I don't know if this is possible or not, but I'm hoping it's as easy as I'm thinking. I have a 2005 MCS w/ the standard steering wheel and would like to add the steering wheel controls for the audio. Is it a matter of taking out the two pieces on the steering wheel and purchasing the other two. For example, is there a cable that I can just plug the controls up to and it will give me compatibility?

Again, I doubt it's that easy. I was just hoping someone knew what I was talking about and already tried it out.

 

I'm sure it's possible but I'm positive it would be extrremely expensive.

 

From memory, I don't think you can even swap a MFSW for a standard steering wheel and make it work. I think the wiring is not installed.

 

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...26&hg=32&fg=95

Standard MINI Retrofit kit

 

You may want to check with 770 KOF and ask Alan how much for his 3 piece wheel. I am not sure if it is MFSW but he has a JCW so it may be. You may find that a new wheel will be cheaper and have the wiring harness already so you don't need the retrofit kit.

chris

 

Yeah, but that retrofit kit is for the old 2-spoke steering wheel (2002-2004 production) not the current 3-spoker sold in new US spec MINIs.

If you have the 3-spoke steering wheel you may be SOL, unless the steering wheel can be swapped for one that has the MFSW buttons. I don't know whether the wiring is present or not.

Its going to be expensive. Much cheaper to spec it from the factory.

 

Finding a replacement 3-spoke wheel with the buttons is part of the problem. The other half of the equation is to make sure the needed wiring is there already. If it is, no prob, but if it isn't, may not even be worth it.

 

OK, here is the kit for 05 cars

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...26&hg=32&fg=95

 

The diagram still shows the 2 spoke kit.

 

Well, it says for cars built after 7/04 so what else is there?

 

I see now. They have separate part numbers for pre-7/2004 production and post 7/2004 production.

This link maybe of interest to the original poster:

http://nemini.org/Forums/viewtopic/t...ing+wheel.html

Not exactly the same situation. In this case, the owner of this MINI replaced the factory 3-spoke MFSW with the older 2-spoke MFSW. Price tag to do the job (including parts): $1,300! (Ouch!)