So it's time to chrome the exterior of my 05 MCSC. This will be a continuing project over the next month or so... So how do I remove the Cool Blue outer skins of my mirrors to replace with Chrome ones. Is there a specific method of removal or does one just pry off? I'd like to preserve the originals if possible. TIA Michael

 

you need a long small flat head screwdriver and a second one. There are 3 clips on the top and 2 on the bottom. while you have one going between the mirror and the case, have the other one at the top or bottom to keep the plastic clip from re-taching itself.

I had trouble with one side, but the other side was easy once I did it. Sorry I have 2004 Cooper, but I assume that they are the same. Look at ur new cover and sould see the clips I am talking about.

You kind of have to pry them down and then pull back, one at a time, hence the 2nd screwdriver to keep it from coming back and reclipping...

I hope this helps, if not, let me know, I will try to get the words out better... :P (It makes sense in my head)

J

 

The key here is Take Your Time. Same goes when you replace them. Go slowly, patiently.

 

oh, yeah forgot that... I did it in the winter too... the Canadian winter... took me about an hour for both..

 

Try this thread on mini2. The butter knife idea looks like a good one.

 

I used the butter knife. Took about 10 minutes to figure out what I was doing on the first one, then about 2 minutes to do the other side.

 

Check out MINI2. Theres a how to there...some where

 

You only need one tool and that's a long thin screwdriver, or something similar, to move the clips which retain the cover.

Monsta used a long dessert spoon, like you get in restaurants for tall ice creams. Doesn't matter what you use, as long as it's long enough to reach the clips and thin enough to slip behind the mirror.

Below is a picture of my damaged mirror cover after a slight accident reversing the car when it was brand new and some other damage caused by a car bashing into it in a car park.When you get your cover you'll notice five clips on the back. These are the clips which need to be unclipped to remove the cover (arrowed in picture).The first thing you need to do, is switch on your ignition and lower the mirror as far as it will go.

If you now look through the gap, you should be able to see the clips inside. Easy if you have white mirror covers, harder if they're black.

Starting with the clip nearest the window, slide your screwdriver, spoon etc through the gap and under the clip. Then lever the clip up and the first part of your cover should come away. With your other hand, lift this part of the cover up so it doesn't spring down again. Continue holding the cover and lift up the middle clip. Slide your hand further under the cover to prevent both clips from springing back down.

Now do the same for the third clip along, making sure you have a tight grip on the cover. As I lifted this up it fell on the floor.You are now left with a very bare looking mirror. Might be worth giving the back a quick clean up, to remove any water and dirt, which may have found its way in there.To fit the new cover. Slide it on, bottom first, engaging the two clips, then roll cover up to engage the top three clips.

Et voila...Repeat the above to change the other side, remembering to hold the cover tightly at the third clip, if you wish to retain your old covers scratch free!

 

The first time I removed a cover, the first screw driver fell to the ground and so did the cover. Luckily the screw driver missed the door, but the driveway did chew up the cover I intended on having as a spare. I would go with pop sickle sticks and put a blanket on the door and ground the first time....

 

Awesome Thanks guys!!! I'll do this and then we are onto the front grille...