My wife just recently order a Countryman & I have now caught the Mini bug. I want a JCW, and I really like the look of the carbon fiber exterior pieces. Does anyone have any long term experience with these parts (scoop, mirrors, rear hatch, etc)? Do they hold up over time? I have read that after market car parts in carbon fiber yellow over time.....Can you still take it through the car wash or is hand washing/touchless car wash necessary. Mine will be a daily driver. Thanks for any feedback.

 

Kicker is to protect it just like the paint; the reason why the carbon epoxy turns yellow is due to UV degradation.
If you take care of the carbon fiber parts similar to your paint, like applying wax / sealant twice a year, it should last just like quality automotive finishes do.

- Erik

 

Makes sense.....what are your thoughts on the car wash with rotating brushes? Thank you for the reply

 

I avoid car washes at all costs. One scratched my last car up pretty bad. In winter I'll usually get my car washed once a week at one of the "touchless" car washes. They usually do a pretty good job.

 

Avoid like the plague; they chew up the paint with no remorse.

- Erik

 

Give me a break with the public car washes. I take my car to my local "brushless" car wash once a month, maybe a bit more. I am a busy guy with a demanding job and a family. I do not have the time or really enjoy to washing my car in my driveway.

Twice a year I bring my car to Phil Yiu of Detailers Domain in Norwood, NJ for a deluxe inside and out detailing. Phil is a NAM sponsor as well. My car is in like new condition right down to the paint.

To answer the OPs question, I have all the OEM JCW CF parts including mirror caps, rear diffuser on the JCW aero kit rear bumper and boot handle. I also have the M7 Vortex hood scoop and C wing spoiler also in CF. The OEM pieces are super high quality and look as good as new 2 to 3 years later. Just clean them and wax them like paint. The M7 pieces are not as high quality as the OEM pieces and after 2 years the scoop looks great and after 9 months the C wing is in very good condition.

See link to Flickr pics in my signature.