I finally got my MINI Fini Sport Link installed on the MCS yesterday. The install went fairly well (aside from the puddles and insane wind) and I thought I would share some tips. I know there is a very nice install guide someone created for it but with the R53 it's a bit different. I also have an aero kit bumper so I needed a special template from MINI Fini to drill (ask for that when you purchase). But here's some info that should make it easier.

-Have an assistant! This really helped things go a lot smoother and faster. This job had probably the least amount of cursing of any I've done.

-You'll need to lower the exhaust system to get under the heat shield. Take off the two nuts after the cat converter before you undo the clamps. You don't need to remove the entire exhaust. But if you're planning on putting in a different exhaust, this would be the time to do it!

-You just need to lower the heat shield enough to get the bolts in. You do not need to remove it entirely.

-Have a few washers ready for the bottom bolts for the sport link. The washers they sent me were 2" diameter. I needed smaller.

-You'll need to zip tie the wires for the corner lenses. MINI Fini sent zip ties w/ it but if you don't have some, get some!

-If you're using a cordless drill for the holes, make sure you charge the battery first! We had three (yes.... three) dead batteries on two drills. It put an hour delay in the install.

-My kit needed a 2 1/8" hole saw. Try to get a fine tooth one! A 2" hole saw should work just fine as well.

AEROKIT BUMPER (see the photo for the template)

-This might be the same on the standard S bumper as well but there is a single screw under the top fender panel on each side. In order to get the panel off you just need to pry it very carefully w/ your fingers. I didn't remove mine, just gave my enough room to get the screw out.

-When you put the wooden template on the bumper make sure you get it nice and snug! If not it can move about 1/2" to each side.

-If you don't have a deep well hole saw then you'll need to trim away part of the cut area so it can get down far enough. For the aero kit the hole gets cut into the angled part of the bumper inlet (not just the flat part).