Well, that first sinking feeling when you realize that your baby has been damaged. I had finished "cramming things in the boot" with the rear gate up, and went to grap the inside handles to pull the gate closed, when I saw what I thought was some junk on the handles.

Well, upon looking closer, I realized it wasn't junk, but residue from the plastic being scratched! I had it in a number of places on this panel - I think it came from having my suitcase in the boot, that it had rubbed against that panel while the car was in motion.

Very disappointed to realize that that material is apparently that soft! I can understand MAYBE some slight scratches or some dirt, perhaps from the wheels. But the material was actually abraded, as though a rough file were taken to it.

Not like I can do anything about it now - just thought I'd warn others.

 

Bummer... I do know that feeling, and it sucks. It could be worse... it isn't a door ding!

On the subject of keeping the interior in good shape, have you considered a line, perhaps the Protective Bootspace Cover, item 51 47 2 179 301 on the R60 accessories list? I actually logged on today looking for a thread on it, or any mention of it, but don't see one... I think I'll start a thread.

Cheers,
Tad

 

Could you provide a picture?

 

Here's what I'm talking about - pardon the iPhone4 pix.









These were taken sitting on the rear shelf, facing the inside of the back gate. You're looking at the handles that would be used to pull the gate closed.

 

Can't say I'd given it much thought before - now I might! Thanks.

And you are right - a ding would've been much more painful.

 

I think that is kind of inevitable with a finished rear space. Same thing in all wagons and minivans I have owned--Ford, Chrysler and Toyota. Ditto on cars with well finished trunks too--typically Audi's in my case--where when you look closely at hard plastic areas if the car actually gets used to haul stuff, it will get the occasional mar in the hard plastics. First one a disappointment; after about half dozen, it's just a used car with a little more "patina" as it were.

 

I ended up keeping a rolled up blanket in the back (in fact it is a red mini blanket they gave with the CM) and just unroll and lay out when I carry anything with rough edges in the back.

 

Good pointer re keeping a blanket or some sort of cover back there.

I guess my disappointment is that I had my R32 for almost 4 years, putting the same stuff in the boot, with virtually no damage.

Oh well - if that's the worst problem I have, I'll be lucky!

 

I have been overly cautious since scratching up the boot of my 03 Cooper and having it bother me for eight years. I still remember the look on the guys face when I pulled up and then pulled out the Honda push mower from it however.

My biggest worry now is the back bumper. I don't want to scratch the paint and am waiting for someone to make a thin rubber cover instead of vinyl. Actually surprised MINI doesn't have one.