I've noticed that some MCS have radiator grills that are chrome/body color horizontal bars while others have black colored mesh looking affairs. Do they black grills signify some type of option the car has? Thanks for any info!
I assume you're talking about the black plastic honeycomb design. Specific answers to your question may depend on the year/generation of the MINI but, in general, those black grilles 1) can come on the car from the factory if the particular model specifies it, like a JCW, or if the buyer specs his new MINI with an aero kit or 2) can be added either as part of a full aero kit added later or (I think) as just the grille some time after taking ownership. I'm not absolutely certain of that last option, might need to make some modifications to install an aero grille in a non-aero bumper/apron. Like I said, I'm sure there's variability from one generation to another, my experience comes from the 1st gen. I've also seen some aftermarket copycat grilles that claim to mount directly to your stock bumper and apron.
The series two MINI Cooper S cars have a black honeycomb grill, unless it has been changed by the owner. The honey comb style grills are harder to clean. I don't know about the series one cars.
If you have a black grill on a Gen1 you are special! As you can see I am special. On the Gen1 cars you can but them as after market. They also came on the JCW and the aero kit.
Thanks folks, I am partial to chrome, guess I am just old but the fad of blacked out chrome and black wheels just doesn't appeal to me.....imagine what a '58 Buick Roadmaster would look like with blacked out chrome.....
My R56 CooperS has a black grill. Nothing special. Just another sheep in the herd. I'm just an ordinary, average guy. CD