[Updated 07.28.05]
In 2005 MINIUSA dropped all availability of the original two-spoke steering wheel that was the original wheel released with the new MINI back in 2001. While it remains available in most markets around the world, the two-spoke is now completely unavailable in the US. Obviously this has ruffled a few feathers. Here’s a typical reponse taken from a comment section of a MotoringFile article a few weeks back:
I would like to know why won’t MINIUSA offer the two-spoke steering in the US? If it’s offered everywhere else in the world then why not here? It’s not like they have to make it special for the US.
I would really like to know from MINIUSA why? I know some people didn’t like the placement of the horn buttons but I love it. Great Safety feature. With one’s hands at the 3 and 9 o’clock position there was no need to move the hand(s) away from the wheel to hit the center section (horn) (where the air bag is located.)
Well it just so happens that I asked someone with a bit of authority at MINIUSA that very question not too long ago. And since this is a question that seems to come up every so often I figured I should do my part to help explain.
There are two main reasons for the lack of the two-spoke in the US. First off the thing you have to remember is the MINI has a lot of options. Okay, more than a lot. I’d guess that with factory options and dealer accessories combined there is more potential for individuality with a MINI than any other mass produced car in the world. 24 million different possiblities last I heard. However there is a downside to all of this not seen by the typical owner. An order sheet and a back-end system that can turn into a nightmare. To battle this issue MINIUSA does not offer every available option that MINI offers in other markets. They do this not to spite owners in the US but to make the ordering process a little less daunting for owners and dealers.
Of course the downside of this approach are lack of options like the two-spoke wheel and electronically folding mirrors in the US market. Do they wish they could offer everything under the sun to US MINI owners? I’m sure. Based on what I’ve heard through the years, I think if the average MINI owner would be shocked to know how much MINIUSA has “gone to bat” for the US market over the years in terms of options and pricing. How do you think we got the anthracite headliner back?
The second reason, and really the larger of the two issues, was the new US airbag regulations imposed in 2005. Along with the new seat sensors and warning light, the US mandated updated airbags that worked along with the new system. Since the US was the only country in the world with these new stringent safety requirements, MINI decided to only offer one steering wheel with the upgraded system, the three spoke. This meant that the older two-spoke design was no longer compatible with the new US spec airbag system built into all US MINIs. Since other countries in the world don’t have these new requirements, MINI continues to offer the two-spoke outside the US.
So my advise for those wanting the two-spoke back? Either create a petition with at least 5000 signatures or try really hard to forget about it. Or find a friend with an ’02-’04 steering wheel and start sweet talking…
FYI – I’ve found that you can almost replicate the thumb on the horn button feature of the two-spoke (a God-send in tight traffic) on the new three-spoke by using the raised lip in the center of the wheel.
<p>Gabe, I’m not familiar with the options available outside the US. Does the US get options not available elsewhere? – not counting color choices. If only MINIUSA pares down the option list, why? </p>
<p>It’s not as though the ordering process and backend to support it should be different from market to market.</p>
<p>Just wondering. Glad to see you got an answer on the 2 spoke.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>If only MINIUSA pares down the option list, why?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Good question. I’m really not sure of the official answer. I’m guessing part of the issue has to do with the rather large dealer network we have in the US. Last I knew the US was the second largest market for the MINI in the world and I would guess we have the largest dealer network by far. That all means there’s more opportunity for mistakes to be made.</p>
<p>Update – We now have the official answer above.</p>
<p>But your Mini dealer only sells 4 cars, all derivatives of one base model. I would consider a Chevrolet or Toyota dealer to have FAR more options to worry about than a Mini dealer. There’s only one Mini navigation option, but there’s probably 3 or 4 for a Toyota dealer. Doesn’t the UK have like 9 Mini models? And they have more options? You telling me the UK dealers are smarter? Or that they have better order processing software?</p>
<p>24 million and we’re worrying about 1 option. 2 if you count the mechanical mirrors.</p>
<p>no. </p>
<p>i think 5,000 sigs should definitely do the trick.</p>
<p>Ill sign it! I love my two spoke….</p>
<p>Warning: no steering wheel content</p>
<p>MINIUSA has definitely gone to bat for U.S. MINI owners. You only need to look at the Limited Slip and the revised gearing on the ’05s to see that. </p>
