Seems the Germans and British don't have to worry about the sun's UV rays trashing things like the mesh in the cowl vents!
First, how do I take these off the car?
Second, can I use fiberglass window screen (which seems to be able to withstand the sun)? Will that reduce airflow too much?

 

There was a TSB on this a while ago I'm amazed theyl asted so long, real easy to pop off lift the bonnet push the top side.

Newer OEM part is a direct replacement.

 

To get them out, I just take a screwdriver, put it through one of the holes in the center of the vent, tilt it for some leverage, and pull straight up. They pop right out.

Mine didn't come with any mesh in them though (?)

 

Thanks for responding!
I am wary of using a screwdriver, don't want to break the plastic grill.

 

Theres a little tab to secure it can bend it back or put a little forward pressureonthe whole grill and it comes right out.

 

I have an 03 also. Took my car to the dealer and they replaced them for FREE!!! The new o.e.m. ones are a lot better designed with no mesh just a little more plastic.

 

So the newer MINIs don't have the mesh?

 

no I'm suprised to seeit on an 03 the foam eroded so bad they quickly found a new solution.

 

I have replaced MANY with Stainles Steel Mesh

PM ME


To remove you can reach underneath and slightly bend the tab. NO screwdriver needed !

 

They're very easy to remove, if you start with the correct side. The edge nearer to the windshield has very short tabs that will clear the metal opening with gentle pressure from your fingertips (pull toward the front of the car while lifting up). The tabs on the side nearer to the front of the car are much longer, and will not clear the metal opening unless you've unhooked the windshield side first.

 

I had mine replaced by the dealer for FREE. That should be covered by the warranty.

 

My mesh is in perfect shape...

 

just got my 02 with 40k on it and this looks just like what is pictured lol. can anyone post up a pic of the new style?

 

Here's a trick OctaneGuy showed us. Take an old hotel key or old credit card. For MINI's < 2005, use the card on the windshield side and push it in to retract the tabs. For MINI's 05 & on use the card on the bonnet side to do the same. Works great and no screwdriver stress.
BTW: 303 products have UV protection. I know it is too late for some, but if you simply remove the grill periodically and treat with 303 Aerospace Protectant it will greatly extend the life of those things (as well as other plastic thingies).

 

I think that foam just degrades easily, UV or not. The '04-'06 vents snap right in, are very inexpensive (they may replace them for free), and use horizontal slats under the honeycomb to sift out large debris rather than foam. Looks essentially the same on the car...and nothing to degrade!!

Note: if you want free replacements, you might consider leaving the degraded foam in place so the dealer can see it. When I did mine I had taken the foam "shards" out and ruined the dealer's chance to properly document the part failure. No matter, I think the new ones were only $8 a piece!!

 

concur - a piece of stainless gutter guard and some tin snips and 30 minutes makes a really nice looking change

I've had folks with the new cowl covers go look for old ones so they could copy my work.....

 

Excellent tips all! Thanks.

I pm'ed you COR BLMY.

 

this is what the SS mesh looks like.

 

I messed up the foam on my 02 since the first time i washed it ... and ive been driving without it since then... is that bad??? ... i like the ss mesh is it the OEM solution for newer model from mini?

 

NO the mesh is something that I (and others) have done.
I had them on ebay a while back.

The OEM solution is to use the NEWER vents, they are large plastic "honeycomb" WITH plastic "grill".

I din't think that running "NO FOAM" is BAD...
Could be a collection site for small leaves / bugs ... but not really bad.

 

mine has no mesh either. it's an 03'.

i was kinda amazed how they designed it so water does not go
through it even though there is no mesh. at least
not during a car wash.

 

This is funny...I just rigged mine w/ supplies from Lowes.... Cost about $3-4 for about 10 feet of this stuff.

I bought the honeycomb mesh screen and put that in. It was a metallic color, which didn't match, so I painted it black.. I would have just bought the OEM replacements, but Baron Mini in Kansas City wanted $22 EACH.... You can also buy thick metal screen mesh material like what COR BLMY has for about the same price.

Heres what it looks like.

 

Thanks for posting the pictures.

 

I think COR BLMY's material might work as a better filter, but I would paint it black. I think you can actually buy it in black. I might take mine out, I think the holes are too big to keep much out. Back to the drawling board....

 

Ok Folks, Bumping and ANCIENT thread instead of creating a new one.

These vents finally started bugging me. Believe it or not passenger side was still in perfect condition but the drivers side was looking pretty bad.

I always keep my cars in the condition that they are delivered from the factory and MINI is no exception. So instead of getting the updated vents or just getting rid of the foam, I wanted to replace foam in the as delivered vents.

I came across the very same material MINI used back in the day and cut it to fit in piece. If anyone has some time and a $1.50 spare here is your fix.

Vents look like the day the car was delivered and I have plenty of extra material for a replacement in the future.

If someone is as crazy as I am here is the product that can be found at home depot.

Sorry, no pictures as I am still looking for a photobucket replacement.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Frost-Kin...1524/202318549