I've got 3 sets of mirror caps (oem, carbon fiber, and union jack); I've removed and replaced them about a dozen times using the instructions in this thread and have never broken a tab. Just take your time and don't try to force anything.

 

Four different Minis and I've switched the mirror caps on each one with nary a problem. And I'm a guy that can't switch lightbulbs without breaking one of them.

 

I changed the mirror caps on my 2012 Countryman from white to BlackJack in 5 minutes, using only a butter knife to push on the tabs from the inside. Super easy.

 

I have 2 white caps from my R56 2011 CooperS non powerfold. Came off easy and black ones snapped right on.

 

Thanks for the tip. I tried pulling with edges of my finger tips (not nails) on my Countryman with powerfold. Both came right off easily without anything broken. The tabs of the mirror caps look real solid.

 

I wanted to thanks the OP.
The technic worked like a charm

I have to say, while I'm so glad they popped out really easy, it is at the same time a little frightening it is that easy . . . Let's just hope MINI owners are all respectful of other MINI owners

I'm a product designer. I'm use to model making/prototyping by hand so I used a Bondo Silicone spreader I had on hand. You can find them at Home depot, auto shop, etc...
It works great. I used a wide one. It's sharp enough to slip under the edge of the mirror cap, and soft enough it won't scrape the paint or hurt the plastic at all:

 

Just swapped out my power fold caps today. Literally about a minute per side Including removal and install. Used harbor freight interior trim removal tool.

 

I'm about to buy a used pair of mirror covers for a 2011 but need clarification before buying.

I have power fold mirrors and when researching covers there's different part numbers for non power vs. power. Is there truly a difference or both compatible with power fold mirrors?

thanks in advance

 

I believe they are different parts.

FYI, I have a pair of used, in relatively good condition, chrome power fold mirror covers for sale, just in case you'd be interested . . .

 

They are indeed different parts. You have power fold mirrors, and only mirror caps for power fold mirrors will fit.

 

Does anyone have the pics saved or stored anywhere? I'm going to replace the terrible chrome ones as soon as I can find some white ones.

Thanks

 

They were crazy easy to take off and put on.

 

Ditto. OPs pics are gone! (Pictures says a thousand words, they say) =)

 

just got a pair of OEM black jack mirror covers for my R56. Passenger side fits perfectly. Drivers side just won’t line up. One of the clips is oriented differently from the original. They are NOT powerfold. What could be wrong?

 

So.. are the powerfold mirrors physically larger than the non-powerfold ones? Is the powerfold mirror assemby compatible with regular base? I just can’t figure out why the installed cap is larger than the replacement cap.