If you are looking at the front of a mini --- just to the left and right of the windshield are two large black panels


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Driving on the highway --- the drivers side panel just flew off!!!!! Has anyone had this happen (02 Mini Cooper S). Where can I get a replacement -- part number?


Thanks for the help.

 

Okay the picture looked cool on my computer, but wont' come out here.

-Jamie

 

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...75&hg=51&fg=20

and i believe it to be part number 4. mini should carry this or can order it, ive talked to people that had these break but i havent heard of them flying off

 

I have heard of them flying off if your windshield was recently replaced and the company broke the clips trying to pry it off, and didn't replace them.

 

yeah I had it happen but both flew off almost simultaneously! can't remember the part number but get the clips too. I ordered t from the dealer they had them in stock and they weren't that expensive

 

unfortunately, no dealer nearby .... This is a total PITA --- so, it looks like I will need part number 4 and 16,17, and 18 .... anyone ever fixed this before?

Who do I call for those parts or do I just call a nearby dealer and have it shipped.

-Jamie

 

Pelican Parts or Classic MINI might be able to help.

 

I don't have a dealer nearby either I had to call Bill Jacobs BMW-Mini in Naperville Illinois (approx 2 hrs away) and have it shipped here

 

In answer to your first question, the experience of the A-Pillar covers flying off is not rare. Typically seems to be associated with windshield replacement, when an under-experienced tech tries to king-kong the trim to remove it and breaks the supporting clips.

I did a quick search and ran across these related threads:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ndshield+clips

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ndshield+clips

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ndshield+clips

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ndshield+clips

There should be plenty of willing parts suppliers. Good luck with your fix!

 

Well this type of thing should be somewhat expected... our cars were built in an old British Leyland factory. Looks like the ghosts of the past are coming back to haunt us!

I just hope that this doesn't happen to me latter on down the road. No pun intended.

 

Yup... they fly off. Particularly if your glass was replaced. We had one come loose on our 03. But our glass is original.

 

Reminds me of the old bumper sticker - "All the Parts Falling Off This Car Are of the highest British Craftsmanship!"

 

lol I have one of those on my 72 MG Midget!

 

I cannot believe that a car built in the 21st century would be built so that parts would come "flying" off. I drive the car hard in Autox and DEs, but come on....

As far as I know, I have the original glass. The screws were in place on the drivers side door .... the plastic tabs have just snapped. I'm shocked.

I might love my mini, but I didn't realize it was built like a tinker toy ... too bad I can't race my jeep.

Thanks to everyone who helped me on this thread. I'l post more details as they come ....