[Updated] A fixture of classic Minis (and many English cars from days gone by) was the grille badge. Whether is was the Union Jack or just a simple sign of local club affiliation, they were ways to put a personal stamp on your car and great opportunity to tip your cap to other like-minded enthusiasts.
To carry on this tradition, MINI USA has brought out a grille badge holder (part #: 51 13 0 406 752) for the current car that allows for the use of magnetic badges. At an MSRP of $25 it’s a great way to personalize your car and add a bit of heritage. And magnetic badges are inexpensive and easy to swap out depending on your mood. However the badge holder is not only buried in the back of the latest accessories catalog (with no part number) but also is not offered with any actual badges. Apparently that’s up to all individual MINI owners to do.
(Click on each to view larger)
So MotoringFile is here to help. We have teamed up with Todd Pearson (of Whiteroofradio) to offer some exclusive MotoringFile badges meant for the new MINI grille badge. And following along with the heritage theme, we’ve created a handful of designs that give a nod to English classic car culture while adding a few modern touches.
And as a bonus we’re also offering a limited edition 2006 Dragon badge (seen above) for those making the trek to the largest US MINI event of the year.
The magnetic badges are printed on gloss stock that is UV coated to protect against fading over time. Each badge is priced at $7.50. You can read more and order your badges below:
You can get your official MINI grille badge holder at any one of the MotoringFile sponsors below:
Knauz MINI (mention MF and get 20% off) (verified in stock)
Patrick MINI
Morristown MINI (lists for 20% off)
MINI of Manhattan
Update #1 After 24 hours we have some interesting results for most popular badge. Coming in at number three is the MotoringFile 2006 Dragon badge. A strong showing for something I wasn’t even going to publicly offer! Number two is the classic Union Jack with blue and red. And the surprising number one is the RAF Roundel (my personal favorite).
Updated #2 We will be making available non-branded versions of all three Union Jack badges shortly. So for those who (for some reason) don’t want the MotoringFile name on there, your badge is coming! Also expect to see a black and silver Union Jack (for a little extra due to the metallic) and a Whiteroofradio badge in the coming days.
I want one!
Looks GREAT! I love the idea of being able to switch them out.
This is the perfect solution to compliment my <a href="http://www.metroplexmini.org/gallery/albums/userpics/11053/normal_march20.jpg" rel="nofollow">MetroplexMINI grill badge</a>.
Some of the Houston folks were using a <a href="http://www.metroplexmini.org/gallery/albums/userpics/11053/normal_badgeholderfull.jpg" rel="nofollow">mounting device</a> to mount their badges. I wonder if it’s the same thing.
There’s also a nice one done for MINIs on Top 2006….I can’t get to MINI2 from work…perhaps someone can post the link….
See pics of the MOT2006 grille badge <a href="http://www.minisontop.com/gallery/MOT2006badge" rel="nofollow">here</a> – but it’s a heavy solid metal badge with mounting bracket, not a magnetic.
What is the dimension required of the magnets? I wonder if it’s the same as the 2.5″ magnets offered by <a HREF="http://www.cafepress.com/?pid=5150154" rel="nofollow">cafepress</a>…then anyone can make whatever design they want.
I’ve added an international shipping option for the magnetic badges. Just enter your int’l address and choose the Parcel Post option.
Todd
>I wonder if it’s the same as the 2.5″ magnets offered by cafepress
That would be ideal but unfortunately the magnet they offer is a little small, too heavy and not strong enough to really work. The last thing you want is a little metal disk flying at your windshield at 80mph 🙂
<blockquote>What is the dimension required of the magnets?</blockquote>
The magnets are just under 3″.
2 7/8″ to be exact.
i love my <a href="http://mug.ods.org/albums/NEMINIBadgemountedonmymini/IMG_7580.sized.jpg" rel="nofollow">nemini.org</a> badge
gonna get the MOT one too.
how many badges do you think are too many? cause i like he roundel badge.
very cool!
