Is the steering wheel in a stock R56 MINI REALLY leather? Seems to me like it's made out of plastic or rubber with some simulated stitching thrown in for effect.

I was thinking about getting a JCW steering wheel, but I have multifunction controls, and I don't think that the JCW wheel is compatible....

Anyone know fer sure?

 

JCW Wheel is definitely compatible with multi function controls. You don't have to use the JCW inserts. I wish I had the JCW insert for my steering wheel spoke that is not used for the multi function, though.

 

I just take MINI's word for it, that it is Leather, but there must be a 'test' you could do, (like a hot needle) to find out for sure.

Recall that a point was made about JCW Wheel having 'finger grips' at the 'preferred' 9AM/3PM positions,
but the stock MFSW has them at 10AM/2PM locations.

 

Make sure you check out a JCW wheel in person if you can..I was all set on it until I felt it..it seems a little too squishy for my tastes. It sure does look good though!

 

I ordered and recieved the convenience package which is supposed to bring a leather steering wheel....

It may be leather, but feels artificial.
The seat leather on the combination cloth/leather also feels strange.

 

squishy=bad news IMO, especially in hot weather. The firmer the better. I had a squishy leather wheel on my last car and after a few years black goo started leaking out of the stitching (eeeew!). The bad thing about steering wheels is they're expensive to replace.

 

That's the word that I was looking for! ARTIFICIAL!

I really don't believe that it's leather....

 

Pleather maybe?

 

Honestly this has been bugging me a bit since I bought Scrappy back in April.It states Sports leather steering wheel included on the window sticker but sure looks and feels artificial.Rough texture and zero gloss to it.Granted it is easier to grip and not slip in your hands during brisk driving but I would expect real leather as mentioned on the window sticker.

Seems this is what MINI calls leather for their steering wheels.

 

It's leather that is durable. Soft leather wears fast. I don't like the Acura leather because they get so shiny and look cheap.

 

It's leather.

I carry a knife in my pocket that has an extrenal clip. The clip sometimes scrapes on the wheel when I get in the car....leaves bad scratches in the leather

 

Definately leather. If you have leatherette seats it is obvious.

 

It is definitely not leather. Imitation leather steering wheels have been sold in cars since the mid 80s. Most automakers claim leather but they are not. You will find real leather only on high end cars, such as Audi, BMW, Jaguar etc. Although I believe the JCW wheel is real leather.

The cover appears to be a molded piece. It feels pretty much like the dash material, which surely is not leather.

 

It looks/feels just like the steering wheel on my first MINI which was most definitely leather.

 

my 06 MCS steering wheel is leather for sure as was the steering wheel on my 2001 gti. it is not that uncommon for a sporty euro car to have a leather steering wheel in my opinion.

 

I have the multi function controls, and the suede JCW steering wheel. You just can't get the carbon fiber inserts along with it. Aside, those are separate anyway.

I love the steering wheel. best 750 I spent!

 

OK i went and sat in the car again with the JCW wheel and it's not that squishy..i was just used to the rock hard sheel in my BMW..Now i want the JCW wheel! But really you should try it before you buy it.