I was looking at my MC (oops) (wife's base model - no snickers please, I have found some S owners to be rather snobish towards us base owners) today and noticed that the upper 3 slats have solid plastic blocking air flow. Anyone know why?

 

Hadn't noticed...I'll check.

Oh, and we are Cooper owners, not "base." A Cooper is tuned MINI One (which we don't get here in the U.S.) so your Cooper is already tuned from the factory.

 

Probably the same reason that the S model has a fake air scoop in the hood, astetics. That airflow is possibly not needed in the MC. I myself have a MC, but I have not witnessed any "snobishness" from other S owners. They have been very supportive of us if I may say so.

 

Well, we do try to be encouraging, djam, what with the shorcomings you have to endure. Just kidding. Personally, I bought what I wanted, for the reasons I wanted, and I assume Cooper owners did the same. No reason for one to be snobbish to the other.

 

Only the early R56 MCS had a blocked scoop. Mine is a week 13 build and the scoop allows air-flow through, and when stopped, vents heat from the turbo.

 

I have a week 20 build, I am pretty sure mine are blocked?

I wouldn't be snobbin' any MINI drivers. MC, MCS, 50, 53, or 56. They picked the best model for their needs. I did that for mine. Same diff.
Those folks just don't sound that nice. Hope they get over it.

 

Look carefully.

 

I stand corrected.

Our MINI gets fresh air thru its fully functional hood scoop.

Who woulda thunk!