The MINI recomendation is that no more than two badges be mounted if you do not have the driving lights, or only one if you do.
I think they all look pretty sweet.
only one if you have the driving lights! crap.
Awesome- I’m buying one! So, I am guessin the ‘GB’ badge is for Great Britain, and not Gabe Bridger, right 😉
>Awesome- I’m buying one! So, I am guessin the ‘GB’ badge is for Great Britain, and not Gabe Bridger, right 😉
So you’re saying the GB can stand for Great Britain too?? Just kidding 🙂 Yes it stands for Great Britain. Actually that very confusion is the reason I don’t have a GB badge on my car.
Todd,
Will you offer up options for clubs to submit designs and order badges for their local events? If so, would there be a minimum order?
It would be cool to be able to do things like the Dragon badge but on a local level.
While I totally applaud MotoringFile’s encouragement of grill badge use, and the nifty MotoringFile designs… I do want to point out that there is already an “official” MINIs on the Dragon grill badge being made for sale which uses the traditional logo.
The price is significantly higher than Gabe’s design, but it does not use or require the badge holder from MINIUSA, in the same manner that the MOT2006 grill badge doesn’t (per Ian Cull’s link above). The MOTD4 badges are solid metal (brass, I believe).
Details are available from <a href="http://www.motd4.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.motd4.com</a>.
Does anyone have a picture of the badge holder? I heard about it a few months ago when I was installing an NEMINI badge on JerseryGirl’s car, but when I asked about it at our local dealer they looked at me like I was from Mars…
Hey Todd, why not a White Roof Radio badge? The decal is round, after all. Shrink that sucker down!
Edge, the “official” MINI’s on the Dragon badge is ugly.
okay guys… on three…. group hug!
I’m going to order me up a set and put them on the fridge until I can get the holder!
Yea Todd, where is that White Roof Radio Badge 😉
i want one personalised ! but i live in the uk ;-(
Yech! What’s up with that motd4.com site? First I’ve heard of it. Why would I spend 5 times the cost of the magnetic badge and not be able to swap it out with something else?
I hope CMMC, MINICCI and the 3 BMWCCA chapters I’m a member of come up with some magnetic badges; I’m running out of space on my windows for all the club decals!
Ooh, “GB” could also be “Grille Badge”! Another one of those recursive acronyms. 😉
Oh, another idea: if multiple people on a group drive get that bulls-eye badge, then we can compare bug strikes at the end. He with the most (bug) guts wins!
<blockquote>Edge, the “official†MINI’s on the Dragon badge is ugly.</blockquote>Please note that the picture on that site is NOT the final product, it is just to demonstrate what the logo looks like. I agree it is not a very good quality image. I know for a fact that high resolution pictures of the final product itself (which will be SHARP and look very nice indeed) will be available soon.
I do want to make clear one thing – I am NOT the vendor of these badges. I am simply making people aware of them as an alternative, since many people (including myself) really like the official MOTD logo. I became aware of these badges through my work with the MOTD planning committee.
<blockquote>Yech! What’s up with that motd4.com site? First I’ve heard of it. Why would I spend 5 times the cost of the magnetic badge and not be able to swap it out with something else?</blockquote>blalor, see my text in the previous comment… yes, you’re right about the magnetic swap-out feature, but you also need to realize that the “5 times the cost” concern does not take into account the fact you still need to buy the MINIUSA badge holder. That puts the price difference much closer.
>Oh, another idea: if multiple people on a group drive get that bulls-eye badge, then we can compare bug strikes at the end. He with the most (bug) guts wins!
Actually for the record the “bulle-eye badge” is an RAF Roundel. But I still like your idea.
Some very nice designs there.
Any photos of what the MINI grille badge holder looks like?
I believe Sunshine MINIs was the first MINI club to have grille badges. <a href="http://www.sunshineminis.org/images/ssmgrillebadgephoto1.jpg" rel="nofollow">Here is mine.</a>
Todd, I think we need one for Team Craptastic!
