R50/53 Making Progress - 05 R53Rebuilder - Need Advice

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Jun 4, 2014 | 02:36 PM

speed6

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1st Gear

Joined: May 2014

Posts: 14

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Making Progress - 05 R53Rebuilder - Need Advice

I've been doing great on parts....

New OEM hood - $300

Absolutely perfect OEM xenon headlight assemblies - $460 for the pair

I'm looking for advice / experience on replacing the radiator support. Has anyone used an aftermarket part like this

Amazon.com: OE Replacement Mini Cooper Radiator Support (Partslink Number MC1225102): Automotive

? The OEM part is about 2X the price. This one has good reviews. Is a part like this important to buy OEM for any reason? Its hidden for the most part but It may be important for alignment reasons.

Thanks in advance!

Chad in Tulsa

Jun 4, 2014 | 03:56 PM

ZippyNH

6th Gear

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 12,605

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From: Southern NH

BE VERY careful about amazon parts...
the "DOES IT FIT" feature is useless on a MINI....most r50 parts fit a r53..but not all....
BE sure you cross reference ANY part number you buy there with the OEM or other reliable 3rd party!!
PS rock AUTO has the same part for $108..also lists the OEM part number..so you can cross referance it with the OEM number to be 100% sure it fits..not saying it does or does not...
but use REALOEM.COM to get the OEM part #, then compare!!