I have an '09 Mini that we just purchased. I guess we were so excited with this car that we just missed the fact that it does not have a cruise control. This is a major deal breaker for my wife and so I've been researching a steering wheel swap...

Can I fit a 2011 or newer steering wheel on my 2009?

Mini Mania in LA will sell me either and he suggested the 2011. It is much nicer and he says it will fit. I don't know nor do I know if it would present problems when I try to program it.

From everything I've read the new wheel may or may not be all I need. I've read that it MAY require reprogramming or even require the pedestal just below the wheel in order for it to work. I'm all ears if anyone has done this and I'll report back as I go through the swap.

Thanks for your help!

Do you have control pads ? Are you swapping the same control pads over ? If so its a straight swap. I would go for the JCW thicker wheels if I were you. Or a JCW stock thickness with the red stitching.

For R56 dirrect fit upgraded sterring wheels: here are some options. If you have the three spoke wheel:

This is the JCW Leather wheel that is normal thickness but has a red stitching on the inside. Found on newer JCW's and JCW Countryman.

JCW ( normal thickness ) Steering Wheel Leather W/ Red Stitching - Manual transmission

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/32306798801/ES2178694/




Those parts above ( on your last post ) are the JCW "Thicker" wheel in Full leather or Alcantara

JCW "Thicker" wheel in Full leather

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/32300416250/ES52298/




JCW "Thicker" wheel in half Alcantara / Leather

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/32300416251/




OR

Here is close up of the JCW GP 2 wheel, thicker in full leather w/ red stitching.

JCW GP2 Leather Steering Wheel - Red Stitching

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/32306858010/




You will need to swap out your key pads w/wires or blanks dependent on your options as well as the airbag. I would recommend if you do this yourself to make sure you disconnected the airbag to do the install as you don't want to trip the airbag light.

You don't need to buy a new steering wheel. The controls and module can be added to your current car as I've done it to about 20 MINIs myself, including my GP as it was a deal breaker for me too.
We have a kit with the parts, but it still needs to be coded and programmed to make it work.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/cruise-...rofit-kit.html

What options for an automatic with buttons?

" What options for an automatic with buttons? "


Do you have paddle shifters ?

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-shifters.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-shifters.html





If so you will have to mod the back of the wheel as most JCW thicker wheel are not notched for the paddles. If not paddle shifter and you already have the key pad button , then its a straight swap.

I have the paddles. Great idea. Now just look for a good deal on a JCW full leather steering.

You are welcome, we have them listed above.