I've been searching for directions on changing out the mirror caps and found some threads referring to Gen 1 MINIs (one containing an ominous warning for the Gen 2 MINIs), and a few threads for Gen 2 MINIs, but nothing posted in 2010. Has anyone switched out the mirror caps on their 2010? Although I have an R55, I would be happy to hear about any 2010 models.

thanks so much!

 

Just put a screwdriver wrapped in electrical tape between the cap and the black plastic edge of the mirror. Work your way around the mirror and it will pop off.

 

I've done it several times between black and checkered mirrors....I use a dental tool around the mirror to push up on the tabs. The top middle tab cannot be reached but other 4 can be and then the cap pops off. I worry about the tabs breaking but they are not the same tabs as the first gen cars. They are definitely sturdier.

 

mini coop and drewstermalloy: Thanks guys. Do either of you remove the mirror itself, or do you just work around the mirror to pop out the tabs on the cap? After seeing the threads where people mentioned cracking the mirror, I would rather not remove the mirror if I don't really need to.

 

I do not remove the mirror. I go around the outside of the mirror itself to press the tabs. You can push rather hard on the outside edges of the mirror to get around and behind it and to where the tabs are. The dental tool is great if you use the curved end of it. Then you just push up or down to release the tabs. Another set of hands can be useful to keep the tabs released by pulling on the cap.

 

hi mini coop: ok, I think I understand. But what dental tool do you use? Is it something you can buy at the drug store off the shelf? I may have one at home. I will have to take a look and try it out!

 

The R55 mirror caps are much easier to pop off than the R53 mirror caps. The first one I did popped off so quickly that I wasn't prepared for it and it landed on the garage floor. Absolutely no need to remove the mirror. I used a small screw driver to pry the tabs off.

 

thanks! I think Santa may be bringing me some for x-mas . . . I can't wait!

 

The dental tool has a 90 degree bend at one end and a point. The other end is straight and pointed.

 

thanks!

 

I used a pot scraper, worked it around the mirror cap. The instructions about removing the mirror are for 1st Gen. Using that method on the 2nd Gen could result in a broken mirror. Ask me how I know this

 

carman63: thanks for the tip . . . I read all about the 1st gen instructions resulting in broken mirrors for the 2nd gen cars. Sorry to hear about yours! I just hope that if Santa brings me new mirror caps, I can make the switch without anything getting broken. But at least I know NOT to try to remove the mirror.

thanks again!