Right now I have the mfsw controls plugged in, however they are not getting power. There are two open plugs that should go to the paddles. I could try removing those pins, from the harness, but I'm not sure if that would solve the problem. I think, that the way it's wired, the circuit is not closed without the paddles connected.

A harness that is wired to not have the paddles should work, unfortunately you can't order the harness alone. I guess it could be re-wired if you knew what you were doing.

 

I don't see anything that's not on RealOEM. Try looking up those part numbers on RealOEM. If you search "switch unit steering" on RealOEM for R56 Cooper S, it returns 24 results. The only variations I see are for rain sensor and DSC (none for auto paddles).

 

Success!!!!

With the MFSW buttons and harness for the manual it worked!

So it seems as long as it is the wiring harness for the manual it works fine.

So any auto people that wanted a special steering wheel (JCW, redwood, tuscan, hot chocolate), but were told no because of the auto you can now do it without having to modify the wheel for the paddles. So as long as you're ok with not having the paddles you can easily do this. All you need is the MFSW module with a wiring harness meant for manuals.

Unfortunately, that part is a bit pricey. $200 bucks for the module and harness. And there is no way to order just the harness, there is no part number for it.

I'm still glad I did it, the JCW wheel feels so nice in my hands.

Pics tomorrow I hope.

 

OH EXCELLENT!!!!! I am so happy for you! Do you have the part number you did get available to post? Obviously you can't completely trust RealOEM because it did not show a different part number.

 

Congrats!

Hope to see some pics soon. I fear you might want to change the look of the A/T shifter to a manual one as well

Rather than spending an add'tl 200$ on a part I already have, I'll try to upgrade a JCW wheel to a paddle'd one. IMHO, worth a try Just my two cents...

 

I'll post the part number from the box when I get home.

Well, I won't get a manual shifter, but it can be done if you wanted too. You would lose the locking part of the shifter which is bad if you accidentally knock the shifter from D to R or P! I did get a new auto shifter though. MINI actually makes a JCW alcantara shifter for the autos. It matches perfectly and goes well with my alcantara shift boots from redline.

As far as modding the wheel to accept paddles...it's up to you. It would involve cutting and drilling into a $500 wheel which I'm not comfortable with. I got my wheel for $250 so the extra $200 for the controls makes it a wash for me.

I'll have pics later tonight.

 

The part number for the mfsw switches is 32309200098.

Here is a pic:


As you can see, it's a JCW steering wheel with an auto. You can see my JCW shifter there too. I need to take better close ups, there was too much light.

 

32309200098 Someone has them for $95 on eBay now!


So for the original poster wanting to ADD the paddle shifters, they will need the steering wheel, new MFSW controls (part number unknown, as there are two other options on RealOEM), and the paddles themselves. (As long as the socket for the paddle shifters is available on the steering column)

 

The wheel, besides being the JCW, looks way better without the paddles. Well done.

 

I want ot paint the Multifunction buttons on my steering wheel - can the 3 silver covers on the steering wheel be removed form the front of the steering wheel for paint or do you have to take the steering wheel of of the car

 

They can be removed without taking the wheel off. The center one just pulls off, it's just held on by friction. The sides require the removal of one torx screw each(T20 I think) and then it's just friction. The silver covers separate from the button assembly.

However, it is much easier to do the job if you remove the wheel.

 

where is the torx screw located - I am afrain to play with the airbag

 

There are two. One behind each button panel. Just feel for them with your fingers. You'll find them.

 

I just followed your instructions an upgraded my steering wheel as well . It's really simple, I don't know why MINI can't offer this from the factory for us autos. I have the all leather version any tips on how to keep it looking like new?

 

Keep the leather clean and conditioned with some leather products, I prefer the ones from Meguiar's.

 

Any pics? I'll be looking to do this too.

 

Actually, I took it off because I decided to sell my car. If anyone is interested I'm selling my steering wheel with the required multifunction buttons for it to work with the auto. It's in the market.

 

Sorry I ordered the parts already.