Sections: R56 (Coupe) Sep 19th, 2006 28 Comments 
Ever since the updated US airbag laws went into effect for the 2005 model year, the US market has been without the option of a base two-spoke steering wheel. However, with the complete redesign of the interior that has now changed and the two-spoke is once again available in the US for the R56.
Actually there will also be three steering wheels in total; Leather Steering Wheel (aka the two-spoke), the Sport Wood Steering Wheel (wood trim on the rim), and Sport Leather Steering Wheel. The Sport Wheels are available with the Multi-Function option. From everything we’ve heard, the two-spoke “Leather Steering Wheel” will not come with multi-function buttons and may even just be available on the Cooper in the US market.
Nathaniel Salzman Sep 19th, 2006 Link
Too bad you can’t get the MFSW in the two-spoke as so many people are so enamored by it. It’s cool looking, that’s for sure. At the very least, I would hope its availability is due to the outcry. I like the idea of MINI listening to its customers.
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Josh Wardell Sep 19th, 2006 Link
I almost got excited but from the looks of that picture that is not the same two-spoke whatsoever. The spokes are more parallel, there seems to be no thumb grips. Just not the same sporty look and feel as the old 2-spoke. I wonder if the huge pieces of silver are changed to match the dash plastics or not.
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Beau Sep 19th, 2006 Link
I love my 02 two spoke MFSW and I’m glad they are bringing the two spoke back…
But about the MFSW, the 02 has the control paddles on the back of the steering wheel, in a very ergonomic position and with the benefit of not having to move your hands at all away from 9 and 3. I want to know if they are putting the MFSW paddles on the front or back of the steering wheel.
Welcome back two-spoke!
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Jon Sep 19th, 2006 Link
The “base” 2 spoke? I beg your pardon!
I specifically chose the 2 spoke mult-function when configuring my MCS online, because it doesn’t have that third spoke at the bottom of the wheel. I like to drive with my hand on the bottom of the wheel sometimes, so it made good sense to go with the 2-spoke.
I am glad it’s returning, but will miss the thumb grooves or cutouts, or whatever they’re called.
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mike Sep 19th, 2006 Link
add me to the list of people who absolutely love their 2 spoke MFSW in my 02 Cooper. having the controls on the back IMHO is significantly safer and more convenient. it’s one reason i hadn’t jumped on buying a new Cooper. also, IMO, it makes the buttons useless if you have to take your hands off the wheel. we didn’t get the MFSW in my wife’s 05 Cooper for that reason.
along with Nathaniel, i hope that MINI will read this and bring back a similar configuration to the US.
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mike Sep 19th, 2006 Link
oh yeah, i think the 2 spoke design is much cooler looking, too. so there. :)
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Ian C. Sep 19th, 2006 Link
This isn’t THE two spoke wheel – it’s just the three spoke with a bit missing ;)
I want the real ORIGINAL two spoke on my GP!
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Tim Sep 19th, 2006 Link
There’s a good fee for someone who can take the 2-spoke off my current MINI and transfer it to the new (still to arrive) GP!!!!!!! It is the one thing I will truely miss from my current MINI.
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Charlie Sep 19th, 2006 Link
I always have liked the horn buttons like the ‘04 and earlier cars had on the two spoke. Just like most Acura steering wheels.
Why should you take your hand off the wheel at the moment you should have the most control, to honk by fumbling around….
Wish this wheel had the horn buttons (left and right side) with or without all the other MFSW stuff which I use on my ‘05 MFSW.
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05DSMCS Sep 19th, 2006 Link
I’ve never understood the horn argument, as you can easily tap the horn with your thumb on the three spoke, it’s not even a stretch.
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SB_RCM Sep 19th, 2006 Link
I miss the clean look of my 03’s 2-spoke wheel. This new 2-spoke still has the saucer shaped center piece that looks out of place like my 06’s 3-spoke.
We need an “Original 2-Spoke Owners” grill badge. ;)
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Edge Sep 19th, 2006 Link
it’s one reason i hadn’t jumped on buying a new Cooper. also, IMO, it makes the buttons useless if you have to take your hands off the wheel. we didn’t get the MFSW in my wife’s 05 Cooper for that reason.
mike, I’m confused what you are talking about… on my three-spoke MFSW (2005 MCS), I can operate the main controls without taking my hands off the wheel. It’s just a thumb stretch! The only controls that might be the problem are the “inner” ones (like the Bluetooth controls), but the volume and up/down controls (for changing tracks/stations) are fine, as are the cruise control buttons.
