as the topic says:

3-piece dash retro-fitable in 2003 MCS?

Thanks in advanced!

 

Which dash? Body Color? CF?


I think they are all the same

 

...issues w/ passenger-side air bag functionality??

 

The JCW carbon fiber dash that was just released comes in a 5 piece version and a 3 piece version, so I'm guessing they are not interchangeable.

Just a guess, though.

 

JCW dash is about $1600, that's the full 5 piece replacement though

 

Can't be done.
As mentioned above, the '05 has the airbag moved so that it can do the different dash panel design.
No way to retrofit this to pre-'05s.

 

I think you can retrofit the driver's side piece though.

 

Thanks Ian, I stand corrected

 

People have succesfully removed and painted the five piece dash, if that's what you're after.

 

Let me re-phrase Wensor's original question. Will the piece fit with no or minimal modification? Never mind the airbag functionality ....will it fit? my guess would be yes but if someone had an illustrated parts catalog for both years that would help. Or perhaps some vendor makes some aftermarket pieces that would know if the mounting tabs...etc are in the same location

 

I don't know, but if you fit an '05 dash on an '02-'04 MINI, your passenger will get a face full of plastic when the airbag goes off!

 

Trying to answer this question once and for all: can a 3 piece dash line up with the tabs of a pre-face lift 5 dashboard?

I removed the passenger airbag so that doesn’t matter anymore...

 

Not to be an a-hole or anything but...... go to your local dealership's part dept and ask for the parts to see if they actually line up with the tabs for fitment. The parts person should know if they will or will not. Moreover, they can ask a tech. The tech should know and if not you might get someone who is curious and take the part out to your car and find out.

It seems clear to me that after nearly 15 years no one here actually knows.


Wow..... the internet doesn't have the answer...... is this like dividing by zero? Are we all going to die? Does Thanos have all the Infinity Stones and instead of "balancing" the universe he made this information unknowable?

 

Too late dude, you did make yourself an a-hole, but getting back to my original question:
The Mini parts Dept and the techs are useless so I just bought a 3 piece dash and I’ll try to fit it.
I will finally have an answer to this age old question...

 

Good to know... I had been wondering if I was an a-hole..... sometimes it's hard to tell.
You should also NOT post your findings here, keep the knowledge. People like me don't deserve to know. Other people, sure. Me? No and since I have access to this site (currently) you shouldn't share your knowledge. Did I forget to use the sarcasm font?


My guess is that all of the clips will not match up, some might. The 3 piece was not designed to have an airbag move through it and the clip locations will probably reflect that. The ones that could match up might be enough to keep it in place with a few rattles. Just a guess as I don't really know. Soon, only you will know.....

 

So did it fit? The shape is right, but the 5 piece bolts in, where as all the other panels clip in.

 

Yes, it does fit perfectly, it just pops into the same holes! It just comes down to personal taste, I prefer the 3 piece because it looks cleaner...