<p>Before MINIs went on sale in the U.S. BMWUSA put together the sales model for the MINI. Their projections for U.S. sales were based on the two seat premium sportscar they had experience with, the Z3. Because of that, the projected sales were understandably, not nearly as high as the reality turned out to be. The ramification was though that since the U.S. was projecting sales numbers lower than other markets, MINIUSA didn’t have as much pull within MINI. Even though MINIUSA may have wanted shorter gearing for the U.S., it didn’t have the ability to make the case based on projected demand, so the car was spec’d with gearing (supposedly) more appropriate for Europe.</p>
<p>That times have changed. MINIUSA went to bat for U.S. MINI owners after seeing the strong sales numbers and the desire on the part of quite a few MINI owners to have an LSD as a factory option so they could compete in SCCA autocross in the stock classes with a limited slip. MINIUSA made that happen. MINIUSA also was able to make the case for the revised gearing. So they do have an eye on what options people would like.</p>
<p>We just had our 2 spoke replaced with a refurbished 2 spoke wheel. Apparently in hot climates, the thin leather wears out quickly (ours after 1 1/2 years). Just a note to let folks know that the 2 spoke is not perfect. In fact, I was alittle disappointed to have a defective wheel replaced by a refurished, yet similar version.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>MINIUSA went to bat for U.S. MINI owners after seeing the strong sales numbers and the desire on the part of quite a few MINI owners to have an LSD as a factory option so they could compete in SCCA autocross in the stock classes with a limited slip. MINIUSA made that happen. MINIUSA also was able to make the case for the revised gearing. So they do have an eye on what options people would like.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Very good point Dave.</p>
<p>Great site Gabe, discovered it two weeks ago when it became clear I would have to replace my 03 S, now I have to check it at least daily !</p>
<p>So, when my 05 comes in and I give up my 03, I should be able to trade the new MFSW for the old – any idea how difficult a job this would be?</p>
<p>I’d like to remove the front map light module and replace it with my old clock too, but think that probably won’t work due to the passenger airbag sensor in the new module. Or can I leave the airbag sensor disconnected?</p>
<p>Keep the news coming! Thank you.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>24 million and we’re worrying about 1 option. 2 if you count the mechanical mirrors.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>There’s actually quite a few more than just two options that we’re missing ;)</p>
<p>Yea, how about that nice parcel shelf that we don’t get.</p>
<p>Actually, if the U.S. is the second largest market for the MINI, the issue should be looked at differently in my opinion. </p>
<p>As the second largest market, we actually should get more options rather than constantly seeming to get less than the other markets (or having to wait to catch up on what’s offered overseas) and I see no reason why MINIUSA has to go to bat for us on things of this nature. Heck, if we’re the second largest market, shouldn’t we in a sense, be catered to more?</p>
<p>I think BMW and MINI are absolutely great companies. But to blame this on a need to reduce the logistical problems for the company means that someone at corporate is not remembering to keep the focus on the customer and their needs. You can’t tout the benefits of having a “build-to-order” system when selling the car and then complain that the “build-to-order” system causes you a bunch of headaches. Honestly, car companies all over the world (and other kinds of companies) handle (in many different ways) logistics of this size every single day.</p>
<p>Thanks Gabe for getting a sort of answer to my question from “someone with a bit of authority at MINIUSA”
regarding the 2-spoke SW. </p>
<p>It’s curious that both SW’s were offered before, and a decision was made to eliminate one. Was it an inventory issue for those 3 years they did offer the choice of two types?</p>
<p>I’m also curious as to how they made the decision on which SW option to eliminate. </p>
<p>Was it because: as a previous poster noted, that the leather/leatherette wears out, or was it that more people choose one over the other? </p>
<p>I could understand if MINIUSA and /or MINI had not offered the 2 SSW in the US, but to have it for 3 yrs in the US and then stop offering it, doesn’t make sense to me. Just my opinion.</p>
<p>I’d add my name to the 5,000 signatures needed. The other thing MINI could do is restyle the 3-spoke for a better design, look, use and functionality.</p>
<p>In an older post some wrote that the cruise and radio control buttons on the 3-spoke SW look like the old Nintendo game pad buttons. That is so true. </p>
<p>The 3-spoke wheel design and buttons just don’t fit the sporty, racing Mini image.</p>
<p>Thanks again Gabe for your efforts in getting the question answer.</p>
<p>I’d forsake many an option for the electronically heated windshield. Everyone, including Canada, get’s that!</p>
<p>I had a Cooper as a courtesy car and found that the extra spoke on the three-spoke steering wheel got in the way. Has anyone else found the two-spoke more agile and tactile to use?</p>
