I asked this question a couple of weeks ago, but it was buried in a thread, which was, likewise, buried in the "Interior/Exterior" sub-forum. And it got no answer. So, I want to bring it forward to the "big discussion" to see if anyone has an answer. As many of you may know, the configurator for a Mini Hardtop (whether Cooper or CooperS) now shows painted wheel arches with the factory aero package. This is a change which, as I understood it, was originally announced for next model year. Whether that information was/is correct, does the presence of painted arches with the aero kit on the configurator mean that any car(still 2008 model) ordered now will have the painted arches? I've asked two dealers, both of whom say that they're aware of the change on the configurator, but haven't yet been able to confirm that painted arches will now come with the factory aero. I can believe that; but that doesn't mean nobody knows. Is anyone privy to the facts?

 

This is a new feature on the MiniUSA Configurator, isn't it?

Have you sent an email to MiniUSA on the Owner's Lounge?
Log into the Owner's Lounge. At the top of the screen is Contact Us.
I used that twice and had answers within 24 hours both times.

 

Please post the answer. I am curious as well, as I am about to order my Mini, and I'm considering the aero package.

 

I usually don't expect much out of that particular kind of exchange. But if you've had a prompt, informative response twice, I'd say it's certainly worth a try. I'll send the question and whatever the answer, I'll post it here, for what it's worth.

Thanks!

 

I agree that the MiniUSA folks are prompt in replying to questions. However, both times I asked them 2009 JCW build questions about my car they said they didn't have any info and referred me back to my dealer! These were fairly (I thought) easy questions about the "Challenge" wheel, Alcantara wheel with controls, and the infamous confusion about aero kits.

 

FWIW, that's how the Canadian-spec R56 JCW are coming - factory aerokit with painted arches. You can see in the Canadian configurator.

Interestingly, the R55 JCW also comes with the factory aerokit, but according to the pictures, the arches are still black.

 

I really like the look of the painted arches. Have you heard anything from miniusa on this yet?

 

Each day I eagerly check my email - - - - - but no, nothing yet.

 

I just ordered 09'JCW yesterday w/factory aero pkg. and yes the wheel arches will be painted. Sales guy said Mini actually listened to what customrers were asking for and came through.

 

That's the most direct and reliable info we could get. Thanks for posting!

 

Im ordering my JCW on Friday, definitely going with the factory kit... painted arches look smooth with my chosen dark grey and black roof (as far as I can tell from the configurator).

I was a little worried that not having the "JCW" kit might take away a bit, but this thought is minimized by the difference in cost (2500 dollars installed for JCW quote from two dealers!) and the better looks.

 

I brought this thread forward one last time, partly because I did, finally, get an answer from MiniUSA, to my question about painted wheel arches. And it was exactly the same experience brt356 had. The response was relatively prompt, certainly friendly, but the rep said "they didn't have any new information about wheel arches being painted," and referred me back to my dealer. Odd responses from what we assume to be the central administrative source for Minis in this country.

The other reason I bumped this up again was because of the thread that just appeared today that ultimately concerned itself with the same question. My previous thread just occurred within the past two weeks, under a clearly self-evident title. What exactly are posters doing when they use the "Search" function?