2 replies to this topic

[KSTANDSTEVE]

Hi,

First of all hello. I have joined the forum today after buying my first ever mini. Well actually is for my daughter but I get to play with it.

I have restored many cars previously but always escort variety so looking forward to a new challenge.

The car is a 1990 mini 998cc (I think its a 30 but its dressed up like a cooper).

My question (first of many I guess) is can I fit the later mpi steering wheel to the car? I appreciate that the airbag will not function but will it fit? If so can I wire up the horn buttons too?

Have done a search but couldnt find the answer

Cheers

Steve.

[Dan]

This has been answered a couple of times before but not often so it's not that surprising that you can't find the relevant threads.

The short answer is no. The longer answer is yes, if you really try hard but you probably shouldn't.

The wheel won't fit the existing column in the car. The later column can be added so long as you also fit all the later column support parts but the early stalk switches won't fit the new column so you have to change them too which involves a little re-wiring. Then you have the problem that you will have an uncontrolled airbag in the car. An airbag is an explosive device and if it's not plugged in to an SRS ECU it is not fail-safe. An airbag deployment can easily kill someone if it happens at the wrong time. So to make it safe you will have to either find an MPi steering wheel with no airbag (to my knowledge none exist but they may have been produced in very limited numbers for the options display cases at Rover dealerships) or fit the entire SRS system and ECU. That would not be easy. Years ago I asked in a Rover dealer if they would consider upgrading my rebuilt Mini to have an airbag system (this was with a new shell that already had all the relevant mounting points) and they said there was no way they would be interested because of the liability issues. It simply can't be proven safe in a car that hasn't been tested properly and so it would cause problems with insurance companies.

There are many other aftermarket steering wheels that can be fitted.

Edited by Dan, 21 August 2008 - 10:41 PM.

[KSTANDSTEVE]

Thanks Dan,

I think that puts that one to bed!

Will have a trawl round for a suitable replacement.

Cheers