[Bally]

has anybody upgraded there 2 spoke wheel to the 3 spoke? is it easy to do? do you need to get the airbag reprogramed? do you need any extra parts? any feedback would be much apreciated

[Wing0949]

a very good question which i've asked many times.

here's my few cents...

1) as far as I know, nobody has replaced their 2-spoke steering to 3-spoke steering by themselves (at home or otherwise non-professional install). with an airbag and all the sensitive electronics in the mini, who would try? unless they aren't scared of safety failure or have $$$ to blow.

2) so, for those who have 3-spoke steering.. they got it from a car off the dealership or ordered it that way.

3) why such limited attempts to switch steering wheels? i suppose because of what I researched. I called a dealership up to ask if it was possible to switch steering wheels and how much. THe first couple of words which came out of the parts manager's mouth was something like ".. uh, i don't think you want to know.... it's really not cost worthy..."
basically,
- The 3-spoke wheel itself (no-airbag) is about $250 +or-.
- Then, It's like another $500 +or- for a brand new airbag. sucks the 2-spoke one doesn't fit or can be swapped into the 3-spoke.
- I was told new wiring and harness also needs to be purchased and installed.
- Then, on top of that w/ the parts, to install and calibrate the new steering wheel and airbag to work properly, the total cost could cost well over $1000?!! For $1k+, i'd upgrade the suspension, engine, or put a good portion of that amount into some nice rims and wheels.

I really want to switch to the 3-spoke steering wheel myself, but for over a $1k? i think I shall put that idea on the shelf for a good while. maybe when i've saved up enough cash and done all that I can to the rest of the mini... or maybe if the center piece of the 2-spoke gets to damaged from the seat belt hitting it occasionally... maybe, just maybe i may switch steering wheels.

If you think about it, ~$1k for a new steering wheel may seem a bit steep, but then again the steering wheel is a very important piece in the interior of the car. It's also a very intimate component being you (the driver) interact with it constantly and it's a very tactile experience.

So, if you put it into that perspective as being a very important and interactive component of the mini and your motoring experience, then perhaps $1k may be just worth it for the "proper hands-on" driving experience. Sure, u could attempt to install a sparco or momo steering wheel for a lot less, but then again you'd lose a safety feature, void your insurance, & void safety feature warranty on the car. The choice is yours. Like many "extreme" mods, there's a price to pay for the "cool" factor.(steering wheel change, lowering your car, fat rim/wheels, etc...)

hope that helps. good luck on your choices.

btw, if anyone has done their homework and found much different and more positive results.. please! don't hesitate to let us all know what the real deal is.

[jbauer]

Quote: Originally Posted by Wing0949

I really want to switch to the 3-spoke steering wheel myself, but

Wow. I'm surprised. I would rather have the 2 spoke myself, and am bummed that the 2005 only comes with the 3 (in the US)...

- Jon

[Wing0949]

i don't know.. i got used the 2-spoke.. mainly cause no good choice on install/parts price for 3-spoke wheel.

a 3-spoke steering wheel is just all around classic sporty look.

i got turned off by the 2-spoke design a while back when I saw it in some run down toyota or some cheap hatch from the late 80's. it looked so boring and plain.

not to mention the 2-spoke in the minis... well.. it doesn't even look like a spoke.. the center of the wheel really looks fat. the center part w/ badge & airbag just merges or blends straight into the steering wheel (part where u grip normally). where's the spokes?

and for those who say the 3-spoke looks too fat in the middle.. i think they're looking and concentrating on the wrong part.. there are actually spokes on the 3-spoke version and they're skinny enough to be considered just that.. .spokes on a steering wheel. the center is exactly (very nearly) the same size as 2-spoke version.

the only thing I like on the 2-spoke wheel is the perforated leather. that looks nice and sporty like a set of driving gloves. i'd take that leather and put that on the 3-spoke version if possible.. though, the smooth leather and "finger grips/indentations" (on 3-spoke version) isn't that bad either.

oh, well... different strokes for different folks. (.. rather different spokes!)