Tell me it ain't so? I was going to ask what the hell it was -- couldn't be a real change -- so I hope the photo is not really a planned change. What next? Push button automatic like on my dad's old Chrysler. I agree that changes should only be to improve and for the sake of it. I like my steering wheel and I'm stickin with it.

 

Well whether its Photoshop or not, imagine the evolutions MINIs will continue to go through over the next 5 years. Its unavoidable....and should give us lots to talk about. BTW, MkI (1st generation) classic Minis are still bringing big $$$s. Some folks still love those (outdated?) sliding windows.

 

Well on 9-26-03 Gabe posted it on Bridger and I posted it here for my MCO to see! The 9-26-03 Article

It's no surprise to anyone here on MCO that I read Bridger and other sources of information and then repeat what I've learned like a parrot!

If this photo is faked up in anyway, it was WAY before I got my mouse on it!!

I do not like the 2 big 4-directional buttons. It's like my digital cable remote control ! I also do not need to see the buttons to remember which ones do what, so whoever has been complaining about the buttons on the back side of the steering wheel will be happy to see this!

 

I do not like it at all. When are these going to be placed on cars? Can you still get the old style for a replacement? Are they MAD(as in crazy)?

 

>>I do not like it at all. When are these going to be placed on cars? Can you still get the old style for a replacement? Are they MAD(as in crazy)?

>>
Steve on MINI2 says they will be placed on cars produced Week 49.
For sure on European cars getting the Chili Pack, which is the Sport Pack here in the USA. Not sure if that includes all MCS models or only those getting the Sport Pack.

It may be another reason NOT to buy packages of options, rather to personalize your MINI choosing the options you want and leaving off what you don't!

 

So wait, is this crazy 3 spoke wheel only an option if you get the sport/premium packages? And if you don't, can you still have the 2 spoke wheel. In other words, is the 2 spoke wheel "standard" and the 3 spoke only part of, say, a sport package?

 

I believe the 2 spoke wheel will be standard and the 3 spoker will be offerend as a $250 option, I have never read anything about it becoming the standard wheel, just an option. I learned this from my readings over at MINI2 in the "Great 2004 MY Rumor Mill" or whatever it's called.

 

>>I believe the 2 spoke wheel will be standard and the 3 spoker will be offerend as a $250 option, I have never read anything about it becoming the standard wheel, just an option. I learned this from my readings over at MINI2 in the "Great 2004 MY Rumor Mill" or whatever it's called.

It has yet to be determined where the new wheel will fall in the US option matrix however BMW traditionally offers two different wheels with cars - the regular version and the version that comes with the sport package.

BTW according to all the sources I've seen and been in contact with this is not a photoshopped image and is indeed 100% real.

Personally I'm withholding judgement until I see it person. Remember we're all judging this from a fairly poor quality jpg image taken in flat lighting. I have a feeling that it will look much better in person and operate easier than we all expect with the new button system.

Here's the original post from last week: http://www.bridger.us/mini/?Y=2003&M...ISteeringWheel

 

JG - correct me if I am wrong - but the 2-spoke wheel remains the design for the early 04's (mine sailing the Atlantic now). The 3-spoke sheel will be a changeover later, targeted for December. This info has been out there for awhile.

John :smile:

 

Photoshop? Hmmm...let's take a look at another design from BMW - the new 6 series interior. Trickle down to the MINI? Why not...