I'm pretty sure I've read every thread on MCO/NAM on removing the mirror caps, and I've come across various descriptions of the tool to use (spoon handle, paint scraper, "hook tool"...), but when I just gave it a shot, I couldn't even figure out how to get started! Everyone just says to pull the mirror back with your hand and jam the tool in there to get at the tabs, but even with quite a bit of force, I was unable to open a gap between the mirror and the cap. Is it maybe just stuck somehow, or am I missing something here?

Thanks in advance for any help; I'd really love to do this tonight since someone is coming to look at my Cooper for sale tomorrow (I bought a mirror cap to replace a scuffed one in order to help the sale).

 

When it comes to in-depth technical information, MINI2.com can't be beat!

Here are some instructions on how to remove the exterior mirror caps: (You may have to scroll down the long list of DIY articles to find it)

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f...ng_mirror_caps



Good luck

 

Be careful though, I did break a tab the first time I did it . Be gentle and try to loosen all the tabs across either the top or bottom, and make sure not to scratch the edges. I was using a screw driver that had ridges (no good). I then used a really small long skinny screwdriver and that worked great.

 

I guess i'm missing something here, why would you want to remove your mirror caps???

 

To replace them with new or different ones.

 

It's simple. First, the mirror itself pops right off or out. Just use a screw drive as a wedge between the mirror and the housing. Be careful and take your time as you don't want to crack the mirror. It's held in by a circle of plastic feet in the middle of the back of the mirror. Once it's out, it's easy access to the plastic tabs that hold the cap. And yes they are fragile and will break if you're not careful. It's a 10 minute job to change mirror caps.

ripley.

 

Ahh, i see. If you have painted ones and want to put on chrome ones. I guess this is the only car that I have seen people replacing the mirrors on!!

 

when I replaced mine with checkered flag caps it took me a few minutes before I figured things out; use the mirror controls inside the car to adjudt/rotate the mirror in such way that the gap between the mirror and the cover grows. I used a flat head screw driver and started with the tab closest to the door, near the bottom (don't start at the top). Unclick the first tab and at the same time prie the cap away (stick something in between the cap and the part that stays). Then work your way around to the top. It's very easy as long as you start with the tab closest to the door at the bottom...

 

Or you can add mirror caps painted with the Union Jack flag theme Since I already have a UJ roof flag decal, I decided to get the chrome exterior pack from factory and get the chrome mirror caps instead.

But in the future I may go for those UJ mirror caps.

 

Thank you!!! That's one detail that's missing from every single other account of how to do this. It took me under 2 minutes to switch out the mirror cap with your help.

Chris

 

Aren't we all just the best !!