[NeedMiniInfo]

Okay...decided to start a new thread, after all!
One last 'tome'...okay? Then, I'm done!

If you've already read my other broader threads...then, skip this one, okay?
Either that, or hold the 'abuse' please.
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As some know here...I've discussed in other threads, my 'dilemma' of whether or not to add a spoiler to my Cooper, whose order I just turned in this week.

It's going into a 'build' status any second. (if it hasn't already)
Been scared to call my salesguy 'til I really know what I want.
Will that day ever come?!

Anyway, I've asked before opinions re: the pro's & con's on the aesthetics of spoilers, etc.

But, now, I'm mostly concerned about the technical aspects of having one installed later. (no matter which type)
It's making me worry big-time after peeking through old threads here.
(but they may be outdated by now...not sure)

So, if any of you have installed spoilers aftermarket, esp. if fairly recently ...
please share your feedback & advice on this, if you would.
I could sure use your assistance. Thanks!

My problem is I *just* ordered...and thought maybe I preferred my
Cooper w/out a spoiler for now, & would just install a bigger one later.
(either an aero one, or S one if I can get one)
Kinda like the 'retro' look of not having one at all, to start.

But, now I'm worried that I may have just made it much harder to get a spoiler
installed later! (and God knows, really expensive, too)

Knew it would cost more to get a bigger spoiler..but from prior threads here...
boy! It sounds expensive if I can't do the labour myself. (and I can't) :-\

Would it make more sense now, for me get the factory to install one,
right out of the gate? (due to future installation needs?)

Can those same holes be used when fitting an aero or S spoiler?
Or is it like starting from square one, anyway?
(I'm getting a reg. Cooper, not a S, btw)

Or, does having one now & switching to another type...
actually complicate matters? The big question of the night!

Also, I read most only glue them on, if installing aftermarket.
Wonder if that creates any problems? (with them coming off, etc.)

And, altho' I've asked before...just in case I get a new group of Forum readers here...
do you know if there is any performance issues w/having or not having a spoiler on a Cooper? I won't be race-driving this car, btw.

Just wondering if the spoiler makes more or less noise....
influences at all gas mileage,
the way the car handles...?
No. That seems pretty clear!
Not likely to influence performance at the speeds I'd be doing.

Any info/opinions you could send would be so helpful !!
If I can change things still...
I'm down to the very wire on this! :-\ (which is a bummer)

Thing is: (to explain to 'newbies' to this 'saga')
I probably was esp. foolish on this,
as I actually had to pay a little extra NOT to get the spoiler.
(as I essentially already had the Sport Package...and wasn't allowed to order it w/out the spoiler...so, had to get the parts separately....thus, costing more.)

So, if doing the package...it would have cost less...
and it would have been like a free spoiler, on top of that. Sigh...
Thanks for any help you might lend. :-)

[Damo]

Well at Derek Woodman in blackpool, for £230, or there abouts, I got my Factory fit Spoiler removed (comes with Chili packed Coopers on UK cars) and a prepainted Aero spoiler fitted. So that was £155 for the pre painted spoiler and the rest for removal of old spoiler and fitting.

They've done this on both the Coopers Ive had and I did 36k in my first cooper, and 26k so far in my new cooper with no problems.

May even do it to the S when I get one.

[NeedMiniInfo]

So you prefer the look of the aero one, then?

Any option to get a S spoiler?
I've heard good things about the aero one, though.

I'm starting to think the installation fees whether I have one or don't have one
might be similar?
One way or another...the dealer will be sure to 'get me.' ;-)
I don't doubt that....

Appreciate your reply.

Do you know whether they glued your aero one on, or used the same bolt holes?
(guess you got a reg Cooper spoiler each time from the factory?)
You've never ordered one without?
Guess the Sport Package ('Chili' pack in UK?)....is pretty popular, overall.

[mikeythemini]

Have you seen the works spoiler
May look more at home on a Seat though
See you in the morning Damo

[Damo]

Quote: Originally Posted by NeedMiniInfo

So you prefer the look of the aero one, then?

Any option to get a S spoiler?
I've heard good things about the aero one, though.

I'm starting to think the installation fees whether I have one or don't have one
might be similar?
One way or another...the dealer will be sure to 'get me.' ;-)
I don't doubt that....

Appreciate your reply.

Do you know whether they glued your aero one on, or used the same bolt holes?
(guess you got a reg Cooper spoiler each time from the factory?)
You've never ordered one without?
Guess the Sport Package ('Chili' pack in UK?)....is pretty popular, overall.

