I've not been a big fan of the chrome grill on the MC, so I swapped it for an MCS grill and I'm really happy with the results.

Here's a couple of quick photos (apologies in advance for the phone cam quality):

 

I PMed you to see if you will sell the chrome grille...
gaminis

 

PMed you back.

 

Looks good. Like the crown spokes too. How come you didn't just get an MCS though?

 

You must give us a DIY write up since you may be the first =) How was the fitment?
I thought they were shaped slighty different and couldn't be swapped.

 

There are some slight fitment issues, like 2 of the 4 pop fasteners in the top not having holes that line up properly, but they do fit in each other's holes.

One big issue putting the non-S grille on the S is that the AC condensor is mounted a bit higher because of the intercooler, so there is a bit of clearancing to do ont he back of two of the support ribs. Also, there are hardly any holes in the non-S grille, so it takes some serious dremel work to open it up.

S grille on the non-S shouldn't be all that bad. Anyone elso wanting to do that should let me know, I have two of the S grilles for sale now, one with the mounting brackets for the Rallye lights.

 

Thanks!

Regarding the MCS question, this car's a commuter queen that rarely leaves the city. I really enjoy the MC for what it is. It handles great, gets super mileage, and is fun to drive. For now, it's been a great way for me to tip-toe into the MINI world (leaving VW/Audi behind).

The MCS, I'm afraid, opens up a whole new world of speed and tuning options. Maybe next year.

 

Based on my experience, these comments are spot-on.

The one other thing that I wasn't prepared for is that the lower grill trim is paired with the grill piece. I.e., in the graphic below, Part C is unique to Part B. If you have a MC grill, you need the MC lower trim piece. Likewise, an MCS grill requires a specific lower trim piece. The upper trim piece, as best I can tell, is the same for both grills.



In my case, I bought the grill first (off of fleabay) and then found out that I lacked the necessary trim piece. Luckily, a nice NAMer sold me hers after she'd swapped to the JCW grill trim.

 

Maybe the first in the States (though I seriously doubt it). "Chip" over on MINI2 seems to be the first one to give it a go.

http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-e...ni-cooper.html

 

I like the previous generation's side MCS grille better also. Flat chrome is too cheesy.

 

I'm glad to know that we can still swap out the grilles.

I love my 4 slat chrome Cooper grille on my 03 MCS and am planning on doing the same thing in 08