I purchased a 2011 Mini Cooper S Convertible earlier this year and LOVE it. I've been thinking it would look even cooler if the chrome trim, scoop, rims, and side mirrors were black. I used Photoshop to see what it would look like, and can't decide. I also don't want to hurt the resale value too much (as I may trade up to a JCW in the coming years). What do you guys think?

Current Chrome look:


"Blackout" look using photoshop:

 

Maybe the wheels, but leave the rest chrome. But that's just me..

 

I wouldn't change a thing but that's me. It's your car and it should be the way you want it. My 'when in doubt' thought is: When in doubt, do nothing.

 

No be more creative.

 

The beauty of a MINI is personalizing it to fit your style. So enjoy !!

 

It looks a lot meaner with the black. I've been think about the same on my BRG R53.

 

IMHO blacked-out cars have been overdone, but this is your MINI, your taste, so do whatcha like.

You can always use vinyl or plasti-dip so the look isn't permanent. Either could be removed if you end up not liking it or decide to sell.

 

I've definitely had the same debate with myself.

My MINI is a red F55 with red roof. I'm now considering if I should blackout some of the areas that are chrome and do others in yellow to more closely match the Maryland flag.

 

I like it, but maybe don't do the headlights or do a lighter shade of black on the headlights. You could maybe open up the headlight and spray paint the chrome bits black. I did that for my headlights (non-MINI car).

 

i would do
-body color the grille surround and headlight surrounds
-black beltline
-black wheels
-leave the hood scoop
-joey mod the headlights
and leave the door handles to match the roll bars

 

Part of the MINIs charm is the chrome.

The blacked out look is played out. It's about as tired looking as Lindsay Lohan.

 

Make it... red chrome! And yellow chrome!

 

I'm in the process of blacking out my R60s. I don't like chrome. Everything Im doing is reversible if I ever get sick of it or sell it.

 

I HATE chrome as well. I respectfully disagree that part of the MINI charm is the chrome...the MINI charm is that it is highly customizable (aside from it being super fun to drive) and there are tons of things to it to make it your own...like choosing to go the blacked out or color-matched route.

To each their own...black it out...heck paint all those trim pieces green with purple polka dots. If you like it, that's all that counts!

 

Looks pretty good with that color, I would not tint the headlights that dark as at night when you have halogens it dims the output.


Maybe do the factory Xenon Headlight retrofit : 63102347698 ( Then they needed coded by MINI dealership.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/63102347698KT/






or the New Spyder Black Halogen Projector headlights also.


https://www.ecstuning.com/News/Mini_R55_R56_R57_S_Base_Headlights_Spyder/














Thanks

 

It makes a MINI look like a Toyota Yaris. No one wants to admit that the blacked out look is about as played out as wearing a Big Johnson t-shirt.

 

I never did in 10 years...
Simply did not want too look like yet "another" blacked out MINI...
For me, it it small, tastefully personalizations....not a full on change

And IMO the MINI is a classic shape...so chrome looks decent on it.

 

This is actually how I feel about tinted windows beyond maybe the lightest levels like 25% or so, just enough to take the edge off of the sun.

 

personally, I like the chrome with that body color, but its not my MINI. If you want to black out, go for it.

 

The chromes add a nice contrast to your Mini so I suggest to black out your rims only.

 

I like the blacked out look in your photoshopped picture minus the black headlights

 

Keep it ORIGINAL........

 

It's totally up to you. I like the blackout look. I did it to mine; but kept the headlight interiors chrome, and door handles and gas cap are still chrome. To me, it's just enough of a balance. I did the belt line kit, the headlight and tail light trim rings, and the front grill upper and lower trim.

 

Blackout works on certain colors and options. Some models it stick out too much. But its up to your own style.

 

I have a midnite black 2013 JCW that EVERYTHING has been murdered out and everyone really likes it because it seem so sinister. If I had your car I would do the chrome and the wheel arches the same as the body and use a stainless steeel mesh grill (M7?) but that's only me.

ISAMIN










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