I'm getting my boot lid replaced under warranty, due to BMW/Mini's astounding corrosion policy. I'm pleased, but I'm mostly just pleased that I'm getting a few tiny rust spots taken care of with no out-of-pocket and minimal pain-in-the-****...

I'll own up: I'm not a fan of spoilers or wings in general. I'm a big fan of function in cars, but pretty apathetic when it comes to form. (Funny, this is also the case in my relationship with bicycles, out of which I've made a career, but not the case in art or literature, my hobbies...) Factory items are one thing, but I'm certainly not "upgrading" my spoiler to something more comical. The aerodynamics in the Mini are so incredibly terrible that even at 230 km/h - about the fastest I've gone - I can't imagine it does anything at all, let alone help keep the rear end on the ground. Also, every time I open the boot it comes painfully close to getting a hole punched in it by my bike trays, which are as far outboard as I'm comfortable having them

So... I have the option to go without. Anyone running a wing-less R53? Is there any reason I would experience more or less wind noise without the spoiler? I'm kind of intrigued by the idea of going without: anything that helps with a sleeper look is good in my books!

Also, just as a crazy idea: anyone have any experience with carbon fibre boot lids? There's a few options on the market for a Mini, and given that I get a sufficiently sizeable credit to buy an OEM lid, I could conceivably buy a carbon one instead. Would I be sacrificing longevity? Would I be subjecting myself to insane amounts of road noise?

 

The OEM spoiler does NOTHING, it's just there for looks. I would just ditch it while you have the chance if thats what you want to do.

I wouldnt go the carbon route. Not because of any extra wind/exhaust noise, but the quality of SieBon/ViS product SUCKS. There are so manny fitment issues with them its a wonder they are still on the market. I bought a R53 SieBon hood knowing not to expect perfect but, it is so bad that I will never use it. There went a lot of money down the poopshoot. The cutout for the front grille is lopsided, and too small, the support braces for the grille are an inch away from being able to be of any use (Even after the three hours it took me to get the grille to fit. I can just asume that trying to mount the arches would have been the same, not to mension putting the hood on the car. It's just easyer to mount the SieBon pices on the wall of wasted money, and stick with OEM.

 

I had to replace my boot hinges a couple months back... It turned out great, but took me several hours. As for the spoiler, depends on the look you're going for. On these little cars, I don't see much function. The previous owner of my car did most of the work, including a John Cooper Works Rear Spoiler. I think it looks good. Not sure I would have gone that route myself though. But I'm very happy with it!

 

Cool, thanks for the input: carbon fibre lid is completely scratched from the list!