Comments on: Two-Spoke Steering Wheel Returns to the US http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/ MotoringFile | MINI news, reviews and opinion. MINI Cooper, Cooper S, Clubman, Countryman Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:14:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: saakey http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-52653 saakey Thu, 21 Sep 2006 17:07:06 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/#comment-52653 <p>don't like it. skip</p> don’t like it. skip

]]> By: Steve_A http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-52641 Steve_A Thu, 21 Sep 2006 14:54:28 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/#comment-52641 <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: nervous http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-52589 nervous Wed, 20 Sep 2006 19:00:54 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/#comment-52589 <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: Bilbo Baggins http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-52586 Bilbo Baggins Wed, 20 Sep 2006 18:31:00 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/#comment-52586 <p>Jim in ky,</p> <p>I wish that I had done that. Good move on your part.</p> <p>I miss my 2-spoke and the better buttons. I also miss the "mode" button on the wheel of my '06 MFSW.</p> 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.

]]> By: alpinamike http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-52575 alpinamike Wed, 20 Sep 2006 17:20:33 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/#comment-52575 <p>“Nintendo" style, I thought they were more Ipod style shuffle style without the center button. Playstation would be close.</p> <p>Mode button would help.</p> “Nintendo” style, I thought they were more Ipod style shuffle style without the center button. Playstation would be close.

Mode button would help.

]]> By: jim in ky http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-52568 jim in ky Wed, 20 Sep 2006 16:08:07 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/#comment-52568 <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: FrankInMiami http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-52527 FrankInMiami Wed, 20 Sep 2006 00:37:43 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/#comment-52527 <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: FrankInMiami http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-52526 FrankInMiami Wed, 20 Sep 2006 00:35:11 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/#comment-52526 <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>My 2005 has the 3-spoke MFSW with the better leather, but unfortunately it is not perforated as it was in my '04.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: alpinamike http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-52522 alpinamike Tue, 19 Sep 2006 23:25:50 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/#comment-52522 <p>I love my three spoke and its just like the M spoke on the new M's. I am not a two spoke person.</p> I love my three spoke and its just like the M spoke on the new M’s. I am not a two spoke person.

]]> By: snid http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-52520 snid Tue, 19 Sep 2006 22:12:42 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/#comment-52520 <p>"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.</p> “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.

]]> By: rkw http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-52515 rkw Tue, 19 Sep 2006 20:56:57 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/#comment-52515 <p>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.</p> <p>That said, I don't like the design of any of the MINI steering wheels, new or old, 2 or 3 spoke.</p> 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.

]]> By: Rocco Rocket http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-52513 Rocco Rocket Tue, 19 Sep 2006 19:42:47 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/#comment-52513 <p>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.</p> <p>The three spoke buttons stink!</p> 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!

]]> By: Nevin Musgrave http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-52512 Nevin Musgrave Tue, 19 Sep 2006 19:40:36 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/#comment-52512 <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: bluzeke http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-52505 bluzeke Tue, 19 Sep 2006 17:38:56 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/#comment-52505 <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: Edge http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-52504 Edge Tue, 19 Sep 2006 17:13:53 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/#comment-52504 <blockquote>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.</blockquote> <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: SB_RCM http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-52503 SB_RCM Tue, 19 Sep 2006 17:05:09 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/#comment-52503 <p>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.</p> <p>We need an "Original 2-Spoke Owners" grill badge. ;)</p> 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. ;)

]]> By: 05DSMCS http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-52502 05DSMCS Tue, 19 Sep 2006 16:50:30 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/#comment-52502 <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: Charlie http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-52501 Charlie Tue, 19 Sep 2006 16:45:31 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/#comment-52501 <p>I always have liked the horn buttons like the '04 and earlier cars had on the two spoke. Just like most Acura steering wheels.</p> <p>Why should you take your hand off the wheel at the moment you should have the most control, to honk by fumbling around....</p> <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: tsukiji http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-52500 tsukiji Tue, 19 Sep 2006 16:31:27 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/#comment-52500 <p>meh. It looks kinda cheesey.</p> meh. It looks kinda cheesey.

]]> By: Tim http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-52498 Tim Tue, 19 Sep 2006 16:22:54 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/09/19/two-spoke-steering-wheel-returns-to-the-us/#comment-52498 <p>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.</p> 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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