MF Review: JCW Alcantara Steering Wheel

Jon Aug 9th, 2006 Link

Great review Gabe, this is one of next additions to my own JCW. How long have you had it installed, the only concern I had is how the Alcantara would hold-up to daily use.

Dave Aug 9th, 2006 Link

First the JCW leather dash with the red stitching, and now this? Very nicely tied together. Consider me envious of your interior.

Also, for anyone considering this. The JCW steering wheel installation pdf was previously posted on MF.

Aqualung Aug 9th, 2006 Link

any sense for whether this wheel will evolve to have a flat bottom as we’re seeing in the new BMWs?

Gabe Aug 9th, 2006 Link

How long have you had it installed, the only concern I had is how the Alcantara would hold-up to daily use.

About a month - no signs of wear yet.

any sense for whether this wheel will evolve to have a flat bottom as we’re seeing in the new BMWs?

Actually BMW steering wheels don’t have flat bottoms. You’re probably thinking of Audis.

Mark Hendrie Aug 9th, 2006 Link

Great review and in the pictures the wheel looks the business - I want one now!

I have always loved the feel of Alcantara and I think this wheel is just another example of how addictive modifying your Mini can become due to all these great options avaliable.

matt Aug 9th, 2006 Link

heed gabe’s warning. if you value your wallet or personal relationships do not expose yourself to this steering wheel. as one who participated in the install i can say with some authority that once you encounter the JCW wheel you will need it.

Paul Aug 9th, 2006 Link

Nice review Gabe. $10K upgrade club on the horizon? ;)

Scottinbend Aug 9th, 2006 Link

Nice write-up.

No mention if this can replace the 2 spoke w/o having to buy new airbag.

Gabe Aug 9th, 2006 Link

Nice review Gabe. $10K upgrade club on the horizon? ;)

Wow I can’t imagine. I wouldn’t be able to look in the windows of that club ;)

No mention if this can replace the 2 spoke w/o having to buy new airbag.

If you have the old two-spoke design you’re out of luck.

Trick Aug 9th, 2006 Link

Looks like it might actually be larger in diameter? Just by how much thicker it is. Interesting.

Goes to double check rulebook on steering wheel swaps. . . .

Gabe Aug 9th, 2006 Link

Looks like it might actually be larger in diameter? Just by how much thicker it is. Interesting.

The 3rd photo has the JCW wheel propped up higher so it may look at that way but the wheel is no larger than stock save a millimeter or two.

Wraith Aug 9th, 2006 Link

gabe, maybe i’m misunderstanding, so correct me if i’m wrong. are the Carbon Fibre inserts and the MFSW controls mutually exclusive?

Bill H Aug 9th, 2006 Link

Whether good or bad form, my hand position during normal driving would probably fall most of the time on the leather part of the wheel. I wish they would offer this in full Alcantara; that’s something I definitely would purchase.

Edge Aug 9th, 2006 Link

Wraith, I know Gabe hasn’t spoken yet on it, but I suspect the MSFW parts are indeed mutually exclusive with the CF inserts… except the bottom one, since there are no MSFW controls there. You could probably put that CF insert in and keep the silver MSFW controls on the sides. That’s also the insert that has the JCW logo!

Seth L Aug 9th, 2006 Link

Hmm, would this wheel work with the MCSa shifters?

Thanks for the review. I know they say the wheel I have is leather, but it’s not very convincing.

rkw Aug 9th, 2006 Link

I have the all-leather version and love it. However, the one “feature” I don’t like (which otherwise would have made it perfect) is the excessive stitching behind the spokes that feels rough compared to the rest of the wheel. Ian (GBMINI) has a close-up photo on his BLOG. Is it the same way on the leather/alcantara version? Otherwise JCW wheel feels sooooo nice and a big improvement over the rubberized, platicized “genuine leather” standard wheel.

MINI Fireman Aug 9th, 2006 Link

So Gabe, is that GP comment directed at Todd? ;) Ordered mine last week from NewMiniStuff as well. The wife says you are a bad man for planting all these ideas in your reader’s heads. Too bad the steering wheel inserts aren’t available in anthracite to match our dashes.