<p>The only trouble with the two-spoke steering wheel is that you can never find the two small horn buttons fast enough when you need to use them. On the three-spoke it’s always in the middle but when you turn the wheel on the two-spoke, the buttons are harder to find if you’ve got your eye on the road. IMHO.</p>
<p>The heated windshield is one of those options that can not be had in the US due to DOT regulations.</p>
<p>I have been told that there is a maximum amount of tint that can be placed on a windshield. Due to the coating that is applied to make the windshield work it exceeds the US standard for a tinted windshield. </p>
<p>I recall that US safety standards were reason that the parcel shelf, auto up windows to name a few are not “factory installed option”.</p>
<p>Cheers,
Jack</p>
<p>I too love my 2-spoke steering wheel (currently am the proud owner of an 02 MC)…as I contemplate ordering an ’05 the new steering wheel is the thing I am least looking forward to on the new car…show me where to sign…should I wait to order a new mini?? could I really get a brand spanking new mini with the 2-spoke I love so much??</p>
<p>gmini wrote:
24 million and we’re worrying about 1 option. 2 if you count the mechanical mirrors.</p>
<p>Just to be a geek, adding one option doubles the number of possible configurations. So 24 million combos, add 2-spoke wheel and folding mirrors, and you’re at around 100 million combinations of options.</p>
<p>2nd largest market? Although I’m unable to find the reference right now, I’m pretty sure that I recently read somewhere that the US had eclipsed the UK in sales.</p>
<p>I’m days away from ordering my next MINI and would like to be able to get the 2SSW again. ….If it becomes available after I order I’ll be a little torqued off – so I probably would be reluctant to sign a petition from sheer selfishness.</p>
<p>I agree with <strong>Chad C</strong> that if the UK dealers can handle it, so should the US dealers. I think there is more to this story that wasn’t spilled – or isn’t even known – by the source.</p>
<p>Also, some of the unavailable options may be because of the DOT approval process, like the rear tail lens with either white or amber turn signal instead of all red… Another thing I’d love to have.</p>
<p>I also have a hard time understanding the logic.</p>
<p>All MINIs are made on the same line, so if an option is available anywhere in the world, it has to be an option on the assembly line. Coupled with this line:</p>
<p>“They do this not to spite owners in the US but to make the ordering process a little less daunting for owners and dealers.”</p>
<p>The only conclusion you can draw is that MINI and MINIUSA thinks that Dealers and consumers in the US are not intelligent enough to get it right. Basically, in a way they are saying we are too stupid to get the car we want.</p>
<p>I respectfully submit (and bet that MINI has demo that supports this) that the average MINI owner is not only more interestedin performance than the average US consumer but is more tech savvy and intelligent as well. To me, after having just purchased a Jeep in the last 2 weeks as well as various other American vehicles over the years, configuring and purchasing a MINI is much easier. </p>
<p>Most US manufacturers have weird pacakge names with little description on their website as to the true contents, sometimes tying totally unrelated option groups together or making it unclear when one option is included in a group or not. In cotrast, the MINI site, even though I really do not like Flash normally, is well thought out and allows you to select and confgure the options quickly and efficiently and the order page you can print at the end can be brought into the dealer and is a perfect template for their order process.</p>
<p>Now, I have never seen the actuall system that dealers use, perhaps it is a littel more complicated. However, I think that if that is the case, surely they could spend a littel more time to make it less so, instead of penalizing the customer.</p>
<p>As it stands now, even though MINI has elimiated the color I want (LY) and priced the factory JCW a little higher than what I feel is justified, I am strongly considering buying a JCW PW 06 to replace my LY 04. However, I just do not know if I can take the new wheel. Not only do I have no issue with the horn buttons, but the tactile feel of the multifunction buttons is much better on the 2 spoke IMO, plus you have more functionality as well. </p>
<p>The SW is the one piece of the car you touch and interact with the most and it seems that having the choice would be wise on MINIs part.</p>
<p>Jack, I was interrupted while drafting my post – now I see that you had already made the DOT comment. ;-)</p>
<p>Am I the only one who prefers the feel and look of the new 3 spoker? I hated the way the old wheel forced my hand position because of the large “wings”.</p>
<p>“The SW is the one piece of the car you touch and interact with the most and it seems that having the choice would be wise on MINIs part.”</p>
<p>I could not agree more with this statement. I am of the opinion that MINIIUSA made a bad decision and refuses to change it’s mind to correct the error.</p>
<p>Where is that petition? I’ll sign it.</p>
<p>I would have to say that as much as I want the LSD, it is the 2 spoke wheel that is keeping me from buying a new MCS.</p>
