How do I remove the lower center grill? The black plastic one between the fog lights.... Do I have to remove the bumper? I can see tabs holding the grill onto the bumper looking down from top. But are there more screw to remove before the grill can come off?

 

Bump

 

Well I have bee trying to get the same type of info. I want to get the lower black air dam below off for paint and noone seems to be of help. From what I have read you will have to take the front bumper off but don't shoot if I am wrong, I can't get info either and the stealership isn't any help. The reply was bring it in and we'll take it off for you [at $100.00 an hr]. I don't want them to take it off or I would not have called. Mini's support for DIY people is the worst. American cars are much better. I will never buy a MINI again just for this reason. I want to work on my own cars and know them so when something goes wrong away from home at least I can get home.













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Yeah safest way is to remove the bumper. Its not that hard just a few pop rivets and bolts/screws. I did it to install a FMIC.

 

automan21,

Do you have any link you can point me to on steps in removing the bumper?

 

Helix13.com has a video for removing the bumper for the installation of the intercooler. It is the best I've found so far.

 

Yes^^^^

 

Mikewithamini
Thanks! That's also the same video I've found couple of days ago too..... I will look at it again!

Automan21
Your , "Yes^^^^" means you have additional steps? Or you are yes-sing on Mikiwithamini's link? ;p

 

This may not sound like a solution for you, but I've removed mine without taking the bumper off (this was on an S model). If you bang it hard enough with your fist around the edges it will pop loose, then you just have to maneuver it out. It's impossible to put it back in that way though.

 

I was yes-ing on Mikiwithamini's link

 

I just did this last week

You can remove the grill without removing the bumper, but you are taking a chance on breaking a tab. There is no way to put it back on without removing the bumper though.

I used the instructions from Alta's intercooler install.

http://www.altaperformance.com/share.../ampeng420.pdf

Hope this helps

 

I figured out how to take off the bumper cover....pretty easy. Looking at the way the lower grill snaps on the bumper...I doubt I would be able to bang it out without removing the bumper. Luckily I didn't go that route or there will be more stuff to fix later.