I just bought an 03' Cooper S hardtop with 6 speed and 85k miles. Everything seems to be good as far as drivetrain, fluids, brakes, steering n' such. Biggest issues are lights, and some annoying rattle in the back, sound likes it's coming from either the hatch or the roof, i can't pin point it. Could it be just interior rattle or possible suspension? As for the electrical, the cargo lamp doesn't stay on unless you open the side compartment door and push the tongs in and hold them. I bought another lamp with bulb on ebay but not sure that will solve anything. Also need license plate lamp lens, anyone know where I can get OEM pieces for cheap or used? This thread is loaded but I'm new to the Mini world and need info and resources.

Thanks!

- RH

 

eBay is a good source otherwise Sewell parts is a forum sponsor and I have found their prices to be quite good. NAM members get a small discount. Mini of Atlanta also seems to be a good source although I have no personal experience with them.

Not sure what you mean be tongs...if you mean the bulb carrier...have you tried bending it back into place to tighten up the grip on the bulb?

Rattles..ha the entire interior of a mini rattles for most..get used to it or get out some sound deadening and some felt and line everything.

 

penskeparts.com is good for OEM diagrams, part numbers, and ordering parts.
pelicanparts.com is good for OEM parts once you know a part number.
mossmini.com and waymotorworks.com carry OEM parts.
realoem.com/bmw is good for diagrams and part numbers.

 

For the rattle, try a few wraps of black tape on the hatch latch bar.

 

Good call

I took apart the rear end trying to find my rattle last week. Everything was tight and strut mounts were good. I then got the idea to shake the hatch and there was the noise. I tightened the rubber bump stops on the hatch. That helped mine but the hatch ever so slightly sticks out now. Hard to see unless I told you to look.

 

I think I read your thread on this acutally. I noticed that I do have the black hinge. So.. does that mean it was already swapped but didn't do the trick?

 

Thanks. I've been to a few of these already. Moss is good but I found more accessories for interior and exterior than I did replacements. I'll check pelican definitely. Thanks, again!

 

I meant to say the connectors that attach to the lamp's tongs. If you press them in the light will flicker on, I'm just worried is a wiring issue and not a simple bulb or lamp replacement remedy.