So --- I'm searching for that ever elusive X-Type with the options I want which seems impossible... anyways - after looking at hundreds... I noticed 3 with different steering wheels....

They were 04's & 05's... instead of the wheel audio controls, they have buttons on the airbag indents ... and the wheel itself is better looking, IMO....

What's the deal with these? Was it part of an option? Doesn't appear to be a VDP thing... those are rare as it is, but I've seen them with the standard w heels.... any ideas?

 

The wheel you have pictured here is the original wheel the cars had from 2002-2004. At some point in 2004 they switched over to the style with the thumb wheels. Anything from 2005 on have the thumb wheels on the steering wheel. I have seen 2004s with both styles of wheels.

 

I must have been wrong then and didn't see an 05.

Thanks!

I think the older wheel looks better, imo.

 

Thumb wheels are fantastic if you are a safe driver and have both hands on the wheel and aren't trying to look like Mike Jones......

 

I love the thumb wheeels as well, especially for the cruise control. The system in the X is one of the easiest to operate I have ever seen.

 

AGREED.

Very intuitive and user-friendly.