My Mini Cooper SE Black Edition w/mods

Very much appreciated! How did you blacken the chrome strip between the greenhouse and the body?

 

Looks fantastic! Are you looking to black out further like the chrome headlights or the grille? I'm torn on doing that myself.

With Bimmercode were your using the Mini options or any of the i3 settings? I'm waiting on my SE but used Bimmercode on my current Mini. Was adding more last night when I left the car on too long on battery and got a low voltage warning so lost all my changes I planned to make including auto folding mirrors lol

 

Looks really nice, what coil overs did you get? How's the ride? Looks like you have decent ground clearance in the front, does it scrape much on driveways or speed bumps?

 

Whatever changes you do make, post pics after you finish. It likely will be winter solidly here when mine comes so I'm not sure I'll make changes until warmer weather hits. I love seeing what people do though.

I currently only have a '16 Mini, so I have not been able to play with the SE. I have read others have had luck using the i3 coding. I know some just selected i3, but I wasn't sure how well that worked. It was only for things like pedestrian warning. Most of what I will change will be in the Mini section.

 

I couldn't find the photo online of the SE I saw with everything blacked out, but I found this matte-black JCW on the BMW Blog that has the black strip replacing the chrome strip that separates the greenhouse and the body. I don't know if MINI makes this black strip or if it is an aftermarket creation, but it must be either difficult to procure, difficult to install, or both, because that chrome strip appears on many otherwise all-black MINI Coopers.

 

I know people who have done vinyl layers. That's likely the route I will go if I black all out. I'm still deciding. Lots of choices on etsy. They even have color change for the Countryman PHEV badges as well as the S. So if you want to change colors for that too, there's vinyl for that as well. I also saw someone vinyl their front grille all black.

 

I believe it's called the beltline, there's plenty of results for blackout stickers when I search for "F56 beltline"

 

Yes it is the beltline. Lots of options out there. I was looking at matte vs glossy and unsure which I liked best.

 

Some pics of my 95% dechromed, 100% de-yellowed Cooper SE exterior!!!

 

Looks awesome! What did you use to do all of the black outs?

 

That looks great although the off-centred front plate looks very strange to my eyes.

 

Got the following

1) Beltline Blackout
https://www.outmotoring.com/out-motoring-blackout-beltline-kit-gen2-gen3-matte-glossy-exterior-pinstriping-tapelike-material-2007-2022-upgrade-with-accessories.html
2) Chrome grill black cover
https://www.outmotoring.com/MINI-Cooper-Gen3-F55-F56-F57-grill-trim-cover-black-f55-6-7-gt-f56-blk-replace-chrome-front-grill-with-gloss-black-upgrade-trim-and-accents-2014-2015-2016-2017-2018-2019-2020-2021-double-stick-tape.html
3) Black side indicator lights
https://www.amazon.com/iJDMTOY-Sequential-Compatible-Convertible-Sidemarkers/dp/B07ZWN4XVP/
4) Night jack side scuttle insert
https://www.minipartsdirect.com/oem-parts/mini-small-side-scuttles-night-jack-set-of-2-51142459030
5) Black headlight ring PN: 51137449209 (left side); PN: 51137449210 (right side) from minipartsdirect
6) Black tail light trim (right) 63217464172 and (left) 63217464171 from minipartsdirect
7) Notch Style Hood Scoop https://www.outmotoring.com/Mini-cooper-notch-style-hood-scoop-carbon-fiber-look-style-gen3-hv-f56s-cf-n-Bonnet-F54-F55-F56-F57-replacment-Aftermarket-2014-2015-2016-2017-2018-2019-2020-2021.html
8) Door Handle Covers: Gloss Black: F56/7: Comfort Access https://www.outmotoring.com/MINI-COoper-door-handle-covers-gloss-black-f56-7-comfort-access-dhc-f56-gbk-k-a-l-hatchback-2014-2015-2016-2017-2018-2019-2020.html

 

My state requires a front plate. So used a tow hitch license plate holder to avoid drilling holes on the grill. I will be moving to another state soon that would not need a front plate and there I can just take it off the tow hook and keep a clean front end.

 

Your SE looks great.

My state also requires front plates, and cars are never sold without a front plate holder. I'm somewhat surprised you got your SE without one.

 

Thank you! Did you do the work yourself? I'm debating doing all of this myself (or having it done)

My state dropped front plates this year so I plan to go without.

My dealer said it's not automatically put on. Said most cars they sell now do not have them. It's a request if you want it. So I bet if you tell your dealer not to, they'd oblige or at least discuss options.

 

@idrw, your red/black/no-chrome color scheme looks fabulous! For his very black SE, I expect @Matt Shumaker would be interested in the economical and easy-to-install beltline black-out solution you found.

My SE came with a front license plate bracket in the boot and I assume that's the norm where no front license is required. I thank my lucky stars when I see a car from another state with a front license plate that reminds me Michigan doesn't require them. For an extra $10, Michigan will make a copy of a personalized plate to mount on the front (or in my case, on the wall of my garage).

 

I have always lived in a state that requires the front plate, so they just look normal to me. I don't understand the strong distaste for them.