I trying to decide what options to get when I order an S-cab and whether to get the multi-function steering wheel. Could someone who has it tell me what functions can be controlled from it and whether they think it's worth it. TIA.

 

Option 431 3-Spoke Str Whl Multifctn lthr $740
it has four function buttons and two function rollersevenly divided between the left-hand and right-hand spokes. These controls allow the driver to operate essential audio, telephone and navigation functions without having to take their hands off the wheel. This means less distraction and better concentration on what is happening on the road.
How the multi-function steering wheel works: The top two buttons have been executed as rotary switch buttons. The left button is used to regulate the volume of the audio system (turn) and mute the sound (push). The right button works in the same way as the right rotary switch button on the PCM. The center left button with the screen icon can be used in the basic setting to connect through the main menu. The center right button is assigned the “Back” function for returning to the PCM menu. If there is a telephone installed in the vehicle, the two lower keys can be used to accept and hang up calls. If there is no telephone installed, the two lower keys are unassigned.

 

Related topic--does anyone else feel that the steering wheel on the base Carrera is too thin? I was thinking about ordering the steering wheel that is found on the Carrera S--it has the round center section and what appears to be a thicker rim. I also thought I remembered an option for this steering wheel with extra padding/cushioning. I might be making this up though-- suggestions would be appreciated.
TIA.

 

Are those steering wheel buttons just painted plastic? If so, won't the paint rub off over time?

I really like most of the 997 styling changes, but the jury's still out on the new steering wheels.

 

You can order this
Option XPA Thicker Steering Wheel-Leather
Thicker 3-spoke sports steering wheel in smooth leather. $800

 

I added option 460 for my 997 S. A mere 490.00 gets the center airbag hub in leather w/stiching.
perry

 

Thanks guys--I'll check out option 490 and XPA.

 

Speed, I have a triple black 997 with the multi-function steering wheel. It's worth the money and it's not made with cheap parts as suggested by some of our respectable comrades. The functions are like so:
-left thumb wheel control volume...press it in once and it mutes all PCm sound--radio, CD, phone but not my wife (damn!)
-next button down on the left side lets you cycle through the different PCM functions, i.e., main display, radio/CD, treble/bass, trip computer, and so on....
-last button down on the left side...telephone call answer....
-right thumb wheel at the top (key item) control individual selections with the PCM modules...use it to point and click on the radio station list, adjust bass, treble, fade, or various function of the trip computer and sport chrono
-next button down on the right side...allows you to back up in the various menus
-last button down on the right side lets you hang up the phone.

There you have it. Radio station selections also appear in the center screen on your instrument cluster. PCM looks cool, too, like the Star Trek LCARS display; I think they did that on purpose. Oops, I just demonstrated that I'm a geek. Sorry about that. Hope the info on the multi-function wheel helps! Hope it makes sense, too, since I'm also drink my first cup of coffee.

Tony

 

Speed, forgot to mention that you can reprogram the button to other functions through the PCM.

 

I've got the multifunction wheel, and it is extremely useful for scrolling through the PCM menus while driving, even without the navigation module. If the 997 had a conventional stereo system without navigation, I'd say skip it and pay less for the smaller, thicker, more performance oriented wheel (the multifunction wheel is expensive at $990, mostly due to the leather center that's bundled with the option). But with PCM, most basic stereo functions can only be done in certain menus; your hand and eyes must be away from the road for a while without the MF controls.