thought this might be the right forum to discuss this but:

I am currently going to get a mcs within a year. and was wondering whether or not the dashboard can be switched out with a new one. I love the seven dashboard, just looks so elegant, and was wondering if you can buy just the seven dash and switch it out. (if that's a possibility), (also i'm leaning towards buying a used mini so i wouldn't have the options of picking and choosing my options). So if any one has done this or knows the answer to my solution please elaborate! :D

 

Yes, it can be done, quite easily. Many (including myself) have done it. Just takes a torx driver and a little bit of work. Most of the pieces are a friction fit, so they just pull off.

 

the dash is attached with two screws and some clips
it's very easy to swap
just remember the dash changed between 04 and 05
so if you want the seven dash you will need an 05 or 06

 

Related idea:
paint or have your dash board painted any way you like. May save some money or hassle.

 

I may be wrong but I think hayjay is talking transplanting an '07 dash to a pre '07 or possibly a pre '05 MINI.

Is that right hayjay? If so, my guess is that the dash '07 dash will not be compatible.

 

The Seven is a limited edition MINI One, I dont think it was ever offered in the US but you can get the parts that it came with including the high gloss black seven dash.

Just remember the seven dash is going to be a 3-piece dash as it was an 06 release so it will only install on the 05 - 06 models without needed modifications.

 

Thanks for the clarification. It sounds interesting. Now that the configurators have switched over to '07, where can I see one?

 

Should be easy!

 

I have the Seven Piano Black dash. Personally I love it but it does get very dusty and can scratch easily.

Here's a pic:

 

Where would you get a replacement dash like the Seven?

 

I think you need to specify... Are you talking about the matte black padded peice that goes between the A-pillars and up to the windshield (the "dashboard"), or are you talking about the painted trim peices above the glove box, stereo and steering wheel? I believr MINI refers to those peices as the "instrumentation trim".

Either way, the 05-06 cars have a slightly different pattern (for both the dashboard as well as the trim peices) than the 02-04, so it depends on the make of your car.

Good luck!

 

It can be ordered from any dealer. However, I saw that you have an '02, which has a 5-piece dash. The Seven Piano Black dash is only available for the newer '05/'06 3-piece dash configuration. You can paint your dash black, as several people have done.

 

The 3 piece dash will fit on a pre-04 with no problems.

The only thing that doesnt work is the straps for the dash cover are not on the 3 piece dash. No big deal.

 

- duplicate -

 

Very interesting. It also accomodates the older airbag?

 

Yes. The only thing it doesnt share is the strap that holds down the cover when the airbag goes off, so that little piece of dash may go flying if the airbag goes off.

 

Thanks for the help. I was considering painting the dash, but wanted to see what other options were out there. I never knew that you could fit the 3 piece dash on pre-04's. I may have to consider looking at the JCW leather dash now, if it would still fit?
Thanks again!

 

IMO, that's a big deal. If the airbag goes off and the dash piece crashes into someone's face at 100mph, it would be a big deal.
The 05+ has a different design so that the airbag exits above the dash, not through it like the '02-04.

 

So I take that as a big no-no for the 3 piece dash...

 

I dont run airbags, so its no big deal for me.

You could very easily make something or trasnfer the straps over if you really wanted.

The cover is goig to go straight up once the air bag pops, so either way, I dont see it as an issue.