I understand that the JCW steering wheel is smaller ..so how does it feel compared to MCS stock steering wheel..I'm thinking about the leather JCW steering wheel but the cost is it worth the purchase? something about ratio??? what does it do?? is it harder to control the car?? huh???
thanks ladyvalea

 

The JCW steering wheel is basically a stock wheel with a nicer, thicker covering. I don't know why some people think it is smaller because by my measurements it has the same outside diameter. If I'm wrong and it is actually smaller, the size difference is negligible.

It is surprising how different the JCW feels just by having a thicker, softer cover. It is easier to grip and control, and the leather is higher quality and feels much nicer (I have the all leather version). The big issue is the high price but consider that while driving, the steering wheel is something you are touching and holding all the time, and an improvement in that area returns a constant benefit. I have no regrets on my purchase and would hate to go back to the stock wheel.

 

I heard that the JCW wheel also has a slightly smaller diameter?? I guess if you measured it.. so its the same size as stock ... so just a fatter grip??

I mean, with all the thick leather? So its made for large hands to grip fully around it?? .

 

I purchased my JCW Clubman used, and the previous owner had either ordered the JCW steering wheel (alcantara version) with the car, or replaced the stock steering wheel with it. Since I didn't receive the original window sticker with the vehicle (), I can't say which...

Prior to purchasing my Clubman, I'd test driven others with the stock steering wheel, and was essentially ambivalent about it: it was a steering wheel. But I definitely like the feel of the JCW wheel. You're correct: it's pricey if you're the one shelling out the cash to replace the stock wheel. But then again, what MINI accessory isn't pricey...? I kind-of lucked out in that it I got it (and one JCW carbon fiber insert -- which is extra cost, of course) thrown in as "hidden bonuses" when I bought my Clubman...

So, is it worth the price? Would I buy one myself if I didn't already have it? I guess the best answer I can give to those questions is that, once you finally get past the over-priced nature of all MINI accessories, you probably won't regret the purchase of a JCW steering wheel.

 

The JCW wheel is definitely the same diameter as the OEM MCS wheel. Different feel because of the thickness, padding and different type of leather. I like it, but it's all subjective. Keep an eye open for a used one in the Marketplace.