Are the Chrome Bumper Inserts chrome covered plastic, or chromed metal?

 

I installed my chrome bumper inserts after I got the car so I had the chance to really "study" them.

I came to the conclusion they are metal (they feel cold and "ding" when you bang them with your fingers). It still could be plastic though, but it feels much more resistant than the plastic grille.

 

Meximinime,
I ordered my Cooper, and spec’d it out exactly the way I wanted. At least I thought I did. Turns out I forgot one thing: The chrome inserts!

 

They are plastic.

 

definitely plastic.

I got a little scratch on mine and it went clear through to the black plastic underneath.

 

I wonder if the after market are metal. I was hoping the OEM inserts were metal for durability. It would only take one shopping cart disaster to ruin my year.

 

i think someone should make some hyper black inserts and grills!
that would be hot!

 

Hello... I Believe it is a actual solid crome piece that is inserted through that back-side of the bumper. I had the rear crome piece replaced in my back bumper because it look like heat damage from the factory.. :???:

 

>>Hello... I Believe it is a actual solid crome piece that is inserted through that back-side of the bumper. I had the rear crome piece replaced in my back bumper because it look like heat damage from the factory.. :???:


Not the OEM ones, they are DEFINITE plastic. It would cost you much more for real chrome inserts.

 

Plastic. I bought a set from Mini, cut off the tabs and installed them using double stick automotive trim tape to stick them on. That was some 17,000 miles ago.

 

>>Meximinime,
>>I ordered my Cooper, and spec’d it out exactly the way I wanted. At least I thought I did. Turns out I forgot one thing: The chrome inserts!
I did the same thing, and my dealership (Rasmussen MINI) put them on for me. I was totally bummed when I found out I'd forgotten them, and was ready to cancel and reorder to get them, when the dealership let me know that they could do them. I have a PS/B MC, and I sometimes wonder what the black inserts would look like instead of the chrome. It would be way cool if they could be switched out- depending on one's mood.

 

I saw them on MINIMANIA.. the rear one at least
http://new.minimania.com/NewMiniSear...p;ShowIcons=No
I like them.

I'm also curious about installation, minimania calls theirs "covers"
Don't see any detail on what the tabs look like.
Are the standard non-chrome ones also inserts at the factory?, or do they "punch-out" tab slots on regular bumpers and slip the chromies' tabs through & bend them to hold?

 

As of the 2003 model year, you can order either jet black plastic bumper inserts along with the chrome ones for $120.


I saw the black plastic inserts and didn't like them.

I don't have either as the inserts are color body matched on ours and looks great!

 

Now I know they are plastic. I could never figure it out because they are coated both inside and outside.

I got the chrome inserts directly from MINI, they were not expensive. About $30 bucks each fron one and $60 the back one (In Mexico where they probably charged a hefty price).

They installed them at the dealer too and that was VERY expensive. I got ripped off because of their inexperience (again, in Mexico)

The easiest way to install them is by removing the fascias, then you have to make several holes, the inserts just snap on. It doesn´t seem that difficult, if you have the right tools to cut through the fascia.

Even though I got ripped off with the installation I love the looks of the car with the chrome inserts. Without them it looks like it´s lacking more personality