I'm still a few months away from placing my order but have already been obsessing for several weeks. I hear that's normal, though...

I have most of the details nailed down on the 2004 MCS I'm going to order but I like the look of the chrome grill on the MC vs. the painted grill on the MCS. Is it possible to order it with a chrome grill from the factory? Is there a charge or is it a no cost option?

At a minimum, I image I can simply order the part after the fact and install it myself. Has anyone done this?

Thanks in advance,
Alex

 

Alex, that is an interesting question. I've got an MCS and I would LOVE to replace my painted grille with a chrome one. I don't think you are able to order an MCS with the chrome grille.

 

In Europe you have the option of ordering a Cooper S with a chrome grill. The US does not. I guess Mini USA wants to prevent any possible confusion between the two cars.

 

The chrome grill kit IS now available for the S models...here's the write-up and part numbers. If you'd like to see it there, do a search on http://www.bridger.us/mini for "grill."

BRIDGER REPORT:

"It's been a long time in coming but now MCS owners can officially join the chrome grille club. In the past those that wanted the the chrome look had to alter (cut) the MC four-bar chrome grille to get it to fit into the MCS hood. However with this new grille it should be a fairly straightforward installation. Here's the actual text from the service bulletin (supplied by an internal source):

"Aftersales is pleased to announce the release of a chrome grille for the MINI Cooper S. Available in the same three-bar pattern as the factory-equipped body coloured grille, the new chrome piece is an easy install and is sure to brighten up any Cooper S. It's attention grabbing styling lends a unique look."

Here are the part numbers:
Grille (upper) - 51 13 7 122 473 - $72.25
Grille (lower) - 51 11 7 032 900 - $24.25

:smile:

 

This is going on my Christmas list. I have driving lights, so I hope that doesn't complicate the install too much.

God speed.

 

Arrrgh. Now I have a tough decision to make for my next exterior mod. Will it be the chrome grill or the black honey comb grill from the aerokit?

 

I love my chrome grill
It was installed at the dealers and goes great with the driving lights.



_________________
"Life's a journey, not a destination" - Aerosmith
2004 CR/B MCS "Rosie" (as in "A Whole Lotta Rosie&quot Picked up Friday October 3, 2003
Premium Package - Cold Weather Package
Sport Package - Harmon Karmon
Chrome Grill - Aux Input-Driving Lights

 

I also have the Chrome Grill...but not car yet (10/25 pickup!). Save some money and order it from Classic Mini in Ohio. Their prices are cheaper than any other dealer. And I hear the grill is easy enough to install youself. I guess I will find out in a few weeks.

 

Thanks GJR. That'll definitely be on my must have list along with the chrome mirror caps.

Alex

 

>>I love my chrome grill
>>It was installed at the dealers and goes great with the driving lights.
>>
>>
>>
>>_________________
>>"Life's a journey, not a destination" - Aerosmith
>>2004 CR/B MCS "Rosie" (as in "A Whole Lotta Rosie&quot Picked up Friday October 3, 2003
>>Premium Package - Cold Weather Package
>>Sport Package - Harmon Karmon
>>Chrome Grill - Aux Input-Driving Lights


Woo!!!!!!!!!! I like this look with the chrome grill on the S

 

AlexR wrote:
>>At a minimum, I image I can simply order the part after the fact and install it myself. Has anyone done this?

I have. It is not very difficult, but there are some steps that require a good bit of finesse. And you need to remove the bumper to replace the lower slat. Let me know if you want the details.

 

Please post the details as I am hoping to do it this weekend.

 

Sure, It's not big deal to do. I have a Red MCS, sans Stripes, and have recently installed the chrome grille. Looks great!

Here's what I did:

There are several nuts on the underside of the hood that hold on the grille and mustache bar (chrome piece). You only need to remove the chrome piece, but I took the whole thing out so I could work on it sitting on the floor. Be careful not to drop the clear washers behind the nuts as you remove them. Also, push pull lightly on the grille as you remove the nuts to keep them from spinning on the nubs.
The painted pieces (grille rungs) snap over the underlying, black grille frame.
Take your time and be patient, unsnapping the rungs and remove the painted piece. Then snap on the chrome rung cover. Reassemble in reverse order.

Lower requires that you remove your bumper cover, again, no big deal. There are approximately 7 bolts total that you'll have to remove: Two toward the outside of the car within the wheel wells (one each side), the three in the center under the front bumper, and two on top of the bumper cover (silver torx head) that hold the top of the bumper cover to the front of the car. Then pop the tabs on top of the cover in the middle (plainly visible on top of bumper cover) and slide the whole thing forward. Next, twist out each of the lights from the cover, including two side markers (one in each fender flare) your front turnsignals, and front markers. Be sure not to mix up your flare marker lights and your front marker lights, although I'm not sure it matters much so long as they have the same bulbs. Also, pop the temp sensor off of the back of the front grille mesh area.

The bottom grille rung is glued in. Pop off the glue and push out the tabs to remove it. Snap off the colored rung, and snap on the chrome one, similar to the upper grille. Then replace the bottom grille. You can re-glue the tabs if you wish, using a hot glue gun. Reassemble in reverse order.

Stand back and admire your work.
Hope this helps...

Cheers!
MinMax

 

Here is a picture of the Cooper grille( four slats) I put on my MCS and also chrome mirror covers.




Look behind me, It's HARMINI !!!
_________________







Regards - Dan

'03 MCS DS/DS, r-83 (5 star)wheels, chrome mirrors/grill