This is my first post, as I am a very new MINI owner ('03 R53 I picked up a week ago). I searched all over for this, and you guys seem to be the pros

So my question is does anyone know how difficult it is to remove the aero side skirts? One of the mounting brackets underneath is damaged, and I am going to be replacing the bracket. I am concerned about damaging the skirt while trying to remove it and have contemplated just paying someone to do it.

Could anyone offer some insight or show me where I can find more info? I have seen all the tutorials and related links for removing the stock skirts.

Thanks in advance!

 

The procedure is the same as the stock skirts

 

My main concern was that the stock skirts are rubbery and bend, whereas the aero skirt is rather stiff. I also know that the top is held on by a strip of tape, not the clips.

I am pretty confident with mechanical issues, but I am a little hesitant to screw up a perfectly good skirt, and have to drop a crazy amount of money to have it fixed.

I just wanted to know if anyone has done it and if I'm just making a bigger deal about this.

 

I know how they are removed, I'm just saying I don't know how easy it will be to do it. The stock skirts are very flexible, but I'm concerned the aero side will crack. Also, I know it is not secured with the fasteners, but line of tape to the sill, so I don't know how that will complicate removing them.

I know it can be done, as I've seen plenty of used ones about, I'm just wondering if there is a way to do this without breaking/cracking the panel, or if I should just fork out for someone to put it on for me.

 

The tape will peel up relatively easily. You shouldn't be too concerned about cracking the skirt. The clips will break first.
Btw, get a few spare clips because you're certain to break one or two.

 

Be gentle...remember..it is 10+ year old plastic....

 

I appreciate the feedback. Luckily, the clips are all gone from the bottom already, so it might be much easier than I thought. There are remnants of the old plastic support piece, but it looks like this car bottomed out hard and cracked the entire thing to sh*t.

Luckily, the skirt is still in fine condition. I'll let you guys know how it goes, I will probably do it tomorrow on my day off. I think I'm just going to knock it out myself.

 

Chickened out. I am having the dealership take care of it for me on Friday, so hopefully it's quick and cheap.