So I installed my Invidia exhaust today on my 02 MCS and got everything all lined up good. I ended up with about an 1/8" gap between the rear valance and the tips. After a test drive I notice that the tips have melted the valance. Now the only way I can generate enough gap to keep tips from coming in contact with the valance is by just using the outboard hangers alone and not use the inboard ones. Has anyone else had this problem? Any ideas? Will it be OK as is?

 

If all else fails with some bending of the hangars on the MINI, they can be shimmed with spacers or washers. They would have to be drilled out from the body then bolted back on.

1st Gen owners running into this situation commonly run with outboard hangars attached and no subsequent issues.

 

Had the exact same issue with my Invidia install. We trimmed the melted plastic from the bumper valance, and i believe used two washers to shim the hanger that mounts the tips. Havent had any problems since and still looks great.
Happy Motoring now you can hear it!!