I have a quick question. I have a new 3 spoke steering wheel with radio controls on it. Is there any way to switch between CD/Radio/etc? My old 03 MCS had a multi function steering wheel and you could switch between the different modes. There isn't a button on the new wheel, but I didn't know if there was a trick to doing it. I wonder why they didn't carry over this function. Thanks for your help. Jonathan

 

Jonathan, unfortunately the "MODE" button is gone from the 3-spoke Multifunction steering wheel. This is one of my biggest complaints with it. Now you must use the "MODE" button on the radio faceplate whenever you want to swtich between radio/CD/iPod/CD Changer, etc. Kind of defeats the purpose, doesn't it?

My '04 MCS used to have the sport 2 spoke wheel with the audio buttons in the back spokes. While I like the feel of the current 3 spoke wheel and how it better fits my hand in the '05 MCS, I really miss the much better cruise control and audio buttons from the old 2-spoker.

I also have a '02 MC CVT with the classic (non-sport) 2 spoke wheel and multi function buttons and it is still a JOY to use.

Probably you may have noticed by now, but the tactile feedback of the "Nintendo" buttons on the 3 spoke wheel is no where near as accurate as it was with the higher quality and much more ergonomically friendly button setup in the old 2 spoke wheel.

I am not sure if anyone has tried to enable the "MODE" function by means of enabling the 2 "dead" buttons on the left spoke for the handsfree bluetooth phone. That would be a place to start I guess.

For now, use your MODE button in the radio. Feels akward, but what can u do?

 

Thanks for your help!

 

I have to agree strongly with you. It was a huge error in judgment by BMW/MINI to change away from the ergonomically excellant buttons on the 2-spoke wheels and go to the very user UN-friendly nintendo buttons on the 3-spoke wheel.

I used to be able to operate the switchs without taking my eyes off the road, even with winter gloves on, but now without gloves I still have to fumble around trying to operate either the stereo or the speed control. Eventually I have to look down at the wheel to be sure of what I am doing.

BMW/MINI if you are monitoring this site, PLEASE go back to the more tactile buttons on the back of the wheel!

And while you are at it, would you mind putting the clock back up over the mirror where it was much easier to find quickly.

 

reading how people always refer to them as "nintendo" buttons got me thinking...

how difficult would it be to replace the circular button set with an actual d-pad? (or two, one for each side)

at least that way would could feel the edges of the buttons and know that you are in fact hitting the right one, instead of having to look down.

 

The 2-spoke wheel continues to be produced for other markets around the world. It appears to be that because of the dual stage airbags in the current MINIs, the old 2-spoke was not compatible with the setup and hence it was eliminated from the US market at the end of the '04 model year.

The 3 spoke is a cheaper wheel. You can tell. The leather is better for sure but the MFSW buttons were light years away in quality and tactile feel in the old steering wheel vs the current one. It made a lot of sense to have the buttons in the back spokes. MINI is the only car I have seen with buttons mounted on the rear spokes.