Dealers only ever glue spoilers on, they don't use the bolts thats only ever done at the factory

[Damo]

Quote: Originally Posted by mikeythemini

Have you seen the works spoiler
May look more at home on a Seat though
See you in the morning Damo

Iquite like the JCW spoiler!

[Nameless]

Quote: Originally Posted by Damo

Dealers only ever glue spoilers on, they don't use the bolts thats only ever done at the factory

Unless you buy a Cooper spoiler on ebay for £40 like I did. Then they will bolt it on for you !

We ordered a cooper without a spoiler, but then wished we had, so I hunted down and retrofiited a brand-new spoiler from ebay,

[NeedMiniInfo]

Or a regular one (Cooper) spoiler...
or an aero spoiler?

Curious which one.

Thanks!! :-)

[NeedMiniInfo]

Did you install yourself or pay a dealer to do that?
Did that cost lots more?

[Nameless]

Regular cooper spoiler. ( I don't like the big ones )
Bolt-on. Dead Simple. Dealer did it for us but did not charge because it's such a small job.

Early cars had 3 boltholes - later cars had 2. Get the right spoiler, take the plastic plugs out of inside the boot lid, run a sharp drill thorugh them, and attach the spoiler with some black bodyshop panel sealant and bolt up.

5 min job. (And easier to do than the Aero cos the bolts hold it on, not glue )

[nylo]

so many questions in there!

I'm going to answer a question which may or may not be there...

I've got a zeemax spoiler on my cooper s (obviously had the s spoiler from factory). It was attached with a bolt on each side, plus big sticky pads. once you get the big sticky pads off and unscrew the bolts, the spoiler slides out and the new one is attached the same way, by bolts. I did it myself (well, okay, dad helped me!). The spoiler can with rubber pads to slot in between the spoiler and the roof to stop the 2 surfaces rubbing. It was dead easy to install, certainly not worth paying someone to do.

No idea if this answers even a little of what you're wanting to know, but hopefully it does!

[NeedMiniInfo]

Okay...
sounds like it's doable perhaps even by us
whether or not I get a factory-installed spoiler now or not.
Great news. :-)

Now, w/nylo...you already actually had the bolt holes from the S spoiler...
whereas I wouldn't if I don't get my order changed. (something still up for debate)
So, that made yours esp. nice to install.
Ours would be a bit more scary...having to drill the holes ourselves, etc.

Gotta run...at work & in an all-day (yawn) computer training.

Anyway, thanks for the feedback & info everyone!
Please keep it coming, if there's more out there. :-)

[nylo]

yeh, i kind of thought that would be the problem when I was composing my thoughtful reply there. Afraid I can't really help you about drilling holes in your roof, but thought my experience might be even a teensy bit useful...

[NeedMiniInfo]

Okay...I'm dallying here. (instead of fully focusing on my course)

Instructor is milling about & I darted back on to see what's new. :-)

Nylo, many thanks! Was just clarifying things a bit....
Truly appreciated your time & feedback.

Have a great weekend!

[Nameless]

All Mini's, whether fitted with the spoiler or not, have the holes through the inner strengthening frame. It's just the outer skin to drill through and if you go from underneath, through the frame, after removing the plastic caps, you can't go wrong - there's only one place to drill. Bit of paint on the edges, Job Jobbed.

[NeedMiniInfo]

Thrilled to hear that.
Takes a load off. :-)

Yeah...I know...
Something like this should not be creating anything *near* a 'load'...
it shouldn't be too big a deal.

But, some of you can relate, I'm sure?
When speccing one's Mini...
things to this level of detail suddenly *do* take on some degree of importance.
(whether I want them to or not) ;-)

Btw, my order on the Owner's Lounge area...
just says..."On order."
Not in a "Build" status. Would that mean it should be okay to change things?
(just got my production # code today from my salesguy via email)

'Course I have a 'strict' dealership who seemed to really indicate that
absolutely no changes would be allowed once the order was entered.
So, guess he's the only one who can really answer this.
Sigh...
But, I don't even want to ask....'til I'm absolutely sure I want to change things.

So...'til tomorrow then. (I'll try to see some more Coopers by then...
dealerships not too close to me, unfortunately.)
Thanks again! :-)

[Damo]

From my experiece dealers aren't happy to dril holes in your body work as it effects the paint and corrosion as the treatment they can do isn't 100%. Hence they usually glue the spoiler on.
Me and a mate glue'd on my GF's aero spoiler and it wasn't difficult.