Hello, I'm in the process of retrofitting a JCW aero kit to my Mini Cooper S and have run into a minor issue with the lower JCW grille.

Five of the top clips are broken, which has caused the grille to sag slightly—though it's not too noticeable.

I'm looking for suggestions on how to secure or repair this without damaging the bumper or drilling holes. I’ve tried using adhesive tape in the grille track, but it wasn’t strong enough.

Currently, I'm considering using zip ties with an adhesive base to attach the bumper. The zip tie mount would sit on the small lip inside the bumper where the little squares are (as shown in the photo below), and the zip ties would run through the black grille where the original clips would have secured the bumper.

Has anyone else encountered this issue and found other solutions? I'm open to any ideas.

 

The zip tie idea might work. With the bumper being white, it shouldn't get too hot and let loose.

I had to fix several on my setup. They were there but one side or the other broke. I bought a plastic welder, which puts a zig-zag piece of metal in the plastic, then reinforced it with some plastic epoxy glue.

 

Thank you, @DogfaceSGM, for your response and the helpful advice! The zip tie idea sounds promising, especially with the bumper being white. Your method with the plastic welder and epoxy glue for reinforcement seems like a solid solution. Do you happen to have any photos of your setup? Also, if you have any links for the tools or materials you used, that would be really helpful.

Thanks again!

 

I used Gorilla Glue Ultimate Epoxy. Below is the Plastic welder I got

 

I'm pleased to report that the adhesive and zip ties worked well. I may explore a more permanent solution later, but for now, I'm satisfied with the outcome.

After some trial and error, I realized I needed to clean the edge of the bumper with rubbing alcohol first to ensure a good bond. Once the surface was dry, I positioned the black grille to determine the necessary slack for the zip tie without overtightening. Pulling too tight could cause the adhesive mount to come loose, forcing me to start over.

I've included some photos of the results below. Let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions for a stronger adhesive bond to attach the cable tie mount to the bumper.

Thanks!

 

My only concern with your fix is longevity. I think after time and heat cycles (dead of summer with 90+ degree temps), the two sided tape will let loose. Let me know if I am wrong.

 

Yeah, I did as you advised and used gorilla glue ultimate epoxy.