Greetings. This is a pretty easy install but there where some things I felt were omitted from various other posts of other people installing this steering wheel. I have made a pdf complete with pictures and labeling for those who want to change there steering wheel. To the best of my knowledge this will work for all Gen. II Minis. Hope it helps.

 

Thanks, awesome write-up!!!

 

Nice wheels and great post. Thanks.

 

Since the JCW will be available in an automatic, I guess this means there will be a JCW steering wheel that can be retrofitted without chopping up the wheel to fit the paddles.

 

The one bit I found difficult to understand was all the written instructions I had read about about releasing the airbag, so when I changed my wheel, I videod what happens when you push in the screwdriver (I used a Torx driver which has a nice flat end), so you can see what you're trying to do - it's hard to believe pushing one thing in from the bottom releases the airbag in four places, but it does!

 

Just wanted say thanks for this write up. Installed me JCW wheel today and these instructions were perfect. Me old wheel was on pretty tight. I had to break out the gorilla wrench with 16 mm socket to get it off. The standard 3/8 ratchet just didn't have the leverage.

Finished product:
Attachment 69867

 

Thanks Bmtespar and Angib I installed mine yesterday and with your pdf and Angib's video it was super easy! The hardest part was getting the MFSW controls and the bottom spoke cover off the old wheel without doing any damage. Was very tempting to use a screwdriver but I didn't want to make any pry marks in the plastic so I kept working at it with fingers and nails... I'll heal!

 

I'd would also like to say thanks for the great instructions! Excellent upgrade.

 

The JCW wheel for the autos is finally out. Any idea how to access the screws on the back of the wheel with the paddles??

 

I know this thread is a couple of years old, but I still wanna say thanks for the great write up! Using it to install a GP2 steering wheel in my Clubman!

 

Link please? With paddle compatibility?

 

So is the JCW steering wheel compatible with paddle shifters for an auto trans? If so, can you post the link to install? Thanks!

 

No, you have to modify to make it work. Search on here you will find it. I did it, not too bad but you do have to take an exacto knife to a $300 wheel to make it work. Not hard just take your time.

 

Thanks, wzabrouski. Did you have to cut the alcantara or leather? I'm wondering over time how the wear is, any peeling or coming unglued where you cut?

 

Just a quick FYI!
Don't get the Alcantara one! I have it and after less than a year and about 8k miles on the car since installing the top is pretty much bald. I hated the stock wheel's feel so I should have gotten the full leather one but I loved the feel of the alcantara. I don't mind the feel of it even now but don't get it if you think it will last.

 

I have the alcantara nonce and it needs to be cleaned every 4-6 months. It comes back to life if you clean it properly. Slightly damp terry cloth towel to get the dirt off, no soap and a tooth brush to bring back the pile on the alcantara. This was the video I followed and it worked great. You will be shocked how much dirt comes off.

 

What is special about the JCW wheel? Don't really need another project but am curious as to what I'm missing. Never been in a JCW.

 

Smaller and thicker. Also available in all leather or 1/2 leather, 1/2 suede.

 

The JCW wheel is not smaller. It's the same basic wheel as all the others. It is thicker, though. Suede is not available. It's Alcantara, a synthetic suede like material that lasts longer than natural suede. The wheel is also available in full leather. They have red stitching, unlike the other wheels.

 

And I'll add it feels awesome and truly makes the car even more fun to drive.

Its easier to live with than I had thought. I just wiped mine down with a baby wipe after the alcantara looked "dirty". Picked up all sorts of "dirt" on the wipe and left the wheel looking new.

 

I wonder if this discussion may be about two different wheels. The long-standing JCW dealer-fit steering wheel shown in the guide above (and my former Alcantara example below) is fractionally smaller than the standard 2nd gen wheel - 355mm (14.0") compared to the stock 365mm (14.4") diameter. If you look at the side-by-side photos in the guide above (step 8) you'll see the multi-function controls are noticeably nearer the rim on the JCW wheel.

Then there is the factory wheel on JCW models of later 2nd gen cars, which appears to be a standard sports wheel but with red stitching instead of black. It also has the big seam round the front where I presume the complete leather cover is wedged into the rim - whereas the JCW dealer wheels don't have this seam and the cover must have been hand-sewn into place.

And of course all changes for the F56 with a factory option JCW wheel.

The picture of the Alcantara wheel is from when I was selling it as I've switched from a part-Alcantara to an all-leather JCW wheel. I found the Alcantara to be not as grippy as leather (unless I had wet hands when it was gorgeous) and I want a steering wheel to work well first and foremost - looking good is a long way down my list of priorities. I suspect the Alcantara wheel may be perfect when the driver is wearing racing gloves - but wearing gloves to drive went out at the same time as using monocles over here....

 

does anyone know where i could get the left hand steering wheel controls in black?