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bluzeke Sep 19th, 2006 Link
I’m probably sitting all alone in the corner on this, but frankly, NONE of MINI’s steering wheel designs have ever particularly knocked me out. Owing, I suppose to the need to cram an airbag in there, they come across as a bit overly chunky and toylike to my eye – kind of the genesis of the Playschool-ization design scheme some now note in the ‘07 interior.
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Nevin Musgrave Sep 19th, 2006 Link
I have to agree with Ian. It is the 3 spoke with one spoke removed. It wouldn’t be so bad if they got rid of the white color, which would also help the three spoke as well. It would help get rid of the cartoon look.
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Rocco Rocket Sep 19th, 2006 Link
This wheel is like not offering a two spoke. If you’re not getting the MFSW buttons, you’re not getting two spoke wheel advantages.
The three spoke buttons stink!
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rkw Sep 19th, 2006 Link
The buttons on the 3-spoke look and feel cheap, but I don’t understand the complaints about ergonomics. I operate the buttons without looking or taking my hands off the wheel, and I think most people would do the same after using the buttons a few times.
That said, I don’t like the design of any of the MINI steering wheels, new or old, 2 or 3 spoke.
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snid Sep 19th, 2006 Link
“original 2-spoke”? The one without the thumb grips? My 09/02 build Cooper with the sports package / MFSW has a 2-spoke wheel without thumb grips. I think the 2-spoke with thumb grips came in a little later in the build cycles.
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alpinamike Sep 19th, 2006 Link
I love my three spoke and its just like the M spoke on the new M’s. I am not a two spoke person.
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FrankInMiami Sep 19th, 2006 Link
I have had all steering wheels sold by MINI. My ‘02 MC CVT has the “original” 2-spoke MFSW without the thumbs in the 2 and 10 o’clock positions. The leather is of the smooth/shiny kind, not too crazy about it.
My 2004 MCS had the 2-spoke “sport” MFSW but the main difference between this wheel and the one first offered in 2002, was the thicker (And much better quality) perforated leather and the raised thumbs. Fantastic wheel and I miss it very much.
My 2005 has the 3-spoke MFSW with the better leather, but unfortunately it is not perforated as it was in my ‘04.
To be honest, I much prefer the “feel” of the 3 spoke wheel because it has a nicer shape and provides icer tactile feel and hand grip. Why I am not crazy about is the “Nintendo” style buttons for the stereo/cruise control.
These buttons lack the quality and tactile feedback of the back spoke mounted buttons found in the earlier 2 spoke wheels. They are very erratic at best and not ergonomical at all.
The 3 spoke wheel is a cheaper wheel. No doubt about it. MINI had an extra incentive there by stop offering the 2 spoker in the North American market.
the “R56″ 2 spoke wheel pictured here is the same exact 3-spoke currently offered, minus one spoke. That’s it. Sorry fellas, the original 2-spoke wheel is gone for ever.
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FrankInMiami Sep 19th, 2006 Link
Also, with the old 2-spoke MFSW wheel, you could switch between “radio” and “CD” by pressing the middle button located in the left back spoke.
That function was sadly missed in the 3-spoker MFSW. You have to actually hit the “MODE” button in the radio faceplate to switch between radio/cd/iPod/Satellite/AUX, etc.
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jim in ky Sep 20th, 2006 Link
I just bought an ‘06 and had the 2 spoke MFSW swapped from my original ‘03. All buttons still work (cruise and radio) and I can still change mode from CD to radio. I had seen it done before so I knew it would work. I am VERY happy to still have the 2 spoke wheel.
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alpinamike Sep 20th, 2006 Link
“Nintendo” style, I thought they were more Ipod style shuffle style without the center button. Playstation would be close.
Mode button would help.
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Bilbo Baggins Sep 20th, 2006 Link
Jim in ky,
I wish that I had done that. Good move on your part.
I miss my 2-spoke and the better buttons. I also miss the “mode” button on the wheel of my ‘06 MFSW.
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nervous Sep 20th, 2006 Link
Jim in ky – I am green with envy! I just traded-in my ‘03 for a ‘06. I absolutely love everything about the ‘06 over the ‘03… except for the Nintendo steering wheel. I long for the larger thumb grips, perforated leather & above all the stereo controls on the back! UGH.
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Steve_A Sep 21st, 2006 Link
I am not a fan of the 2-spoke wheel. I like the wheel on my 06 MCS. I am really excited about the wood steering wheel, I would love for it to be all wood instead of just wood trim, but I’ll take what I can get.
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