I purchased a new leather/leather R56 JCW steering wheel from outmotoring.com. Price $560. Part was in stock. It arrived quickly.

The wheel is everything it claimed to be. Although the diameter is the same, it is thicker, softer, and of higher quality leather. It feels plush and expensive.

Installation was very easy, I did it myself in about 1 hour. Tools required: a couple torx drivers and a hex socket for the main bolt attaching the steering wheel to the steering column. Carbon Fiber spoke inserts are not included with the wheel but may be purchased separately. I migrated the steering wheel controls and the lower spoke plastic insert from my old wheel.

In test driving, I found that because of the extra padding and softness of the leather, that the "steering feel" was reduced. I couldn't feel the same amount of vibrations that had previously passed through my stock leather steering wheel. For this reason, I think I prefer the stock wheel. No regrets here: If I hadn't tried it, I wouldn't know that I don't like it.

I'm going to test the steering wheel for a week and then decide to leave it on, or revert to my stock wheel. Stay tuned.

 

Love my leather JCW steering wheel.



I find only slightly less vibration being transmitted through the wheel but certainly not any less communicative. I had hoped it would have a slightly smaller diameter but overall a nice upgrade, even if somewhat pricey.

 

I love my JCW wheel. When I get loaner cars, the stock wheel feels like a rock.

 

After seeing your CF black MFSW controls... I had to get them. Damn mods!!! And I thought I was done .

 

Those black controls with carbon fiber inserts definitely "complete" the look nicely.

After driving a bit more, I've come to the conclusion that the JCW steering wheel, like sound deadening material, reduces the higher frequency vibrations. This means that the smaller cracks and vibrations in the road are muted. In driving fast country corners this evening on the way home, I felt less connected with less confidence. I usually drive with relaxed fingertip pressure in order to feel the road better, but with this wheel, I had to relax more than usual. In contrast, on the highway, at high speed ~100mph, the wheel was nicely dampened and I felt a lower stress level.

For me, JCW spec is about connectedness to the road and the machine. I prefer a balance in my ride, not liking things too hard or loud, but I definitely don't want to drive a boat. I prefer the R55 clubman to the R56 because it's lengthened wheelbase makes it less twitchy. I prefer the stock ride height with 16" wheels because I don't like the jarring effect of lowered suspensions over potholes in fast city driving.

You might think I would prefer the softer, more luxurious JCW wheel. In some ways I do. It makes the car feel more mature, heavier and more expensive. In the same way that a heavy German Mercedes Benz door feels when you close it. However, my love of the Mini comes from the agility and speed that is achieved when you have confidence in feeling exactly what's going on with the tires at the limit. Or maybe, I just prefer crappy hard plastic steering wheels from years of karting.

Steering wheel feel is a completely subjective thing. If you like or dislike it, it's really your preference.

 

I'd like to know where you picked up the CF inserts for the MFSW controls as well. The previous owner had thoughtfully installed the JCW steering wheel on mine as well (and I really like it too), but at the time, I think the only CF insert available was the one with the logo; so my steering wheel looks just like "onefish2's" (except that mine is the alcantara/leather wheel).

 

BMC_Kid posted this in another thread:

http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...uctshow&id=654

 

Ah, great! Thanks!

 

glad i found this review (even though it's an old thread).
i also found another review i found helpful for anyone who is searching the same thing:
http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/08/...teering-wheel/

i found the leather/leather wheel at Sewell for $350 so i think i will splurge as i miss the thicker wheel in my GTI. just felt better, more comfortable, especially on long drives.
http://mini.sewellparts.com/accessor...2011/5019.html

even though i am a girl, i have done a few mods/maintenance to my cars in the past: stereos, speakers, oil, brakes (we are talking way back when i was fearless and had cheap cars, and boyfriends with the proper tools, lol). so is this super, super easy to do? Or should i just have the dealer do it? (no idea what they would charge, gotta call and ask). i know it's an hour to do this, but is that for someone who is skilled, or someone with little knowledge in this area?

just curious, thanks.

 

It's no harder than what you've done before. See: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...and-wheel.html

 

cool, thanks for the link. in the motoring.com file there was a link to a link that had a PDF but the file was no longer active. so this should help!

 

Studio410, did you ever receive your JCW steering wheel from Sewell? I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on one and they list a pretty good price but I thought I'd check to see if they're good to go. Thanks for any insight you can provide!

 

Pretty embarrassed to admit that I still have not had the install done. :-/
I also wanted the sub system that people here were getting.
But then I decided to buy a house, and well, everything has taken the back seat so I could maintain my checking/savings accounts until I found something and closed on it. I'm half way there now...fingers crossed that by end of next month I am in my place. If not, first thing I plan to do is the sub and steering wheel, LOL!

 

To add, the steering wheel is sitting on my front seat right now. Wrong, so wrong!

 

OMG that is terrible. Quick, send it to me...

So I take it that Sewell was a good place to buy from then?

Good luck on closing! Thanks for the quick update. I honestly figured this thread was long forgotten.

 

I so desperately want this thing installed, otherwise, I'd have offered it up already to you! ;-) I miss my GTI steering wheel and can't wait to do this. Probably will suck it up and do it right after I move, when the oil change change is due.

I have email notifications and I just happened to be online. Lucky you!

And yes, it was a great transaction with them. Recommend them.

That said, if you are looking for a JCW carbon/leather stick shift ****, that I will part with. I've gotten used to the round shifter after all. Never thought that would happen! Ha!

 

Studio410, I totally understand. Of course I was kidding about you giving me your wheel. I'd never want to take a prized item from someone, lol! Glad to hear about Sewell. I'll be ordering from them today as they have that wheel at a considerable discount to others. I almost had a used one the other day for dirt cheap but, even though I posted within 10 minutes of the sale opening, it was sold.

As for the CF shift ****. I do have one already and love it but I see why you prefer the original. Good luck with getting that wheel mounted soon.

 

good honest review OP! ive seen lots of threads on this wheel over the years but yours is the first to state this. thank you because i was interested in one and had no idea of this issue.

 

lol, this 'issue' is so minor that it is never talked about about. Drive a MINI with that steering wheel and you'll get past the 'lack of road vibration' when you get acquainted with the feel of and look of the JCW wheel. Feels like your driving a $60k car when you have one installed, that's for sure.

 

it is good to know all the facts, good and bad, when installing a new part. its what makes a good review. over here in Australia this dam car already cost me $60k new.

 

Do you guys know what the part number is for this wheel?

 

Bimpower, The part number for the Leather Wheel is 32300416250. The part number for the Leather/Alcantara Wheel is 32300416251. Here a link to find out more about the two steering wheels:

http://mini.sewellparts.com/accessor...2011/5019.html

Let me know if you have any more questions on the steering wheels.

 

I bought and installed the JCW Alcantara steering wheel. The install was easy and fast and the wheel feels amazing. I totally agree that, with the new wheel, the whole driving experience is enhanced. You really feel like your in an Indy car. With the thicker handle of the wheel itself, it makes the wheel seem like it's smaller in diameter, which is a really cool side effect. Love it!! Highly recommend!

Studio, I wish you were closer to me. I'd install for you for free. It's super easy...

 

I picked up this JCW steering wheel for $200 about a month ago. It also included the shift **** as well. I addded the CARBONMINI steering wheel overlays.

 

Any regrets Turtle? I'm in Aus and about to make the plunge. It does seem pricey compared to other options