MINI Cooper S Side Grille Vent removal

[Wing0949]

I think I've searched as many threads as possible regarding this, but no answer satisfy my specific question which pretty much applies to the Cooper S model.

I'm interested in replacing the side grille vents on my MCS; however, the threads I've read ,so far, seem to successfully apply to the base Cooper models... basically open bonet, reach in behind the side grille vents from the inside and push out (maybe outward & forward, too). When applying to the MCS model, it seems as though there's a problem.. the side grille vents don't push out so easily. Is this true or has anyone know of a way to replace the side grille vents on a MCS?

I had a look inside under the bonet to see how the side grille vents are being secured... couldn't really get a good view, but just behind the "S" in the side grille vent, there seems to be a screw and/or nut directly behind the "S". Is this the reason the MCS side grille vents are so hard to push out? because they cannot be removed unless behing unbolted or unscrewed?

Any insight into this issue would be appreciated. Thanks.
-Wing

[aokdoug]

i did mine last week.
just slide foward& wedge out back-end witha
small flat-head screwdriver.use a credit card or the like
a protect the paint.it's a piece of cake.let me know how
it goes.
regards,doug

[monsta]

What you can see isn't a screw just a kind of pop in place fixing. Just push from that end and it should pop out.

[jimmyxp]

just go for it, it wont break, i thought mine may break but didnt, hope urs wont anyway

[Wing0949]

Thanks for the replies.

I will try it!

...to be continued.

[jd2_uk]

Hi,

I appear to have the opposite problem! I have just replaced my standard Cooper side grilles with Cooper S ones. The Cooper ones were held in really secure and took a little time to remove without damaging the paintwork. When I put the Cooper S ones in they didn't seem to 'click' into place. I can now remove them really easily by just pulling on the grille!

This has obviously got me concerned about them being stolen. Has anyone had a problem with them being loose or had them stolen. Anyone know how to secure them more? Are the original ones glued in place?

Thanks

James

[all-black]

To get them to stay in you really have to push them hard.

They will "click" into place if you push hard enough!

[Surfboy88]

Quote: Originally Posted by all-black

To get them to stay in you really have to push them hard.

They will "click" into place if you push hard enough!

Be sure to reach behind the fender (from inside the engine compartment) to hold the sheet metal tab & grommet that it latches into. The tab will will flex if you don't hold it, then the pin from the side vent won't snap in all the way.

I had the same problem and this was the fix for me.

:: dave ::

[Wing0949]

Thanks again for the replies and help.

Got it done! U know, it was easier than I originally thought or anticipated.. simply cause didn't know what to expect and a little scared to break a major feature on my mini.

it was really easy.. at first, i was simply reaching too far back or down along the back of the side marker grille. in the end, i only had to feel for and push the very front end of the grille and off it started to come.. no sore fingers or thumbs (except for the failed attempts trying to push from the wrong points/positions) in the process.

For anyone who's interested, I was trying to remove my grille for 2 reasons.. making a custom mod to the look of my MCS grille.

1) Changed the clear side markers (repeaters) with a set of smoked repeaters I got from Moss Mini. Since my car is sort of dark and the windows and turn indicators are smoked, it seemed appropriate to smoke out the side grille repeaters to match. I think they're looking rather nice. Stealthier?
2) Added a grille light kit from Moss Mini. I was a little reluctant to put it in at first for fear it may look too cheesy, loud, or "ricey"; however, in the end, I was happy with the installation.

Click on the above image or view my gallery to see more & larger pics. The blue light isn’t too bright and can only be viewed from a limited field of view. Most angles make it look like normal, no glow light. Only from almost directly from the side can it be seen most clearly. I don't believe it validated any of my above mentioned fears, which is good.