<p>That and the moving of the clock. When I had a “courtesy” car from my dealer it was so difficult to find and read the time. By putting it in the odometer display you loose available information. Now one of the functions is the time that used to have it’s own display. We are getting short changed again and I am not happy about it.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Am I the only one who prefers the feel and look of the new 3 spoker? I hated the way the old wheel forced my hand position because of the large “wings”.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I feel the same way. While I prefer the buttons on the original two-spoke, in spirited driving, the 3-spoke has always felt better to me. I also prefer the more modern look.</p>
<p>Remember, that some options that we don’t get here in the US are based on our federally mandated safety requirements.</p>
<p>For example, we don’t get the parcel shelf, because it does not meet the governments standards of preventing the driver from submarining under the dash in an accident.</p>
<p>There could very well be something that has changed with the placement or operation of the airbag on the drivers side wrt govt requirements that dictates the 3spoke design of the wheel.</p>
<p>Steve</p>
<p>I also prefer the look of the 3-spoke wheel. I liked the additional controls on the 2-spoker, but prefer the overall look of the 3-spoker.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I would have to say that as much as I want the LSD, it is the 2 spoke wheel that is keeping me from buying a new MCS.</p>
<p>That and the moving of the clock. When I had a “courtesy” car from my dealer it was so difficult to find and read the time. By putting it in the odometer display you loose available information. Now one of the functions is the time that used to have it’s own display. We are getting short changed again and I am not happy about it.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Geez, what a lot of bloody wankers! “I would buy it, if only…”. Please, go buy something else, and leave the rest of us (who <strong>like</strong> the car) alone! Your (and that’s referring to the collective “you”) ultimatums are so tedious. BMW’s got bigger things to worry about than the loss of a single sale to some person who doesn’t like the steering wheel.</p>
<p>Maybe it’s just the mark of the enthusiast, but I cannot believe how people go on and on about the littlest things! You don’t “loose” (or even <em>lose</em>) <em>anything</em> with the clock in the odometer. You have a <strong>choice</strong> of seeing the trip odometer or the time. I prefer it, as it’s easier to find the information you’re looking for when it’s in just one place. Frankly, both locations for the clock are sub-optimal, as they require you to take your eyes from the road, but you’ll have that with <em>every</em> car.</p>
<p>Here, I’m going to start a new trend; I bitched, so now I’ll say something positive. I love my car. It handles great, it looks great, it goes like stink, and though I have some niggles with it, I think BMW/MINI did a fantastic job designing the overall package. Warm fuzzy, y’all.</p>
<p>I may be the only one but I think the 2 spoke wheel is ugly. I think MINI did a great job on the design of the 3 spoke, it has an air bag but is styled like a traditional performance car wheel.</p>
<p>I don’t really care if it’s confusing for the dealers. That’s their job. I’ve never heard of a single consumer saying configuring their MINI was ‘too confusing’.</p>
<p>I agree with folks above who said since the US is such a big market, we should get every option our government safety standards allow. If anything, we should be offered options other markets don’t get, not the other way around.</p>
<p>Another signature for the petition.</p>
<p><em>This is also posted above:</em></p>
<p><strong>Update:</strong> I just got a bit more info on the 2-Spoke steering wheel and why it’s not offered in the US. While the above reasoning is indeed part of the issue, the larger problem was the new US airbag regulations imposed in 2005. Along with the new seat sensors and warning light, the US mandated updated airbags that worked along with the new system. Since the US was the only country in the world with these new stringent safety requirements, MINI decided to only offer one steering wheel with the upgraded system, the three spoke. This meant that the older two-spoke design was no longer compatible with the new US spec airbag system built into all US MINIs. Since other countries in the world don’t have these new requirements, MINI continues to offer the two-spoke outside the US.</p>
<p>Look at the lines of the dash. Look at the center section of the 2-Spoke. Clearly it’s the “proper” steering wheel for the current Mini interior. The 3-Spoke looks like it has been grafted onto the Mini from a completely different car.</p>
<p>Although I was one of those who emailed Gabe to ask why wasn’t the 2 spoke available way back when the 05 was first coming out, I have loved my 3 spoke and actually prefer it now. It definitely doesn’t scratch like the 2 spoke. I understand the complaint about the buttons being a bit more “chintzy” than the 2 spoke, but they work very well.</p>
<blockquote>
gmini wrote: 24 million and we’re worrying about 1 option. 2 if you count the mechanical mirrors.
