Thanks for the help. No problem with resetting the clock - I have to do that about once a week anyway (because it runs so fast...). You didn't lose the radio station presets? That's good news.

Mark S

 

No, didn't lose any of the radio presets.

 

OK - I received my JCW steering wheel and put it on this afternoon. It took me an hour - mainly because I messed up and shut the luggage compartment with the battery disconnected. I have a cabrio, and getting into the boot is NOT that easy without the battery hooked up. Ugh. I also lost my conversion chart and had to find it to convert 63 Nm into ft./lbs. on my torque wrench. Beyond that, it was a piece of cake.

I agree with all those who have posted here that this is a great mod - despite the cost. I figure the MINI already comes with great pedals, I put in a Whalen shift **** a while back, and now with this steering wheel all the key interactions I use every day are perfect.

Of course I had to go for a drive tonight to "try it out" for a while! (grin)

Thanks to all for the help.

Mark S

 

The cabro doesn't have the manual release under the back seat? I had to juse this just this weekend while installing the JCW intake with the battery disconnected after I closed the boot. It was a piece of cake.

 

Nope. There is a hook that you have to use to catch the latch on the back of the rear seats by reaching down from in the back seat. With the roll bars it makes it tough. I won't make that mistake again.

After a nice evening drive I am even more convinced that the JCW wheel is worth it. It is absolutely perfect.

Mark S

 

Totally agree, it's hard to convey to those who don't have one that it's worth the bucks but once you do, man what a difference.

 

I kinda got mine by accident: a mate bought one and decided he wanted to do something different - I bought it off him, incl. a trade for my stock one for a very nice price....

I have to admit, I wouldn't pay retail for it, (Aus is expensive) but do like it quite a bit:

 

So how much "cushier" is this wheel vs. the stock sport 3 spoke? I know it's "fatter" - but does it seem that most of the added "fattness" is structural (rigid) or is most of it the result of additional padding under the skin? My sport wheel is a little "hard" for my taste...

Thanks

 

Yes, it's noticeably softer than the stock wheel. The difference is night and day, IMHO. Once you go JCW, you'll never want to go back.

 

I think it's a standard wheel with extra padding and a nicer leather or alcantara wrap. It's 'cushier' but not too much. It feels physically fatter in your hands. It's fatness makes it LOOK a little smaller.

 

Thanks. Gotta Have It. Damn.

Hope my wife NEVER finds out what it cost...
(We have a completely honest and open marriage - except when it comes to my toy budget or lack thereof...)

 

Just be careful, she's still got to be a lot more important to you that your MINI!

 

Related question - I have a 2006 MCSCa - automatic with the paddle shifters behind the 3 spoke sport wheel with multi-function buttons (please, no jeers - I love the automatic). Any complications using the fat three spoke wheel in this setup? Do the paddle shifters have anything to do with it - or are there a complete separate assembly behind the stock wheel?

Thanks for any hints...

 

Don't know for sure but you should be able to look at the rear of the wheel and see how the paddle shifters are attached. I would think they're not part of the wheel at all but attached to the column behind the wheel.

 

Just put mine on, and wow it is fantastic. I had sat in a MINI with one before but had not had a chance to drive it. I liked the OEM wheel but this is so much better. Definately worth the cost!

 

Welcome to the club. You're gonna be spoiled and never want to go back to stock now.

 

Hi

Just bought in Ebay the leather multifunction steering wheel and my cooper does't come with the multifunction buttons since I hace the basic streering wheel. Does anyone know if thaewires are ready to just swap the wheel or I need to wire something from the radio to the wheel?

Thanks for you help

 

I have a 2006 MCSa and just purchased a JCW wheel (with the Alcantara) from the good folks at Morristown Mini. I brought it over there for the install and, wouldn't you know it, the paddles got in the way and we couldn't put it on . They suggested that there might be a way to install the wheel by taking off the paddles, but that was not a trade I was prepared to make. Morristown Mini was very cool about it, reinstalled my stock wheel and made the return graciously. That the wheel doesn't work makes me very sad, but just means that I'll have to get a JCW manual next time . . .

 

Exxxxxxactly.

 

Exactly the kind of "been there, tried that" info I was looking for. Obviously not the result I was looking for, though.

Oh, well. At least I can spend those $$ on my Milltek...

 

Will the JCW wheel fit on an '04 with the three spoke wheel? The three spoke wasadded in the second half of the 2004 model year as an option to the 2 spoke wheel.

Thanks,

vin.

 

Yes, it will be a straight swap.

 

If only I had a 3-spoke airbag I'd get this. :drool:

 

Could someone help me with a problem ? after switching steering wheels the air bag warning light is on. Did I not connect something correctly ?

 

Sounds like you need to visit a stealer..