Hi there!
First post from a new owner of a 2005 cooper s lighting blue!

Looking to blackout/paint the original horizontal slat grill.
But i would like to buy a used grill and paint that and keep the
Orinal in original color.

So i have found a 2002 r50/r53 upper grill for a very nice price,
Will it fit my 2005 car?

Br
/Jonas

 

Welcome and congrats on your new MINI.

An R53 grille would fit since the hood kept the same part number throughout production. Not sure about the R50, but someone here will.

 

Two things changed on the R50/R53 grilles in the 2005 "facelift"
Early R50 upper grilles have 4 slats, Late R50 upper grilles and all R53 grilles have 3.
All grille surrounds changed. Early ones have a "groove" while late ones are smooth.

 

This has pictures of both early and late grilles:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?d...l&titlesonly=0

 

All the R50, R52, and R53 upper grilles can be interchanged. The shape and mounting points are all the same, the only differences is the slats on them.

 

This Is so great having all you people willing to help!

Thank you again.

Br
Jonas