<blockquote>Does anyone have a picture of the badge holder?</blockquote>
I had posted a pic on an earlier post, but it’s “awaiting moderation,” so you may not see it. Click <a href="http://www.metroplexmini.org/gallery/albums/userpics/11053/normal_badgeholderfull.jpg" rel="nofollow">here</a> to see it.
<blockquote>Will you offer up options for clubs to submit designs and order badges for their local events? If so, would there be a minimum order?</blockquote>
I will offer club designs or original designs for a $35 set-up fee and no minimums. Of course you’d want to order a few of these to offset the set-up fee. : ) Contact me via the contact button at the bottom of the Grille Badge page for submission details.
<blockquote>Hey Todd, why not a White Roof Radio badge? The decal is round, after all. Shrink that sucker down!</blockquote>
It’s coming – be patient! ; )
BTW, HMMS badge not included.
Excellent! Seems strange how history repeats itself, but with a slight variation. In the 50’s/60’s/70’s in England, the American AAA badge was much more sought after than the British equivalent ‘AA’ badge on your grille (and can you imagine how hard they were to get pre-eBay??!!)
Does anyone have a pic of this nifty grill badge together with a set of rally lights? I’m wondering if the two together might be bauble-iscious overkill?
The designs look good. I see the badges can not only go on the grill, but any where, like the fuel filler door on the Cooper (not S). The $25 holder seems a bit pricy though.
Nice work on the badges.
The roundel is money.
OMG, I just used “money” as an adjective. I have to watch Swingers again.
Nice! I just ordered one, and will likely order others. Now…if only…the MCS I ordered would get to me sooner.
Who took the ‘MINI’ out of the Roundel? Was I imagining that?
Nice stuff Gabe, not for me but nice.
I wonder if there is an official MINI/USA club. I think there was one started but not sure if it ever happened? That would be a kool badge kinda like PCA badge.
What’s wrong with the Dragon on that badge that Edge spoke of? Maybe the type is a tad big but overall not bad design…I think. I’ve surely seen a lot worse.
The Swingers sounds like a Matt Helm movie.
More, more! 😀
More choices, please… From all around the world!
Once someone obtains a MINI part# please post.
So my question is (and not that I’m going to add multiple holders to the front of my car)… How does the badge holder mount to your car, and can you mount multiple ones, or in different locations on the grill? Guessing no, but just wanted to clarify.
Edge – I replied to your post on the R56 photo story.
>Once someone obtains a MINI part# please post.
The badge holder part # is posted in the article above (second paragraph).
>So my question is (and not that I’m going to add multiple holders to the front of my car)… How does the badge holder mount to your car, and can you mount multiple ones, or in different locations on the grill?
It mounts with a small metal plate and nuts (the screws are integrated with the holder. The important thing is that the holder has a foam backing so both protect your grille and eliminate squeaking or rattling. It’s really a nice piece for $25. And if you’re in a MINI club or order from dealers who discount parts, you could probably get it for around $20.
MINI recommend mounting no more than two on your grille. You can free to mount them anywhere but the preferred spot for one seems to be all the way to the left.
>I wonder if there is an official MINI/USA club. I think there was one started but not sure if it ever happened? That would be a kool badge kinda like PCA badge.
That idea died in late 2002 when egos got involved. Well one ego. Anyway it may come up again but don’t hold your breath for something soon.
20,0002. Damn I missed a whole lot of years somewhere along the line. Must have been in the time continuum! Beam me up Scotty.
Oops…20,002. Still a long way off.
must…have…
I think a “GB” badge would work well in my case. X-D
So do these work with the aero grill or not?
Lovely. Thank you for the part# Gabe. Called Gary @ Knauz, who was superb & nabbed a Roundel from toddsmods.com, too.
;D
Gary has 2 remaining in stock! I only ordered one, knowing other motorers would be interested. Be sure to mention Gabe’s wonderful site here for the 20% discount.
