Noticed the 2011+ features a different lower grill with 2 scoops/ ducts. Are these functional? If so, I'm assuming they duct the brakes, but could be my ignorance.
I couldn't fit my hand past the first few inches of my neighbor's 2011 S.

I'm asking because mine is on order and yet to be received.

Thanks.

 

I believe the passenger duct vents up to about the headlight while the driver duct is a functioning air intake for the stock air filter box.

At least that's what I could figure out when I installed a new intake.

 

The ducts in the front bumper for '11 and '12 MINIs are functional brake ducts. The air intake snorkle is just to the inside of the drivers side headlight behind the grill.

 

Correct, they are functional ducts. I was very surprised they are when I was looking at one of the dealer.

 

They are functional and look pretty cool IMO

It was apparently a frequently requested update from MINI drivers.

 

They are functional. There is no backing plate, but still, some air is pushed to the wheel wells. Before I upgraded to BBK, I ran the stock pads & rotors at our local track (pacific raceways) and I did not get any heat issues. So they definitely work. I'm sure if you do a long session at very hot, the stock pads will fail, but still, I was impressed that they held up.

Now with ducting and BBK... that is working REALLY well