OK, I picked up my MINI last night from MoS, for the scheduled maintainence visit, a couple of minor adjustments, tech inspection for Sunday's Track Day...

...and the installation of the JCW Steering Wheel.

In short, I LOVE the wheel - it feels fantastic - even in all leather form (not alcantara/suede). Highly recommended, although people with really small hands may not like it quite as much, since it is thicker. It is more padded and "cushy", and gives additional grippy confidence! Try before you buy - anyone is welcome to a sit-down at DCMM events. It's not cheap (what JCW accessory is?), but I think it's well worth it.

As an aside to this, I did get (again) the 10% discount on the labor as a DCMM member, so I can confirm up-to-date that they do give the labor discount at MoS.

Also, my rear camera, camera interface, leather cup holder ring and gear gaitor ring arrived today. Just waiting on the dash itself, the downtubes, and the front cameras. Oh, and installation instructions for the camera stuff. Hehe. (MotoringFile does have the rear camera install, but I haven't seen a front camera install doc yet)

 

And which side of your bed does Mr. OEM sleep on?

 

LOL... a long time ago when I started getting "into my car" with my Mustang, my parents labelled it my "mistress". I guess I have two mistresses now... but the older one is feeling neglected as it just sits there. Such a shame!

 

That is just the way of life, always going for the improved model.

 

I got short, stubby little hands, and I liked the wheel just fine when I 'test-grabbed' it before the run last Saturday!

Then again, in the interest of science and the MINI community at large, maybe you should let me borrow it for a few months in my MINI just to make sure that I like it. Ya know, for the MINI community.

So, should I pick up the wheel this weekend? I'm sure it can't be too hard to swap!




-Paul!

 

You should probably drive mistress #1 at least once a week so it isn't too jealous of mistress #2. (or has #2 become #1)

 

I guess it is unanamous, we need to give Edge a feel....... His wheel anyway.

 

My wife and I both have small hands, and we like the JCW steering wheel a lot. The only thing I don't like is the excessive stitching behind the spoke areas, which have a rough feeling. I purchased my rear camera and interface from newministuff.com, and it came with installation instructions for both front and rear cameras -- but in German only. I look forward to your front camera review. I've been thinking that I may find it useful for my regular driving in congested (both traffic and pedestrians) parts of the city with narrow streets.

 

Hmmmm I wonder how the car will feel with the non-MINI addition coming on Saturday

 

Just wondering if the JCW Wheel has the same feel and thickness as the M Roadster or X3 Sport Wheel?

 

I just ordered mine from newministuff in the UK. With a 5% MotoringFile discount, it came to $444 shipped from across the pond. Not a bad price, and it will be waiting for me when I get back.

My parents garage now has four boxes for the car and a new golf club (driver) waiting for me... ::rolleyes::

 

Hey, Mr. OEM doesn't mind non-OEM stuff if those items are simply not available from MINI.

The list of non-OEM mods:

• Invisishield clear-bra
• Ian Cull's Auto-Up Circuit
• Terk SIRIUS radio antenna (since the OEM one is not compatible with the factory Nav)
• Schroth R4 Harnesses
• Various decals & stickers on windows from different places

That's it! EVERYTHING else is OEM.

 

Do we have to buy him dinner before feeling him up?

As for small hands I would be willing to bet I have the smallest hands. I have yet to meet an adult with smaller hands. High five!

 

Dinner is OPTIONAL! Hmm - maybe you should use both hands.

 

Wow, you are a cheap date!!! Any car would be happy to date you.

I only use both hands when it is warranted

 

Yeah, but cars are so expensive... they keep asking for gas, oil, tires... it never ends! Maybe I need to get the bicycle out. OUCH! ZING! Nice one... now go sit at the kiddie table - I hear they have the cutest little plastic knives and forks to protect those precious little hands!

Oh, and you better make that high five a high ten while you're at it.

 

Mr. OEM will now be Mr. Mostly OEM

 

You could always go to Taco Bell and a daytime movie? I bet that you put you at around $6/person.