The 3-Spoke MINI Steering Wheel is Here

Sections: Uncategorized Dec 22nd, 2003 17 Comments

p> price

After almost a year of speculation (and often fairly negative opinions) the 3-spoke steering wheel should start showing up in dealer showrooms over the next month worldwide. As reported earlier the wheel will be a no cost option on the premium package in the US or an option at the same price point as the standard two-spoke leather/MFSW.

This is the first of what will likely be several interior design changes coming over the next year – culminating in the 2005 MINI and MINI Cabriolet. These changes should first be seen officially at the Geneva Auto Show this spring if not before via leaked photos and spyshots.

Picture via Paul Mullet at MINI2

Written By: MF Staff

17 Comments

Dustin Dec 22nd, 2003 Link

My initial reaction to the original pics was one of “eeek, what?”… but after seeing this wheel in a car… me likey, very much! It has a great rally look. I would not, however, want to relearn where my finger controls are… I was dangerous enough on the road when I was trying to learn where my fingertip controls are on my Mini, but to drive an almost identical car with the buttons moved?… Terror on the roads!

Vrrmmm, Dustin

Victoria Dec 22nd, 2003 Link

Looks like you can play Gran Turismo and drive a REAL car simultaneously! I agree with Dustin–my biggest problem would be relearning the controls.

andrew Dec 22nd, 2003 Link

Mine arrives at the VPC in Charleston, SC tomorrow with the new wheel. Hopefully i will see it before the new year!

Mike Dec 22nd, 2003 Link

It looks like you might be able to see the speedo better. I don't quite see all of it with my current seat and wheel positionings. I still wouldn't get it because I love the controls on the back of the wheel…

Monkey Punch Dec 22nd, 2003 Link

I think the new steering wheel is great, though I do agree that the buttons on the front of the wheel are not as ergonomic then on the back. Its a good thing to have Mini produce variations on their steering wheels or whatever, that way each Mini you see has a better chance of being unique and diverse.

Happy Holidays

Robert Dec 22nd, 2003 Link

And the horn button is where?

Mark Dec 22nd, 2003 Link

I am picking up my 04 MCS on Chritmas Eve. I just checked it out on the dealer lot and it has the 3 spoke. It looks pretty cool, hopefully it as feels good – I will update once I have driven it.

Paul C Dec 22nd, 2003 Link

My Mini started production this past week so I'm still 6 to 8 weeks out but it has the new three spoke and I'm looking forward to both the wheel and the car………… Go figure I would be waiting for the wheel…..ha

vbean Dec 22nd, 2003 Link

Did not order my car until I actually saw a photo of the 3 spoke w/out the computer buttons (did not get the computer as it is just one other thing to conk out I have never used the one I have on my Audi). Thanx to this site, I saw it. My MC is in NJ and should be in CT for delivery jusst after the holidays. I cannot wait. It has been nearly 20 years since I have bought a car for me. The suburban 10 yrs ago to drag around the boys (hubby, 15yr and 12yr)and the stuff that goes along with hockey, tennis, golf etc., doesn't count!

Jason Dec 22nd, 2003 Link

I'm glad they're offering it as an option, though I'd still stick with my 2 spoke. BTW, the horn in the 3 spoke is where God intended it – the middle of the wheel.

Traveler Dec 22nd, 2003 Link

Personally I prefer the horn buttons. There are situations where I will drive with a thumb over the button in anticipation of someone pulling some bonehead maneuver. It's a lot easier with a button. This was one of the features that I liked on the first gen Miatas.

Jason Dec 22nd, 2003 Link

Well, living in Texas, a horn doesn't get used much, and when it does, it's in a moment of complete panic, so I prefer the large 4-inch diameter, panic placement of a center horn. I only have 2,000 mile on my Mini so far, but the one time I was shooting for my horn with eyes on the road, I ended up turning on cruse control.

Anyway, to each his own, and with MINI, weâ€™ve got options 8â€™) Iâ€™ve got to motor…

Matt Dolch Dec 22nd, 2003 Link

I am a 3 spoke steering wheel person (my MCS is currently in NYC on and on it's way soon :-) From what I read in the manual, I think it is missing 1 feature. You cannot change the source (ex radio to CD to AUX in) on the three spoke? Anyone else confirm this???

Tavis Dec 23rd, 2003 Link

It is teue you can not change stereo functions. I still don't like it- thats just me

Lee Langston Dec 23rd, 2003 Link

I had a car with a central horn before now and I have wuickly gotten used to making sure my hand is near the button when I notice someone who might be starting to do something stupid like pull into my lane or pull out in front of me at a T intersection.

My wife was teasing me the other day about it in fact as it seemed the road was full of boneheads and I moved my hand down several times in a mile.

Robert Dec 23rd, 2003 Link

CAN'T SEE THE SPEEDO?…………………………HUH?

The thing is the size of Texas!

Tom UK Sep 7th, 2004 Link

i've just ordered my MC with the 3 spoke wheel as it comes in the chilli pack, as does the onboard computer, will the buttons to control the OBC be on the wheel like above?

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