Dave!

When I was searching for my 996, one of the things I simply had to have was a 3-spoke steering wheel. From looking around, I found that a smaller percentage of the cars had 3-spokes, less in the 99s than in the 00s, but obviously they were there, and numerous.

Well eventually I found my baby with a 3-spoke, but along the way one dealer had the ***** to tell me that the 996 Mk.I simply did not ever come with a 3-spoke steering wheel. Bull****, didn't talk to him anymore.

So just two things I'm a little curious about: I'm guessing the 3-spoke was an option, but was it part of a package or what, and what are the opinions of you gents; 3-spoke or 4-spoke?

gota911

This is an interesting question. Initially, I was going to say that the '99 -'01 models came with the 4-spoke wheel, but after checking the PET, I see that 3-spoke wheels are listed for those years. I also noticed that there is a different part number for the 3-spoke '99 wheel and the '00 - '04 wheel, so some change in the 3-spoke design must have been made after the first year.

I don't have any Order Guide info for the 996 so I can't verify your supposition through those means.

salayc

Not sure which years, but option IXPA, IXPB, IXPC, IXPD, and IXPG are all three spoke steering wheels.

an02boxster

I also had to have the three spoke wheel and did find it on my '99 C4. It is listed as an option on the option sticker do not have the option code right now but can get it if you need it.

Dave!

Well the only reason I would need it is for curiosity's sake...though I guess I could send the option code to the dealership that said it didn't exist with a nasty letter, but I don't think I'm bitter enough for that.

Orient Express

Even though there are variants (mainly texture and type of cladding material) of the 3 spoke wheel from 99 to 05, they will all fit all years, and they will also fit the 993.

Couper

I have M436 3-spoke airbag wheel

Long Islander

My car is a 2001, and when I was ordering it, the 3-spoke wheel was an option for a few hundred dollars, and the 4-spoke wheel was standard. Not seeing any advantage to the 3-spoke, I didn't order it. Some time after the car came in, I realized that the 3-spoke wheels came with a leather airbag center, and colored Porsche crest on it, wheras my airbag center was vinyl, with a debossed Porsche crest. Since I couldn't just replace the airbag center for mine with a leather one without also changing the steering wheel, I did so -- at a cost of nearly $1000. I wish my salesman had informed me of this difference when I was ordering my car. Anyone want to buy a graphite gray 4-spoke steering wheel and airbag center?

LJpete

Mine came with a 4 spoke. I quickly swapped in a 3 spoke bag from a fellow RL'er who was track building his car. Much better, and now I can actually see the warning lights at the bottom of the cluster.

If your car doesn't come with the 3 spoke, you can find them for fairly cheap now a days and they don't take more than 45 minutes to swap working slowly.

I highly recommend it if you are so inclined.

Tippy

3-spoke FTW!

medtech

Dave,

Get on a few forums and you will easliy know more than most dealers. I too share your frustration. These guys are selling six figure vehicles, they have a lot of downtime, and most of them don't know their product. But that's the american way in sales now.

I remember when Radio Shack used to have real electronics guys working there, now I get some pimply faced kid that barely knows where anything is, much less what it's used for.

Try going to a Nissan dealer. Those guys barely know where the steering wheel is, much less what the options are!

Let it go...it's not worth your time.

porschedog

I have a 3-spoke steering wheel and I am very happy with it. I suspect it adds at least 35bhp in comparison to the 4-spoke variant.

(it looks much more better than the 4-spoker, to my about-to-be-LASIKed eyes)

Orient Express

When I ordered my car I got the thicker 3 spoke wheel (X69) as it was good for 85HP.

Gaspasser19

+1 I could not agree more. The worst part is getting attitude when you point out their mistakes. Arrogance AND ignorance at the same time. My favorite combination.

Mathemagician

If you like the full color Porsche crest on the 3-spoke but have a 4-spoke, I saw a decent looking add-on for the 4-spoke for sale on a website recently. I've not seen it in person so can't vouch for it IRL. Still, if you're interested and can't find it let me know and I'll go dig it up.