IMHO, this should be a standard part of the JCW package along with a larger rear swaybar & the JCW suspension.

pbraun Aug 9th, 2006 Link

Great review - great wheel to drive with. Will go on my GP.

drew Aug 9th, 2006 Link

this wheel won’t work with the mcsa paddles. i checked. bummer.

Micah Aug 9th, 2006 Link

Whether good or bad form, my hand position during normal driving would probably fall most of the time on the leather part of the wheel. I wish they would offer this in full Alcantara; that’s something I definitely would purchase.

I agree with you here Bill. I am definitely interested in a fatter wheel like this, but don’t you want the grippy alcantara at the place where you are most frequently grasping the wheel at 3 and 9 o’clock?! The current design of the wheel makes the alcantara mostly cosmetic, not functional… (like many of these JCW parts)

Gabe Aug 9th, 2006 Link

I agree with you here Bill. I am definitely interested in a fatter wheel like this, but don’t you want the grippy alcantara at the place where you are most frequently grasping the wheel at 3 and 9 o’clock?! The current design of the wheel makes the alcantara mostly cosmetic, not functional… (like many of these JCW parts)

Very good point. However I think MINI had a good reason for designing the wheel like they did; longevity. Alcantara can wear much quicker than leather. If the entire wheel was made from alcantara there’s be a good chance it would look rather grimey in 2-4 years. This design allows the look and feel to be present but for the majority of normal contact to be in the leather surfaces. Of course this also depends on how you drive. At 9-3 there is no contact. At 10-2 there is.

vin. Aug 9th, 2006 Link

Any chance the JCW wheel could fit on 2004 models with the 3 spoke steering wheel?

mikeythemini Aug 9th, 2006 Link

One of these will be finding its way onto my new S when it arrives :)

Micah Aug 9th, 2006 Link

However I think MINI had a good reason for designing the wheel like they did; longevity. Alcantara can wear much quicker than leather. If the entire wheel was made from alcantara there’s be a good chance it would look rather grimey in 2-4 years.

Good point too. Despite my previous critique, I still want one! The tactile feel of the steering wheel is crucial IMO, and the real leather at surrounding upper spokes on the JCW wheel looks like it would still offer improved feel over the stock “pleather” rim. Being over 6 feet tall, the JCW would probably match my hands better as well…

Micah Aug 9th, 2006 Link

Any chance the JCW wheel could fit on 2004 models with the 3 spoke steering wheel?

Morristown Mini’s site says “the item fits years: 2003-2006″ - must be a misprint, no?

Gabe Aug 9th, 2006 Link

Morristown Mini’s site says “the item fits years: 2003-2006″ - must be a misprint, no?

It should fit anything with a three-spoke wheel.

codemunkee Aug 9th, 2006 Link

i need one

Andy S. Aug 9th, 2006 Link

I would love something like this, but I can not part with my 2-spoke wheel…or absorb the cost of the full 3-spoke conversion.

Any ideas for a steering wheel upgrade for the 2-spoke fans? I would consider a leather wrap, but they always seemed kind of cheap.

Todd Aug 9th, 2006 Link

So Gabe, is that GP comment directed at Todd? ;)

Gabe knows that I’ve already ordered one for the GP. The question is, should I ship/haul it out to CA so I can experience it on the drive home from Monterey…

vanderspunk Aug 9th, 2006 Link

I still love the 2 spoke steering wheel witht the controls on the backside.

MINI Fireman Aug 10th, 2006 Link

Gabe knows that I’ve already ordered one for the GP. The question is, should I ship/haul it out to CA so I can experience it on the drive home from Monterey…

Of course you should. You know you want to break it in.

blalor Aug 11th, 2006 Link

Not counting the disconnecting of the battery (a must when working around the airbag) the total time it took to swap wheel was around 20 minutes.

It was so easy, we did it twice! ;-)

CoolJamJar Aug 12th, 2006 Link

Just finished fitting one - and all I can say is WOW.
It feels so much better than the standard one - I would go so far as to say the standard one feels like it is made of wood by comparison!!

timmee Aug 13th, 2006 Link

I still love the 2 spoke steering wheel witht the controls on the backside.

