i HATED it when i saw pictures of it a while back, but...

i went to the LA auto show yesterday and at the MINI booth, they had 04 models with the 3 spoke wheel... and i gotta tell ya, it's a whole different thing in person. the pictures really made it look ugly but after seeing it, i really want one now. i played with it for a bit and i felt that it actually matched the style of the mini more so than the regular 2 spoke. is there any way to order that wheel and fit it into my car?

 

I don't liek the fact that the MSFW function buttons have been moved up front. It looks to much like a Nintendo game controller now. I guess the main plus is to have the horn right smack on the middle of the wheel's hub, but other than that, I have never been too fond of 3-spoke steering wheels.

I believe one can be retrofitted, of course, for a hefty price. Not worth it. Enjoy your 2 spoke and invest the money on something nicer for the car or yourself.

 

I have a question about the 3 spoke. Can you switch the radio mode like on the 2 spoke? Radio to CD to Sirius to Aux? I don't see a mode button on this wheel.

 

So this would be considered unacceptable and Nintendo like as well, correct? The 6 series steering wheel is even closer to the MINI....

 

I haven't seen the thing in person but my first reaction to the pictures were hmmmm........ it's kinda cool. My next reaction after seeing all the negitive posts about it was hmmmm.......... interesting.

I went with my first reaction because it's what I really felt about it and I just didn't want be swayed by public opinion. My S is a few weeks away with a 3 spoke and I'm really looking forward to it! I don't mind the 2 spoke just like the 3 a bit more.

BTW, thanks for the touchey feeley real life report on the wheel as I too haven't seen or touched one in person.



Motoring soon.

 

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>>So this would be considered unacceptable and Nintendo like as well, correct? The 6 series steering wheel is even closer to the MINI....


That us a very NICE and WELL done wheel compared to the 3-spoke version in the MINI. Sorry don't care for the Nintendo looks of the new one, OK?

 

So if BMW can make a nice 3 spoker, why did they drop the ball on the MINI? Is it because the MINI is seen as "different" and is aimed at a different market than say , the M3? Do they want to keep up the cute and quirky factor? Obviously - BUT, there are a number of people on this board that are or have been M3 owners. There are many MINI owners that would prefer to veer away from a NIntendo like interior. I know that not every MINI owner sees their car as cute and quirky, nice that there is still a choice.