Has anyone tried covering up the steering wheel controls on a 3 spoke wheel from a 06 MCS?

Put in a new radio so they are no longer functional, even tried to install the PAC SWI-Jack with no luck.

I'd be happy just to cover up the one side (left side with the two buttons and thumb pad thing).


https://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coo...heel_trim.html

These look like the will work but before I spend the $35 + shipping are there any other options out there?

 

The single cover is part # 32306765093, according to realoem. Check if Classic MINI has a better price.

What headunit did you put in? newministuff might have something that works with the buttons.

 

it is an alpine CDA-9884, the adapter should have worked but I just had no luck installing it.

I don't use the controls anyway.

Any idea what would be involved in installing this cover?

 

how in the hell do I remove the paddle shifters to gain access to the screw?

edit:

never mind you don't have too, I feel so stupid

 

what color are they? ill trade you mine for yours with the controls and wireing! i dont have the steering wheels controls

 

they are grey but I am only removing one side and not going to take out the wiring. Sorry.

 

The part# I gave earlier was for a regular steering wheel. For one with paddle shifters, it is part# 32306765093.

The proper way to remove spoke covers is to take off the airbag. Instructions here. I've heard of people who managed to pry off a spoke cover without removing the airbag, although not one with buttons. You probably need to remove the airbag anyway to unplug the cable attached to the buttons.

 

With the screw removed (I don't have the paddles) the front covers come out without removing the airbag but it's very difficult as the portion of the cover under the airbag needs to be forced pretty hard.

Removing the airbag isn't difficult, and the holes you make for removing the airbag aren't that visible. I hated the thought of cutting the holes, but over time, they "seal" back up so you don't notice them until you're looking for them.

Releasing the airbag can be extremely frustrating, especially if you're successful in removing one side but not the other-there are two spring clips that hold the airbag in place. You need to shove a screwdriver, blindly down a channel and push that spring/lever away until it releases the airbag. Because you have to press pretty hard, it's a little nerve wracking that you might be tearing something up inside, but there is nothing there but cast metal.

Remember to cut the power from the battery before removing the airbag.

Richard

 

that is the same part #

I guess it doesn't matter.

The old one just popped right off did not have to remove the airbag, with a little love the new piece one should work out <crosses fingers>

 

well I was away in NYC but got back this morning and fixed my steering wheel.



since I did not remove any of the old hardware so I can reverse it later, I ended up trimming the attach points off and using a few layers of thick mounting tape to attach the cover. Worked like a charm