MC-S R53 Bonnet & Bumper Gap

[aelc89]

Good Morning all,

I am extremely new to the forum as I’m sure you will see, I have browsed the forum regularly ever since I bought my 04 MC S R53 back in September and never really needed to post… until now.

Since I have had the mini I have loved every minute of it apart from the problems… Since purchasing, I have to buy 2 new run flats for the front (which is fine as I bought the car knowing the old ones were worn).

Took the mini in to a private garage for a MOT and service, needed new brake disks/pads etc, not to fussed about that as the car had 62000 miles on the clock.

Last Friday, went and got the car washed, pulling out of the car wash place, started to notice a clunking noise when pressing the clutch down. Took it easy on the way home, but it started to get worse. Took it straight to the nearest garage where by the time I got there the clutch was on its last legs. Mechanic took a look and advised I would need a new clutch, costing around £600 inc labour. Drove it down to another garage where they advised it was the gear box, cost £1800. Took it back to the garage where I was quoted £600 left it there and walked home.

While the mini was in the garage, received a phone call advised that the Dual Mass was on its last legs and I am better of replacing it now as a new clutch was getting fitted, if I didn’t I could be in the same situation as I was a year down the line needing a new clutch and another £600. New dual mass £300 so total £900.

Picked the mini up last night after 3 days of work being done to it and all seems fine, clutch is 100x looser that it was, gear box has a different feel, little bit stiffer but can be expected after it being taken apart.

The one that this is bugging me is a one inch gap between the bonnet & bumper on the front passenger side. It is as it is supposed to be on the driver side, but on the passenger side there is this gap. Opened up the bonnet and the bumper seems in line and attached the same each side, close the bonnet there is the gap, extending over the front of the passenger wheel arch also.

Any one got any idea’s?

Thanks in advanced and sorry if some get bored with my experience

[aelc89]

P.S Standard MC S body kit, not aero

[aelc89]

Just read somewhere on the net that loosening the bolts holding the bonnet latches then re adjusting could be the ticket.

Can anyone confirm?

Thanks

[marque]

Hi ya

Couple of quick thoughts before you adjust anything close your bonnet and look at the shut lines around the back of the bonnet where the A panel is make shore the gap is constant and the same both sides.
If you start to adjust the bonnet catch you will put out you head light alignment
And twisting the bonnet
Have a read of this thread it may guide you on the right direction if your shut lines are good. I would think if they put your car into service mode to do your clutch it may not have been adjusted or put back to the correct position. Have a read see how you go.

Girls's Guide to Removing the Bumper, Bumper Carrier, and the Modular Front End - North American Motoring

Hope this helps

[REDHOT06]

Mine was not level but it was the bumper that was out. Aero kit not fitted right!

a couple of bolts and a quick lift! all sorted in 10 mins.

cheers

[aelc89]

Quote: Originally Posted by marque (original)

Hi ya

Couple of quick thoughts before you adjust anything close your bonnet and look at the shut lines around the back of the bonnet where the A panel is make shore the gap is constant and the same both sides.
If you start to adjust the bonnet catch you will put out you head light alignment
And twisting the bonnet
Have a read of this thread it may guide you on the right direction if your shut lines are good. I would think if they put your car into service mode to do your clutch it may not have been adjusted or put back to the correct position. Have a read see how you go.

Hope this helps

Hey mate thanks for the reply, the Bonnet shut lines on the drivers side are are all in line, but you go over to the passanger side and there is a slight gap on both sides of the black trim around the wheel arch then obviouslly the gap between bonnet and bumper.

Going to take it to mini tomorrow to see what they say, if its a quick fix ill let them sort it, if not will see what they say what needs to be done then take it back to the garage that had it in pieces to do the clutch.

Unless any others have a quick fix?