My mirrors won't come off and I really want my chequered caps!

[jimbo2k]

Hi folks!

I bought some rather sexy chequered wing mirror caps for my '08 Cooper. I have tried following all the tutorials on mirror cap replacement, but I just can't get it to work!

I have tried the unofficial method of sticking things into the plastic clips, but I have no idea how anybody could get the topmost clip (with a screwdriver!?) without bending and cracking the mirror. On my mirror, that clip is well hidden. You can hardly even see it with a torch.

Furthermore, I can't for the life of me see how any grown man can get his fingers far enough underneath the mirror to pull it away from the circular mount. Several times I just got enough finger underneath to get some leverage, gradually increased pressure, and the mirror was bending so much I had to stop.

I now have blisters on 4 fingers!!

So - is my '08 model somehow different from those cars for which the tutorial was written? Does anybody have any better ideas?

It seems to me that you need an item to go up and behind the mirror to detach it, without flexing the glass? I tried levering one out a while ago, but ended up cracking the glass. It took a hell of a lot of force to get the broken mirror out.

All comments gratefully appreciated!

[Rakey]

I used the handle of a tea spoon, gently releasing the clips inside the mirror so that it loosens and it gets easier as you progress in removing them

[adam_Randell]

i used a flat head screw driver round the edge of the cap

[neilobe]

With force you should be able to pull them straight off . Try Some rubber gloves for a better grip..

[oscarricher]

it took me hours to get mine off, the near side mirror cap came off 30mins, but the off side took hours! almost gave up but i didnt want two colour mirrors on my car!

tools used- spoon, knife, fork! long flat head screw driver....

its worth it, but you do get odd looks from the neighbours thinking what the hell is he doing with a cutlery set out?

i opened my door, zoomed down the window and tried every angle ...just keep trying

[KenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by jimbo2k (original)

Furthermore, I can't for the life of me see how any grown man can get his fingers far enough underneath the mirror to pull it away from the circular mount. Several times I just got enough finger underneath to get some leverage, gradually increased pressure, and the mirror was bending so much I had to stop.

I'm a grown man with stronger fingers than you then

Did you try pushing the mirror in at the top as far as it goes to give you more room at the bottom?

[sony]

Tis true it's not as easy as some people make out, simply because you don't want to be pulling out that mirror with so much force it'll brake!
Just keep trying with what has been mentionned above- patience is definitely the key here!

[KenL]

I just re-fitted my original black mirror caps as I am trading in my car.

Removed the mirror glass, unclipped one cap and replaced them. So easy, takes literally 2 minutes each side.

This is defo the way.

[rochie]

Quote: Originally Posted by KenL (original)

I just re-fitted my original black mirror caps as I am trading in my car.

Removed the mirror glass, unclipped one cap and replaced them. So easy, takes literally 2 minutes each side.

This is defo the way.

How do you remove the mirror glass??
Thanks in advance, Rochie

[splitboy888]

so what you do is get a flat head screwdriver
put some light so you can see the inner part of the mirror bottom of mirror first.
press the cover clips with the flathead screwdriver starting from the bottom ones (the screwdriver should be incerted in the gap between the mirror glass and the plastic.
easy job
no need to break finger nails, or clips
do it with care and take your time