Is it me or is it a lot harder to remove the side grilles than other people have suggested?

I was successful in removing mine last night, but not without the expense of my hands (particularly my index fingers are now swollen to the point that I can't bend em). It took forever to push it from the inside out (e.g. cramped engine bay).

Anyway, just wondering if I went about it the wrong way?

PS - In addition to pushing from the engine bay outward, I also removed the side repeater lenses for leverage.

 

You are talking about the tiny vent grille where the repeater light is? I switched it for chrome last summer ... took me only seconds I think! Maybe your MINI didn't want to lose it ...

 

Albert, I read your post with fright as I just ordered the chrome side panels. When ordered, the salesrep said it would take minutes. I'm very mechanically inclined but a bit paranoid with screwing up a new auto.....I'll let you know how it works out...

 

Iancull, yes that's the part.

Jackman, good luck and let me know how it goes.

The problem for me was the fact that the rubber grommet that holds the forward part of the grille didn't want to let go.

 

Mine was very easy to remove. I just pushed the front part of the vent out away from the fender. It pops out maybe 1/2 inch. Then slide it forward to remove the back away from the fender. Maybe yours was glued in??? The process really is quite easy.

The rubber grommet should remain in the fender and only the plastic grill comes out.

retroom

 

You know, you may be right. When I finally got them off, I noticed a little bit of epoxy-like resin left over on the plastic posts.

 

>>You know, you may be right. When I finally got them off, I noticed a little bit of epoxy-like resin left over on the plastic posts.

When you reinstall the vent if it doesn't lock into place try pushing out on the inside of the black post as you are pushing the vent in. One vent wouldn't "lock" into the plastic post until I did that. I didn't have any problems with the other side..

retroom

 

I had 1 come out on the Interstate. They are ordering a new one. kind of a design flaw if you ask me. They should slide in at the front and pop in at the back instead the way they are designed the wind can catch them and flop them right out of the car. I am sure excessive speed had nothing to do with it

 

Thanks for the tip retroom. :smile: I get my painted grilles back tomorrow!!