Bonnet help...

[MiniMan7]

I notice my bonnet to be alittle off. When its fully closed, the right side comes down more than the left side. I'd say there is about a quarter of an inch difference. Also, the right wheel arch is unaligned. I think my whole bonnet my be alittle off of what its supposed to be, heres a few pics, hopefully you guys can help. Thanks!

Overall view, notice the right side of the bonnet is lower than the left side:

[Click to enlarge]

Right side of the bonnet:

[Click to enlarge]

Left side of the bonnet:

[Click to enlarge]

Right wheel arch (I placed a white paper towel in order to see the displacement better):

[Click to enlarge]

Left wheel arch (I placed a white paper towel in order to see the displacement better):

[Click to enlarge]

The last two pics show how the bonnet comes too far down and is not lined up with the arches correctly.

Note: When I refer to the right and left side of the car, I'm referring the side it would be when sitting in the car, not when looking at it.

[tip]

Miniman,

Take the car to Budds, I believe that they can adjust the bonnet throught the side vents. It is probably jus a minor thing.


Charles

[MiniMan7]

Quote:

Originally posted by tip
Miniman,

Take the car to Budds, I believe that they can adjust the bonnet throught the side vents. It is probably jus a minor thing.


Charles

Sounds like a good idea, I'm going to bring it to my dealership (Mini Woodbrigde) when I have my exhaust installed and have them take a look, I'm just scared that I might get a big fat bill since my Mini was in an accident and the whole bonnet was replaced, needless to say, I will still ask them to fix it. Thanks Charles.

[sjbartnik]

I wonder if the bonnet/rear hatch are fitted by robot or by hand. My rear hatch was fitted a little off, resulting in it standing proud of the body at the lower right corner, causing a small water leak.

A T-40 driver and about 20 minutes adjusting the right side hinge fixed the problem but I thought that was a little unusual. Perhaps beer is served during lunch at the factory?

[sjbartnik]

Quote:

Originally posted by MiniMan7
I'm just scared that I might get a big fat bill since my Mini was in an accident and the whole bonnet was replaced, needless to say, I will still ask them to fix it. Thanks Charles.

OHHHH. Well yeah then it's probably related to the accident and subsequent repair. If the bonnet was replaced I imagine they didn't do as good a job as the factory in fitting it.

So even if they won't fix it under warranty, you should be able to get it fixed through your car insurance since it's related to your accident repair.

[Speedd]

Hey CoopRaNite has the same problem and is due to be taken in this weekend. I was told of the slight alignment at the last meet we had here by Rich

Keep us posted M7

Anand

[Minty]

mine had the same problem...after a slight bump get it back to the dealers, they can adjust it. mine is fine now!

[here2help]

Hi MiniMan7

The bonnet is easily adjusted on the front bonnet catches, i have also had the same fault which wasnt the bonnet out of adjustment but the plastic wheel arch mouldings which had some broken retaining clips on it due to careless technicians pulling up on the trims/bonnet so they can put the ramp legs under the car to lift it.

This is only an idea??

[here2help]

Please note that the main cause for the wheel arch trims to be loose is from careless technicians lifting up on the front wings/bonnet and not the bonnet out of alignment.(this is in most cases im not saying its gospel!)

I am speaking from experiance here from when the car was first launched.

[retroom]

The body shop didn't fix it right, you or your insurance shouldn't have to pay more to get the hood aligned correctly. Take it back to the body shop and have them fix it.

retroom

[MiniMan7]

I was thinking about getting the body shop that repaired it to fix it since its a life time warranty with them. However, for the sake of getting it right the first time I'm going to go with my Mini dealership since they're much more experienced with Mini's. I don't think its the plastic trims that are out of wack, but when I bring it near the end of the month I'll let you guys know what happens, thanks for the help!

[retroom]

That seems sensible. Who recommended the body shop to begin with?

retroom

[MiniMan7]

Quote:

Originally posted by retroom
That seems sensible. Who recommended the body shop to begin with?

retroom

Our insurance company had a list of all body shops they recommended, since we heard good things about this place, we went there. They did a very nice job, except for replacing the bonnet.