasy at all.

if the leather is actually worn away, theres nothing you do to make it like-new.

Leatherique will help it, but it won't make it 100%. In the meantime keep it conditioned well - the sweat in your hands dries that area out faster than other leather in the car.