Interior/Exterior Painted front grille?
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#31
Originally Posted by rkw
I discovered that you can purchase OEM black slat grills from MINI. I noticed that the MINI One (the low end MINI model sold in Europe) comes standard with a black grill (as well as black boot handle and mirror covers). I asked Classic MINI about availability, and they returned with a quote:
Black bonnet grille p/n 51137116964 MSRP $42.50 Classic $34.00
Black bumper grille trim strip p/n 51117032899 MSRP $16.90 Classic $13.52
Adhesive strip for bumper grille trim p/n 51111490960 MSRP $9.20 Classic $7.36
I'm going to order a set and install it on my 2006 Pepper White MCC, which arrives in October. My car should end up looking very much like this (image from UK configurator):
The black grill looks very nice on the Seven Edition MINI One in Solar Red:
Black bonnet grille p/n 51137116964 MSRP $42.50 Classic $34.00
Black bumper grille trim strip p/n 51117032899 MSRP $16.90 Classic $13.52
Adhesive strip for bumper grille trim p/n 51111490960 MSRP $9.20 Classic $7.36
I'm going to order a set and install it on my 2006 Pepper White MCC, which arrives in October. My car should end up looking very much like this (image from UK configurator):
The black grill looks very nice on the Seven Edition MINI One in Solar Red:
#33
3rd Gear
Like on this CR Mini here.....
Kit can be purchased here:
http://outmotoring.com/mini_aero_grill_kit.html
There are many threads on NAM about how to install these grills into the stock (non-aero) bonnett and bumper, this mod does take some custom fitting as you will learn....
Here is the Motoring File PDF on how to install it... i found this to be a little hard to understand:
http://motoringfile.com/howto/
I also found an EXCELENT thread on NAM that helped me visualize these instructions... I could not understand how to cut the lower grill and where to paint the bumper black... but this helped:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=40017
I think it is a bargain for the price of the mod....
Ryan
Kit can be purchased here:
http://outmotoring.com/mini_aero_grill_kit.html
There are many threads on NAM about how to install these grills into the stock (non-aero) bonnett and bumper, this mod does take some custom fitting as you will learn....
Here is the Motoring File PDF on how to install it... i found this to be a little hard to understand:
http://motoringfile.com/howto/
I also found an EXCELENT thread on NAM that helped me visualize these instructions... I could not understand how to cut the lower grill and where to paint the bumper black... but this helped:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=40017
I think it is a bargain for the price of the mod....
Ryan
#34
Originally Posted by jsound
Hey thanks for the information! I'm going to call the Mini dealerships near me in Southern California to see what their prices are. Do the slats come with information as to how to install them? I'm scared I might break them off or something.
I'm sure that a local dealer would quote the MSRP prices. Classic MINI offers their discounted NAM prices for mail orders. I'm still deciding on my order for Classic MINI (including a bunch of other items) and it will be a few days before I place mine.
As for installation, the bonnet grill is held on by plastic nuts. You might want to ask for extra nuts because they seem to break easily during removal. The bottom slat is on the bumper and it is simply stuck on with double sided tape. The proper way to change it is by first removing the bumper, which involves unscrewing 7-8 screws and bolts. However, I've read about someone who simply pried off the slat with a blade, without removing the bumper.
#35
As for installation, the bonnet grill is held on by plastic nuts. You might want to ask for extra nuts because they seem to break easily during removal.
The nuts are actually metal. They cut their own threads on the plastic post on the grille insert. When I found that mine would not tighten enough to keep the grille flush, I went to my local Ace hardware and found what are called "push-nuts" that fit the post.
Jim
The nuts are actually metal. They cut their own threads on the plastic post on the grille insert. When I found that mine would not tighten enough to keep the grille flush, I went to my local Ace hardware and found what are called "push-nuts" that fit the post.
Jim
#36
#37
I replaced my lower slat without removing the bumper cover. The hardest part was getting the original one off without destroying the adhesive or gouging anything with my prying tools. I used a screwdriver blade wrapped in masking tape and a couple of old credit cards for prying. It got easier once the adhesive started to give. I worked from one end to the other.
The upper grill was more problematic: The self-tapping nuts are an utter pain, but having read about the bad experiences some others had, I used a pir of needle-nose locking pliers (pointy vise-grips) to grip and unscrew the the nuts. By unscrewing carefully, I was able to preserve the "threads" in the plastic posts. I also used a masking-tape wrapped screwdriver blade to help provide outward force behind the nuts when unscrewing them.
