F55/F56 :: Hatch Talk (2014+) MINI Cooper and Cooper S (F55/F56) hatchback discussions.

F55/F56 Replacing the MCS F56 mirror caps

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  #26  
Old 07-17-2014, 07:18 AM
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F56 Mirror Cap Removal

Originally Posted by sal1k
Unfortunately I may not have the magic fingers / grip / hands / car that allows me to have a sense of accomplishment . I tried the method posted in the video and I got only one slight click from the passenger's side mirror, nothing from the driver's side mirror.

How much strength was the man in the video actually using to wrangle the caps off the mirrors?
The amount of force being applied is not that great. Take note - I'm not a big guy!

What's more important is that the car and your hands are both clean and dry. You want to pull in a diagonal direction away from the mirror base. You do not want to pull directly forward, pulling forward will cause the mirror to rotate and make it harder to remove the caps.

Here's another video for your viewing pleasure, also notice the attached thumbnail:

 
  #27  
Old 07-17-2014, 07:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Dannno
My new set of caps (checkered) is on it's way...should be here by the middle of next week. I'll post my results (and possibly a video) after getting them installed.
Looking forward to this as mine should be on their way soon as well.
 
  #28  
Old 07-17-2014, 07:27 AM
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Originally Posted by SewellParts
The amount of force being applied is not that great. Take note - I'm not a big guy!

What's more important is that the car and your hands are both clean and dry. You want to pull in a diagonal direction away from the mirror base. You do not want to pull directly forward, pulling forward will cause the mirror to rotate and make it harder to remove the caps.
Thanks again! I'm going to try again tonight from the angle in the video. Wish me luck!
 
  #29  
Old 07-17-2014, 11:21 AM
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Gosh, this looks so easy. . . I'd be afraid people will start taking them. . . I want to take mine off and dip them and I thought it would be difficult.
 
  #30  
Old 07-17-2014, 12:41 PM
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F56 Key Cap Removal

Originally Posted by sal1k
Thanks again! I'm going to try again tonight from the angle in the video. Wish me luck!

Here's another one you might find useful:

 
  #31  
Old 07-23-2014, 10:04 AM
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Update: Still waiting on the mirror caps (shipping from CA to NY)...supposed to be here by Friday, so I might have a chance to put them on this weekend.

Couple of questions to other post-ers:
  • sal1k: Did you ever have luck getting your caps off? If so, let me know which method worked for you.
  • Beebe: Would you use Plasti Dip? Solid color?
 
  #32  
Old 07-23-2014, 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Dannno
Update: Still waiting on the mirror caps (shipping from CA to NY)...supposed to be here by Friday, so I might have a chance to put them on this weekend.

Couple of questions to other post-ers:
  • sal1k: Did you ever have luck getting your caps off? If so, let me know which method worked for you.
  • Beebe: Would you use Plasti Dip? Solid color?
Nope, no luck. I'm just going to have the pros do it when my car is in for its first post break in oil change. They'll be installing mud guards too. lol
 
  #33  
Old 07-23-2014, 12:49 PM
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Originally Posted by sal1k

Nope, no luck. I'm just going to have the pros do it when my car is in for its first post break in oil change. They'll be installing mud guards too. lol
Any reason why you guys haven't tried my method. It took all of 10 seconds per side.
 
  #34  
Old 07-23-2014, 02:19 PM
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Originally Posted by MarcoPolo
Any reason why you guys haven't tried my method. It took all of 10 seconds per side.
Laziness... I'll try tonight :-)
 
  #35  
Old 07-23-2014, 10:11 PM
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Success!!!!

I was prepared. I brought my pry tool, a thin towel to prevent scuffs, but I also brought a bit of elbow grease.

Before I tried the methods described here with the pry tool, I tried one more time the Sewell parts method... I trusted the fact that members here said the mirror caps were resilient and after a first half-hearted attempt, a second attempt just popped off the cap, lickety split! No tools, no nothing. I stood beside my passenger side door behind the mirror, a firm grasp and CLICK! Popped it diagonally out. It worked for both sides. HUZZAH!

 
  #36  
Old 07-24-2014, 07:06 AM
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Originally Posted by sal1k
I was prepared. I brought my pry tool, a thin towel to prevent scuffs, but I also brought a bit of elbow grease.

Before I tried the methods described here with the pry tool, I tried one more time the Sewell parts method... I trusted the fact that members here said the mirror caps were resilient and after a first half-hearted attempt, a second attempt just popped off the cap, lickety split! No tools, no nothing. I stood beside my passenger side door behind the mirror, a firm grasp and CLICK! Popped it diagonally out. It worked for both sides. HUZZAH!

glad to hear it!! enjoy your new caps. put pictures up when you can.
 
  #37  
Old 07-27-2014, 08:07 PM
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Installed my new caps today. Used the trim removal tools again, but also used a pointed scribe-like tool to help get the tabs to release...finished both mirrors in about 10 minutes with no broken tabs (and therefore no cursing!).

Here are some pics - at least, I hope they upload OK. I've tried several times to upload them into my 'garage', and keep getting database errors (??).

BTW - the new caps protrude a tiny amount (1/16"?) beyond the mirror border, all the way around (both mirrors). Not really noticeable, but the stock caps I removed were completely flush. Wondering if anyone else ran into this.
 
Attached Thumbnails Replacing the MCS F56 mirror caps-2014_0727_174435.jpg   Replacing the MCS F56 mirror caps-2014_0727_174522.jpg  

Last edited by Dannno; 07-27-2014 at 08:14 PM.
  #38  
Old 07-27-2014, 08:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Dannno
Installed my new caps today. Used the trim removal tools again, but also used a pointed scribe-like tool to help get the tabs to release...finished both mirrors in about 10 minutes with no broken tabs (and therefore no cursing!).

Here are some pics - at least, I hope they upload OK. I've tried several times to upload them into my 'garage', and keep getting database errors (??).
Looking good! I'm hoping to receive my checkered caps sometime this week.
 
  #39  
Old 07-28-2014, 12:07 AM
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Yep, that's all that's needed to remove the caps. Did it myself with pressure applied to the top and bottom middle of the cap where the primary tab is. Changed mine in less than five minutes!
 
  #40  
Old 07-30-2014, 11:14 PM
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Took all of 5 min...

Literally. Took longer getting the new ones out of the boxes...

 

Last edited by sal1k; 07-30-2014 at 11:23 PM.
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