Just to be a geek, adding one option doubles the number of possible configurations. So 24 million combos, add 2-spoke wheel and folding mirrors, and you’re at around 100 million combinations of options.
</blockquote>
<p>you may be a geek, snid. but i know how to make block quotes on MotoringFile. :)</p>
<p>well, maybe not perfectly. :?</p>
<p>I will sign… Where is the list?</p>
<p>Of all the options and customizability of the MINI, people are getting this worked up over a steering wheel?</p>
<p>I just don’t get it…sounds like a definite case of people getting an inch and wanting a mile.</p>
<p>People reference other manufacturers and say ‘hey they have lots of options available’, but show me a single car model by any other manufacturer that gives you the customization of a MINI?</p>
<blockquote>Good question. I’m really not sure of the official answer. I’m guessing part of the issue has to do with the rather large dealer network we have in the US. Last I knew the US was the second largest market for the MINI in the world and I would guess we have the largest dealer network by far. That all means there’s more opportunity for mistakes to be made</blockquote>
<p>Gabe,</p>
<p>The UK has a much larger network than the US. Last I heard the US had 70 Mini dealerships. The UK has 151 dealerships. For a country that is significantly smaller than some US States this is huge.</p>
<p>On a side note, the US does get some options that those in other countries (including the UK) don’t get.</p>
<p>I think MiniUSA is all washed up if they think removing 5 options off of 24 million combinations of options is going to make a difference in making it “less confusing”. Also, it would be nice if they asked their customer base which options would be interesting for the US. As far as I know I have never heard anyone being contacted on their opinion for options.</p>
<p>I also don’t understand why Mini doesn’t just modify the steering wheel sensors for the new airbags. If the rest of the world has to live with the redesign of 2007 because of European crash laws, than why can’t they give us a wheel.</p>
<p>I rather like the feel of the 3 spoke over the 2 spoke. I think the quality of the wheel feels better too. Just my thoughts….</p>
<p>i don’t really buy it, neither excuse although possibly there is something to the air bag regs, but problems are there to be solved, yes? surely a large corp like miniusa can solve a problem if they -really- wanted to…</p>
<p>still, that said, i was one of those who were weary about the new wheel. it was one of the few things i wasn’t happy about having changed when going from my ’02 MC and my ’05 MCS. i’ve just picked the MCS up, and the wheel actually feels really nice. i do like that part better than the 2ssw. and the 3rd spoke hasn’t gotten in the way yet.</p>
<p>that said, the buttons remain disappointing… playstation 2 anyone?</p>
<p>also, i would have paid extra to have the 2-tone cordoba wheel that was available on the 2ssw.</p>
<p>no, the biggest disappointment on the MCS is the handling… it’s more swaying than the ’02 MC. more than compensated for by the engine, exhaust note, gearbox, grin factor, build quality, to be sure. but still, why’d they have to muck it up?</p>
<p>ah, rant over. i’m really a happy customer. no really, i am.</p>
<p>blalor wrote: “Geez, what a lot of bloody wankers! “I would buy it, if only…”. Please, go buy something else, and leave the rest of us (who like the car) alone! Your (and that’s referring to the collective “you”) ultimatums are so tedious. BMW’s got bigger things to worry about than the loss of a single sale to some person who doesn’t like the steering wheel.</p>
<p>“Maybe it’s just the mark of the enthusiast, but I cannot believe how people go on and on about the littlest things!”</p>
<p>Blalor, people are just expressing their opinion (just like you), but it’s critical posts (of other peoples opinions) like this one you wrote is one reason I stopped going to sites like MINI2. </p>
<p>Everyone, and I mean everyone, can have an opinion on what they like or don’t like. </p>
<p>IMHO you telling people they are “bloody wankers” and “Please, go buy something else” appears that you may have little (if any) patience for other peoples views and opinions.</p>
<p>My original point on the 2SSW not being offered in the US was not whether the 2-spoke or 3-spoke was better or worse, but about choices! Choices, choices, choices. </p>
