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Stock Problems/IssuesDiscussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.
We have rennline and a newer brand raceskids. Raceskids is shorted but 10 Guage steel. Rennline is aluminum and lighter and bit longer, both have oil access.
I have not lowered it myself, but it seems pretty low to me. Low enough that I wouldn't try to straddle a dead skunk. Did that once in my Jag E-type and it was instant regret.
Look up Skid Plate Guy on Facebook. I have bought several from him for different cars. Always good quality and fitment.
Picture below is for my daughters 2003 S model. It installed in 30 minutes, with real bolts, not plastic clips.
What did it end up costing you going this route? I looked at the work that the Skid Plate Guy has posted on Facebook and it looks pretty good, but how does it stack up?
What did it end up costing you going this route? I looked at the work that the Skid Plate Guy has posted on Facebook and it looks pretty good, but how does it stack up?
Yes, what was the total cost with shipping?
It doesn't appear top have a hole for oil changes nor does it have the three slots at the front like the others. Is that what you meant by real bolts and not plastic clips? Does it use existing tapped holes or require drilling and tapping?
It uses existing holes in the sub frame and frame horns. Steel U-nuts, with a real nut are slid over the holes and a bolt goes through the skid plate into the nut.
I am NOT a fan of having the access holes for service. It tends to encourage debris to accumulate on the pan (like rocks) that could lead to problems - like wearing a hole in the oil pan on our Rallycross car. Holes would also let stuff in - compounding the problem.
It is removed in minutes with 4 bolts. Three or four times a year is not an issue for me.
Regarding ground clearance - I also have an Audi A6 S-line with a skid plate from Skid Plate Guy. 6mm aluminum. This winter the frozen snow clumps have done a job on that plate. One dent is over 1" deep. It bent the whole plate upward.
The Mini has a full 1" less ground clearance than my A6. My daughter doesn't drive it in the winter due to it's low miles and great condition, but we live out in the country and have other hazards to deal with in the summer like road kill, dried clumps of mud and rocks falling off farm machinery, construction debris, firewood. This car sits very close to the road, the power steering assembly and cooling fan are all exposed and would be the first to go.
My R53 doesn't have anything protective under the engine and this is skunk mating season when they tend to cross the country roads totally oblivious to fast moving Minis. (I had to dodge two dead ones just yesterday,)
I ordered the aluminum skid plate from Rennline, and happened upon a "free shipping in February" perk, so I am looking forward to some peace of mind and Mini protection from road kill.
Now if it could just change the air flow underneath to keep the road dirt and debris from collecting on the Mini's butt I'd be an even happier camper.
Last edited by philwarner; Feb 28, 2018 at 08:25 AM.
Our "payback" moment happened last week when my son was driving the Mini through the next village and Chevy truck spit the driveshaft out the back. My son was 2 cars back and barely saw it before it went under the car. With no where to swerve to he went straight over it.
The double cardan end of the shaft banged off the skid plate hard. Made a minor klunk in the back, then punched a hole in the oil pan of the car behind him!
Here is my Rennline skid plate. It didn't keep a mouse from nesting on the fuel tank and eating through my fuel pump wires, but I've had no damage in the front with the Rennline. Gives me some peace of mind.