The hardest part for me was removing the slat cover from the actual grill frame part, once the assembly was off of the car. There are SO many darn one-way snap-clips molded into the pieces, I almost lost my patience with it. Eventually, I got the original slat cover off, and it wasn't too big a deal to get the new painted one on. This would have been a lot easier if I had an entire upper grill assembly to replace, rather than just the slat cover, but since I got the parts free from my dealer (Thanks Jennifer! South Bay MINI rocks!) I'm not complaining!
_Dave_
The upper grill was more problematic: The self-tapping nuts are an utter pain, but having read about the bad experiences some others had, I used a pir of needle-nose locking pliers (pointy vise-grips) to grip and unscrew the the nuts. By unscrewing carefully, I was able to preserve the "threads" in the plastic posts. I also used a masking-tape wrapped screwdriver blade to help provide outward force behind the nuts when unscrewing them.
The hardest part for me was removing the slat cover from the actual grill frame part, once the assembly was off of the car. There are SO many darn one-way snap-clips molded into the pieces, I almost lost my patience with it. Eventually, I got the original slat cover off, and it wasn't too big a deal to get the new painted one on. This would have been a lot easier if I had an entire upper grill assembly to replace, rather than just the slat cover, but since I got the parts free from my dealer (Thanks Jennifer! South Bay MINI rocks!) I'm not complaining!
_Dave_
#38
Thanks am0eba and jimz68 for clarifications on the upper grill replacement. I haven't examined a real upper grill (still waiting for my car), but now I have a good understanding of how it is attached and problems that come up. The parts diagram at RealOEM.com includes what I believe is an entire grill assembly available (p/n 51137133846 <schwartz=black>), which costs not much more than just the slats alone. I'll check with Classic MINI about it.
Are the plastic posts easily replaced items? I could look around RealOEM for a part number.
- Richard
Are the plastic posts easily replaced items? I could look around RealOEM for a part number.
- Richard
#39
the plastic posts are part of #5 in your assembly diagram...if they are broken or cut off by the nuts you will likely have to get a new #5.
When I took the nuts off, there were shavings of the black plastic post all over. Putting them back on cuts new grooves until it reaches the seat where it just spins
When I took the nuts off, there were shavings of the black plastic post all over. Putting them back on cuts new grooves until it reaches the seat where it just spins
#42
#43
Originally Posted by rkw
Thanks am0eba and jimz68 for clarifications on the upper grill replacement. I haven't examined a real upper grill (still waiting for my car), but now I have a good understanding of how it is attached and problems that come up. The parts diagram at RealOEM.com includes what I believe is an entire grill assembly available (p/n 51137133846 <schwartz=black>), which costs not much more than just the slats alone. I'll check with Classic MINI about it.
Are the plastic posts easily replaced items? I could look around RealOEM for a part number.
- Richard
Are the plastic posts easily replaced items? I could look around RealOEM for a part number.
- Richard
This option would not have worked for me, however, as I wanted the slats painted to match my stripe: Dark Silver.
Replacing the upper grill is NOT a big deal... You might get some skinned knuckles and cuss a bit, but if you have a fully assembled replacement, as well as replacements for the 8 or so self-tapping nuts, you can proceed pretty much without fear.
Have fun!
_Dave_
#44
Originally Posted by rkw
The parts diagram at RealOEM.com includes what I believe is an entire grill assembly available (p/n 51137133846 <schwartz=black>), which costs not much more than just the slats alone. I'll check with Classic MINI about it.
#45
Here is a car i did a few months back. it looked great after it was done. it's also a 04'
__________________
#46
Here's an update on the OEM black grille.
At my last post, it was on backorder by MINIUSA and not yet released. It has been released and I just received one from Classic MINI. The complete grille assembly including chrome surround is $45.40 from Classic (MSRP $56.75). The black slat for the bumper grille is $13.52 (MSRP $16.90). This is quite a low cost for a dramatic change in appearance.
The bonnet grille should be quite easy to replace. Remove the flange nuts attaching the existing grill, pull off the entire grille, put the black grille in its place, and reattach with nuts. I also purchased extra nuts at 16 cents each, in case I damage some on removal. The grille is attached with 11 nuts.
