Hello all. Im not sure if this is the correct location for this post so feel free to redirect me.

I drive a 2006 R53 (its a weekend toy) and have slowly been modding it. I recently realized how much I absolutely dislike the stock steering wheel.

So I ordered a Momo Eagle (new in open box, reduced price) and it hasnt arrived yet but I’ve decided its probably not the best idea to go with out an airbag in a street car that ill have never track and never put full racing safety measures in (wheel, cage, harness, hans, etc). If i’m being completely honest, there’s still a chance i just install the momo wheel and be done with it (gotta talk to my insurance first). This lead me to conduct a bit of research; some from the forums and some other places. I figured I would share some of my findings, although im not sure if its of much interest to anyone.

It seems there aren’t very many easy plug and play options for us while still maintaining an airbag.

Option one...

R53 JCW wheel (if you can find one); there’s an alcantara version and a full leather version and a combo of the two from what I can tell. That wheel looks decent imo. But what I really want is something with a flat bottom (for easy of entry and exit as well as aesthetics), rewrapped in perforated leather, thickened a bit, and new trim pieces. Still trying to figure out what I can do to change the look of the airbag. Paint it?

Now for option two...

I reached out to several car interior custom fab shops and have heard back from 4 of them, still waiting for one or two responses from other places. I compiled a list but its a work in progress;


DALLAS CUSTOM STEERING WHEELS

Received a reply via email this morning saying, “sorry we don’t offer to modify the core meaning bo sport handgrips or flat bottom”

REALCARBONTASTIC

Based in Atlanta, Georgia. Havent heard from back from them yet but their work on their site and instagram looks pretty good (im not a huge fan of all the carbon fiber though). They seem to be reputable.

PRIDE CAR CUSTOMS

Received a reply via email this morning saying, “thanks for your inquiry, are you aware we are based in the UK?”

CARTER CRAFT CUSTOMS (Rockwall, TX)

Received a long detailed email from them this morning. Looks to be about $800-1200 when its all said and done ($200 core charge). Here’s some of that email:Thanks for your inquiry! Since 1991, we have been the leader in upholstering, customizing, repairing, restoring and decorating steering wheels, dashes and interior parts for every make and model of car and truck. And for 25 years, we have been the company that is proven and trusted. We also specialize in custom carbon fiber and wood-graining on steering wheels and interior trim for any vehicle.

The cost to reupholster your Mini Cooper steering wheel to new leather specifications with Basting stitching is $399 plus shipping, and takes 6-12 man-hours of labor. We use only Top of the Line Imported Automotive Leather that exceeds industry standards. Simply send in your steering wheel and we'll take care of the rest. Turnaround is about 10 business days.

Additional Options:

Make it thicker $100

Add Black Perforated leather $50

Add Dial at the 12 O'Clock position $100

Add a set of Ergonomics (thumb grips) $150

Flat Bottom $250 - our flat bottom is a slight flat bottom like a Lamborghini wheel.


That’s it so far. Let me know if this is something you may want updates on or if this has been discussed at length already and im wasting my breath.

-Mac

 

Also check "Redline Goods".. They will recover your wheel, with lots of the options you are looking for

 

wow thanks for the tip, Timbo

-Mac

 

We're fortunate to have the full leather, thick-rimmed, full function (cruise and radio controls) JCW steering wheel. It's definitely a winner! I wrapped the 12 o'clock position with 3/8 inch wide red striping tape.

 

yea man im jealous. this customization is not cheap lol. if my insurance says they’ll still cover me on the event of a wreck and i smash my face into an aftermarket momo wheel i may just go ahead and install it. i have decided to just use a cg lock and ive backed away from the idea of harness though and im now looking into some replacement seats (reasonably priced). the JCW seats look great but they cost what the vehicle is worth. any suggestions for seats? ive seen the sparco r100 but not sure about em.

 

Racing seats are a "slippery slope". In addition to the seats, you need sliders and mounting brackets, not to mention the harnesses. I still use the stock sports seats with Schroth Quik-Fit Pros. Two sets of those are expensive but they're DOT legal and do a great job of holding you in place, not to mention easily removed/installed.

 

thanks for the reply. Yeah, you’re right. I’m not dead set on racing seats per se. I would just like something more supportive over stock. as you know, there’s no lateral support and when im canyon carving in sliding a lot. I’ve seen the 4 point Schroth’s Ralleye ASM’s (DOT) but im worried about the whiplash effect in a crash, otherwise i’d just go 5 or 6 point. if im wrong about the harness thing feel free to correct me.

 

Any restraint system isn't going to eliminate the possibility of whiplash. Airbags can help but, short of wearing a helmet and HANS, there's always a risk. That's why I tell my students "Never drive any faster than your brain can process the information". Schroth Quik-Fits are DOT legal. You can wear them on public roads. 5 or 6 pt. harnesses are fine for the track but not on public roads.

 

Yeah, same decisions here.
I ended up with no airbag. I severely disliked the stock wheel. The diameter of the ring is comfortable, I like something big to hang onto, but that's all.

Actually, this is my first car...with...an airbag. I've made it almost 70 years without one, plus I have a coupla motorcycles, so I'm tempting death when I go anywhere..!

Mike