I have had my Mini for about a year and realized that it attracks bugs to it's radiators like my BMW K1200LT motorcycle radiators. What I did four years ago to solve that was make bug-guards for the bike's radiators. I found a great deal of interest by others in the product. So, I formed a company called "Bug-Guards for Beemers, LLC" and have been making them for four years now and have sold several hundred sets.

I have now made a radiator bug-guard for my Mini and I want to see if there is any interest in it by the good folks on NAM. It is made from aluminum sheeting which I then have powder coated a gloss black. On the top and bottom I run a metal re-enforced rubber trim strip. The guard is attached by high temperature 3M Dual-Lock strips to the plastic top of the lower radiator. From my tests it will fit on all 2002-2006 Minis, S or non S models. I have found that with the powder coateing, the bugs will just wipe off.

My pricing will be in the $60-$70 range, plus shipping. This will depend on the final pricing of the boxes, which I have to get made. What I would like to find out is: 1) interest by the members 2) If any NAM member will be willing to test this for me in a really hot area such as Phoenix or Las Vegas.
It workes fine in MD but it's not 115 degress here.

I have a testing agreement to be signed, which basically states for getting the guard, you test it and I am not liable for any problems. The only issue here would be over heating of course, but I have to be careful.

I have included some photos, so let me know your thoughts. If anybody wants to test one please PM me or call me at 410-608-4972.

Thanks for your time

Gene


P.S I SEE I POSTED THIS IN THE 2ND GEN INTERIOR/EXTERIOR FORUMS, (MY BAD). MAYBE A MODERATOR CAN HELP ME OUT AND MOVE IT INTO THE 1ST GENERATION AREA. SORRY!!!

 

I'd buy one if it would fit the R56...

...might be even easir to make one, since I believe the radiator and intercooler are flush with each other (not stepped, like you have pictured for the pre '07- ie easier for you to produce).

 

While at MOT checking fit for these on the first generation Minis, you have to remove grill to get to the radiators on the new ones. They of course would not let me do that, so I need to find somebody with one to let me play. I am always willing to try to fit these on anything. They work well, trust me .

Gene

 

Looks like a good idea Gene. Although I wonder if that mesh is open enough. Have you been running one of theses? If so is your temperature been steady, or does it climb a bit in stop & go traffic?

 

Yes, I have been running one in my 06 MCS and all has been just fine. I am going to send one to a member in Texas for some more hot weather testing. I have been running guards made of the exact same material on my 2003 BMW K1200LT motorcycle and if there is more of a hot running beast any where, I don't know of one. It handles the screens just fine and they are on similar bikes around the world..

These will allow more air through then a plugged up radiator which is full of bugs, believe me!

Gene

 

Thanks for the update Gene. Hot weather testing in Texas should show if all is well. I suspect it will be. Let us know how it works out.

You are 100% correct, bugs don't flow much air.

 

Will be more then happy to keep all posted on the tests. I just took mine off tonight and brushed off the bugs into the trash with a gloved hand. Re-installed nice and clean in under 1 minute.

Gene