MINI Gifts Ideas for That Special Car in Your Life

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There’s something curious that happens around this time of year: you start thinking, What does my car need? Naturally, whether it arrives by Christmas is less important—it’s about finding the perfect product for your car. Thanks to Outmotoring and others, we’ve got some ideas.

A couple of notes upfront:

We weren’t asked by any sponsors to write this article, nor was there any input from product manufacturers. These are simply things we like and want to share. Also, we’d love to hear your suggestions—feel free to add them in the comments below! Since our recommendations aren’t model-specific, don’t hesitate to include ideas for different MINI models or generations.

Coilovers: Dialing in Performance

A coilover setup can be a fantastic addition if you want to optimize your MINI for both road and track use. We’re partial to KW coilovers, given their close collaboration with manufacturers and the fact that they’re made in Germany. How close is their collaboration? Bulldog Racing (MINI’s official racing partner for the Nürburgring 24 Hours) uses them on both their race cars and their limited-edition road cars. Amazingly, ride quality is often unaffected despite the performance benefits.

Eibach Pro Kit: A Simpler Solution

Looking for a less complex upgrade? The Eibach Pro Kit lowering springs work perfectly with stock shock absorbers while lowering the ride height by 1.2” in the front and 1” in the back. We installed them on a Clubman JCW and were impressed with the results—no sacrifice in ride quality and an MSRP of $350 makes this an excellent value.

Sway Bars: Managing Body Roll

A sway bar is a must-have for improving body roll management, creating a more balanced car at the limit. Adjustable sway bars allow you to fine-tune lift-off oversteer for better control and faster corner exits. The result? A car that’s more neutral and less prone to the understeer inherent in modern MINIs. On our Clubman JCW, we installed the NM Engineering Rear Sway Bar from Neuspeed. It’s engineered in the US, with a strong focus on quality. Outmotoring offers a curated selection of sway bars, so there’s no shortage of great options.

Wheel Spacers: A Subtle Aggression

One of the cheapest ways to make your MINI look more aggressive is with wheel spacers. Like most modern cars, MINIs come with wheels tucked too far into the fenders, primarily for aerodynamic efficiency—but let’s be honest, it looks tame. If you don’t mind a slight hit to aero, wheel spacers can do wonders. Outmotoring has an excellent selection to fit any MINI.

On our Clubman JCW, we opted for 12 mm spacers ($285 MSRP), giving the wheels a subtle yet striking stance. Initially, the look was surprising, but it quickly felt like how the car should have looked from the factory.

Have a chrome beltline and want to black it out? It’s relatively inexpensive and can be done at home. We’d highly recommend reaching out to MotoringStripes. Run by our friend (and WRR co-host Todd Pearson), they have the best 3M sourced products money can buy.

Blackout Chrome Trim: A DIY Upgrade

Have a chrome beltline you’d rather see blacked out? This upgrade is inexpensive and easy to tackle at home. We highly recommend checking out MotoringStripes, run by our friend (and WRR co-host) Todd Pearson. Their 3M-sourced products are among the best. These are made to order.

MINI Cooper Interior Upgrades

Phone Mounts: A Small but Essential Addition

Mounting your phone might not be exciting, but it’s something every driver needs. Our favorite MINI-specific solution is the Gemini Mount from Craven Speed. Made in the US with high-grade steel, this mount is built with care. Laser-cut and powder-coated brackets, press-fit bushings—everything about it screams quality and stability.

Floor Mats: Style Meets Durability

Floor mats might not sound thrilling, but once you’ve experienced good ones, there’s no going back. Coco Mats are legendary for their build quality and timeless design. Handmade to order in South Carolina, they’re as durable as they are stylish—just be prepared for a wait since every set is custom-made.

Ceramic Coating: For That Smudge-Free Finish

This might not seem like an interior upgrade, but hear us out. If your MINI has glossy black trim, you know how easily it smudges. A small bottle of ceramic coating is a game-changer for keeping it shiny and easy to clean. It’s an inexpensive and highly practical addition to any MINI owner’s arsenal.

Now let’s hear from you. What are you getting your MINI this holiday season?

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