Not sure if I can live with the front end. To use the word ugly is an understatement! I notice myself looking longingly at the front ends of R56's and earlier models. I know we can't go back - the new rules have changed the way the front is designed.
But ...the Justa front is so much more thought out looking by comparison. You can get a Justa Bumper for $250 from Sewell and have it painted and pop it on.
Anyone else thinking this way?

 

Like to see you do that - in total agreement about the unattractive MCS front (although it's less offensive on the darker cars).

 

My MCS will be dark blue so not as noticeable, but I bought a wide European custom tag to break it up a bit. All of the advertising seems to show the car with a Eurotag, so I figured what the heck. I like that look. Been driving Japanese for 20+ years, so this is a big change over for sure.

 

If I had chosen an S it would have been the very first thing I did

Just make sure the Cooper bumper will clear the intercooler, I think they're different.

 

I'm in agreeance regarding the appearance, however, the MCS has functional brake ducts IIRC. That being said, the JCW bumper might be a better option if you want the additional brake cooling.

 

I may be in the minority, but I like driving my car, not sitting around staring at the front end... I can't even see the front end when I'm behind the wheel. Then again, when I get a haircut, my barber knows enough not to show me the back of my head in the mirror... it's not something I ever need to pay attention to.

 

It's all a matter of personal taste. I think it's more people don't want their car to look 'ugly' - inside or out. The F56 is kind of a love it or hate it design, although I guess there are those that settle and just accept it too! Personally, I just can't drive a car I feel is 'ugly' to me which is why I didn't get a 3rd MINI and trying something different.

 

You're all crazy, I think it's both cute and attractive. It looks like a puffer fish. And it makes me smile, every time I see it.

 

Inserting face to palm.

 

I obviously don't think it's ugly... I think it has 'matured' nicely.

Then again, I think the same of my wife <s>

As I get older, I appreciate more beauty.

 

Personally I like the MCS front better than the MC front. But it's my wife's car and I can't see changing anything that drastic. I do plan to change out the rear silver hatch cover with a black one. Pepper White/Black looks better with the rear hatch handle in black.

 

Rocket - Yes all personal opinion. Changed my chrome hatch handle for a black one. Takes 20 minutes. You have to pull all the inside moulding off. PM me if you need advice.

 

Do you still have the chrome handle? Because I'm in the market for one

 

Not worth it. you can get it to your door from Sewell or ECS Tuning for under $100! :-)

 

Perfect!!! :D new favorite animal!

 

Nope, I like the S front better than the Justa front.

 

Please give us feedback regarding some custom painted items for the F56!

http://mini.sewellparts.com/accessor...2014/7112.html


http://mini.sewellparts.com/accessor...2014/7113.html

 

Hmm, I'm undecided on that color. It looks more like the traditional bumper at least. Just seems like a lot of red. I wonder what it would look like if it matched the silver of the grill slats?

 

I like it painted red.

 

Oh heck yes!!! Painted bumper just became affordable:-) I'd suggest doing painted grill surround trim too and headlight bezels plus rear brake light bezels:-)

 

Isn't the black bumper ..like under $50 (51117337791)?

 

Greg,

Yes it is, they only come painted gloss black from MINI. We have to send them out to be sanded, repainted and buffed.

We are trying to gauge interest, so any feedback is good feedback.


Thanks everyone,

 

Geez, they're cars, folks. Modes of transportation. Not works of art. LOL. But I do understand why some might want to modify the front end. Personal tastes are all different. I'd prefer the look of the R56 front as well, but it is what it is. Different. And honestly, I'm fine with the new front end. It stands out as a '14 MCS. Maybe because mine is BRG the changes don't stand out as much. If it was VO, I'd be more wishing for a change maybe. But not enough for me to actually change the front end. I am honestly loving the entirety of my MCS.

 

Most of us on the boards here on NAM don't feel that same way about our MINI's. They are not merely a mode of transportation to us, like our riding lawn mower or Grand Caravan. Our MINI's are much more special to us. They have a personality, and make us feel happy when we drive them. (gets off soapbox).

I think the front end on the F56 Cooper S is okay in dark colors, but in lighter colors, (and especially that yellow), it is a frightened goldfish. It's such a shame, because the functionality of brake ducts is really a cool feature, but do the have to be so ugly and prominent? Yeesh.

This bumper mod is a great idea, but will likely not be as easy as it sounds to swap a "justa" Cooper bumper cover.

 

Completely disagree. A lot of people in this community (and others) spend tons of money personalizing their cars. If I had to leave my car stock I wouldn't know what to do with myself.