Chrome Accessory advice wanted

[yiska]

Hi guys,

Recently bought my first mini! Got a 06 Cooper S convertible (R52) and I'm looking to make it sparkle (not literally) but thinking some nice chrome accessories would be a good idea. Thinking bonnet scoop, wing mirror covers, number plate surround and spot lights to begin with.

I'm worried about buying chrome off ebay incase of bad quality and I'm struggling to find parts for the R52 model. Any suggestions where I can find these accessories at a reasonable price (Kearys is a bit pricey for me

Also, for the bonnet scoop, should I opt for just the cover or the entire piece - this confuses me.

Thanks in advance!
Jess

[MiniMpi]

Welcome Jess
Sounds like a gorgeous Cooper S you have!
You are correct about some of the chrome items on eBay... quality is an issue on some of it.
Ideally use Genuine MINI parts but they are pricey.
Companies such as MiniSport in the UK are very good as some MINI dealers there too can be competitive.
Also try O'Leary's garage in Ballincollig (021-4877158) in Cork as they are an excellent MINI & Mini Specialist who can also supply what you are looking for as well as service your car etc etc.

[Derfinn]

Sounds like a lovely MINI Yiska!
Don't forget to put a few before and after pics up!
Sounds like some great plans.

I think a full chrome scoop would be better. And they ate so easy to fit! I put one on my R56 S, and if I can do it!!!!!!

[yiska]

Hey hey,

Thanks for the advice, I'll give them a call and see what they can do for me.

As requested, here are some before pics, she is still looking a bit standard so let me know if you have any more ideas as to what I can do to the Mini

[MiniMpi]

Wow!!
That is a gorgeous 'S'.
Hyper Blue is such a nice colour.
The chrome would look great on it alright.
To be honest I'd get the genuine MINI chrome as the quality will be great compared to 'chinese' stuff on eBay etc. Even space it out and buy the scoop first then a bit later the mirror caps etc?
Also as Derek said the whole scoop and the same with the mirror caps, only the whole cap not the ones that stick on over your caps. Possibly remove the bonnet stripes? As no other white on the car it might look better without them

[Bawnee]

Oh it's gorgeous!! First hyper blue Cabriole I've seen. I'd maybe change stripes to silver edged ones or silver? What about alloy wheel change? Mm it's tough but think full mirrors & scoop in chrome would be fab too as the guys suggested, what about spots?

[yiska]

Thanks guys, I would like to keep the stripes but loving the idea of adding silver to the edges or silver stripes!

When you say spots, do you mean lights? If you do, then yeah that is DEFINATELY on my list! I think they look awesome but costly, when I spoke to Mini last - they wanted over 500 euros which is a bit expensive at the moment. I had a look around some other sites but when reading the "how to guide" some mention drilling at which point I decided best leave it to the professionals and either save or find a better quote.

I've sent O'Leary's an email though asking for some quotes, "fingers crossed"

[MiniMpi]

As Siobhan said before, Silver stripes would work very well with the Hyper Blue and the chrome. Another similar idea is to do a "Checkmate" bonnet stripe! Google BMW MINI Cooper S Checkmate to see what I mean. This is a 'U' shape stripe and you actually get the scoop painted Pure Silver to finish the stripe.
On the spotlamps, Ger in O'Leary's Garage will supply AND fit the spotlamps for about half the price you got!!!

[yiska]

Wow, if O'Leary's can do it for that price, I would be very interested just waiting for them to get back to me with a list of prices as I emailed a few days ago - if not, I'll give them a call on my next day off. Can't wait to start making my mini look awesome hehe

[Bawnee]

Let's just watch this space eh!! Good luck!

[MiniMpi]

Best to give Ger a ring on Monday altogether and if I see him I'll say it to him Jess

[Derfinn]

Car looks good as is Jess.
But will be mighty when you've made RTE editions.

The Checkman stripe would look good, but may just be a little too much with the chrome you plan. (But would be nice with a painted scoop).

The chrome scoop will be lovely, along with the chrome mirrors, and when you get the spots, it will be completely different.

[Bawnee]

I agree with last post..

[yiska]

~Hey guys,

Been a few months since I posted last but finally got my Mini Spot Lights fitted today by Ger at O'Leary's and wanted to share!

What do you guys think?

[MiniMpi]

Now that looks amazing