I can't put my dash panel that covers the airbag on. Help?
 

Hi guys,

I'm having trouble getting my dash panel that covers the airbag to go back on. The top seems fine. As if it was hanging by some hinge or something, but the bottom part is not attached at all and can be lifted like opening a door. How do I fix the part back into position? I had to yank quite hard to get it to lift originally.

I asked on this thread (3 last posts), but I'm not sure if that section gets as much traffic. Had no luck with any responses. Help!

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=154807

What year MINI do you have? (3or 5 piece dash?)

I've found there's a certain level of force needed when putting panels back in, but also beware that you don't want to break anything, and check that it hasn't broken already

Sorry, my car is a 2003. I'm not sure if I did or didn't break anything. It sounded like it was clicking out just the same as the other 2 panels (center and drivers side).

I don't know if I broke anything because I can't anything where it could have clipped onto...

Hi, you've broken the panel.
The lower edge is normally held by a breakable strip of plastic and is designed to snap when the airbag deploys allowing the panel to hinge up and the airbag to pop out.
I did the same on mine :(
I've fixed mine with a very small amount of superglue so that the panel stays in place but will not prevent it opening if I ever have a crash and the airbag deploys.
You can buy the panel assembly new from the dealers - about $80 if I remember right.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...50&hg=51&fg=30

Item 5 in this diagram.

argh, damnit I think i'll just get the part from the dealer :( wow that sux oh well at least it is due for it's service soon.

Thanks for the response! At least I know what my problem is then.