<p>Some people like 2SSW others like the 3SSW. That’s fine. We all like different things. </p>
<p>Thanks again Gabe for the updated info regarding the US spec airbag requirement which lead MINI to drop the 2SSW for the US.</p>
<p>Urg, the dreaded 2-spoke steering wheel discussion again?</p>
<p>Why can’t we get the 2-spoke wheel in the U.S.? I dunno, why can’t I get solid black cloth seating in my MCSc? Why is the only cloth/leather combo choice for the MCSc the blue/orange? Why can’t I get a Dark Silver MCSc with a red top and red upholstery? Why can’t a hardtop buyer spec the Bullet wheels? Why? Why?? Why???</p>
<p>Sorry, back to topic. I think the 2-spoke looks like the steering wheel from my grandma’s old Buick anyway. The 3-spoke is mo betta. :)</p>
<p>Does anyone know of any car (I’m talking mainstream cars, not high-dollar customize-anything types) in which you can spec the steering wheel? It seems reasonable to me that MINI doesn’t offer the choice in this case.</p>
<p>Where have you all been? I ordered my 05 MCS with both! I have a 3 spoke for the driver and a 2 spoke for the passenger. I just was unable to make up my mind. Love to you all!</p>
<p>Hello again. </p>
<p>I’m all for everyone getting what they want. But I have to say that – as critical as I oiriginally was – the tri-spoke wheel feels significantly better to me. The quality of materials is superior. </p>
<p>Drove an 02 for 2 years with the MFSW. I dreaded what it would be like driving my MC40 with a bare 3spoke. It turned out that I dug it. I never had a problem with the third spoke, and i love the natural location of the horn. The thumbrests and the girth of the wheel make it a very satisfying control module. I just miss not having to grip the tiny radio knob. and the cruise control (from time to time).</p>
<p>The fact that the only silver in the MC40’s interior is on that wheel and tach unit left me a bit leery…</p>
<p>I have the 2 spoke wheel. I love it. I had the 3 spoke wheel on a loaner MINI for a day. I hated it. I happen to drive one handed a lot (please save the speeches about 2 handed driving for someone who is gullible enough to believe you don’t do the same, I am not.) and my one hand is always at the 6 o’clock position. That position also happens to be where the 3rd spoke is located. Therefore I must find a new way to drive comfortably. Sorry ain’t gonna happen. I’ve said it before, and I will say it again. I had always planned on buying a 2nd MINI when my first one was paid off, so long as the only steering wheel option is the current 3 spoke, that plan is on hold. I cannot and will not tolerate that inflatable looking POS.</p>
<p>Just another reminder that the 3 spoke MFSW also has less features. There used to be 3 buttons on the back side of the steering wheel, so you could adjust volume up/down, present (or track) up/down, and then mode. Plus the extra button which with an appropriate aftermarket adapter you could make do whatever you wanted, and was always rumored to be for a bluetooth kit that never seemed to arrive.</p>
<p>And I’d just like to point out that MINIUSA has consistantly taken the ‘easy route’ on ‘DOT regulations’ such as the rear fog light explanation before they were petitioned into offering them for ’02-04s. Then they said oops, can’t do it for ’05s, and another petition was threatened, magically they became an option everywhere except the two states we found out couldn’t have a single low rear fog.</p>
<p>Single point explanations are usually a simplification, and there are other options, but history has shown that if we complain enough (even if we’re ‘Bloody Wankers’ while doing it) MINIUSA magically (ok like 9 months later) comes up with a magical solution that makes everyone happy.</p>
<p>Of course since they did that for the Rear fogs, LSD, Automatic (don’t forget that one, its a major thing pushed from the US market), better cup holders, Anthracite headliner, MP3 CD player, iPod interface and a few other things I’ve probably forgotten, maybe if they can’t easily do it for the steering wheel (remember there is a redesign that will be coming out in a year, does it really make sense to ‘update’ what will be a 6 year old steering wheel that was old to begin with?) we might want to give them some slack. or not. your option.</p>
<p>I appreciate the info, Gabe. I too would put my name on the two-spoke wheel petition.</p>
<p>I would also be happy if MINI would just put the horn buttons back on the spokes at 3 and 9 o’clock on the three-spoke steering wheel. </p>
<p>That has been one of my favorite features in any vehicle I’ve driven. I had a ’66 Oldsmobile, a ’68 Datsun King-cab and, of course, my wife’s ’03 Cooper all of which had two spoke steering wheels with “on the spokes” horn buttons.</p>
<p>Perhaps brining back the “horn ring” would would be a more retro option. ;-)</p>
<p>I certainly wouldn’t buy another make car over it, but I was VERY disappointed when the two-spoke wheel was taken away.</p>
<p>Thanks,
Bob</p>
<p>(remember there is a redesign that will be coming out in a year, does it really make sense to ‘update’ what will be a 6 year old steering wheel that was old to begin with?) </p>
<p>======================================</p>
<p>Well maybe (and maybe not) I could put up with the 3SSW if I had to, but I’m very concerned about the plans by MINI for the makeover of the 2007 Mini interior. The Radio, Speedo, toggle swtiches and controls, etc, are just plain ugly. </p>
<p>Who the heck wants the radio & CD info in the Speedo? Not I. So I guess instead of petitioning MINI on the SW issue(of course some of us would still want the option of a 2SSW for the ’07), maybe we should petition them to not do such a radical change to the interior. Just a thought.</p>
<hr />
<p>“Does anyone know of any car (I’m talking mainstream cars, not high-dollar customize-anything types) in which you can spec the steering wheel? It seems reasonable to me that MINI doesn’t offer the choice in this case.”</p>
<p>That’s not the point if any other mainstream Auto Mfg offer multiple SW. The piont is that MINI makes a point of saying that a person can customize the car with tons of options, and since the 2SW is still available in most other counties but not here in the US the question really is: Why not?</p>
<p>Well Gabe has made an attempt to get an answer.</p>
<p>I’m with GMINI “I’m all for everyone getting what they want.”</p>
<p>I have wanted a proper MINI from the beginning. Meaning right hand drive. Every time I ask I’m told NO. :(</p>
<p>Cheers
Jack</p>
<p>“And I’d just like to point out that MINIUSA has consistantly taken the ‘easy route’ on ‘DOT regulations’ such as the rear fog light explanation before they were petitioned into offering them for ’02-04s.”</p>
<p>I dunno. Every state in the union has different vehicle requirements, for emissions and equipment. Add NHTSA regulations on top of that and it would seem that there are no “easy” routes. So I am not suprised that some options available in Europe just don’t meet those requirements or that it takes time for MINI to come up with solutions for the US market…or that the business case for developing those solutions just doesn’t pan out.</p>
<p>And what are these petitions that everyone is talking about? I now that NAM did something for the anthracite headliner, but I have never seen or heard of anything else being “petitioned.” Has anyone ever sent another “petition” to MINI? Do they exist online? Can I see them?</p>
<p>The online petition that is most famous for getting MINI to bend to the will of US owners was the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2003/07/30/MINIAnnouncesDealer-InstalledRearFoglights">Rear Foglight petition</a> set-up by Jason Livingood. There have been various other petitions but none really had the same impact.</p>
<p>“The online petition that is most famous for getting MINI to bend to the will of US owners was the Rear Foglight petition set-up by Jason Livingood. There have been various other petitions but none really had the same impact.”</p>
<p>How do we start a petition? I think if we start now there will be plenty of time for MINI to make some changes to the 2007 MINI interior. Of course “we” all have to know what we don’t want. I for one do not care for the whole center console look including having the LED readout of everything in the Speedo.</p>
<p>Gabe, with all your influence 😉 with MINIUSA how about inquiring with them about an annual survey, either online via MINI’s Owners lounge, or some type of paper survey via snail mail to all owners of Mini’s in the US on our likes, dislikes, and what we would like to see in the furture.</p>
<p>Mini dealers (and MINIUSA) already have our addresses. I subscribe to Comsumer Reports and they send out a survey every year, so MINI could do it to. Just a thought.</p>
<p>Jack07734 said:
[QUOTE]The heated windshield is one of those options that can not be had in the US due to DOT regulations.
…
Cheers, Jack[/QUOTE]</p>
<p>Not true. All Outback Subarus in all states have heated windshields as standard.</p>
<p>One of the main reasons the US doesn’t get the MINI heated windshield is the interference it causes with ezpass (or ipass) systems used throughout the US.</p>
<p>ez-pass makes a unit that attaches to the front license plate mount (if you’ve got’em).</p>
<p>If you don’t have a front license plate holder, that could be a problem. ;)</p>
<p>But you mount the traditional ez-pass in the sunroof as many have done.</p>
<p>But it’s probably not an offical ez-pass mounting location. :)</p>
<p>You can mount the ez-pass transponder somewhere other than the sunroof? :)</p>
<p>I regularly revel in the feel of my 2-spoke MFSW, over a year since getting my Mini. Driving in Philly/south NJ, I also drive with my thumbs physically on the horn buttons. They see alot of use. It would be a major PITA to drive with one hand gripping the wheel and the other poised over the center horn as I watch the ’77 Olds straddle lanes on I-95 going 40 mph. If the side horn buttons could be added to the 3-spoke, that would be nice.</p>
<p>Oops.
IMO, the ‘regular’ 2 spoke is not as nice as the ‘regular’ 3 spoke. The latter has a very nice feel to it.
The sport 2 spoke, however, with the ‘thumb bumps’ is absolutely awesome. All the leather feel of three spoke, AND the aesthetics (no PS2) and functionality (stealth radio controls w/mode button.)
Now where’s that petition…?</p>
<p>Hello, would I be wrong in saying that the reason why people like the 2-spoke is because;
a) It has horn buttons on the spokes
b) You can turn the wheel by holding it at 6 o’clock (where there is now a spoke)
I find it odd that you guys don’t like 3-spoke, for us Aussies, the 2-spoke is the cheap option~
Jeff.</p>
<p>I have a friend who retrofitted a 2 spoke to her ’05 MCS. Looks fabulous, feels fabulous, also cost her a fabulous amount. It can be done – for about $2,000.
I personally like the placement of the buttons on the back of the wheel better also. I drove an ’05 MC with the 3 spoke for a week at the Dragon and really didn’t like the layout or the controls. I’ve driven a couple other ’05’s since then and don’t like the smooth leather (I like my perforated leather thank you) or the button placement. I want my 2 spoke back! That’s definetly the one thing holding me back from ordering an ’07. Thinking maybe I’ll see if I can get the dealer to do a wheel swap if I order an ’07.
I’ll sign!!</p>
<p>Thanks Kris, you just answered my question posted on 7/27 re how difficult it would be to swap out an 05 MFSW for an 03. Does cost prohibitive about sum it up?</p>
<p>Having driven a loaner 05 for almost 3 months now, I have learned to live with the 3 spoke. Functionally, the 3 spoke actually has some advantages in everyday use over the 2 spoke.</p>
<p>Jeff the Aussie, to answer your question:</p>
<p>Aesthetically, the 3 spoke is fugly, IMO. I know there many who prefer the look of the 3 spoke, but I personally agree with those who think the 3 spoke’s looks are completely misfit to the Mini’s retro style. The 3 silver spokes are so prominent, and there is nothing to balance out their extreme…silverness. Also, the spokes introduce a shape that really doesn’t echo anything else in the interior. The playstation controls are also way too prominent – they seem like additional round instruments that compete for attention with the tach, and who needs that? The tach alone says the Mini is a serious machine; while playstation says…playstation.(However, if you have the speedo mounted next to the tach, the playstation controls look acceptable even to me. If Mini had an option to put in the space of the center speedo that I actually wanted, I would probably have spec’d my 05 MCS this way. But they don’t and I didn’t.)</p>
<p>Jeff the Aussie, I guess I really didn’t answer your questions, just responded to your comments about the 2 spoke being the cheap option ;)</p>
<p>For me, I prefer the 2 spoke for aesthetic reasons. a) Even though I would rather have the 2 spoke, the horn button in the center is all right with me. b) When I drive with one hand at the bottom, it’s not really at 6 o’clock, but rather at 6:30 or 7:00, so the third spoke doesn’t get in my way…in fact, I hook my left thumb to the left edge of the third spoke.</p>