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Is the steering wheel in a stock R56 MINI REALLY leather? Seems to me like it's made out of plastic or rubber with some simulated stitching thrown in for effect.
I was thinking about getting a JCW steering wheel, but I have multifunction controls, and I don't think that the JCW wheel is compatible....
Anyone know fer sure?
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Ordered 5/9/08 | Delivered 6/19/08 | FUN EVER SINCE!
JCW Wheel is definitely compatible with multi function controls. You don't have to use the JCW inserts. I wish I had the JCW insert for my steering wheel spoke that is not used for the multi function, though.
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2008 Cooper S | PW/B | LSD | Sport | JCW Steering Wheel | JCW Shift Light
I just take MINI's word for it, that it is Leather, but there must be a 'test' you could do, (like a hot needle) to find out for sure.
Recall that a point was made about JCW Wheel having 'finger grips' at the 'preferred' 9AM/3PM positions,
but the stock MFSW has them at 10AM/2PM locations.
__________________ 28April2008, 'Trixy' Cooper Automatic+Sunroof+AutoAir+HiFi+CruiseControl+15" Rotator Six Spoke
Mods: European Center Armrest+Wet Okole w/Lumbars over 4" Memory Foam(see Gallery)+XM-Radio+ScanGauge II
Make sure you check out a JCW wheel in person if you can..I was all set on it until I felt it..it seems a little too squishy for my tastes. It sure does look good though!
Make sure you check out a JCW wheel in person if you can..I was all set on it until I felt it..it seems a little too squishy for my tastes. It sure does look good though!
squishy=bad news IMO, especially in hot weather. The firmer the better. I had a squishy leather wheel on my last car and after a few years black goo started leaking out of the stitching (eeeew!). The bad thing about steering wheels is they're expensive to replace.
__________________ April 07:MCS SS/B/Tuscan Beige/Cream colorline interior/Manual/Conv Pkg/Premium Pkg/17" Flame Spoke/LSD/Chrome Line/English Oak/Xenon/HiFi/Anthracite Headliner. African Blackwood/Amboyna burl inlay shift knob and ebrake handle by Robin Casady (see my gallery) 19mm H-sport rear asb, Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grid non-RF tires. HTC Incredible phone.
Honestly this has been bugging me a bit since I bought Scrappy back in April.It states Sports leather steering wheel included on the window sticker but sure looks and feels artificial.Rough texture and zero gloss to it.Granted it is easier to grip and not slip in your hands during brisk driving but I would expect real leather as mentioned on the window sticker.
Seems this is what MINI calls leather for their steering wheels.
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Jim R. Scappy 2~2009 PS/B MCSa|Leatherette|17" Alloy Wheels|Bi-Xenon Headlights|Premium Package-Auto A/C,Sunroof,Multi-Function Steering Wheel|Rear Foglights|Black Bonnet Stripes|Window and Sunroof Tint|Garmin nuvi 760 GPS|KUDA Mount|MINI Cooper Euro Center Armrest.Scrappy 1~2008 CR/CR MCSa-Gone.
I carry a knife in my pocket that has an extrenal clip. The clip sometimes scrapes on the wheel when I get in the car....leaves bad scratches in the leather
__________________ SOLD!
2007 MCS 6spd, LSD, Sport suspension, Premium sound, Cold weather package, sun roof
Alta cat-back exhaust, homemade intake, custom Whalen shift machine, Konig Zero's w/Goodyear Eagle F1 Allseasons, ALTA Prosport H20 and Boost gauges, H&R lowering springs, MiniMadness engine bushings, custom auto-on sport button
It is definitely not leather. Imitation leather steering wheels have been sold in cars since the mid 80s. Most automakers claim leather but they are not. You will find real leather only on high end cars, such as Audi, BMW, Jaguar etc. Although I believe the JCW wheel is real leather.
The cover appears to be a molded piece. It feels pretty much like the dash material, which surely is not leather.
It is definitely not leather. Imitation leather steering wheels have been sold in cars since the mid 80s. Most automakers claim leather but they are not. You will find real leather only on high end cars, such as Audi, BMW, Jaguar etc. Although I believe the JCW wheel is real leather.
The cover appears to be a molded piece. It feels pretty much like the dash material, which surely is not leather.
my 06 MCS steering wheel is leather for sure as was the steering wheel on my 2001 gti. it is not that uncommon for a sporty euro car to have a leather steering wheel in my opinion.
I have the multi function controls, and the suede JCW steering wheel. You just can't get the carbon fiber inserts along with it. Aside, those are separate anyway.
squishy=bad news IMO, especially in hot weather. The firmer the better. I had a squishy leather wheel on my last car and after a few years black goo started leaking out of the stitching (eeeew!). The bad thing about steering wheels is they're expensive to replace.
OK i went and sat in the car again with the JCW wheel and it's not that squishy..i was just used to the rock hard sheel in my BMW..Now i want the JCW wheel! But really you should try it before you buy it.
28April2008, 'Trixy' Cooper Automatic+Sunroof+AutoAir+HiFi+CruiseControl+15" Rotator Six Spoke
April 07:MCS SS/B/Tuscan Beige/Cream colorline interior/Manual/Conv Pkg/Premium Pkg/17" Flame Spoke/LSD/Chrome Line/English Oak/Xenon/HiFi/Anthracite Headliner. African Blackwood/Amboyna burl inlay shift knob and ebrake handle by Robin Casady (see my gallery) 19mm H-sport rear asb, Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grid non-RF tires. HTC Incredible phone.
