I like the original wheel ... never had a problem with it. The 3rd spoke is exactly where I rest my hand when on long highway runs with the cruise control enabled ... in other words it'd be right in my damn way. I wont even get into the PS2 buttons as that's been covered plenty but that wheel center looks like the inflatable center of a toddlers toy. The design is off balanced, the 3 spokes to work should be equal. Oh and just what anthrancite and alloy patina owners need ... more silver to mismatch it further
If that is the only wheel available in a few years when I am ready to get my 2nd MINI I won't be buying one.