Problems with the Foam under the Cowl Vents (twin vents near wiper arms)

[Ginger]

Does anyone know if the foam behind the bonnet grills can be replaced? I cleaned my car on the weekend, and someone or something has made a right mess of the foam behind the driver's side vent. S'pose it could be birds or cats!!
Does anyone know if the foam is available on its own - or will I have to buy a whole new vent? If so how much, and is it possible to DIY?

[FONTAL]

I had that problem on my one the plastic had fadded and the foam was full of holes (I thought that it might be flys and bugs?)
Rang the guys at the garage and they sent me a full set of replacment grills and foam on waranty.

[Ginger]

Thanks Fontal - were they easy to replace?

[monsta]

Mines bit screwed as well Good to hear its replaced under warranty though

[Ginger]

Monsta,
Do you reckon it's going to be possible to DIY? Giving my dealer a call to see if it's covered under warranty!

[FONTAL]

They were fairly easy to replace just plastic clips holding them in. I had to use a screwdriver on a couple of them but there is no problem if you are carfull and rap the blade in a rag. Then the new ones just pop in to place.
It would probobly be better for you to go to the dealer and let them fit it, I can't as there is no dealer up here and it would have cost rather a lot of money to get the car to Aberdeen. plus if they do damage it they have to fix it but if you damage it there will be a dent in the bank ballance as well

[Dom]

It's easier to remove if you open the bonnet and attack them from underneath... worked for me

Dom

[FONTAL]

I was coming from underneath.
Must just be weak

[Ginger]

Dom,
Did you get yours replaced under warranty ?

[Dom]

No, mine are fine - I just took them out to give them a proper back to blacking after I accidentally polished them

Dom

[BruceK]

I've seen severe damage to the foam from exposure to the summer sun. The local BMW dealer (not yet a MINI dealer) has had MINI parked outside the dealership for about 4 months in the Texas sun. As a result, the foam in the twin cowl vents has become gray and brittle. There are holes where it looks like someone has poked a finger right through the frail foam.




I'm going to move it to the Faults and Fixes forum as it affects all models of the MINI, not just the One.

Also, I'll rename it to avoid confusion with the intercooler vent in the Cooper S bonnet.

[Pebble]

This has been brought up before and resolved under warrenty.

See This Thread.

[Ginger]

After reading the other thread, it would seem that they are covered by the warranty - as long as you can prove they were accidently damaged. Thanks for the assistance, but I don't think i'm going to get away with it.