My local dealer has a fairly well equipped Clubman that was ordered but the purchaser was unable to take delivery. They are eager to move it, as it is more equipped than most, and therefore not really too attractive (as well as $$$) One of the included options is the aero kit. For $1200 or so.....

My son, who wants me to buy this car, believes that a factory aero kit from BMW is going to be well designed and will enhance performance and mileage (not $1200 worth though....) That seems like a lot. It does look nice, but that very low front end worries me a bit.

So I toss it out here. Worth having? Any reason NOT to have it?

Jim Clark

 

Hey Jim,

As for the aero kit, well designed- yes. As for enhancing performance (maybe) and mileage (probably not), I feel that it is more of an aesthetic option although I may get blasted on that view. It is a chunk of change but it does look great and I sure wouldn't mind having that option now. I don't think the low front end is anything to worry about. I have lowering springs on my Clubman and the front end is fairly close to the ground but I have yet to experience any issues. If you like it and it's within your budget, go for it! Sure can't hurt the resale value.

 

JMO, but if you don't get it now at $1,200.00 when you do decide later on that you want it, and you just may, it will cost you probably double that painted and installed. And can get sort of tiresome using the black wow or other black plastic dressings on the plastic parts all the time.....

And what the heck, look at it this way, it only adds value to the car very much like the other options....auto / air cond / Nav / Leather .....

 

Hi tdiguy,
Last week I also took delivery of a loaded '09 Clubman S with the aero kit. It was a demo model that cost $2500 under MSRP with 5000 miles added warrantly, so I took the plunge and took a lease on it. I didn't want the aero kit in the first place either, but the car had most of the options that I wanted, plus it came with the Nav which took away that huge pie plate look in the center speedo. The car does look nice and different than other Minis (I haven't seen too many Clubmans in my town), and we feel that we got a great deal to boot!

 

I love my Aero kit, I will never buy a MINI without it. That being said, I love the "look" but it is quite flimsy and the front valance has several chips that on my PW MINI now just look like black spots. It differentiates it from other MINIs though and is a damn bargain compared to the JCW Aero kit.

 

i considered it when i bought mine, but after seeing a couple on the showroom floor, i decided against it...(a) because it looked like a p.i.t.a. to clean and (b) wasn't sure i would notice it unless i parked next to one that didn't have it. it just didn't seem as noticeable as i thought it would when i saw it up close and personal.

 

Does it keep the barn doors any cleaner? If it does, that might be worth $1200, IMHO

 

It rained over the weekend here and the barn doors got dirty. However, I don't have anything to compare with since I haven't seen a non-Aero Clubman's dirty barn doors.

 

get the kit

 

I love love love the Aero Kit!! I think it gives the body more presence.





Plus, it looks super sexy!!

I don't think it helps with gas mileage, but neither does my heavy right foot.

disclosure- The painted arches are not from the factory.

 

Too bad we can't order the factory Aero kit in Canada. I would have really like one