Many thanks to Scott at MINI Peabody; I had the opportunity to compare the (three spoke) JCW steering wheel to the stock steering wheel in GBMINI#3, although it’s really quite hard trying to get good comparison photos, when one steering wheel is still mounted in the car!
The JCW feels and appears to be much thicker, but it doesn’t look so much when photographed; however it also seems to be have a better quality leather, as well as some nice touches like the ribbed back …
Thanks to Brigg, I also saw the “alcantara” (suede!) version today – to me it doesn’t have the same quality look as the all-leather version … but anyway, since GBMINI#3 isn’t allowed the JCW engine upgrade, I don’t think it’s allowed the JCW steering wheel either.
M&I / GBMINI 
Is this only an option for those with an OEM three spoke wheel..? Does anyone know if the airbag from a two spoke fits? Obviously the MFSW buttons wouldn’t, but I’m assuming they’re a lot cheaper to buy than a new airbag..!
I’m guessing the air bags aren’t swappable – if they were, we’d still be able to buy the two spoke in USA.
BTW: The little plastic pieces are some stupidly expensive price; no idea how expensive a whole MFSW kit would be!
I’ll have mine on my car this Sunday with a full review to follow. It’s been in my garage for a few weeks – just haven’t had time to install it yet.
Very nice…certainly worth it to upgrade the one part of your car you touch the most. Sadly it is still a 3-spoke. I would get it if I had a newer mini without a 2-spoke though.
I enjoy my JCW steering wheel, but my one disappointment is the stitching behind the spokes that you pictured. My hands are usually at the positions to use the thumb rests, but occasionally they may be alongside the spokes to be in a different position for awhile. There, the stitching in back feels very rough in comparison the smooth and soft feeling of the rest of the rim. I wish they had done that stitching differntly. My pictures are posted in this thread on NAM. – Richard
Richard – thanks.
That’s the one thing I was disappointed about; they’ve done the stitching to be a “feature” but it looks less than perfect to me 😦