I disagree. During spirited driving on a skid pan on an advanced driving course in collision avoidance, these buttons constantly were toggled, causing the radio preset to change, disconnecting us from our instructor who was guiding us over the radio. In the end, we just tuned all the presets in to the channel the instructor was using.

Unique circumstance, but annoying nonetheless.

Give the the three spoke any day.

MotoringFile » 2006 » December » 18 Dec 17th, 2006 Link

[...] MotoringFile Reviews Auto Reviews: JCW GP 1st Drive Reader Review: JCW GP ‘06 JCW Cooper S Long Term Comparison: ‘06 Lotus Elise Comparison: ‘06 Mazda MX5 Comparison: ‘06 UK Focus ST Comparison: ‘06 Civic Si Comparison: ‘04 TVR T350 Comparison: ‘06 Nissan 350z Comparison: ‘06 VW GTI w/DSG Podcast: Cooper S Auto Podcast: BMW 325i Podcast: JCW MC Soundkit ‘04 JCW MINI Cooper Tuning Kit ‘05 MCS: One Month Review ‘05 MCS Auto ‘05 JCW S 1st Drive ‘05 MINI Cooper ‘05 MCS Conv. Long Term ‘05 MINI Cooper S ‘05 MCS Cabrio 1st Drive ‘04 JCW MCS First Drive ‘04 MC w/JCW Tuning Kit BMW M3 SMG Vs. MCS ‘04 MINI Cooper CVT ‘02 MCS 3 year Review Autocrossing the MINI Range Performance Accessories: M7 Understrut System Kumho Ecsta SPT Tires M7 Strut Tower Reinforcement JCW Alcantara Steering Wheel JCW Brake Kit Webb 15% Pulley Helix MCSa 15% Pulley H-Sport 19mm Sway Bar MCS Supersprint Exhaust Podcast: MCS SS Exhaust JCW Cold Air Intake Reader Reivew: JCW Brakes Supersprint Cooper Exhaust Remus Cooper Exhaust Promini Cooper Intake MC Remus Dual Exhaust Schroth Harness System CVT Steering Wheel Paddles Exterior Accessories: Miniature’s Receiver Hitch OEM White Tail Lights Lifestyle Accessories: MINIMotion Watch MINIMotion Driving Shoe Audio: MINI Digital SoundModul ICE-Link Plus iPod Adapter Official BMW/iPod adapter ICE-Link iPod Adapter Kenwood iPod Interface Alpine iPod Interface Harman Kardon Stereo Interior Accessories: JCW Alcantara Steering Wheel JCW Leather Dash MCAW Auto Up Circuit MINI Rear Camera MINI Rear Saddle (official) MINI Rear Cargo Storage Case Official MINI Rear Saddle Bag 2004 MINI Armrest Reviewed Mymini Knee Pad MINI Bluetooth Kit MINI Video Input Aftermarket Bluetooth Integration Ian Cull Auto-up Circuit Universal Mobile Phone Holder Offers from the Tirerack > Special Offers: Save on quality tires with these manufacturer’s promotions available from The Tire Rack. > Gift ideas for $50 or more in The Tire Rack’s Automotive Gift Guide. > Shop for KUMHO tires at The Tire Rack. [...]

