Anyone out there actually have the nice fatty JCW wheel? I have a need for a thicker steering wheel since my wrist ache from the hard, skinny OE 3-spoke wheel (I have a joint disease.) My BMW has a very fat (Z4M) M wheel that is even fatter than the E46 M3 wheel and I find it to be a perfect ergonomic design .
-The JCW wheel is pricy but I don't think there are any other fatty wheels out there. Feedback from owners & wannab's would be appreciated.
Thanks
PS For aesthetic reasons I don't think I not do the alcantara wheel.

 

I have the JCW wheel with the Alcantara and it's great. It's not much fatter than the wheel that comes with the sports package. I had that wheel on my 06 and sold it on NAM.

 

The two things I don't like about the JCW wheel(s):

1. Can't get it WITHOUT the carbon fiber
2. No MSFW buttons!

Oh well.

 

The carbon fiber pieces do not come with the steering wheel. They are sold separately ($75 for EACH spoke!). You would otherwise use your original silver inserts (including MFSW buttons). I'm tempted to do it when my budget allows.

Photo from this MINI2 thread:

 

OOOOHHH OK...

Darnit... yet another thing I "must buy" for my MINI now.

 

Yeah, I figured this out: I think I'll be passing on the CF inserts thank you!
-Will have a chance to sit in a car w/ the JCW wheel later today. Photos: looks just right for my spiney hands. It's my next addition & maybe I might just pick it up sat. am (they actually have one in Dallas.)
-Is this a mod one can do DIY?

 

Well, this happened sooner than I expected. A very annoying rattle in my car turned out to be from the steering column. The dealer had to order a part, and I would have an opportunity to have a new steering wheel swapped in for free when they take apart the steering column. Meanwhile I discovered that Morristown MINI is having a sale (20% off MSRP instead of their usual 15% off for the JCW steering wheel). MSRP is $585 and their current price is $468. Even at that price it is still an extravagance, but I couldn't resist temptation.

My SA told me that the swap is simple and quite doable as a DIY. As a separate job they would have only charged a half hour. So I really didn't save that much with this opportunity, however, MINI of SF's labor rate is $140/hr and it does add up.

I got the all-leather version. It's nice and thick and cushy, and I like it a lot. I happen to like that it is a very stealthy mod. You really don't take much notice of it until you grab it, then... ahhhh.

 

crap. more crap I want for my MINI.... hrmm... new dilemma.... steering wheel or insurance? hrmmm


(sadly insurance wins.)

 

I want the alcantra wheel sooooo bad.

 

I've been deliberating about which wheel to go with... all leather or leather with alcantara (suede)... The suede sounds REALLY nice but the concern I have is that it will be much easier to damage, either by stains or wear and tear... so the longevity question is there. And the way we sometimes get excited to be out motoring, sweat has the potential to do a lot of damage to the suede!

 

This is a JCW part? My '06 Cabrio came with this wheel stock.

 

Congrats! I like my JCW wheel a lot. Went all leather since it's a tiny bit thicker and maybe somewhat more hardy than the alcantara. My dealer gave me a good discount on parts & labor.
-Is it worth the $$$? Don't know really but WTH.
ENJOY!!!!

 

they do look a bit like stock wheels but i guess they are fatter..

 

I prefer the all leather steering wheel, as the alcantara will wear a lot faster.

 

Looks the same to me, but possibly... Mine's leather, buttery soft and smooth, and quite thick and grippy. Love it.

 

That's why I described it as a stealthy change. It does not draw attention to itself and you might not notice it at first, but you definitely know when you put your hands on it. Much fatter and nicer feel than the MINI version of rubberized, plasticized "genuine leather" on the stock wheel.

Here is the stock wheel that was removed (left) and the JCW.

 

go for the insurance

 

Me want!!

Anyone care to post some DIY instructions on how NOT to blow your airbag during the swap?

 

Or you could go to Wal-Mart and get one of those steering wheel covers and get the same look and feel. . . .

Sorry. . . didn't mean to crap on your crap!

Of course, I have never put my hands on that supple beauty, so what do I know?

 

man, that's some expensive crap for such a subtle change.

 

Ooooooooooooooooooo, dat's nice

 

^^ +1 me likes too. but mine is unfortunately a 03 with the 2 spoke so
guess wont work...

 

Thanks for posting the comparison pics.
-Yes, one could add a wrap to increase thickness BUT if you look at the pics there are more design changes than that (several ergonomic differences as opposed to aesthetic ones.) Note thumb pads & position.
Bottom line: nice driver oriented mod but pricy for sure
PS. What exactly is alcantara anyway? (synthetic suede or real bovine!).

 

I like my s/b checkmate steering wheel......I can think of several other enhancements that I would rather spend $500 on but hey anything to join team craptastic is worth it!

So...you think that the JCW wheel is worth about +/- 3 horses? :-)

 

It is nice... but not THAT nice.