I just read a rumor that the new 3 spoke steering wheel that will be on the Decmeber built MINIs will not have the MFSW buttons.

Is this true here in the USA ?
Would MINI make 2 different steering wheels, one for Europe and one for the USA ?

What do you know ?

 

According to a price sheet from MINI2, the 3-spoke will not be multi-function. You'll still be able to get multi-function, but it will be the current 2-spoke.

We'll find out soon enough

 

I have a strong feeling that it won't be multi-function.
if you look at the pictures of the 3-spoke wheel, it doesn't seem like the design can easily accomodate any buttons. The surface contours, dimensions and materials don't seem to have been designed to recieve the multi-function controls.

 

I hope this is the case. My MCS is supposed to go into production in December, and I am getting the MFSW. I don't want the recycled VW Bug wheel.

 

That new 3-spoke steering wheel is...ummm...ugly as heck. It was yanked out a VW new Beetle and it clashes with the current MINI interior design theme.

My dealer does not know much about the 3-spoke wheel but I can also confirm that based on what I have read here an elsewhere, the 3-spoke will not support MFSW functions. If you want Cruise Control and Remote stereo controls you wil still get the current functional and good looking 2-spoke wheels.

Further another strike against the 3 spoke wheel design is that it doesn't allow to comfortably rest both hands at the bottom of the wheel when doing long distance Interstate driving.

It appears to be that the current 2-spoke will hand around a while more.

 

If it did support buttons, I'll bet the radio controls wouldn't be conveniently on the back of the wheel. They'd do something stupid and put them on the front of the wheel, like in BMWs. This argument, however, probably isn't valid since the 3 spoke doesn't look like it could support the buttons like you all said. Plus, the wheel is extemely ugly. I hope they at least offer the 2 spoke as an option b/c the 3er is just not fitting w/ the MINI. Now, the 2 spoke belongs b/c its unique--especially the MFSW button pattern it has.

 

Ya... i wondered about that... i dont like the 3 spoke at all...

 

I agree the three spoke looks Very VW