I've noticed that many people do not opt for the factory kit, making the wheel arches body colored. I plan on getting a MCS sport in the future and want to be well informed.

Is there a reason why people don't get this or is it just personal preference? For instance, if this is an area where the paint is easily chipped and that is the reason people don't get it, I would like to know prior to getting it. Personally, I like it when the wheel arches, etc. are painted.

 

dido on the painted wheel arches
makes the car look sic!! im workin on painting mine

 

you mean the aero kit? i'm guessing people don't opt for i bcs they'd rather spend the money ($1250 right now) on other options (like the premium package--also $1250. includes sunroof and multi-function steering wheel). having got the aero kit but not the premium package, i know i'm very much in the minority.

if you're worried about chips, you can always get a clear bra (which is what i did). do a search for that term in the forums and you'll get an abundance of advice/opinions. for that reason, i haven't had any chip problems.

 

I have a clear bra on my 335 and I agree with using it to prevent chips.

There are probably some options I will not get that others have, but premium, aero and convenience are at the top of my list of things I want.

How do you like white? I'm all about white cars - my Accord and BMW are both white - but I think I might go silver this time around. I also noticed you got the sports package which is something I might skip. After taking a 1800 mile trip in the 335 with sport I'm not too keen on it. Yes, it makes the car great, but I would think the MCS would be great without it too.

 

People seem to prefer the JCW Aero Kit to the Factory Aero Kit. Before 2009 the Factory Aero Kit did not come with painted wheel arches, which made it very unpopular, which didn't help.

Nothing more than that I'd assume.

 

I have to say I prefer the wheel arches unpainted or even painted another color, and if I was spending money on a kit I do prefer the JCW, although the rear is much nicer on the Factory.

The factory aero kit does offer a unique look, that I too am surprised more people don't opt for. It also seems like less and less are getting it (seemed like a lot more people in 2007-2008). I also think its strange since as DrewN noted (although IIRC it was mid 2008 MY) it now comes with painted wheel arches, the kit does not look right without them, the lines are all messed.

 

nothing wrong with it at all.
now that you dont have to pay extra for paint and installation.
its a nice option, i opted for and have been very happy not seeing my cars twin on the road

 

I love the factory aero kit! I prefer it over the JCW aero kit with the unpainted arches - painted arches tie it all together much better, IMHO. At $1250, I think it is a bargain. Before I bought my used cabrio all the MINI's I built at MINIUSA had the aero kit.

A clear bra is nice, but I still have numerous rock chips on the car I bought from Colorado. Not in the spots the bra covers (although something big hit my lower bumper and actually damaged the bra down there) but around the headlight rings, where the bra meets un-bra'd bonnet, etc. It won't stop every chip.

 

i love PW! it's a little creamy and warmer than BMW's white. it might just be me, but i think sometimes PW looks less creamy and more bright under certain lighting conditions.

as for the sport package--it doesn't include the sports suspension this year. the sport package is the xenons, white tail lights, DTC, bonnet stripes (which i didn't get bcs i chose to get mine custom-done) and 17" web or crown spokes. i didn't opt for the sport suspension and chose the LSD instead.

 

I have it on mine. I had the arches painted to match the body. I love it.