Hi

After my first mini, and I like all the extras :) I'm really confused about which steering wheel I'm looking for. I'm on the motorway a lot, so cruise control is a must this time. Stereo control on the wheel would also be pretty useful. I've read here that the 3 spoke with buttons is the MFSW, but when I look at cars for sale, there a 2 spoke wheels with buttons all over them. So I'm kinda lost. Can anyone explain the difference? What should I be looking for?

Thanks!

Any steering wheel that has the buttons on is a multi-function steering wheel and will have buttons for cruise control, stereo and phone.

You could get the MFSW in 2 or 3 spoke, they all do the same thing.

Hope that answers your question.

Yes it does, thanks. So does that mean any mini with buttons on the wheel will have cruise control?

Yes - but up to Aug 2004 the pre-facelift MFSW was a 2 spoke version with a few buttons also on its rear, while post facelift cars had the 3 spoke wheel with All buttons on the front.
{I Personally preferred the 2 spoke version}

Not sure if this is worthy of a separate thread, but can you explain the facelift please? I thought the cars were identical from 01 to 06, and I can't find any more information on it. And I think I prefer the 2 spoke wheels too

can you explain the facelift please? I thought the cars were identical from 01 to 06, and I can't find any more information on it.
:readme: FAQ: What are first generation, second generation, r53, r56 etc? (http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?faq=new_faq_item#faq_mini_generations)

You may also find the following helpful ...

MotoringFile - MINI R50/R53 Buyers Guide (http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/)

Still not too sure of the facelift, but that second link to motoring files has definitely helped, i almost bought a 2001 a couple of days ago, won't do that again though

EDIT: So the facelift was more reliable with a load of small improvements, gedit now, will be buying one of those :)

If you're buying a Cooper or One, you're better off with a facelift model as they have a Getrag transmission instead of the problematic Midlands unit. If you buying a Cooper S there's little difference.

I see a few people here who prefer the 2-spoke to 3-spoke...if you've swapped from a 3-spoke to a 2-spoke, I'd be interested in buying your old 3-spoke airbag :)