Anyone have any thoughts regarding the JCW Gear Shift ****? Seems like an easy upgrade, just wondered if anyone has reviewed it in relation to the standard ****.

Secondly, I've read that the carbon fiber inserts for the 3-spoke wheel fit all of the 3-spoke wheels in addition to the JCW wheel. I think I've also seen pics with them on a multifunction wheel. However, I don't see where you can order them for the multifunction wheel and I haven't been able to find DIY instructions on how to put them on. Anyone have any thoughts to the availability of these for standard 3-spoke factory multifunction steering wheels?

 

I have the JCW shift **** on my 06 and another in my office for the 09 JCW. I went with the CF/Leather and IMO it is more comfortable than the factory ball.

 

i just got one

it is a lot more comfortable for shifting, plus it is a little taller than the ball shifter which gives you more leverage

i say get one.

 

I've had mine for about 6 months, really love it once I got use to it.
The only thing I've noticed is that the stock one was slightly heavier which helped it go into gear easier if your lazy or light on your shifting. In the beginning I had a few mis-shifts from not pushing it into gear, but I quickly learned. Not sure if anyone else has experienced this, could just be my tranny or linkage.
Overall it has a much higher quality feel and looks awesome

Braden

 

How hard to install the JCW ****? I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on the JCW shifter. Do you have to use the JCW boot or can the R56 factory boot work with the ****?

 

The R56 boot will work fine, the JCW one is leather

 

You can only get the JCW CF for the center spoke of the multifunction wheel, and if you find an easy way to install it,,,,,, please post it. I'm new to all of this and can't seem to find any info yet. I just don't want to disconnect the battery to remove the airbag. Is there just a fuse that can be pulled?? Ferley

 

I just replaced the bottom center spoke w/ the CF JCW spoke - it took all of about 5 minutes (should have been less). My dealer got me the part w/ the new JCW logo, too. I'm waiting for the gear shift **** w/ the new logo because it's being shipped from Germany.

I simply slid a credit card under the bottom part of the spoke. Then I slid a little thicker plastic card over the credit card but beneath the spoke. Once I got that under, I simply lifted the thicker card prying the spoke off of the wheel. Very easy. The only thing I noticed was the horn will blow while you are trying to get the top part of the spoke out from under the center of the steering wheel. I reversed the steps to install, and the horn went off while I pushed the CF spoke under the center cap slightly, aligned everything and just pushed the new spoke into place.

 

How much did the part cost?

 

I paid about $70 after taxes for it. A little on the expensive side, but it looks very good. I needed something in the interior to tie in with the JCW theme. This really should be standard equipment for a MINI this expensive.

I'll finish off next week with the gear shift ****.

 

I just put in the JCW gear shift **** w/ the updated logo and it together with the carbon fiber center insert at the bottome of the steering wheel really look nice in the interior.

The guys at MINI of Dallas were real nice to help with the install on the gear shift **** and the whole process took about 5 minutes.

The gear shift **** itself feels great, so I'm extremely happy with my purchase.

 

Do you know to take the old **** off and how to put the new one on?
I have a **** for an o4 and want to install it.

 

Ok I found a link that answered my question.

 

jcw shift **** has great feel and its not as cold on the hand as the ball in winter.

i would bet they have one at most mini dealers so you can get a feel of it before you install it. just a guess.

 

here's some shots after a wash and the install of the JCW wheel insert and gear shift ****.

 

one more

 

it's the best jcw accessory...i have had it on 2 cars and enjoy it everyday...just pull the old heavy ball off and stick on the new one....it makes the car go a lot faster

 

kfmuller that looks very nice !!!
I would love the steering wheel insert to go with the shifter ****,
but
having it only in the middle and not surrounding the multifunction buttons would drive me insane ....
anyone found cf pieces cutout for the MF wheel???

 

you could find some carbon fiber vinyl that matches the JCW piece and cut out around the multifunction wheel. it'll be some work, but just a thought to get that carbon fiber look.

 

Is the jcw shift **** supposed to be loose? I just installed mine tonight and I can still turn it??? It seems securely fastened but still will turn relatively easy if I wanted to

 

Dez,

I just put my JCW shift **** this week and it is tight.

Have you tried taking it off and reinstalling it? Just a thought.

 

Thanks Ghost. Yeah I just tried taking it off and putting it back on... I'm starting to think I may be missing some pieces. I bought the gear shift used off of the market place. From some of the how to's, I was seeing what looked like two interlocking clips pieces, I don't think I have those. I also tried putting some masking tape around the stem to try to get a more secure fit but no luck either.

Its not necessarily "loose", but I can still turn it from side to side relatively easily and it is not firmly snug like the OEM **** was. I guess maybe I got a dud with this one and I should just fork up the cash for a new one.

Thanks

 

yeah this can't be right... just drove a canyon and it was way to loose

 

Hi Dez, definitely should not move. I had the guys here install mine and it fits very tight. I believe there are locking clips that secure it to the stem. PS. Just spent 3 hours up in Malibu yesterday before work ripping it up..awesome car!

 

thx MINIGEZR. Yeah I didn't think it was supposed to be like that. I might try to come by tomorrow and see if they can fix it up. PS I work in Malibu... canyons in the morning before work... priceless