Thanks for all you do, Gabe! This will be fab!
How strong is the magnetic? The badge is nnot flimsy like a kitchen magnet right. What is it made of?
Any chance you’ll be doing the UJ badge (from above) just in grayscale?
>So do these work with the aero grill or not?
Yes.
>Who took the ‘MINI’ out of the Roundel? Was I imagining that?
No that was me. That version wasn’t meant for public consumption 🙂 Want to make sure we’re fine in terms of copyright!
>Thank you for the part# Gabe. Called Gary @ <a href="http://knauz-mini.com/" rel="nofollow">Knauz</a>, who was superb & nabbed a Roundel from toddsmods.com, too. ;D Gary has 2 remaining in stock! I only ordered one, knowing other motorers would be interested. Be sure to mention Gabe’s wonderful site here for the 20% discount.
Sweet!
>Any chance you’ll be doing the UJ badge (from above) just in grayscale?
If we get multiple votes we’ll definitely look at adding options. The one you speak of does indeed have multiple votes since this morning.
>How strong is the magnetic? The badge is not flimsy like a kitchen magnet right. What is it made of?
Strong. I’ve had one on my car for a few weeks and it doesn’t budge. It’s thicker than a kitchen magnet.
Given that my Union Jack valve stem covers seem to be popular collector items of the local youth, I don’t suspect that a magnet would last very long 🙁
BTW Gabe, I really like your badge designs. The offset union jack is really cool and I love that you threw in the RAF badge. There’s not a one that couldn’t live proudly on the nose of any MINI. Well done!
I like!!! We need this! Is a beautiful accessory, I think is a great idea to use also to show your country (Argentina!). Or particular MINI Club! Yes please Gabe!
MINI has an <a href="http://www.parts.com/sfimages/1/partImages/SFPLImage39081.jpg" rel="nofollow">image of the grille badge holder</a> online.
<blockquote>Given that my Union Jack valve stem covers seem to be popular collector items of the local youth, I don’t suspect that a magnet would last very long :-(</blockquote>
Just take it off and take it with you (or throw it inside) when you leave your car.
Add another “yay” to the list of White Roof Radio badge orders…
your all slightly insane… 🙂
Hey, howzabout an AMVIV Motoringfile badge? And I know at least a coupla gals who would go for a pink Union Jack. 😉
BCNU,
Rob in Dago
Man Gabe, where is the DIY PDF? I’m disappointed. lol
Che Giacomo, estais tomando Mate hoy? Vos prefieres mate cosido o con la bombilla? Extrano mucho alfajores! Fa!
I already emailed Gabe earlier about a grayscale UJ, I too think it would look great, especially with my DS/B w/chrome.
These are really a great idea, I can’t wait to get me a few.
So where else can I get badges? Are there any that are just cool without having advertizing on them?
Don’t get me wrong, I love MotoringFile, but I’m looking for a few badges w/o representation.
What’s the difference between the UJ MF1 and the UJ MF2 Grill Badges? Thanks!
>Don’t get me wrong, I love MotoringFile, but I’m looking for a few badges w/o representation.
Look again tomorrow. There will be some UJ badges without the MF on them.
>What’s the difference between the UJ MF1 and the UJ MF2 Grill Badges? Thanks!
One is blue and red, one is black and red.
davinewhvn, The UJ MF2 has Black where UJ MF1 has blue.
Just ordered mine today!
The parts guys just got a memo on it yesterday!!!
Very cool.
I can see where davinewhvn might have had a problem. They look very different on my LCD monitor at work, but on my crappy CRT at home, they look almost the same.
Awesome! I ordered the RAF, partly because it matches my
<a href="http://www.benshermanusa.com/store/media/E02834-122md.jpg" rel="nofollow">Ben Sherman Cufflinks!</a>
I always like the Land Rover spare tire cover that has Stars & Stripes next to the Union Jack.
