My CM comes in on Friday (fingers crossed) and I've been considering getting the JCW Steering Wheel as one of my first mods. I'm trying to figure out the differences in the JCW Steering Wheel options. As I see it there are 3 options.

1. Leather with red stitching
This appears to be the stock JCW replacement wheel.


2/3. Leather/Alcantara or All Leather




I know #2/3 are the same wheel, just different materials. My question is whether or not #1 is as big (thick) and as soft (padded) as the others. Does anyone know if the carbon fiber inserts will fit in #1?

The alcantara wheel and shift **** combo is pretty awesome, I just wish it had the red stitching!

Thanks in advance!

 

I was just informed that #1 is just a stock wheel with red stitching. I guess I'll be on the lookout for the Alcantara wheel and shift **** now!

 

2/3. Leather/Alcantara FTW fits in your hand nicer more rounded and the alcantara grips better if ya get sweaty palms when racing

 

But sweaty palms also make alcantara start to look nasty pretty quickly. Don't get alcantara if you eat fast food while driving .

 

It's the same size as the stock wheel (maybe a bit thicker), but wrapped in leather. I have this.

The Alcantara looks very nice but does not wear well.

 

Oh really - how do you like it? Your MINI sounds awesome...you should post up some pictures. I'd love to see your interior, especially with the JCW steering wheel and checkerboard bits!

I'm second guessing myself again on the Alcantara - that's a lot of cash if it is only going to look good for a few years.

 

Just Google it. Alcantara is infamous for poor wear. It's no accident that MINI doesn't put Alcantara around the full circumference. You can make it last longer if you are scrupulous about touching it only with clean, oil-free hands, but for most people it will become ratty within a few years.

This would be considered "normal" Alcantara wear:

 

Agree with Rkw! I love the sporty look of alcantara but it really shines for it's utility. It grips VERY well but it does wear fast and won't look nice when compared to the rest of your new MINI. I think the MINI alcantara wheel's lack of full circumference use is just as Rkw said. It's on there for looks almost exclusively. Unless the steering wheel is fully wrapped it's not going to give you the grip you'd want in the right places.