Firstly, hi all! Should probably introduce myself before I ask for your help / advice! Just got myself a Mini ONE 1.6 as my first car after passing my test a few weeks ago (have ridden a motorbike for about 7 years, but getting a girlfriend means getting a car too ;)). Love it, handles like a dream and is plenty powerful for a first car.

Now, onto my question.

I've read numerous threads about how to fit a Cooper S spoiler to a regular Mini, but I was wondering if a template exists that can be taped to the car, so as to align the drill properly. I just felt it looked a bit plain at the back, and a bit sloped, so I decided to get a nice spoiler (but not ridiculous) to spruce it up a bit. From what I gather, and can tell by looking at the car, there are obviously no holes to fit the spoiler into, as the car didn't come with one.

If there isn't a template, then what's the best way to go about positioning it so that I don't end up with a wonky spoiler? I don't fancy paying BMW to do it as I shudder at the cost they'll pull out of their hat.

Thanks in advance!

Matt

Open the tailgate, at the top inside remove the 2 outer black blanking grommets that you can see and lightly centre punch the spoiler hole centres exactly inline with centre of large grommet hole. Use a metal drill bit, start with a small (2/3mm) but new/sharp drill as a pilot hole. Buy your spoiler first as most have 2 threaded studs sticking out which you can use to double check the 2 hole positions as you go.

Use a small pilot drill first, then check the S spoiler stud centres align, then open the holes up from outside the tailgate to the actual stud diameter + some clearance 5/6mm dia probably. Cover the painted area in masking tape incase your drill slips although the spoiler will cover the top area! BMW sell the correct sticky tape pads or you can use cheaper stuff if you prefer.

When you are happy they look like they will line up with the stud centres open them up to about a 6.0mm drill for some clearance on the 5mm studs. Then try the spoiler on and if neccessary open the holes up a little more in whatever direction to give more clearance. It is not ultra critical but try to get the centres distance apart as accurate as possible, the spoiler will cover the actual holes and you can always add a thin washer behind the nuts if required.

Early Cooper/One spoilers have 3 fixings + tape, later ones only 2 like the S. The Cooper S spoiler also fits but only has 2 fixings + adhesive tape.
Make sure water can't seep into the stud holes past the tape and into the tailgate once fitted as they don't unstick very easily!
RealOEM.com BMW R53 Cooper S TRUNK LID/CLOSING SYSTEM (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=RE32&mospid=48020&btnr=41_1380&hg=41&fg=60)

Tools, etc.
Screwdriver to lever out black grommets/hole blanking plugs.

Mains electric or a good battery power drill (not using hammer action!)

Sharp or new 2mm or 3mm diameter drill bit (for metal) - for the pilot holes.

A larger diameter sharp drill bit, bigger than the spoiler threaded studs, (from memory approx. 5/6mm?) You could slowly work up in sizes, checking as you go if you prefer. (ie. until holes are a couple of mm bigger than the studs themselves & allowing them both to pass through tailgate).

Hole Centre Punch to guide the drill point (Halfords usually do a cheap spring loaded type).

A small round metal needle file can be useful should you need to elongate the drilled holes slightly in one direction to help make things fit.

Masking tape to protect your paintwork while drilling.

Spoiler Sticky Adhesive Pads from BMW/MINI (or have been told Halfords large sticky No.Plate pads or similar can work if cut to fit?).

2-off metric fixing nuts, washers if required, may have come with spoiler?

10mm socket (I think) and wrench to tighten the nuts inside tailgate.

Touch up paint to stop edge of holes rusting (colour not important you won't see it)

Refit black blanking grommets to seal holes

Wow, thanks for that extremely detailed writeup! Hopefully I'll get some time this weekend to fit it, or at least take the tailgate off to see what I'm up against. I bought the spoiler already and as you said, it came with 2 built in bolts. Thanks again. :)

No need to take the tailgate off, just open it for access to the hole grommets from behind just near the hinges.

Hey sum1quiet,

Do you mind if i ask where you got the spoiler from? Did you have to get it painted?

Cheers :)

You can sometimes find MCS rear spoilers (or the smaller Cooper/One spoilers) on ebay or from Mini specialist breakers like those below:

Mini Spares UK - Mini Spares UK (http://minispares.jdc-1.titaninternet.co.uk/)

MiniMatt|BMW|MINI|Modifications|Parts|Spares|Servi ce|Tuning|Repairs|Racing (http://www.minimatt.co.uk/)

BMW MINI Spares - Home (http://www.bmwminispares.co.uk/)

They are a popular mod so tend to sell quite quickly though, if you are lucky may already be the right colour (many are black or white) but if not allow for extra cost of painting.

@Harvey: I bought it off eBay, second hand so already in black and in almost perfect condition. Only cost me 70-odd quid + postage.

@mab: Oops, I didn't mean to say take it off, I meant to say that I'd take off whatever is necessary inside to access it.

thats a great write up, i was wondering how to do it. will book mark this thread.