I'm considering blacking out my chrome interior trim with some more satin black spray. Im probably going to start with the speedo' and the air conditioning rings. Do you have to take the whole dash off like you would replacing the gauge face? Or do they just pop off? If the dash has to come off, are there any good picture instructions on it?

 

I believe that you twist the aircon rings to the right. Try twisting them one way or the other, they should pop right off. Depending on the year of your car, you may have to take the dash apart to get the speedo ring off. I know with my '03 (build date of 10/02) I could have just pulled it off, no glue holding it in, however I have heard with the later models that there is glue that you have to peel/chip off from the back to get it off.

Have you already replaced your gauges? if so, just do the same thing you did to get the black plastic portion portion off.

I used reasoning and realoem to figure out how where the screws were to get the dash off, other than the airbag cover, that I had to ask here about.

-Chase

 

Well, the HVAC rings just twist off. Turn them clockwise to remove and counter clockwise to put on. If I remember from experience, you have to pull the 2 rings off the hazard light and dimmer switch. Just pull them. Then pull the center dash off. I believe it just snaps off. Once off, you'll see the screws that hold the speedo in place. Remove them then pull the speedo out and unhook the wire connector. Once the speedo is removed, just pry the ring off carefully. Try and keep the speedo upright as they say the silicone can leak out. I didn't have any problems, but don't take any chances. Anybody else, feel free to ring in with any suggestions or corrections.

 

There is someone in the marketplace selling MINI service guides on DVD for $10, he told me that everything is official so that would be in there with out a doubt.

 

I have not yet gotten new gauge faces. but if my speedo ring does not just pull off ill probably get some from out motoring. Thanks for the tips, I had no idea the aircon rings just twisted off!

 

Hello ZJedi, any link or username? I'll love to have such a thing!!!