Does anyone have a picture of a new 2005 MINI Cooper, without the exterior chrome trim package? Supposedly, new promotional pictures from MINI always show chrome exterior trim. (Though I don't always see the chrome mirror caps in these photos, so that's not entirely true.) But, if the exterior chrome trim package is not ordered on a new MINI, what's in place of the thin strips of chrome running along the front and rear bumpers? Nothing at all? Just body color? Something black, instead? (Obviously I'm still weighing options. )

I don't like the new exterior bumper design as much as the old design, but that's a seperate issue. It's still ok, with chrome, in my book. But without?

Which reminds me, does the 2005 non-Xenon headlight set up still have the funky hi-tech optics look to it? I understand that either one will now be glass, instead of the prior plastic, which I consider to be an improvement. Other than that, the look is...ok. (I did like the more classicly, traditional appearance of the OLD style.)

 

I'm no expert but I think the chrome srtip fore and aft are standard. (...even on a One!) That's my understanding anyway. The added trim seems reserved for fogs and the like. Also, the Xenons are the ray-gun looking headlights. IMO, the non-Xenons are better...very cool, very round, and accentuate the shape of the whole headlight assembly nicely. I like them and even slightly prefer them over the past design.

Sorry....at work and no time to find pics.

 

I have a 2004 MC without the chrome trim. The bumper cover has no holes for the chrome strips to snap into. The only alternative is to cut holes (scary operation) or cut off the tabs from the chrome strips and glue them in place ( I don't like that option either.)

If you want the chrome bumpers, I strongly suggest that you order them on the car. It could very well be that this is a no cost option.

Enjoy,

 

I think I saw a pic of the 2005 MC w/o chrome. The thin strip was body colored. I saw the pic on the international site.

 

Hmmm...

Thanks for the info on the Xenons. I am considering dropping them to afford a sunroof, w/o breaking the bank. There seems to be some confusion on the exterior chrome, eh? It's not something I want to be taking a chance on, so I might keep that, relatively low cost option, just to be safe. But, damn, w/o chrome might be cool in it's own way!

 

goto mini.co.uk and configure a cooper. It will show a body colored strip (not chromed)

 

Ah yes, indeed, I see.

Checked out the UK cinfigurator, and I see what you mean. It's too bad their set up doesn't allow you to see additional options on your vehicle, as the US MINI site presently does. (I wonder if that'll change with the 2005 US configurator, whenever it finally shows up. )

In the end, I find that real life pictures provide me much more useful information. In fact, if it were not for other member's pictures, I'd not have been as interested as I am in some of the available colors. (Such as PW & LY.)

Thank you for your assistance. :smile:

 

You can find US pricing here: http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/...icingspec_pdfs

Even though it's for the convertible 99% of it is the same for the hardtop.

Chrome Line Exterior is listed for $250 - money well spent IMHO.

Here's some info about the improved xenons: http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/06/...ghts_in_action

However if it's between a sunroof or xenons I'd probably choose the sunroof.