So I recently bought a 2016 Cooper JCW and it came with what I think are aftermarket graphics on the side.

I'm debating getting rid of them and putting on the stripes from Mini USA on (http://www.shopminiusa.com/PRODUCT/8...S-SIDE-STRIPES).

I think keeping it all black would be too much considering the roof is also black (not sure why it's not red, that would make sense) and it has the darker tint. So, what say you, NAM? Should I:

1. Keep the graphics already on there now?

2. Remove the graphics and go with the blackout look?

3. Put on the aftermarket graphics from Mini if I can get them for my 2016?

 

Matter of preference. I would have removed mine, but the car was on the lot for 4+ months outdoors and I worry about fade or difficulty in getting them off.

 

Oh dang I didn't think about fade. Living in Texas that can be a real issue.

While I don't love them, I don't hate them so I think I'll just leave them to avoid any potential mismatched shades of gray.

 

Yeah, just a bit too flashy for my tastes. I went a similar direction if not a bit more subdued.

Perhaps a graphics guys could overlay the "orange" edge w/ a body color graphic. It wouldn't be expensive and should be a easy fix. I think it would look pretty good as it wouldn't be nearly as flashy.

 

there's another way to look at the sun fade issue

the same UV that's gonna ghost the paint is eventually gonna cause those stickers to fade, crack, and possibly peel. I've already removed the 'sport stripes' on our R59, which we've had for only a year. It sat on the lot for over 12 months and the silver stripes were totally cooked. They come off easier b4 they start to crack ..... and if you do get ghosting in the paint the sooner the graphic comes off the less it will be ....

 

Was there any noticeable fade once you took off the stripes?

 

Shouldn't be any fade issue.
Especially on black, though the clear coat might be dull on the unstickered area.
A good buff it will make it match.

 

Roger that. Thanks!

 

My thunder gray F56 was a year and a half old when I bought it, pulled the bonnet stripes off right away. I initially noticed a little bit of fade but after a quick handbuff and wax its 90% unnoticeable, could only see where they were under a flashlight or florescents at night. But after a month or so in the sun, I cannot see the fade anymore. So I say if you don't like them then pull them off ASAP. I live in sunny Florida btw

 

My vote? Lose the graphics altogether, and then rethink the red mirror caps.

 

I agree on the caps, Ill buy them!!

 

Agreed. All black looks so good on the F56.

This thread has me contemplating removing the white bonnet stripes on my (deep blue metallic) 2014. The stripes are starting to show staining and fading to a color that is not quite white. Plus I was never too crazy about the stripes to begin with. I bought the car used and chose it for other options. The plan was to remove the stripes right away but I was concerned the ghosting would look worse and convinced myself to give them a go for a few months. Still not crazy about them, and now I'm thinking I might have a project for myself this weekend.

 

I actually like the red caps and it makes no sense to do the black out thing because my wheels arent all black. So if i do it ill keep the caps and put on the JCW stripes in red on the side.

if my wheels were black is definitely go all black.

 

Those graphics are just bad. Lose them, no matter the result.

 

I recently removed the factory hood stripes on my pepperwhite 06 jcw with no noticeable fading. Although I also put on a good coat of wax afterward.

 

I've removed hood stripes from a couple of MINI's after they were 2-4 ears old with no problem. Easily peeled off with a little patience. After removal I polished and waxed the hood and they looked great.
With the graphics being on the sides they don't get cooked quite as bad on the roof or hood, I'd definitely go for it.

 

Yes, more than I expected given the very dark color of the car - eclipse gray metallic.

I've done some auto painting and the shadow I got after a year was surprising. I guess it was the metallic nature of the paint. Not noticeable from 10 feet away but I'm somewhat picky so I see it ....

obviously the longer the stripes had stayed on the worse it would have gotten.

 

It's a fairly new car, so it should not be an issue. Take them off and have it buffed out completely. I seriously doubt there will be any fade.