Hi, I recieved my MCS bumpers for my MC today. My MC is an '05 and the new bumpers are from a '04 MCS.

Heres a picture of the front:

BEFORE:
caution 56k


After


Had problems with the rear MCS bumpers though as I tried to use my old rear valences on the new MCS bumper but they wouldn't line up.



The top picture is the MC bumper with the MC valences and the bottom bumper is the MCS rear bumper with MCS valences. As you can see the valences wouldn't do a perfect line up together.

I saw other cars do this so I guess the '05 bumper is a little different than past models. Anyone know what I should do? Thanks

 

anyone??

 

If I were you I would use the MCS valence, dremel a slot for your Cooper exhaust and fab a blanking plate for the MCS exhaust exit.

I dont think the valences are a direct swap regardless of model year.

 

you could just own up and move your muffler around and make it a center exit!!! screw the side exit, when i get my s bumper i'm making it center exit!!!

 

You'll have to get rid of your spare tire (I don't know if you mind that but just saying)

 

hahaha spare tire!!! i took mine out the day i got my car!! its dead weight!

 

Oh ya I'm pretty sure the MC valences should fit on MCS rear bumpers (on past models at least) because I have seen many pictures of cars that have done so. I'm not sure if they fabricated the plastic area of the old opening. They didn't say anything about that.

 

Check this thread regarding the exhaust It can be done



https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ht=mcs+exhaust

 

I know it can be done but I don't want a center exhaust. I have seen many pictures of MC's with MCS rear bumpers and it looked like a direct fit but I guess it isn't for the 05 MC's.

 

So you don't want the center exhaust !!!??/ Otherwise you could use the MCS bumper you purchase. But you need a MCS exhaust for that .

 

As I've said before, I have seen many MC's with MCS rear bumpers that have used their old MC valence on their new bumper. When they talked about the installation they didn't mention anything about not fitting properly so that leads me to believe that the 05 MC rear bumper is slightly different than past models.

My question is to confirm if anyone has done the valence switch off a straight switch between the MCS and MC. Which MC valence year would I need for a 04 MCS rear bumper.

Heres some examples some switches if you don't understand:

http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/10746/42219.jpg
this is ecylai's Cooper from MINI2

http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/17157/34326.jpg
and this is from crashnet2000 from MINI2 also

 

those look like aero bumpers to me, not S bumpers

 

No. Do you need me to post aero bumpers too? OR does anyone else share my pain? Guess not.

 

it is possible with the early models. Its a direct swap.

I'm gonna guess that the new 2005 valence (notice its very different) does not fit on the 02-04 MC or MCS models....you could always get an early model valence...im sure its cheap.

 

THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I'm gonna call the dealer and ask for a price..if its expensive I'll wait a bit and try to buy off someone directly.

 

Yeah, it is definitely possible as I did it on my 03 Cooper. The rear valence snapped right in. If you keep your eyes open, I bet you can find one dirt cheap! Heck, you might be able to buy a whole bumper cover for less than $50. I have seen some go pretty cheap on ebay!

 

I'm pretty sure JUST the rear valence is around $15....atleast the front piece is

 

Isn't it about time your neighbors took down their Christmas lights?!

(new bumpers look cool, though)

 

so, tell me one more time, why dont you want center exit?


it just doesnt seem to make much sense.....

 

It costs more...it might look too much like a wanna-be cooper s....you would have to cut out some of the heat shielding. And some people prefer the side exit

 

i'm a rear bumper and a center exit exhaust away from a S clone lol

id be happy to be a S wanna be, but we all know whos got the coolest cooper......lol

 

RallyMINI basically sums it up on my reasons for not getting center exhaust.

And about the neighbords not changing the lights..uhh they have been in the process of moving so I guess they haven't cared for taking them down

 

Making it look like an S doesnt make it the coolest
, working with the natural beauty of the cooper is what really matters....i just have the front bumper

 

i have no s hood, no spoiler, and no side skirts from an S.


all i added were emblems and bumpers, and next an exhaust. i'm thinking of getting an aero spoiler tho...

 

emblems too? why?

I can understand a bumper change or spoiler change...or even hood change because they all improve the looks in some people's opinion...but adding red S's to a car most likely isnt about looks...?