Does anyone else think this steering wheel feels terrible? It feels like the same vinyl crap they use on the door panels etc.. does anyone know what it's made of? I wonder if I should use a leather softener on it or something - it definitely does not feel like a premium quality material, which is surprising. Debating whether or not I should just buy a leather JCW steering wheel, if it's any different/better..

 

Where are you? In the States, I think all MINIs, including the non-S (not the "base") come with a leather wrapped wheel. We don't have the One models here, and I know those are stripped down, so maybe they have cheaper feeling wheels.

 

oh... I'm in the USA.. it just doesn't feel very good to me, it feels a lot more vinyl-y.

This is what I'm used to (on my evo), feels very different from the MINI's:



I'll just hit it with some leather treatment/softener I guess?

 

That sure isn't a r56 wheel. Looks like a Mishubishi wheel

 

^ sorry, i'll clarify. that's my evo's leather steering wheel, which is what i'm used to as far as "leather" steering wheels go

 

Lol, that's what I thought.

Yes, the stock wheel feels like crap. Not at all comfy. The jcw Alcantara-leather wheel is soooooo much nicer...

 

I'm satisfied with my stock wheel but Redline http://www.redlinegoods.com/MINI07shiftboot.php makes leather covers that you can install yourself if you're handy.

 

ah? is the jcw leather the same leather as the standard wheel, just with red stitching? i'm not trying to be snobby, it just really does feel like vinyl-y crap

 

Lol that's because it is vinyl crap, I want to. Get the JCW myself it feels sooo much better

 

I think it feels like a steering wheel!

 

There are two versions of JCW wheels, the one that comes on JCW cars standard which is just the base wheel with red stitching (I believe), and then there's richardperry's JCW alcantara/leather wheel which is thicker and has smoother leather like the BMW M3 wheel or M-sport wheel on 1/3 series, and I think this comes standard on the GP? The JCW leather/alc or leather/leather one is what I would get!

 

Man, I was impressed with the steering wheel quality when I got my Mini... Haha. Definitely better than my old 2011 WRX.

 

IMO...the standard wheel, including the red stitched one, is uncomfortable. Too narrow and I agree that the material (if they want to call it leather, so be it) is not the best quality/grade. I just upgraded to the JCW Alcantara/Leather wheel and it is such a major improvement. I'd imagine the JCW all leather option to be just as good.

 

yeah... may consider the alcantara/leather one in the future..

 

I had a similar impression when test-driving before ordering my Cooper last year. It's a leather wheel but it's hard and has a plasticky feel. I remember asking the salesman "Are you sure that's a leather wheel?"

I'll be bolting on the new GP2 wheel (like the thicker JCW sport wheel, all leather with red stitching) within the next few weeks. I can't wait!

 

nicenice - i'm pretty certain i'll be going with the jcw alcantara (one day...)