How does one remove the round housing that (paint matched to the car) the gas cap closes on? I have had my MCS repainted twice already because the collision center was unable or just didn't know how to remove this plastic piece that hold-on to the gas cap, now there's a hard line just under the plastic housing cover for where the cap is located. Now I must return for a third visit because Caliber Collision in Irvine, CA because the painter can't find a way to remove it , so he ends up spraying paint into and around the edge of the rim. If you look closely you can see where the paint gathered up (right side middle) into a crusty ugly pile of paint/crap.

Much appreciated!

Systemlord

 

One of my MINIs when I had a repair job from someone running into me cost $1200. That covered the removal of the part and new cap. It didn't include the cost of having the ring painted. Im curious also what it consist of. Because I was shocked at the price but it was done at the dealer.

 

What's sad is it's the customer that has to find out how to remove it because the people that should know don't know!

 

Very true. I will follow this because im just dying to find out! Im wondering if they had to access it from the inside of the car or if it just snaps in from the outside! Good luck though!

 

The gas cap cover pot is held in place by two tabs on the rear of the opening. Peer down inside the cavity and you will see the tabs extending below the painted surround at about the 2 and 4 o'clock position. The visible portion of the tabs is about 3/4" by 3/8". To release the pot those tabs need to be gently pulled forward (toward the filler neck) using a hooked tool (made from a coat hanger, etc.) while lifting the rear of the pot away from the body. The pot is then rotated away from the body and removed to the rear. All work is done from the outside of the car; nothing else needs to be removed. The pic below shows the pot removed and inverted. You can see the two tabs extending below the pot at the top and left on the bottom pic. Good luck.

 

Well that was easier than I thought, it came off with very little effort!

Thank you ammodave!