My 2021 MINI SE .... the project has started....

Ok, some history. I no longer work in the industry, but for 15 years I owned and ran a large tuning/racing shop/manufacturer for aftermarket parts for BMW, Mercedes and Ferrari. After that I ran large sales divisions for Cosworth, Magnaflow and K&N. So... I am kind of an aftermarket guy! lol Meaning, I cannot leave any car alone!

The MINI replaced an i3, which was great... but boring. This one is not boring, I love it. It is my daily to the office. Have a very custom e46 M3c (magazine and SEMA car) and a Q7 that was my daily. But at gas being over $4/g in the US at the moment, it just makes sense to drive electric. But that doesnt mean "drive boring!" I hate tesla and have have many BMW's, so MINI it was!

Here is the car as delivered last weekend:

2021 MINI SE Iconic, Moonwalk/Black, all the black trim possible from factory.

Today it was tinted:


Much better!

I have a long list of parts already ordered and will post updates with part #s and the best prices I find as I go!

I know not all want to play with or mod this little "appliance" - but it is in my blood and I cannot help myself!!! lol

Thanks
Brad

 

Yep, here is what is already on order:

• black front and rear light trims
• black grill surround
• Eibach springs
• Outmotoring Black beltline kit
• black alum valve stem caps
• carbon key fob to replace the huge round thing!
• Thule bike racks

Here is what is next for sure:

• Smoked front and rear LED marker lights (replace the ones in the fenders)
• clear dynamic LED side turn signal
• black out the chrome on the front and side E logo's
• Smoked rear lower fogs
• Black alum license plate frame

Here is what is "maybe":

• Black led taillights
• 18" wheels

I am sure there will be more, but that is the plan I have at the moment. =)

Thanks
Brad

 

I ordered the car with the flush rails just for this purpose. I am on the MTB as much as possible.

I ordered the THULE setup with the aerobar. Once I get it and install and all is well, I will post part#'s and pics.

thanks
Brad

 

Yup, fun indeed. I HATE anything chrome. So for me it is non-negotiable to remove it all! lol

Well for me, having the ability to use the Mini to get to the trails rather than always using the Audi was key. Also, I commute 12 miles each way. Range isnt something I care about. I use Sport mode and drive aggressively and use 25-30% a day. No reason to worry in my use case.

I did not like the colors or look of the factory bars. I have and Thule for 30+ years on all my cars, I guess I am loyal to them!

I also use Kuat Trio racks for the bikes. Best fork mounted rack around IMHO! I am always freaked out about wheel-on racks. They just dont look as solid to me - but I think that is my issue not the racks! lol

 

I dealt with the team at Scottsdale MINI and they were great. I worked with Dave Stinson (you can use my name). He was great. The manager there is Travis, who is also great.

I ordered it with Iconic as I wanted the better interior and screen. It was 42K out the door with all the options, tax and license. Financed at $0 down and 2.9%. $7500 tax credit will be used for this tax year. So net it was $35K. Cannot beat that IMHO!

 

So... Some updates, pics will come soon once a few more things are installed! (click the links to see the best pricing I could find)

• Ordered, received and installed the Depo Smoked Rear Fogs
• Ordered, received and installed the Black Front Frill Surround
• Ordered, received and TRIED to install the Outmotring Beltline Kit - it failed and shrunk in the heat and overall was disappointing (I have installed vinyl on all my race cars and am fairly good at it), so....
• Ordered, waiting... OE Gloss Black Beltline Trim
• Ordered, received and installed the Carbon Union Jack Key Surround (to eliminate the big round blob)
• Ordered, received and installed the LEFANEV 40 Amp EV Charger Level 2

More parts incoming! Will post updates as they arrive and are installed with some pics.

The biggest decision was wheels, and I ordered 18x8 XXR 527's in Black

Super excited to see this move along!

 

Thanks. Nope, don't care about weight. I have faster and lighter cars for the weekend and or track. This is my daily commuter and its plenty quick for that purpose.

This car stock looks like every other MINI - I have spent 20+ years (prior life) in the auto aftermarket and every car I have ever owned has been customized. I cannot leave them alone. lol. I want it to be unique and reflect my style.

I was going to go black, but on the moonwalk, the slight different gray actually looks good to me with the black surround. So I am going to leave it. Vinyl wont hold up here in the heat (it shrinks) and paint will chip way too easily (been down that road with others cars). If you dont live where its "surface of the sun" hot like I do, then Vinyl is a good solution!

Thanks
brad

 

That vinyl will either work perfect with your Green or be horrible! lol. Likely no in between. I love that you are trying something unique! That will be cool to do the yellow with it too! Like the staged approach!

 

I like it. I mean, its not for everyone, but it works on that color scheme and especially if you have matching nails! lol