Hey guys! I'm still new to the mini game. I have a 2011 cooper s and I want to remove the chrome headlight rings on the hood. I've tried to search but nothing came up. They look like clips but they feel like they are impossible to squeeze. Can someone please give me a tip on how to remove them without snapping the clips?? Thanks!!

 

I just took a flat screwdriver and (gently) pushed the tabs toward the center of the "hole". Once a couple come loose, the rest pop off easy. Tape up the end of the screwdriver with electrical tape to keep from scratching. 5 min job.

 

Thanks! I'll have to try it out tomorrow. I want to black out the rings and just didn't wanna screw myself by snapping the clips off haha.

 

True, get a flashlight and study the back side from under the hood.

To pry mine from the top, I used a plastic trim tool made specifically for not marking the paint. A taped up screw driver would likely do just as well.

Pay attention to the clips! They will separate from the trim ring during rempval and are easy to lose. I think I lost one per side. No big deal since my new rings also came with clips.

 

I go from under the hood and press them out with a plastic or metal trim tool. Watch the trim clips and make sure when you clip the new one it, its clipped tightly all the way around. Know a couple of guys that had them fly off down the road.

Black line version



Chrome version ( same as black line , just different color trim )



Here is a nice video an R56 owner posted up for the headlights and taillight rings in black line, same procedure for the chrome one.



And here are the parts if you need a change or replacing a damaged one.

Headlight Trim Ring Chrome - Set Part number 51137149905KT


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51137149905KT/




&

Headlight Trim Ring Jet Black - Set Part # 51132254895KT


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51132254895KT/




&

If you do the rear ever they can be a little tricky as the snap in tabs are built into the plastic around the side.

Rear Taillight Chrome Surround - Set ( R56 R57 R58 R59 models only )


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51132752243KT/




Or

Rear Taillight Black Line Surround - Set ( R56 R57 R58 R59 models only )


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51132296297KT/




Thanks and hope that helps.

 

I swapped my headlight rings out today. Very easy. Just used my thumbs to release about 3 or 4 of the clips and the rest came right out. Put a towel under the light in case any clips dropped. No tools required!

 

Great, do you have pics of your new HL trims installed on your MINI?

 

Will clean everything up this weekend and post some pictures. The black rings on the White Silver JCW look great!

 

Great, can't wait to see them.

 

sorry i know this thread is old but does anybody know where to buy clip replacements? i broke a few of them the first time i took my trim off.

 

I would go to the dealer.

 

+1 dealer or a supporting vendor on here. I bought a few last time as I have progressively broken a few clips over time and replace them as I snap them. They are relatively cheap (<$2 or so)

 

They are right here, 6 per headlight ring. We usually have them in stock.

Clip - Priced Each Part # 51132752145

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51132752145/




Thanks

 

My headlight rings are black plastidipped. The effect is like a semi matt vinyl look and works well with the black plastic trim work. Plus plastidip doesn't cost $80 and is completely reversible!!!