hey guys, i am having a problem on my stock 03 mini steering wheel. the skin of the wheel is starting to peel off, should i completely peel it off or is it better to get an aftermarket steering wheel. any suggestions?

 

Mine started to peel as well. the dealer replaced it for free. You are probably out of warranty though.

 

This was a common defect in the '02 & 03 Minis. Most were replaced for free under warranty. If you have radio buttons on the back side of your wheel, you would be probably better off replacing it with another stock unit if you still want the radio button function. I believe there is a airbag in that wheel as well!

 

yea, i am way out of warranty on mine, but ill try to call 'em maybe they can give me a deal for the repair. thanks frenchie

 

Yes, same problem here. Check this thread:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=154451

 

I never had that problem, but my admittedly moist palms found the bare wheel to be way too slippery, so I installed a rubber & vinyl wheel cover for a better grip. It incidentally has a much more substantial feel now, which I think better suits the weight of the steering.

 

Ours started peeling & i purchased a good wheel cover that also gave a better grip.

 

My wheelskin just came in yesterday. I'm going to try & install it this weekend. I'll let you know how it works out (with pics too).

 

I swapped a wheel from an 04 "S" onto my 02 Cooper....had to do some tweeking on the back side so my radio controls would fit but the wheel is soo much nicer than the original.....you may want to look into that....

 

I drove an '06 Cooper and I have to agree, the wheel was waaaaay nicer. It had a much improved texture, and the ergonomics were great. I'm not sure what they were thinking with the original.

 

I installed a Minspeed steering wheel glove. It is beautiful.

I find the Wheelskinz one to look very tacky as it does not cover the inner 2 spokes.

However the Minspeed one covers the spokes and tucks in behind the silver trim by the horn buttons esentially looking like a OEM peice.

Serves it's purpose well untill I can afford a JCW wheel swap.