OK, from the very first day I started speccing out the JCW bits I wanted with my dealer, I understood from my MA that the illuminated sill covers were not available in JCW form, only in "MINI" and in "Cooper S" variations... the JCW ones are not illuminated (which is what I have now).

Then I come across this page on realoem.com:

RealOEM.COM BMW R53 Cooper S ILLUMINATED DOOR SILL STRIP RETROFIT KIT

Now, I'll be the first to admit this is a 100%-total-bling-absolutely-no-performance-benefit mod... but I have to ask if anyone has seen them in person yet... the JCW ones, that is.

This might be a tough one to resist...

 

Edge, if you look at http://motoringfile.com/2005/10/19/2...ies/#more-4420
it looks like MINI is just starting to release some of the bits shown there. For example, the CF down tubes are also there but not the JCW E handle or Steering wheel yet although, on MINI2, they said the steering wheel is available in some countries. Looks like they are releasing some bits. The JCW wing is there too.

BTW, weren't you looking for the reversing camera? Its here http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...13&hg=66&fg=95

 

have a set in my car but im having electrical problems with it. my personal oinion the cooper s (illiminated sills) looks better and brighter.

 

Thanks chows, but I saw that story back then... in fact, if you scroll down you'll even see my comment in there. The thing is, JCW illuminated door sills were NOT mentioned there or on JCG's site or anywhere else I have seen until today... so while it may not be new to everyone, it's new to me!Again, thanks... but I'm way way ahead of you... I have part numbers and prices from a few overseas places, but I just haven't ordered it all yet... I may do so sometime soon, we'll see... but it's unfortunate that they are not released in the USA (officially). Oh, and if I do this, it won't just be for the reversing camera, it will be both cameras!Cool... do you have any pics? I'd be curious to see how they did it before I get them. I understand how you may like the Cooper S sills better... but if I do this it will definitely be for the JCW ones... in the meantime I just have the non-illuminated JCW sills. Very nice garage, BTW... of course I'm sure you get that all the time with a sig like that!

 

Does this mean that i have to get these now...

 

I just called and got a price for the kit (part # 51470404911)... $480! I think that's the full MSRP price. Obviously that does not include installation...

 

I wanted one (non-JCW) when I bought my car but price including installation was a bit over $600.
They look cool but couldn't justify the price for some bling.

 

Well I will not be getting them

 

Holy CRAP! I think that part can wait