Hi, I was wondering if anyone has used any protection on the opening side of the doors. I am very careful, but I think I could someday tap an edge on something, like the post at the gas station I almost opened the door into. I guess I need to get used to the length of the doors.
Thx

 

They are really long, it is a constant concern. I just take it slow and easy.

 

Over time those concerns will fade as you get used to the doors. Any accidental chips on the edge are easily covered with touch-up paint. One would have to be within 2 feet, door open, staring directly at it to see all the touched up chips on my door edge. Hey, in 8 years stuff happens, even if you are careful.

 

Oh, great! Thanks for the tips!
Where do you get the touch up paint, at the dealer?
Now I won't stress)

 

It's still best to avoid the chips, slow and careful is good advice! Or you good try one of those clear vinyl channel protective strips.

 

Yes I was thinking about those...Do they still make them?
Thx

 

I think the only place to get it is at the dealer. I would caution you against any over the counter touch up pens. They work great, they just don't carry any MINI or BMW specific colors from what I know. I didn't even bother with my pepper white.

It is quite expensive if you get the clear coat as well as the paint from MINI, though

I had a few light scratches and scuffs on my car. Mostly all of the scratches on my car were fixed with a scratch removing product called Quixx. It's the most effective one that you can buy over the counter. And it's really easy for anyone to do. I had a big scuff from someone rubbing against the corner of my rear bumper when parked in a lot. A little elbow grease and it was gone for good. But I would only use it for light scratches because of how the product works. I've tried it on deeper scratch that went completely through the clear coat but not completely through the paint itself. I just buffed it out with Quixx and bought some cheap clear coat you can find at any Kragen/Oriely's.

It's also good for those millions of light scratches behind the door handle. It looked perfectly brand new in 2 minutes. Unless you slam the door on something like a concrete wall, I'm sure any scrathes would only be superficial, thus Quixx is safe to use without the touch up paint.

 

protective film maybe? a fellow MINI owner used those rubber door edge protectors along the whole edge of the door

 

I have those chrome strips that go over the door edge. I think you can get them at just about any automotive supply store. My previously owned MINI came with them installed. I dont believe I have opened my door into anything but I do think they would help protect the doors if I did.

 

Caution is the best method.
These doors are shorter than what I had on my S5 and the car is quite a bit narrower so easier to keep from hitting other stuff.

A thin strip of clear bra can be applied at the rear of the door for any oops moments.

 

Long? I've been excited about how much easier it is to park and open doors now!

Of course, my other car is a camaro so maybe I don't quite have the same background :P

 

Thanks, that sounds like a great idea! I never heard of it before.
I hate those scratches behind the door handle, I had them on my white BMW and it drove me nuts looking at them after I had the car washed!

 

That sounds a lot nicer than the plastic ones.
Thanks!

 

My MINI has a Clearbra. Besides the hood and front bumper, the installation included door edge guards, the fronts of the mirrors, the cup in the doors under the handle, the headlights and fog lights and the rear bumper, so it doesn't get scratched dragging stuff in and out.

Dave

 

Sorry, but what is Clearbra? Is it something you paint on, or is it actual plastic?
Where did you get it done?
Thanks!

 

It is an option you can order with your MINI or it can be dealer installed. There are detail shops that install it also

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...otection/Film/

http://www.invisiblemask.com/site.html

Dave

 

Thanks so much!
I wonder why they didn't offer it???