Does anyone know how to remove the center vent cover on the R60 Countryman? I've removed the torx screw that is underneath the sun sensor cap, but the vent cover still doesn't seem to want come off. Are there other screws holding the vent cover in place? Any help or tips will be greatly appreciated.

 

You can look up parts, fasteners and diagrams here:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.d...22&hg=51&fg=30

 

Tjank, thanks for the link, but I don't see the actual vent cover. If anyone has info on how to remove the vent cover, please share. Thanks.

 

i think we're confused on what you're referring to as the 'center vent cover"

 

It the center vent "grill" on top of the dash. Sort of an oval shape piece. Sits on top of part #11, it's not shown in the diagram.

 

Probably just snaps in/out. Don't blame me if it breaks but most of the new generation of plastic vehicles seem to be held in place with snaps.

edit -http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=XD13&mospid=55322&btnr=64_1826& hg=64&fg=05

 

 

I would just pop out #11 unless the grille has to come out first to acess #5 &7 were you able to get to try this first?

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-trim-kit.html



just checking up on things thanks

 

Actually, I don't need to removing the speedo housing (#11). What I need to know is if the vent grill (#6) pops off. Meaning if the grill is held in place with just the clips. Can someone who has a R60 or R61 give it a try and post the results here? Thanks!

 

I dont think too many people here are going to want to try to remove that piece and risk breaking the clips in their own cars just so that you can avoid doing it....

 

Mikey, it's not a matter of me avoiding it, I just don't have access to one at the moment. This is a simple request to the many helpful MINI owners here who may already know how to do it or have done it. NAM is after all is a wonderful resource for information.

 

That it is...

By the looks of the drawings in Post #7 i'd say there are 3 small clips still holding the piece in place. I suspect you will need to slip a small screwdriver (or plastic trim removal tool) in to press the clips inwards one at a time before they will release. Other option would be to remove the centre radio/nav screen.

 

Thanks Mikey, for the extra tips.

My local MINI dealership was kind enough to figure it out for me. Here are the steps for removing the center vent grill.

Tool needed: T20 torx short socket (magnetic tip helpful)
1. Remove the small round disc cover at the front portion of the grill. Before doing so, use a grease pen (or tape with arrow drawn on it) to mark the orientation of the cover for ease of replacing it later.
2. If there is the sun sensor cable attached, carefully unclip the cable connector.
3. Use a T20 to take out the screw.
4. The vent grill is held in place with clips, so work your finger along edge and once you have a good grip of the grill, give it a firm tug and it should pop right off.

Reverse steps to reinstall vent grill.

 

 

So now that we know how to remove the vent, what's next? Mounting a GPS there or something?

 

Does anyone know how to remove the center vent closest to the windshield on the Countryman? I have lost a ring in there and want to retrieve it. Thanks!

 

Don't think the center vent comes out, I think its upper part is part of the dash and the vent goes down into the HVAC system near the fan. I would get a magnetic tool / part graber.

 

I would love to stop the air flow from the center dash vent.

 

You could just cover it. Or you would have to block it underneath.

 

Yes, I already did





I got more aire flow from normal vents and I have more flow into the cabin. Now, I don't know if anyone have the issue that the a/c sometimes lower airflow and is like it opens some exterior vents and all smells from outside goes right in the cabin and few seconds later, air flow and temp is back to normal.

 

Nice mods. Congrats.

 

I need to improve the way I'm covering the air duct because I'm just using a cloth wrapped in a plastic bag to block the air flow. I want to use another way to do a better job, one that does not affect the plastic or color of the parts (such as glue or any adhesive) because of the direct heat from the sun. But for now, that is working, it feels much better.

 

That's great. Maybe a hard plastic piece that can be screwed into that lower section ?

 

Sorry for bring up an extremely old thread, but I would like to find out how you guys managed to get access to the T20 screw. I removed the dome cap, and exposed the light sensor... but I tried many ways to dig it out without success...

Or are those fitted with light sensors snapped fitted the center vent cover with out the T20 screws?

Thanks for any help in advanced!

John

 

they're just dropped in snuggly. you have to pry out the light sensor.

Once you pry out the light sensor you should expose the screw, make sure you use a magnetic torx bit to avoid dropping the screw either into the vent or behind the dash. Once the screw is out pull the vent upwards and towards the cabin from the light sensor.

this video should help. the part about the Center Dash Vent starts at 20 seconds to 45 seconds