What is the purpose for the Aero Kit or is it just for looks?

Thanks...

 

it really is just for looks. but i am happy i got it. the configurator IS deceptive though, as the side rockers aren't completely colored.

 

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's just for looks.

But man is it sweet.

 

I am SO glad I got it. I'm the only one in town that has it. Though, there are only like 5 running around total that i've seen!

 

Just looks, although some might argue the design moves air around and under the car better at higher speeds.

Most automakers, when they create a higher-performance model like the JCW, add modified body panels to make the car look distinctive. The difference with MINI is that you can get the JCW body kit without the other performance options ... or the performance options without the kit.

I had no intention of getting the body kit until I went to the dealer to order my MINI. There was a yellow MCS on the floor with the JCW kit. Had to have it. Have never regretted getting it. I simply like the look.

 

My CPO Hot Chocolate Clubman came with the aero kit installed according to the sticker , I'm honestly not sure what's different about it, it seems pretty subtle. I'd have to answer "neither".

 

the bumpers have full color to the ground, and the side skirts have color on them.

also.. the JCW aero kit is NOT the same at the factory aero kit.

 

I got the Aero Kit just for the looks.

 

TWO THUMBS UP TO THIS ^ CLUBMAN! LOOKS GOOD!

 

Correct, the JCW Kit makes the car look much wider by flattening the front and rear bumpers some. They also have more black trim in them. The areo kit also features painted trim all around (minus the arches on the clubman.)

Here is a comparison shot of the two, Aero on the left, JCW on the right.

 

I believe the purpose of the Factory Installed Aero Kit is to separate the purchaser from $1250. I think it is part of the government's "Suckers for Cash" stimulus program.

 

Not at all, it gives the car a little more, "edge" to its look.

 

The factory kit does include aerodynamic underbody paneling. I don't think even the JCW kit has it.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...84&hg=51&fg=75

 

just for looks but love it

 

The JCW Aero Kit for the R55 Clubman is NOT available yet. IMHO this kit is much better looking than the factory kit. I have seen several clubman with the factory aero kit and it just looks like it was attached after the car was painted. The cutoff at the arches is just odd.

I have been told the JCW Clubman aero kit will be available when the 2010 models hit the floors later this year.

This is going to be a "Dealer Installed" option ONLY from the start and is not painted. So there will be a prep, paint and install charge from the dealer.



You can get a complete Accessories catalog at your local MINI Dealer, there is a COMPLETE price list with part#'s in a catalog "Mini Motoring Accessories" MMA-128

NOTE: PRIMED KIT (NOT PAINTED)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
JUSTA CLUBMAN
Cooper Clubman Kit W/Park Distance Control part# 51 19 2 156 735 LIST PRICE 1745.00

Cooper Clubman Kit W/O Park Distance Control part# 51 19 2 156 736 LIST PRICE 1745.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
CLUBMAN S and CLUBMAN JCW
Cooper Clubman S Kit W/Park Distance Control part# 51 19 2 156 733 LIST PRICE 1895.00

Cooper Clubman Kit W/O Park Distance Control part# 51 19 2 156 734 LIST PRICE 1895.00

 

That is the same with all other JCW accessories. Unless it is the JCW engine/clutch/turbo, it is put on at the dealer.

 

The R56 Coupe non-JCW aero kit was painted and installed at the VDCs before delivery to the dealer durning 2007. Did it ever become factory installed?

The original purpose for aero kit type modifications was to increase down-force at high speeds. This provides better stability and more grip for cornering. Anyone remember when the Ford GTs at La Mons were having trouble because they were getting airborne at 200 mph? Some of the guys racing MCS Coupes claimed they were having stability problems at 150 mph, until they installed aero kits.

Aero kits were popularized mainly by Ricers. That is when they became a style accessory.

I couldn't tell you whether the MINI aero kit actually increases down-force at highway speeds.

 

Some "real" pics of the Clubman JCW aero kit, from the recent UK launch of the factory JCW Clubman: http://theswitchback.com/driven/mini...-works-clubman (rave review -- they think it's the best MINI currently in production).

The factory JCW Clubman is only now becoming available in the UK because they were waiting for the JCW Clubman aero kit (included as standard in the UK spec).





I believe you can arrange to have the JCW aero kit painted and installed by the VDC, at slightly lower cost than dealer installation. This can be done with the stage 1 tuning kit as well.

 

Yes, the non-JCW areo kit comes complete and installed from the factory now for all 2nd gen cars. I saw at least one of each straight off the boat back in May. I forget when they started factory installing them, sometime in 2008, I think.

BTW, as someone pointed out above with the diagram from Realoem, the Factory kit is NOT just for looks. If it was, they wouldn't put the panels on the underside of the car. Afterall, you can't see the panels unless you climb under the car or put it on a lift.

Here's mine and RadioFlyer's cars a couple of hours after being unloaded at Port Hueneme (and yes, they were coincidentally parked right next to each other ):




Here's the starting point of my posts on my visit to PH:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post2781304

 

man! mine hasn't looked that clean since!! =)

 

SteelersFan,

I noticed that you have all the "trim" painted to match your car. When I ordered my Mini I never saw that option. The Aero kit I saw had the matching paint only go part way up - so...where did I go wrong?

 

Look closely... Mine is not a Clubman. Sorry for any confusion. For some reason the Clubman Factory Aero Kit doesn't have painted arches (yet?).