I’d be tempted to get two badge holders if there were an American flag version.
Gabe, any plans to do a US-themed magnet to complement the UJ versions?
<a href="http://jitcrunch.cafepress.com/jitcrunch.aspx?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" rel="nofollow">This</a> is the grill badge to have.
>This is the grill badge to have.
Okay.. just one more request and I may be able to pull some strings 🙂
>Gabe, any plans to do a US-themed magnet to complement the UJ versions?
Based on MINI’s poor sales of the US flag on the roof I figured the interest would be very low. However if I get a few more requests I could talk to Todd about offering another. Maybe in late June 🙂
hey gabe… why would anyone want your initials on a badge on their car? just kidding!
actually, i have a GB sticker on my classic mini and have had many people ask me if I was a george bush supporter. oh the humanity! everytime it happens, i get a step closer to removing it.
Truth be told I had a chrome GB on my last MINI and I was asked “why do you have your initials on your car” all the time. Because of that I’m GB-less on my new MCS.
They must have had these badges for a while actually – well, at least the mounting bracket. I got one in the mail last December from MINI after I toured the Oxford Plant in September. Click [here](<a href="http://tonkatoys.com/nampics/ox.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc">http://tonkatoys.com/nampics/ox.jpg</a>) for a picture.
Uuuuuhhhh sweet! How can I get one of these? Will they be sold in good old Germany as well? The badge holder I mean.
The nice badges will have to come from the US….
Hey Todd, is there a way I could get one that just says ‘MINI’ on it like the one in the picture? Ordering two as we speak, though!
I think there used to be a few that said MINI, but from what I surmised, MINI asked that they not produce those designs – am I right?
>I think there used to be a few that said MINI, but from what I surmised, MINI asked that they not produce those designs – am I right?
No – no one was contacted. I just didn’t want to sell anything that was an infringement on copyright. Using the name MINI in something does that.
sign me up for the black and silver UJ badge.
Ordered my badge holder from MINI of Murray today and discussed with Karen the possibility of making a custom badge for the MINI Motoring Club of Utah – fun stuff
Off topic how would you characterize MINI of Murray? I’m looking for a 06MCS
BTT I purchased the UJ Blue and the Roundel. I would’ve purchased a MF one too if it was avail. Now I’ve got to spend another 50 Cents for shipping when it comes out, dang.
MINI of Murray seems pretty good. Their service department is great, but I didn’t purchase my MINI there, so I don’t know what that experience would be like. They have a lot of people coming in from California to purchase their MINIs here, so the wait list was too long for me. I bought mine from MINI of St. Louis and drove it back home. That was over a year ago, though.
I do know they charged me $30 for the badge holder, so they obviously don’t offer any sort of a discount on anything.
how ’bout the
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Rnzaf_roundel.svg" rel="nofollow"> out of sight Rnzaf roundel?</a>
or
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:RAAF-Roundel.svg" rel="nofollow">the RAAF’s?</a>
Well done !!
These are totally awesome, it’s a pity the badge holder itself isn’t available down here in Australia.
Keep up the great work and the cool designs 😉
It’d be great to see an $8 badge holder offered. We love to hand MINI our monies, but this looks simple to fashion.
I’ve asked my parts and service manager here in Vancouver if they are available, not sure if this is only a USA thing so far. We are still waiting for the blue tooth kits north of the 49th, too.
The Vancouver Cooper Club should also arrange for the purchase of custom badges from Toddsmods. I’ll put a bug in someone’s ear about it.
Any chance of getting the RCAF Roundel (red maple leaf instead of the red dot)? I’m sure all the Canadian MINIACS would appreciate it. Thanks!
Just a quick update… there is now an actual picture of the final product for the official MOTD4 grille badge, so take another look if you get a chance…
<a href="http://www.motd4.com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.motd4.com</a>
Got my badges today, they are going to look very cool.
One for everyday and a rest on Sunday. LOL
Hey –
A British Bulldog badge would rock!