Confusion.

I see on the configurator...the trick to which seems to be an XP machine with DSL...that when configurating...I know that's not a word but I guess one has to use it...an MCSC that the Chrome Grille can be ordered separately.

So here's my question...is this truly the Grille only..because I had spec'd the Exterior Chrome package but dropped it because the mirrors and hinges didn't look right to me on the Cool Blue body.

I might like to have the chrome grille....or at least know it's a choice...

Is it?

Peter...grillling but not chilling...in Denver

 

I think you have to order it seperatly as a dealer installed accessory

 

you can definately order the chrome grille separately. I did mine following the instructions here on NAM and it took less than 1/2 for the upper and the lower was about the same. The cost was around $80, I think, from Classic MINI.

 

Ok - so we're talking about an aftermarket item right?

But what about the MINI item as shown on the configurator?

Peter in Denver

 

If you order the part from a MINI dealer, it's not going to be an aftermarket part. I'm almost sure you'll get the same part as if you ordered the chrome exterior package.

 

Right... ordering a grill after the the car is built isn't what I'm trying to do.

When you spec a MCSC, can you spec chrome grill alone? Without having to spec the Exterior Chrome Package. This is what I believe I am seeing on the configurator...am I seeing it correctly?

Peter..still confused ...in Denver

 

You cannot order just a chrome grille with the configurator. It is an all or nothing deal. You can, however, order just the grille as an accessory and either install it yourself or have the dealer install it. Since it would be an accessory, the dealer install will be parts + labor. This would be the exact same grille you get in the chrome exterior package, just not installed at the factory. To reduce variation, the factory only offers this as a package to simplify their parts and ordering and installation process.

I ordered the parts separate and installed both in under an hour and I would not say I am mechanically inclined. I just know which end of a screw driver to use.:smile:

hope that clears things up. One thing you might consider, depending on how much of the chrome you want, is to have the chrome exterior as a package and remove those that you don't want and sell them to wanting '02-'04 owners. I might be cheaper depending on what you want to have.

I recently just added a chrome boothandle to my 04 MCS and with the grille that came to about $150 in parts and then about 1.5 hours of my time.

 

Your idea of spliting up the chrome package has merit...but one of the things I do not want are the chrome boot lid hinges. On the Cabrio the hinges are exterior. Those in Chrome against the cool blue paint won't look good IMO.

The Chrome mirrors also are not for me. The mirrors might be marketable but the hinges are only applicable to a Cabrio and then I'd need painted hinges myself.

I guess I'll wait and buy the grille from the dealer if I want it.

Thanks for the help!

Peter..clarified...in Denver