I'm getting ready to tackle a aero kit with my friend this weekend. I downloaded the instructions off motoringfile.com and the instructions look very basic. Just simple bolt-ons. Simple but time consuming. Is there any tips, or anything I should know before I tackle this job?

 

Aero kits are awesome. You will have a great time installing it and learn some new stuff about your MINI in the meantime.

Assuming you have a new factory kit which included the large bag of needed clips for side skirts, you should be all set with needed hardware. If not, your MINI dealer can supply you with the some 50 dollars of clips needed to put the kit on.

Trim panel removal kits from Moss Mini is good to use, not totally necessary but unless you have some extra factory clips on hand for rear black ABS fender trim pieces. The clips you will need to re-use can snap pretty easy if not taken off properly. Then you will not be able to get the trim pieces back on tight.

The trim tools are are usually made of ABS plastic or rubber coated, of several different shapes and sizes to help take the OEM pieces off.

Depending on how old your lower OEM fog lights are and side marker lights, now is a good time to replace them with new set(s). eBay costs are about 80 bucks for new set for fogs and side markers are about 12 dollars a piece and free shipping from one vendor.

If they are anything like mine, the lenses can become opaque from road debris / age.

No need to remove the aluminum kick plates on the old side skirts, just remove all screws on either end and under side angle it outwards from bottom and give them a quick sharp tug to rear of MINI, clips under the kick plates are designed to snap off. That is why factory kits come with new replacment clips.

In my first kit, I had some issues with the rear black ABS fender wheel well trim meeting up nicely with the rear bumper...not sure, but I have heard there is a separate part no. for rear fender well trim made exclusively for MINI's with the aero kit...

What happens is that there is somewhat of a gap between the black plastic fender well trim piece and the bumper where they meet. There is a phillips head screw there which secure the bumper to the car's body at that juncture. Somtimes and as was in my case, you can have someone push that part of the bumper up tightly and then you tighten that flat head phillips head screw down. It will take up most of the gap but not all of it.

While the car is in service mode, before buttoning up the kit. Go around the car and clean out any bugs, leaves, acorns and other road debis caught up in there. If any parts can be touched up and painted, now would be good time.

Also depending on your mileage, it's a good time to inspect any radiator hoses, a/c lines not easily seen afterwards.

Good luck.

 

Sounds good. I may stop by Herb Chambers first to see how much those rear bumper clips are and grab some for insurance. If I don't use them, I can just return them.

 

I found the install to be pretty easy. Actually the biggest pain I had was on the front bumper by removing the top bolts and the back ones. You only need to remove the back ones. I do not have the rear bumper so no advise there.