I'm trying to finish spec as MA has asked for our selection. Hate the two-spoke, but also don't like little buttons on the steering wheel. Can anyone confirm the nature of the JCW wheels, and that they drop those radio controls? Hate to pay $585 bones for what should be the stock wheel but we're trying to build a beefy MCS with the JCW Aero kit, so the two spoker's gotta go.

One other question, can we snap on those aftermarket spoke covers?
http://myminiparts.com/proddetail.php?prod=MMSWC&cat=10
OR
http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...uctshow&id=362
I know noone has these cars in hand in NA yet, but maybe those familiar enough with current car can recognize these steering wheels as a common part to the Mk 1 New MINI.

 

I'm glad you bought this up, I couldn't have been more disapointed w/ BMW NA's product planners steering wheel choices, it's a damm shame. If it means waiting until they put a three spoke steering wheel in the Mini w/ out the stupid M/F controls, that's what I'll do, happend last time. But seriously, how retraded!!!

 

If I'm not mistaken, the 3-spoke one with controls comes with Cruise control. I guess if you don't like cruise I can see your point. I have steering wheel buttons on my RX-8 and I really like it.

 

I have steering wheel mounted controls on my current car; don't need cruise, I'm very able to reach the dash mounted controls, which are more preceise than those on the steering wheel in helping me find just the right adjustment in volume or for other audio functions.

 

Couldn't do without cruise. Besides allowing me to rest my leg on long trips, improving gas mileage and helping me avoid a ticket, it's really hard to sell a car around here that doesn't have cruise control. What surprizes me is that it isn't standard equipment.

The stereo buttons I could do without.

 

Another pic of the two spoke

 

I kind of like the no-nonsense two spoke wheel. Similar to the steering wheel that originally came with the new MINIs. I would say that once the JCW wheels come out, there will be one with and one without the multifunction controls. I'd say keep the two spoke in preparation for ditching it later.

 

disregard. I am an idiot.

 

I dont know about the new car, but the current one you can get the 3 spoke steering wheel with no buttons. One of the guys at Helix has one. Also if you're going to be spending that much on a steering wheel, why not get the JCW wheel?

 

Thats not only the current mini. The 3-spooke steering wheels can also be ordered to teh new R56, with or without the multifunction.

just to be sure, is the multifunction standard in US?

 

i believe on the newer cars (05-06) the 3-spoke was standard, it might not have had the radio controls, but you could get it.

 

ok, over here the 2-spoke without multifunction is standard (2-spoke on cooper and 2-spoke leather on S). But i don´t like it. I´ve speced the 3-spoke multifunction to my new Cooper. I´m so used to it now so I cant imagine to be without it

 

Karlinsandiego,

for some reason on the miniusa site there is a picture of the three spoke steering wheel without multifuntion buttons. Im assuming this is a UK model that is featured.

tenniswack.