This for everyone's info. I bought a FMIC Alta style for my 2012 clubman s. After spending over an hour taking the front fascia off , I was ready to start the install of my intercooler. As I was taking the oem piece off, I realized I did not have as much room to take it off as all the videos I had seem before taking on this project.
Well, mini for 2012 decided to weld a bar from side to side right in front of the intercooler. That bar will not allow the new intercooler to be installed. There is not enough room to maneuver it into place. I am assuming this bar must help the mini in case of a front collision.

I am a little disappointed and pissed I could not get this upgrade installed.

I will post the pictures in the next few days. Well, my new ic will be mailed back

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8497/8...3344c8ee_z.jpg

 

That is strange! Did you check on OEM web page that the actual part in question was changed from '11 to '12 (by part number)? I had no issues with installing Helix IC on my '11 Clubman...

 

Pics too small, can you load larger ones please?

I'm sure a sawzall can remove that bar. It wasn't on previous year cars, thus simple logic says you don't need it either

 

I installed a Helix FMIC on my '12 MCS. no problem with the added bumper bar.

 

zre, i hope you can tell me how you maneuvered the ic through the bar. i really do not want to send it back, but, i could not get it through or pass the bar without risking damaging the cooler.

from below, the top of the ic would not clear and there was to angle that would allow me to place in place from the top.

help!!

please, let me know.

regards,

 

You mention Alta / Helix style FMIC, what brand FMIC do you really have? That could be your problem!

 

hamptup, i think my ignorance on this subject got he best of me. when i looked at the Alta/helix IC they all looked the same to me at a glance. i bought the IronHorseCooper sports version thinking that all dimensions were the same. well, i should have researched my model year a little better and i would have found out that this version has different dimensions and that is why it will not fit my 2012 due to the reinforcing bar across the bumber.

i am sending it back, but, i have no upgraded IC and the Alta or Helix are way more expensive. i missed both GB's, so, i am SOL.

live and learn.

thanks to everyone that replied on this issue.

 

Well since you have the part in your hands how do you like the build quality? More pics of the IC?

 

Sorry to hear that the IC you bought did not fit. Hopefully you can catch the next GB on the Helix FMIC since there was no issue with the fit and works great.

 

zre, so, the Helix just went on between the reinforcing bar and the bumper without any issues? did you install it from the bottom up or the other way around, from the top?

i just want to know.

i just looked at the Alta version and it seems like it will fit.

now i am just paranoid.

@yetti96, IronHorseCooper sports version looked like a really good quality piece. it was polished and all the welds looked amazing. i wish i had been able to keep it. really good price too.

 

In researching for a FMIC on this site is was stated that the Alta IC may of required some triming of the bumper. I called Helix and spoke to thier techs and found that they had just installed a unit on a 2011 with the added bumper bracket. The FMIC fit in from the bottom by angling it slightly then rotating it into the hoses. To date I have had no issues with the unit or install. They also have a great video on thier website which shows the install. You should check it out.

 

i have the Helix on my 2012 jcw. The I took the front support off put the intercooler then put the suppoert back on. It took me about 30 extra minutes .. Very easy to do.

 

r53s, how di you remove the support? mine was welded on.

thanks.

 

I did not have to remove the support, Helix just slid between support and radiator.

 

I did not have to remove the support. Helix slid between support and radiator.

 

the whole metal support is bolted to the frame horns with i think 4 torx screws 4 bolts coming from rear of horns and 6 nuts from the front.. 5 minutes work. i am sure of it. i have pulled several off weekly. i could have snaked mine in without it but its so easy to take it off i did it that way.