2nd Gen JCW Most liked posts in thread: R56 JCW - My Bottom Is Gonna Be As Smooth As A Baby's Butt

While installing these bits and laying under the MINI.....

I've come to realize that the people at MINI that designed the aero kit were also interested in improving the aerodynamics of the underside of the vehicle as part of the total package. They certainly could have stopped short and only done the parts that were visible, as many car companies do today.

There is a lot of surface area and pockets under the floor pan that can trap the air between the road and the underside of the MINI.

Any time you can smooth over the underside of the MINI, you will be improving the performance of the vehicle.

I feel pretty good about spending this $180.00 (even without supporting wind tunnel testing).

 

Not completely finished. I just saw Aaron and picked up the last two parts I missed on the original order. The wife is out of town next weekend (more horse stuff), so I'll finish up then.

It's pretty cool how all of the attachment points are already on the MINI, so it's just a matter of aligning them with the holes in the panels and screwing on the 20 plastic nuts.

 

Ha.....
It turns out they weren't needed, as the two parts are already on the MINI. The description for the two extra parts was "Underfloor Coating". Oh well they were only $14.00 each, so no big deal.:incazzato:



Now here is the interesting thing about these panels (there is one on each side of the MINI). It has a small locking tab door flap. I read about these things somewhere. They are a secret hiding spot for small things. You can hide your keys or whatever if you are out jogging and don't want to carry them with you. Just don't let anyone see you doing it. So run out there now and check it out. It's just in front of the rear tire. Pretty cool eh?

 

Here is a quick photo of the panel with the secret trap door.

 

If you go to the M/A library section on owners manual. Open to page 10 of "The Unauthorized Owner's Manual" and you can read all about the secret spot.





Ha Ha.....
I keep finding out I don't completely know everything about my MINI.

 

No, it stops just past the gas tank. Just in front of the lower rear control arm.

 

Yes, your list is correct for the parts you noted. And yes, you do need the two special hanger brackets (51752753165, 51752753166). Nothing else is needed. Except a lift would have been nice. I did manage to do this by jacking up one side and putting blocks under the wheels for safety.

Suggestion;
Everything lines up nice with the threaded studs on the underside of the floor pan. I suggest you get the front attached first then loosely attach the plastic nuts towards the outside edge of the car (leave the set running along the exhaust un-attached, as they don't allow front to back movement). Then attach the two metal brackets with the 6M bolts to the rear subframe and pull the paneling rearward for their attachment points. Then finally attach the plastic nut for the run along the exhaust. They are the tight ones and they sort of form around the stud (just smack them on with the ball of your hand to get the stud through the hole and attach the plastic nut). You will notice the opening for these is a little different than the others.

Also, don't over torque the nuts, they are only plastic. They self sacrifice so you don't strip the factory studs.