So.
I've decided to sell my '02 MCS (Chili red w/a black hat, 34,000 miles), and during a test drive last evening, as I was demonstrating the acceleration and stability at speed, I heard a "snap". I was pretty sure I knew what it was, and, sure enough, when we pulled over so my prospective buyer could drive the car back, I saw that a piece of the windshield trim on the A-pillar had blown off.
This great car has shown none of the "quirks" that the early R53's are notorious for (mushroom strut-towers, clutch issues, power-steering fan, etc.), but I need to replace this piece, whether the car sells or not.
Could someone direct me to a link about replacing the windshield trim?
Thanks in advance.
Hegira

 

I would have to go look myself, but for some reason I thought the windshield trim piece was one long strip and not in sections.....what section of it blew off exactly ?

 

Last time I had my windshield replaced the installer screwed up and I lost the left one as soon as I reached about 60. But it was his fault, and he replaced it, so I have no idea about the cost.

 

Somehow, the trim piece in question (right side), developed a crack about 2 inches up from the bottom. I thought the piece was held on by adhesive, and would hold.
Wrong again!
I found the trim part listed at RealOEM.com, but maybe someome knows a good source for the part, and some guidance in replacing it.
Thanks again,
Hegira

 

RealOEM.com then order from ECStuning.com

 

About $55 at my local MINI dealer... and no waiting on shipping... pretty easy to install yourself.

 

Sure, if you're in a reasonable traveling distance to the dealership.

 

What type of adhesive should be used between the trim and the windshield?

 

I just replaced one of these a couple of months ago... there was a strip of tape (3M adhesive type?) that ran the length of the piece. The part was held in place by that tape and 4 or 5 of those plastic things that stick into pre-drilled holes... much like door side-moulding is attached to many cars.

The replacement part did not come with any replacement roll of tape... you may want to buy your own or salvage the exisiting tape (probably better to replace it).

The replacement part did come with the plastic things mentioned above, already installed in the new part.

 

JB Weld is your friend.

 

95? That's a pretty high-speed test drive!

 

This happens frequently on cars where the windshield was replaced. The clips weaken when they pull the A-pillar trim to replace the glass and never quite hold the same way again afterwards.

Like said above, go to a dealership and tell 'em what you want. I'd be willing to bet that they have 'em in stock. I replaced one (that didn't have the double sticky tape, just clips) and it's a straight-forward install.

The link to www.realoem.com should show you how it goes together and provide part numbers for your specific make/model/year.

 

Same thing happened to me, shortly after i changed windshield. But it happened at 125mph...

 

[quote=enricosonic;2293256]95? That's a pretty high-speed test drive!


He was, uhm, curious about the car's acceleration and stability......

 

our pass side one is craked after a windsheild install but we still have it

we do however need on driverside A-piller wwhere it meets the roof line we need jsut the corner black peice but the dealer said we have to buy the whole side to replace jsut the corner peice

does anyone know where to get jsut the corner plastic peice

thanks

 

mines seen 145 and hasent had any problems with sounds shaking or anything of that nature. seems to take sweepers at 130+ with ease...
but if the trim did come off i would be pretty mad....
Good luck getting it replaced im sure it will be fine.

 

mini cooper, silent but deadly hahaha

 

Age: 18

 

"mini cooper, silent but deadly hahaha :

Silent, my ***!
We had the windows down, the sunroof open, and Bob Marley crankin'....

 

bob marley FTMFW. he's amazing.
and by quiet i meant like unexpectedly fast

 

That makes 3! I was blasting Bob on my way home from work this evening.

 

That's i blast AT work