Ahhhhhh....... EXCUSE ME???? It's not really something that jumps out as anything noticeably different. It may also be the fact that I also just installed the JCW front Aero bumper and this was the first long trip since those changes. Both of these changes wouldn't be noticed on the twisties of the Dragon IMHO. The MINI did seem more planted on freeway speeds though. I noticed a couple of extra MPG from what I was getting. I am happy that I added the under-panels. They were relatively low cost, mounted to the factory attachments with ease and the underside of the MINI is much more aerodynamically sound. I'm currently eying the big "Catcher's Mitt" cavity between the rear suspension and rear bumper. Seems like this area is a good candidate for some improvements. It looks like a lot of air is getting trapped there.
You're right about the cavity around the rear suspension. What you need is our diffuser to finish the bottom and rear off :idea:. Let me know if we can help Mark
Be careful on the shipping costs. I ordered the panels from Pelicanparts and the shipping was listed as very low but then I was informed that the online shipping was just an estimate and the panels required extra shipping costs due to the large size. Shipping was almost $100 within the same state.
Are these parts not available from the dealer, or is it just cheaper to order from the aftermarket (not counting shipping)?
Yes, these are MINI OEM parts. The dealer will be happy to supply them with their markup. I got mine from "Outmotoring" (one of our sponsors), Aaron is a great guy. Fortunately I live in the same general area as Outmotoring. Very true on the freight costs. They are big flat cardboard boxes that don't fit the shipping weight calculation.
That is just what the doctor ordered Chuck. It makes the rear end cool as well as smooth. Of course, there might be an extra "OMG" on the next trip. Jim
My dealer quoted me 90 minutes for the under panel installation. Is that about right? I don't have the time nor means to do it myself. If the time estimate is about right I'd rather have the dealer do it than my local garage. What do those of you who've had it installed think? How long did it take?
Well..... After doing mine without a lift, and the fact that you only need to remove those two small plastic covers by the rear jack points, I'd say that their quoted time is more than enough. With a lift, and not needing to scoot around on my back, I know I could do the job again in 30 - 45 minutes once it's up in the air. So maybe an hour tops. I did use air tools to speed up my "wrenching" time. But like any install, the first one takes a little longer. And hey, I did it without any instructions, so it can't be too difficult. Just don't over torque the plastic nuts. I would run them in close and do the final with a nut driver, so I could feel the point when they were snug.
I think I have found my next mod!! This summer I may be able to do some real world fuel economy testing. so do we need the brackets (51752753165 and 51752753166) or not if we have the secret storage box?
Yes...... You need 1 RH and 1 LH bracket. These support the under-panels at the rearmost location. Without them, your under-panels will be "flapping in the breeze". Very easy install...... With OEM parts, everything fits without a hassle. A lift makes the install go so much faster. With jacks..... not so much. Since you are in Germany...... You should try and get a hold of some of the factory "Challenge" parts (rear splitter, rear wing), oh and while you're at it..... did I mention.... a Challenge rear wing.
hehe, There is a actual challenge car in the local dealer. maybe score some parts when they aren't looking! Not really a fan of the challenge spoiler though. I am pretty partial to my Jsart tip. :yesnod: I was also thinking about the engine under cover that mini mania advertised some time ago.
Wait. Didn't the Mythbusters prove that laminar airflow increases drag, with the golf-ball-dimpled car? Or am I missing the point here, and there's some other benefit to smoothing out the underside of the car?
Covers up the pockets, cross braces, cavities etc. The panels smooth the undercarriage that otherwise might be compared to the way the flaps increase resistance when air brakes open up on a jet.
I've had a set of these on order from my dealer for over a month. They have 1 panel but now MINI Canada is saying the other's not available :frown5:
If you increase the velocity of the airflow under the car, the pressure decreases relative to airflow over the car. It acts like a wing and generates downforce, because the higher pressure pushes down on the lower pressure. This downforce effect increases by a factor of velocity squared, and you don't really feel much of an effect until you hit highway speeds. A wing will also increase downforce, because it's shaped like an upside down airplane wing, but a wing also adds drag.
Let me get mine in a week or 2 and I will find out the price and see if it is worth it to you for me to send you the one you need (via US postal)
By the way, the advantage of living in Germany is Mini/BMW parts are a 1 day turn around even for special order parts. :woot: