I want a front radiator grill with the chrome trim for my 08 MCS. I've contacted Mini and they want 95$. I can get it at cost (well whatever they sell to people for in the industry) from a friend at a body shop. I am going to check with an import salvage yard next but didn't know if anyone knew where to get one or if anyone had one they want rid of.

 

how do you find a local import salvage yard? what kinds of things can you find there?

 

I just know of one here in Indianapolis. Maybe they're not common. Its a really neat place. There is a ton of stuff there. Literally anything you could want, given the car you're needing parts from is there. Also, I am in insurance and a body shop I send a lot of work to is able to look up parts no only at the local place but regionally using whatever network they have set up.

the salvage yard is creepy and cool at the same time. lots of airbags and damaged cars

 

I did just what you were describing. I replaced both the front and real grills to ones with the chrome trim. Relatively easy instill, but you must remove the bumper to do it.

Morristown MINI will sell you the grill for around $50. My local dealer quoted me $95 as well, but when I told them Morristown's price they matched it. As long as we're talking about the same part. It is #8 in this diagram:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...20&hg=51&fg=15

See what you can do. If your dealer won't pricematch, you can order directly from morristown. Shipping was like $8.

 

you can't just go under, remove the bottom guard pan thing and reach up to pop it out?

 

You can try. There are a lot of tabs holding the grill on. I have big hands and wasn't able to get enough leverage to pop the tabs. Once the bumper was off, it was very easy to get the grill off.

 

60$ to my door in under a week! Thanks Morristown!

 

right so looked around and don't know how to put this on. i have a friend who's sure he can but if i can do it i'd like to. what do i need to do? and how do i do it. i'm not very good at this stuff. i had imagined i'd go from behind and under and just pop the clips. anyone wanna give me a step by step? thanks!