Still… the cost is already becoming apparent. And I haven’t even gotten the inserts yet! Avoid this wheel at all costs- unless you’re willing to suffer the wonderful consequences!

I just wanted to get that out of the way right from the start. I have done the nearly impossible, and expensive task of swapping out my old 2-spoke wheel, for a JCW leather wheel. It is very cost-prohibitive! Even doing extensive research online to find the best prices for all the parts I needed, I still spent north of $850.

It woul’ve been a tiny bit cheaper if I didn’t have the multi-function wheel, but still, once you factor in buying an airbag, wiring, spoke inserts and the JCW wheel itself, it passes way beyond the crazy level, into insane territory.

That is why I must reiterate Gabe’s comment, if money is tight, you should avoid all contact with this wheel, because after you touch one, you will lose all control of your sanity and wallet, and you will be joining me in the assylum. You would sell your soul for this steering wheel. Is it possible to lust after a car part? YES.

Now that mine is installed, I am so loving it! Every time I drive my car is even more of a treat than it was before. It feels like a race car wheel.

I cannot recommend this mod enough, (especially for owners of the 3-spoke wheel, where it would be much less expensive, [they'd only need to buy the JCW wheel itself; all other parts like the spoke inserts and airbag would be reused from their current 3-spoke wheel]).

I disagree. During spirited driving on a skid pan on an advanced driving course in collision avoidance, these buttons constantly were toggled, causing the radio preset to change, disconnecting us from our instructor who was guiding us over the radio. In the end, we just tuned all the presets in to the channel the instructor was using.

Unique circumstance, but annoying nonetheless.

Give the the three spoke any day.

It was so easy, we did it twice! ;-)

Of course you should. You know you want to break it in.

Gabe knows that I’ve already ordered one for the GP. The question is, should I ship/haul it out to CA so I can experience it on the drive home from Monterey…

Any ideas for a steering wheel upgrade for the 2-spoke fans? I would consider a leather wrap, but they always seemed kind of cheap.

Morristown Mini’s site says “the item fits years: 2003-2006″ – must be a misprint, no?

It should fit anything with a three-spoke wheel.

Morristown Mini’s site says “the item fits years: 2003-2006″ – must be a misprint, no?

Good point too. Despite my previous critique, I still want one! The tactile feel of the steering wheel is crucial IMO, and the real leather at surrounding upper spokes on the JCW wheel looks like it would still offer improved feel over the stock “pleather” rim. Being over 6 feet tall, the JCW would probably match my hands better as well…

I agree with you here Bill. I am definitely interested in a fatter wheel like this, but don’t you want the grippy alcantara at the place where you are most frequently grasping the wheel at 3 and 9 o’clock?! The current design of the wheel makes the alcantara mostly cosmetic, not functional… (like many of these JCW parts)

Very good point. However I think MINI had a good reason for designing the wheel like they did; longevity. Alcantara can wear much quicker than leather. If the entire wheel was made from alcantara there’s be a good chance it would look rather grimey in 2-4 years. This design allows the look and feel to be present but for the majority of normal contact to be in the leather surfaces. Of course this also depends on how you drive. At 9-3 there is no contact. At 10-2 there is.

I agree with you here Bill. I am definitely interested in a fatter wheel like this, but don’t you want the grippy alcantara at the place where you are most frequently grasping the wheel at 3 and 9 o’clock?! The current design of the wheel makes the alcantara mostly cosmetic, not functional… (like many of these JCW parts)