i was complaining about mine pilling a month ago, cleaned it with suede cleaner and it's like new again.

 

really? I might have to get some....it's got a bit of a gritty feel....not so smooth, but looks the same.

 

i had the same thing... suede cleaner took the gunk off and it's smooth again
i used a suede cleaner i had from foot locker

 

Would there be any problem with the automatic and the paddle shifters?

 

If you get the JCW catalog from your local MINI dealer, it states in there that these JCW wheels do not work with an automatic

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=3751

 

i just ordered mine from my local dealer. they matched morristown mini's price and will install it and charge me less than 1 hour.

 

they'd BETTER charge you less than an hour install... it only takes 15 minutes MAX to install it

 

I was wondering if anybody has the CF inserts? If so is it just plastic with CF laid onto it? My guess is it is. If so, you should be able to drill out the MFSW buttons on the inserts. Would take a bit of patience but shouldn't be too bad to do.

One could use painters tape to make a mask, overlaying it on the current part with the buttons, and then mark them and cut them out. Overlay onto the CF pieces and you have your templates.

The even bigger question is how the buttons are attached to the panels?

 

I was actually just thinking about this today. I thought to myself, "you know, I really would have expected this alcantara to be worn out by now, but it isn't!"

Absolutely no issues with it, and I'm glad I got it over the full leather.

mb

 

from what i recall the buttons are attached to the panels/inserts. you'd have to disassemble them. i didnt even think to do what you posted... very interesting. one other thing i'd have to think over is how to get the silver areas on the buttons to not stand out so much against the CF. hmmm, maybe mask out the icons and paint them black...

 

CooperGear wrote this about the MFSW spokes:

 

We'll it was a nice idea but design engineering from MINI prevented. I don't know if it was possible if I would have tackled it since the inserts are around $60 each not including the center logo one which is around $10 more.

If possible it would have been a cool and unique mod.

BTW, Morristown has the JCW wheel marked down again. $375

 

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great job jon

 

Big fan of the roundel! Good stuff.

mb

 

I just had the JCW steering wheel installed. I noticed that some are using a suede cleaner. What is everyone using to treat/protect the leather portion of the wheel?

 

per the button wiring, my buttons have been rewired for different functions for a new stereo installed in the mini. Would a dealer install of the JCW wheel have problems with the new wiring or is it relatively unimportant?

 

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My favorite two leather products are both from Zaino. They have a leather cleaner spray that does a nice job of cleaning and prepping the surface. They also have a leather conditioner that does a great job and smells like a high-end leathergoods store (use sparingly on the steering wheel)

 

personaly, if you keep the wheel clean, or any leather for that matter, only use water. Everyone I know in the leather business (actually selling hides, and not leather products) or people who do custom car interiors, all say dont use anything but warm water, and then dry leather. If its messy, a really weak dish soap solution. I prefer to not use "products" on leather. Just my 2 shekels.

 

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This shows that an aftermarket company can cover them in real or fake carbon fiber. I forget the member who has the red CF dash and trim. The company that did his could easily do it.

I myself don't really care about CF on the car. I wish I could match the paint to the anthricite dash and have them painted to match. Only thing in my car that looks off.

 

I wouldn't think you would want to use a leather cleaner on the Acantara since it's a man made product.

 

gracias, one other question and im sure its dumb for asking but the pics on sites that sell the JCW wheel and CF inserts(morristown, etc) dont show that the little CF bits have cutouts for the various buttons. Are there versions with such cutouts if you choose to use the CF inserts?

 

no CF option with cutouts