Now I just need a car to put them on. It should arrive next week!
Here are the part numbers:
Bonnet grille 51-13-7-133-846
Flange nut for bonnet grille 07-13-1-509-597
Upper bumper grille slat 51-11-7-032-899
(edit: Classic MINI thought the following part was the adhesive tape that attaches the grille slat, but the slat has its own double-stick tape. I found it unnecessary to replace this piece, which is a trim strip that goes between the grilled slat and the chrome surround)
Trim strip for bumper grille 51-11-1-490-960
At my last post, it was on backorder by MINIUSA and not yet released. It has been released and I just received one from Classic MINI. The complete grille assembly including chrome surround is $45.40 from Classic (MSRP $56.75). The black slat for the bumper grille is $13.52 (MSRP $16.90). This is quite a low cost for a dramatic change in appearance.
The bonnet grille should be quite easy to replace. Remove the flange nuts attaching the existing grill, pull off the entire grille, put the black grille in its place, and reattach with nuts. I also purchased extra nuts at 16 cents each, in case I damage some on removal. The grille is attached with 11 nuts.
Now I just need a car to put them on. It should arrive next week!
Here are the part numbers:
Bonnet grille 51-13-7-133-846
Flange nut for bonnet grille 07-13-1-509-597
Upper bumper grille slat 51-11-7-032-899
(edit: Classic MINI thought the following part was the adhesive tape that attaches the grille slat, but the slat has its own double-stick tape. I found it unnecessary to replace this piece, which is a trim strip that goes between the grilled slat and the chrome surround)
Trim strip for bumper grille 51-11-1-490-960
#47
6th Gear
iTrader: (1)
be real careful when removin' ur stock grill cuz the one way screws do make it a pain to remove i broke a couple of the tabs on mine!
Originally Posted by rkw
Here's an update on the OEM black grille.
At my last post, it was on backorder by MINIUSA and not yet released. It has been released and I just received one from Classic MINI. The complete grille assembly including chrome surround is $45.40 from Classic (MSRP $56.75). The black slat for the bumper grille is $13.52 (MSRP $16.90). This is quite a low cost for a dramatic change in appearance.
The bonnet grille should be quite easy to replace. Remove the flange nuts attaching the existing grill, pull off the entire grille, put the black grille in its place, and reattach with nuts. I also purchased extra nuts at 16 cents each, in case I damage some on removal. The grille is attached with 11 nuts.
Now I just need a car to put them on. It should arrive next week!
Here are the part numbers:
Bonnet grille 51-13-7-133-846
Flange nut for bonnet grille 07-13-1-509-597
Upper bumper grille slat 51-11-7-032-899
Adhesive strip for bumper grille slat 51-11-1-490-960
At my last post, it was on backorder by MINIUSA and not yet released. It has been released and I just received one from Classic MINI. The complete grille assembly including chrome surround is $45.40 from Classic (MSRP $56.75). The black slat for the bumper grille is $13.52 (MSRP $16.90). This is quite a low cost for a dramatic change in appearance.
The bonnet grille should be quite easy to replace. Remove the flange nuts attaching the existing grill, pull off the entire grille, put the black grille in its place, and reattach with nuts. I also purchased extra nuts at 16 cents each, in case I damage some on removal. The grille is attached with 11 nuts.
Now I just need a car to put them on. It should arrive next week!
Here are the part numbers:
Bonnet grille 51-13-7-133-846
Flange nut for bonnet grille 07-13-1-509-597
Upper bumper grille slat 51-11-7-032-899
Adhesive strip for bumper grille slat 51-11-1-490-960
#48
Originally Posted by joker
be real careful when removin' ur stock grill cuz the one way screws do make it a pain to remove i broke a couple of the tabs on mine!
#49
6th Gear
iTrader: (1)
on the new tabs, is it a flat like nut that has a screw like form, like a washer...
cuz thats how the oem ones are and once they come off u will be hard pressed to use them again....
didnt know u hadn't received ur mini yet!!
Originally Posted by rkw
I'll be careful not to break the tabs because I want to save the original chrome grill, either to sell or to reinstall (in case buyers prefer chrome when it comes time to sell the car). If I didn't care about saving the original grill, it wouldn't matter because the new grill is a complete assembly with its own new tabs.
#50