Has anyone devised a system to keeping the rear glass relatively clean or at least washing it while in motion? I drove about 200 miles last night on damp roads and by the time I reached my destination the back window was more like a painted panel. Not much more than light was able to show through. I know the window isn't much use for backing up, but I like to be able to see behind me when I'm driving, even if the slice of view is only a 2X3" square!! It would be nice if there had been a wiper and/or washer system installed. Has anyone devised something that sort of works?

 

I just clean it very often with the washer fluid, mine is always getting filthy after short drives.

 

You could try some sort of wax, such as Rain X. The shape of the car doesn't help.

 

The rear wheels are just too close to the back of it throws dirt everywhere.

 

I agree that it's the shape of the car....I don't know much about aerodynamics, but I believe that the shape of the rear creates a low pressure area so that dirt/dust accumulates on the back of the car. As I understand it, the only way to really solve it would be to put a relatively large spoiler on the trailing edge of the roof....although that's obviously not going to happen on our convertibles.

 

The above is absolutely correct. The shape of the trunk moves the air separation point up the glass. A sedan does not have the issue.

This is why hatchbacks and SUVs can benefit from spoilers and rear wipers.

 

On the convertible rear glass : Rain X helps a little, or a spray wax. Its hard to keep it from getting dirty. I just try to wash it as much a possible.

The factory rear splash guards / mud flaps are NLA for the -7/2004 Cooper. There are no factory ones for the rear 7/2004+ Cooper or Cooper S that MINI made.
But, there are the front ones which help reduce with the sides and rocker, might a little on the back.


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/82160136806/




Here is the install PDF

Thanks

 

Edited

 

After a while you will completely forget you've got a rear window and rely totally on the side views. If by chance you are able to see out the back window from time to time enjoy the moment but don't get used to it.

How to get the most enjoyment out of your side views:
http://www.cartalk.com/content/avoiding-blind-spot-5

 

Hi,

Help with install of mud flaps.

I ordered and received front mud flaps for my r52 convertible from ECS. I run four snow tires in the winter, and the splash guards look like they may help with "spray." However, I am a bit puzzled about how to install.

The kit comes with two small screws and two small plastic rivets. The flaps have two small holes, one on the outer edge, one on the inner fender edge, AND one large hole in the bottom.

On the car, there are no matching holes, EXCEPT there exists one large "fastener" with a head about the size of a quarter, on the bottom of the chassis rail. Surely the large hole of the flap mates with this large fastener; everything then lines up. However, the existing large fastener is flat and has no obvious screw slots/head to unscrew/unbolt.

My questions:

1) How to remove the large fastener on the car? Does it pop/pry off? Is it a one use fastener/do I need to buy a replacement/what is the part number?

2) Which small hole takes the screw, and which takes the plastic rivet? The outer edge hole/plastic rivet, the inner fender hole/screw, or is it vice versa?

Thanks

 

The large fastener (more of a plug) on my car had a small crosshead screw in the middle. Unscrew that, then the fastener can be pulled out. I happened to take a photo so I could see what it looked like.




EDIT: My car is an R59, didn't spot the R52 in your original post. Maybe this helps anyway... :-(

 

Ever see films of a bicyclist setting s land speed record while riding in the draft of an automobile with a flat wall attached to the rear of it? Same thing with the design of our cars. Instead of attracting bicyclists we collect grime.

 

Linked an install PDF above right under the front splash guard post.

 

Hi,

Thanks for posting the PDF instructions.

All my questions have been answered.

Thanks again

 

you could put vortex generators on your roof, to create a turbulent flow, which is go along the boundary layer (holding an increased angle than laminar flow) of the car reducing the low pressure zone behind the car to help reduce the kick back

this was my senior project in my Mech E. degree, but i used them to reduce drag to help gas mileage

 

You are welcome NHMini .

 

This.

 

It won't eliminate the grime but AQUAPEL applied on your windshield and back window will certainly help. Far and away superior to RAIN-X for repelling and longevity.

 

Will somebody please design, manufacture and sell rear mudflaps for our R-52's?

 

Give it up. Carry a California duster and a glass cleaning kit. The kit comes in handy anyway 'cause you always have to wipe off suicidal insects, doncha?

 

http://www.rallyarmor.com/product_in...a7319e55a0e85b

just need to mount em, shouldnt be too hard

 

Actually I am reminded of my dad's station wagon back in the mid 60's that had a full width mud flap to keep the dirt off the back window. I can't recall if it helped or not, but the real problem with the Mini is that the window is only about 12" behind the wheels and it's also only about 24" above them. The perfect place for the "station wagon effect" to be in control.

I still think a rear window spritzer would help. Maybe one day I'll devise one from an aftermarket windshield washer kit, or scavenge one from a car somewhere.