I don't think so.

It was weird for me too in the beginning, being totally imprinted on manual transmissions, but it is now 2nd nature. It's never going to feel natural in test drives because you're programmed like I was. Like everything else, it just takes some repetition and experience to become proficient.

 

On the track, it's nice to have a round, symmetrical steering wheel

 

I think as you've read from the other posts, the dealer isn't going to do that (a lot of risk and time for little gain).. Your best bet would be to see if they can order the replacement parts and do the work (maybe at a reduced price) as part of the sale for the car. I've done similar deals before on cars (i.e. paying for addons with the purchase of the vehicle but the addons being ordered and coming in later after purchasing).

 

My car did not come with the flat bottom wheel, but I purchased one to match the original options that were on the round one (heat & phone) for $850. The dealer did the plug and play install free of charge when the car was delivered to me. This is a mod I didn't want to do myself as I was afraid to mess with the airbag.

 

Finally, someone who has gone down this route. Did you purchase from the dealer or elsewhere? Pointers please.

Curious to know, there is one with Heat + Phone + Cruise Control. Did you not want that or is it part of all steering wheels?

 

Yes, I was going to say the same thing when I read MI-FType's post. It only took 44 posts to get your desired reply or at least put you on the right path.

Good luck and let us know.

Best regards,
Jay

 

I never could understand the option... you can slip a round wheel through your hands all the way 'round, not so the flat bottom (I imagine).

F1 type cars with flat (top and bottom) wheels can go lock to lock w/o taking hands off the wheel, not so with the F-Type of course.

 

Got a quote for $1285 (inc taxes) + 1 hour labor @ $140/hr. So $1500 to do this.

 

Was this from a dealer?

 

Yes. Any well known alternatives?

 

When I purchased my R from the dealer, it had everything that I wanted on it except the flat bottomed wheel. I told them I would buy the car if they would switch out the wheel. They ordered the wheel from England and it came in 3 days and I watched the mechanic switch it out in less than 10 minutes. I essentially made it part of the deal and did not pay anything extra.


I wanted the flat bottom because I drop the steering wheel to the lowest level and wanted the clearance while driving as well as getting in and out of the car. I used to have a Jag XK which had a round steering wheel and I personally prefer the flat bottom. If I was tracking the car I might have decided otherwise.

 

Good answer!

 

I had a round wheel with heat, phone and cruise and swapped it for the flat bottom with the same. If I am not mistaken, I believe you can only swap for a like wheel because the wiring harness is different for each.

The part number for the wheel with Heat, Phone and Cruise is: T2R4641PVJ

I checked my invoice from the dealer (Jaguar of Novi, MI) and the part was $ 812.25 Like I mentioned, they did the install free of charge.

 

It may be worth pointing out just how non-symmetrical the "round" wheel is. Anything more than 45 degrees of lock is going to give those with substantial lower bodies clearance issues. The flat bottomed wheel is only going to accentuate this effect.

Additionally, current owners may have noticed how the wheel lifts up when you switch the car off too aid entry and exit.

Finally, Google Quartic Steering Wheel and let me know how stylish it seems.

 

Sounds about right, when you have the dealer do it you have warranty. Anything does not work they have to fix it or even replace the wheel.

 

I don't know about you but the placement of my wheel is closer to my knees than my stomach...it's no where even close to my stomach.

 

Since the OP had his question answered, I thought I'd add that the flat bottomed wheel likely originated when race car driver started a a race outside of the car and had to jump in. Anyone tried that Ho has a flat bottom wheel?

 

one on e-bay for just $729

 

Doh! Too slow...

 

honestly from a practical perspecticve it works just like any other steering wheel, if you are not used to the flat bottomed and I wasnt, it feels a ittle wierd at first but after a short while you drive it lik you drive any other car with a round wheel, it slips around in your hands just fine.

IMHO the only good reasons to choose or not choose this option is whether yoou like the look of it or not.