Hi guys!

Well, it seems like I have to finalize my Cooper's specs before it starts production soon. The only thing I am unsure about is the chrome package. Right now I have it included @ $250. However, I have been searching different Mini websites, and there doesn't seem to be any visible difference with the grill- the only difference I see is the chrome side mirrors and a chrome bar thingy underneath the grill (if I'm wrong, please let me know!).


Does the base cooper really come with chrome grill, like this (as shown in the Canadian conf.):


And the chrome exterior adds very little, as shown WITH chrome package:


I really like the chrome grill, but it (seems) comes standard, so is it worth is to pay $250 for chrome mirrors? Additionaly, would chrome mirrors look funny on a CR/W Cooper??

I will greatly appreciate any opinions/expertise!!

merikk

 

I may be wrong here but I think that for 05 it comes with a body color grill as standard.

 

This isn't an 05 Cooper, but I found this on MINI2 sometime ago of a CR/W, probably 03 Cooper with and without Chrome. I like the Chrome.

 

I believe that the chrome package also includes a portion of the rear bumper on the 05 MC.

So the Chrome Exterior Package would be: Front lower grille lip, mirror caps, and the rear bumper lip

 

'05 chrome package also includes chrome rings around the fog lights. If you look really carefully you can see them in the pictures you posted above...

 

It's just personal opinion, but I think the white mirror caps look better with the white roof.

 

Merikk,

The chrome grille is standard on the Cooper. A body color grille is standard on the S. A chrome grille (3 bar, not 4) is available for the S. So, yes, the option is for the front and rear "lip" pieces and the mirror caps.

Cheers!

 

Thank you everyone! I think I will *try* to cancel the exterior chrome. I like the white mirror caps better.

Who would have thought this would be so confusing???????

merikk

 

I hear ya . Thank goodness for NAM, yeah?!

 

If you think the chrome mirror caps are too much, you can buy white or black replacement mirror cap inserts, and thus still have some chrome bumber bits. This is something I'm concerned about as well, but I'll just do the above if I don't like the chrome mirror look in person. (I still want my other chrome bits though, so I'm stuck having to pay, regardless.) The OEM chrome option stuff is not badly priced, at all, if you compare such prices to what aftermarket suppliers are asking. Oh, and the OEM chrome is apparently considered to be of superior quality, by those that've had a chance to compare.

 

We have an '04 Cooper and went back and forth on the chrome package. Ultimately, we didn't get it and have been really glad. The simpler two color contrast seems more classic

 

Thanks everyone!! I really appreciate the advise. I ended up cancelling the exterior chrome package-- I won't miss the bumper inserts, am not crazy about the chrome mirrors with my CR/W, and am glad to save $250! Granted, I could have replaced the mirror caps with white ones- but thats just an added expense.
Seems like I made the change in the last second, too- my Mini should be going into production as early as next week yayyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!

merikk

 

I too cancelled the chrome package when I found out it had to have chrome mirrors. But who cares about chrome when you have a production number! I'm looking at a November delivery. CR/W Cooper, sports seats - White mirrors!

Duff

 

Good attitude Duff, but you will lose it as soon as the interminable wait to get our Minis grinds on . I kept the chrome on my MCS Cabrio, because it does add quite alot on the grill and rear boot that I liked. Not so sure about the chrome mirrors either, but can always switch those out to something else like the checkered.

Topless is always a good thing,
Mike