I smashed my friend's chrome grill - I need help.
 

OK, I backed up into my brother-in-laws Mini Cooper yesterday (after he came by my house to help me move some furniture) and smashed his upper chrome grill. I feel like a total idiot, and thank god I didnt hit the bumper nor the hood. But anyways, I need\want to replace the chrome grill for him and I would like to know where I can get a replacement without breaking the bank. He is a mellow guy but particular about his Mini Cooper. I wont get him anything cheap looking or made cheaply and it needs to be stock looking (OEM).

I know I can do better than buying from the dealer - but any suggestions for a reputable replacement supplier? Are the grills on ebay pieces of crap? I saw one for $30. The dealer quoted $130, what do you guys think?

BTW, I think its a 2005 Cooper, not an S model, but I could be wrong. Definetly not a convertible.

Thanks in advance.

Hey there! Ok 130 is a bit steep but that's how the dealers are unfortunatly. You can find used ones here on NAM, but a all chrome one from a Cooper may be hard to come by. IT's very easy to replace so that's no problem. Keep in mind that when you buy one there is an early and late style grill. the early has a dimpled surrond and the late has a smooth surround. That being said, your brother-in-laws MINI is an 05, so therefore, it the "Smooth" grill. Happy hunting and YES stay away from the eBay ones, they are just the chrome slat covers to "retrofit" a MINI Cooper S from the body color grill to a Cooper-style all chrome grill.

Unfortunately, I bit on one of those "retrofit" eBay slat thingies, and decided to just keep my grille as it is. If you want those stick-on slats I ordered, i'll send them to you for the cost of shipping...only. I have no need for them now. PM me if interested.

You can order a replacement grill from Classic MINI of Mentor, Ohio, and get a nice 20-30%discount on OEM parts from them because you are a member of NAM. :grin:

Try this link:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/classicauto

It is for Classic Auto (MINI dealer) - one of the vendors here on the site. They have a 20% NAM discount. You can also try http://www.morristownmini.com/ (check the accessories tab - may have to send them an email).

coopersport.ca was good with OEM parts prices, before it was sold... can try them out.

Wow, really helpful posts guys. I'll try those suppliers tomorrow morning. Turns out it wasnt such a surgical hit as I thought. Right now $130 is looking really cheap as it turns out there might be some more damage. Whatever, such is life. Again, many thanks for the helpful posts guys!