MotoringFile » 2006 » December » 31 Dec 30th, 2006 Link

[...] MotoringFile Reviews Auto Reviews: ‘06 JCW GP Longterm Reader Review: JCW GP ‘06 JCW Cooper S Long Term Comparison: ‘06 Lotus Elise Comparison: ‘06 Mazda MX5 Comparison: ‘06 UK Focus ST Comparison: ‘06 Civic Si Comparison: ‘04 TVR T350 Comparison: ‘06 Nissan 350z Comparison: ‘06 VW GTI w/DSG Podcast: Cooper S Auto Podcast: BMW 325i Podcast: JCW MC Soundkit ‘04 JCW MINI Cooper Tuning Kit ‘05 MCS: One Month Review ‘05 MCS Auto ‘05 JCW S 1st Drive ‘05 MINI Cooper ‘05 MCS Conv. Long Term ‘05 MINI Cooper S ‘05 MCS Cabrio 1st Drive ‘04 JCW MCS First Drive ‘04 MC w/JCW Tuning Kit BMW M3 SMG Vs. MCS ‘04 MINI Cooper CVT ‘02 MCS 3 year Review Autocrossing the MINI Range Performance Accessories: Craven Speed Short Shifter M7 Understrut System Kumho Ecsta SPT Tires M7 Strut Tower Reinforcement JCW Alcantara Steering Wheel JCW Brake Kit Webb 15% Pulley Helix MCSa 15% Pulley H-Sport 19mm Sway Bar MCS Supersprint Exhaust Podcast: MCS SS Exhaust JCW Cold Air Intake Reader Reivew: JCW Brakes Supersprint Cooper Exhaust Remus Cooper Exhaust Promini Cooper Intake MC Remus Dual Exhaust Schroth Harness System CVT Steering Wheel Paddles Exterior Accessories: Miniature’s Receiver Hitch OEM White Tail Lights Lifestyle Accessories: MINIMotion Watch MINIMotion Driving Shoe Audio: MINI Digital SoundModul ICE-Link Plus iPod Adapter Official BMW/iPod adapter ICE-Link iPod Adapter Kenwood iPod Interface Alpine iPod Interface Harman Kardon Stereo Interior Accessories: JCW Alcantara Steering Wheel JCW Leather Dash MCAW Auto Up Circuit MINI Rear Camera MINI Rear Saddle (official) MINI Rear Cargo Storage Case Official MINI Rear Saddle Bag 2004 MINI Armrest Reviewed Mymini Knee Pad MINI Bluetooth Kit MINI Video Input Aftermarket Bluetooth Integration Ian Cull Auto-up Circuit Universal Mobile Phone Holder Offers from the Tirerack > Special Offers: Save on quality tires with these manufacturer’s promotions available from The Tire Rack. > Gift ideas for $50 or more in The Tire Rack’s Automotive Gift Guide. > Shop for KUMHO tires at The Tire Rack. [...]

Installing JCW wheel?? - MINI2 Feb 13th, 2007 Link

[...] You can fit it yourself, see here: MotoringFile » Archive » MF Review: JCW Alcantara Steering Wheel [...]

Jon Sep 18th, 2007 Link

I am insane.

I just wanted to get that out of the way right from the start. I have done the nearly impossible, and expensive task of swapping out my old 2-spoke wheel, for a JCW leather wheel. It is very cost-prohibitive! Even doing extensive research online to find the best prices for all the parts I needed, I still spent north of $850.

It woul’ve been a tiny bit cheaper if I didn’t have the multi-function wheel, but still, once you factor in buying an airbag, wiring, spoke inserts and the JCW wheel itself, it passes way beyond the crazy level, into insane territory.

That is why I must reiterate Gabe’s comment, if money is tight, you should avoid all contact with this wheel, because after you touch one, you will lose all control of your sanity and wallet, and you will be joining me in the assylum. You would sell your soul for this steering wheel. Is it possible to lust after a car part? YES.

Now that mine is installed, I am so loving it! Every time I drive my car is even more of a treat than it was before. It feels like a race car wheel.

I cannot recommend this mod enough, (especially for owners of the 3-spoke wheel, where it would be much less expensive, [they'd only need to buy the JCW wheel itself; all other parts like the spoke inserts and airbag would be reused from their current 3-spoke wheel]).

MaxMCS Nov 7th, 2008 Link

Jon, I know how you feel. I myself made the mistake of sitting at the wheel of a JCW Clubman S yesterday while my MCS was in for service… and I’ve gone certifiably insane. I have a Leather/Alcantara JCW wheel currently being shipped to my parts department, where I plan to install it into my 2003 MCS with the 2-spoke wheel. To save slightly, I’ll be leaving behind the MFSW controls until a later date, but my theory is that if I’m too lazy to reach an extra four inches to hit the button I don’t deserve the wheel in the first place.

Still… the cost is already becoming apparent. And I haven’t even gotten the inserts yet! Avoid this wheel at all costs- unless you’re willing to suffer the wonderful consequences!