One of the biggest disappointments in the 07 MCS is the that it looks like someone stole the grille. I've heard conflicting information about it, but does anyone have any definitive information as to whether the MC grille can replace or be adapted to fit the MCS?

Past that the MCS side markers and gas cap IMHO also reach new levels of ugliness.

Give me a classic Mini (smooth out some of the lines), shoehorn the new MCS engine in it (maybe an innovative AWD system too), and I'd be in automotive heaven.

But right now I'll settle for the MC grille. Can it be done?

jas cooper
coopersburg, PA
07 Cooper S (Astro 'not really' Black)

 

1SXE-MINI has done it to his car and explains how. Looks great, too:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=102774

 

I really want to do this to my car as well. However, the grill I have seen on various websites to swap out is for the 02-06. I need one for the 07. I know everything has changed for the 07 so I'm hesitant on ordering it. Has anyone changed the 07 grill? If so, where did you get the grill? Or will the 02-06 work?

Thanks!

 

No the 02-06 will not work, but did you happen to read my post directly above yours? 1SXE-MINI's is an '07 S.

 

"One of the biggest disappointments in the 07 MCS is the that it looks like someone stole the grille."

WHAAATTT!!! i love the new MCS grille. in fact its one of my favorite changes they made. got rid of that cutsie looking small slats grill. also has no gleaming chrome like the MC grill. its sporty and looks like the car is ready to suck up some major air. its aggressive and mean looking. I LOVE IT!!!! thats you opinion. i say you want a cutsie grille get yourself a cooper.

 

The cheap way ,like the old Shelby Cobra remove the grill,rocks hitting the radiator probably not to good though.

 

+1

 

Actually, I did read the post above regarding 1SXE-MINI's grill. I was hoping not having to modify the 02-06 grill. I was checking to see if perhaps that someone has found a 07 grill that will not have to be modified so extensively.

 

I read a thread about the grille change for the R56 recently (can't find it now, sorry). I think the MC and MCS grilles are interchangeable with very slight mounting differences. Do a search, the thread was in the last couple days.
Edit: he has the thread quoted correctly below.

 

I'm not sure I'm understanding you KEK. The grill in the thread is from an 07 Cooper (non-S). Didn't seem to me that he had to do "extensive" mods to get it to fit.

 

What you call 'cutsie', I call 'understated'. If I'm not mistaken, the prize goes to the guy who crosses the finish line first, not the one with the meanest looking car.

Thanks for the responses. 1SXE-MINI's info is just what I needed.

 

This is something that seems to have gone by the wayside with the R56 is the grills are model specific. 1sxe-mini had to mod the MC grill to put it on the MCS. How about going the other way around? I'd like to see the JCW blacked out grill on the MC. That looked great on the R50s.

 

There are pics on MINI2. See this thread: http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-e...ni-cooper.html

 

Try the JCW grill that Dan from Mach V did. Just find his thread....

 

Well, when you read it, did you see this quote?

So THAT IS AN '07 GRILLE. To do an '07MC to '07 MCS swap, you must modify the grille. No way around it. An '02-'06 grille won't even come close to fitting in that opening. Totally different size and shape.

 

Hey! I think that looks really great. Thanks for going to the trouble of posting and linking those rk

You know what else is a good look is the Mini One grill which is the slatted grill in black with the chrome surround. I guess I'm not a chrome guy. I like the chrome trim on the car and I'd never go for blacking it out, but the chrome grill is a bit much for me.

Anybody ever seen a grill painted to match the body color like the R53?