Playing with the configurator I saw on option ($400?) for a Tuscan beige leather steering wheel. Somewhere else people mentioned an English Oak wheel for about the same price, as well as a wood dash. I can't always find the wood options. Seems like a way better deal to get a real wood sw for $400 over a different leather tan for the same price. Any owners have experience with these options, 'cause the wood stuff isn't in the config. that I can see. Thanks.

 

I just ordered all the oak pieces (including steering wheel) with my OB/W Cooper on Friday. The MA can do it now even though it's not in the configurator yet.

 

Do you know or did your MA know if the wood wheel has changed in appearance from the original design?

 

How much were the oak pieces, and did you order the sw with the radio controls on it? Like I said above, I think it costs like $400 for a different leather tan colored sw (another Mini option ripoff, but that's another topic). The wood should be a bargain. Real wood sws for other cars cost a lot.

 

When you confiq a MINI Step 5 is accessories. This means add labor. My dealer charges $100 per hour. So, a beige steering wheel might cost $400 but then add another $100 or so plus tax. As for the wood wheel. Only MINI can tell you on that one. I ordered mine on Feb 7, and spec the wood wheel. However, two weeks later I was told no wood wheel. June maybe, but as I said earlier ask your dealers. I have wood dash and looks good but it's muted in its impact on the asthetics of the interior.

 

My MA offered the new wood steering wheel as a factory option when I ordered on March 12.

 

Where you given a production date and does it show up on your build sheet, that the dealer gave you when you ordered?

 

I didn't take the option. I didn't really like the wood just on the outer edge, with leather on the inner edge. If it looked like the classic Nardi wheels...
http://www.centerlinealfa.com/new/nardi_wheels.html

Anyway, my MA gave no indication that the wheel would be cause for a delay in production. He is Jeff from MINI of Mountain View, CA. My car is currently on the ISOLDE, due in California on the 30th.