Mini Cooper 2014-Present: Spoiler Modifications and How to Install a Roof Spoiler

This article applies to the MINI Cooper (2014-present).

As you might know, adding a roof spoiler to your MINI Cooper enhances its aesthetic appeal as well as performance, giving it more style, better handling, and even an increase in fuel economy. Whether or not your new F56 rolled out with a spoiler already installed, there are a few modifications you should browse. Continue reading to learn more about spoilers and which one is best for your MINI.

Spoilers Overview

When it comes to any car, especially taller and boxier hatchbacks, aerodynamics plays a huge role. Since a MINI Cooper has a large front faced surface area, the amount of drag and turbulence on the car is relatively high compared with coupes and sedans. However, there are options that can make your MINI more aerodynamically efficient.

As you're driving, the force that keeps your car grounded is its weight, but at higher speeds, the car will begin to experience some lift and the wheels may begin to lose traction. By installing a rear roof spoiler, front lip spoiler, rear diffuser, or side skirts, you can increase the downward force acting on the car, which in turn reduces drag and enhances traction and stability. Here are some F56 spoiler options for you to choose from:

Cooper S Standard Roof Spoiler

Price: $250+

DIY Level: Easy

Material: ABS Plastic

Part Number: 51627375856

The Cooper S rear roof spoiler is your standard, inexpensive option whether you're building your F56 at the dealer or purchasing the spoiler aftermarket. Compared to the JCW roof spoiler, improvements in aerodynamic efficiency are negligible. However, the designs between the two are easily discernible and could be the difference between a sporty or more "regular" look. The standard Cooper S spoiler is composed of ABS plastic, which is a mixture of several compounds and produced at a lower cost. Keep in mind that both the standard and JCW spoilers will have to be painted if purchased aftermarket. Recommended if you're looking for a sleek and subtle design with a semi-sporty flare.

JCW Rear Roof Spoiler

Price: $350-$2,500

DIY Level: Easy

Material: ABS Plastic

Part Number: 51627375850

The JCW roof spoiler is only one piece of the aero kit produced by John Cooper Works, MINI's personal brand of performance tuning parts. Like the standard Cooper S roof spoiler, the JCW spoiler is composed of ABS plastic, which is not quite as fragile as fiberglass but also not as durable as carbon fiber. Also, the look is flashier than the standard spoiler but not as glaring as a full, over-the-top wing. The price of the spoiler alone is about $350, plus the cost of paint. If you're looking for the whole JCW aero kit package, which includes the air dam, side skirts, and rear diffuser, the cost drastically increases to about $2,500. Recommended along with the entire JCW aero kit for its performance upgrade potential.

3DDesign JCW Roof Spoiler Extension

Price: $1,384

DIY Level: Easy

Material: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP)

Part Number: 3110-25611

3DDesign is a Japan-based company that produces tuning packages for BMW sports cars. A sleek, stylish, and aggressive looking addition to the JCW roof spoiler, the carbon fiber spoiler extensions created by this company are almost necessary if you're looking to heighten your MINI's performance on the track. What may seem like a small, easy-to-install addition to the OEM spoiler adds more downforce to the car and enhances its aerodynamics and handling. Aside from the steep price, the CFRP composite is guaranteed to last longer than the JCW spoiler, and it's also much lighter. Recommended for its high quality material and high strength-to-weight ratio.

How to Install JCW Rear Roof Spoiler

If you're looking to reduce drag and get higher MPG in your MINI Cooper, follow this DIY guide. We'll show you how to remove a standard MINI Cooper S roof spoiler and replace it with a F56 JCW spoiler.

Step 1 – Remove the lateral cover bolts

• Using a plastic trim removal tool, pry off the lateral covers on the top corners of the trunk door. You will see a bolt behind each of the two covers.

• Use a socket wrench and 8mm socket to remove the bolts.

Step 2 – Remove the trunk door screws

• Open the trunk door and use the trim removal tool to pop off the five rubber covers on the inside of the door, near the hinges.
• Then, use a T20 Torx screwdriver to remove the five screws behind each rubber cover.

Step 3 – Remove the standard roof spoiler

• Slowly close the trunk door since the standard spoiler has been loosened and is only attached to the frame by plastic mounting clips.
• Then, carefully pull off the spoiler so as not to damage the mounting clips.

Step 4 – Install the JCW rear roof spoiler

• Attach the new spoiler to the trunk door, and make sure you hear it clip into place.
• Tighten the two 8mm bolts to a snug fit, and snap on the lateral covers.
• Carefully open the trunk door, and tighten the five T20 Torx screws to a snug fit.

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