Gaps in bodywork - MINI Cooper Forum

Tombles · #1 (**permalink**) Jan 5th, 2008, 04:08 PM

Hi all,

I went to view a MCS Checkmate today at a mini dealership but noticed there was some rather large gaps in the bodywork around the bonnet by the wheel arch and the front bumper. The gap was big enough for me to fit my little finger tip into.

Is this normal for some cars to have gaps like this?

merv · #2 (**permalink**) Jan 5th, 2008, 04:34 PM

The gap was probably because the bonnet was not shut properly, from time to time when I shut the bonnet it would be locked closed be wouldn't have engaged the catch properly (happened on both the mini's I have owned and always on the passenger side) but was just a case of opening and shutting the bonnet again- this became quite common in my Cooper which eventually had the bonnet catch replaced.

Tigger, Eeyore & Roo · #3 (**permalink**) Jan 5th, 2008, 04:47 PM

Exactly what Merv said!

Tigger.

Tombles · #4 (**permalink**) Jan 5th, 2008, 04:54 PM

Thanks guys, i couldn't have a proper look today as they were really busy but will go down again tomorrow and have another peek and see if they can open/close the bonnet

supa-dupa-cooper · #5 (**permalink**) Jan 5th, 2008, 04:58 PM

I saw a Checkmate today as well when I took back the Dooper, wonder if it was the same one

Tigger, Eeyore & Roo · #6 (**permalink**) Jan 5th, 2008, 05:02 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Tombles (original)

Thanks guys, i couldn't have a proper look today as they were really busy but will go down again tomorrow and have another peek and see if they can open/close the bonnet

There should be no need to open and close the bonnet; simply press down on the bonnet at the very top edge of the headlamp and it should click shut. Make sure you press just there, or you might damage the bonnet pressing!

Tigger.

mikeythemini · #7 (**permalink**) Jan 5th, 2008, 06:31 PM

Maybe they were trying to make it look like an early R56

Tombles · #8 (**permalink**) Jan 5th, 2008, 10:30 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Tigger, Eeyore & Roo (original)

There should be no need to open and close the bonnet; simply press down on the bonnet at the very top edge of the headlamp and it should click shut. Make sure you press just there, or you might damage the bonnet pressing!

Tigger.

Thanks will have a look tomorrow and let you know what happens

Quote: Originally Posted by mikeythemini

Maybe they were trying to make it look like an early R56

*Vikki* · #9 (**permalink**) Jan 6th, 2008, 07:16 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by mikeythemini (original)

Maybe they were trying to make it look like an early R56

just my thoughts as well