I would really like to take the "chrome" side markers on my mini off and paint them black because i'm not a big fan of chrome, haha. But i just can't figure out how to take the markers off!!!!

any tips, how to's, or ideas would be appreciated

thank you.

 

Use a hard rubber (or soft plastic) tool to gently pry the side marker away from the body. They just snap in and out. Instead of painting, just buy a set of base Cooper side grilles. (that's what I did). They are plain black and match the other black out (honeycomb front grilles) and debadging that I have done.

 

but i wanted to keep the S mark on the side lol. but that's a good idea! i'll keep that in mind

 

Open the hood and you will see where you can push them out from the inside.
It is very easy to to. It is a very tight spot though.

 

Start with what ZJ says above. 99% planning, 1% perspiration.

 

so if i just push on that one "screw" looking thing it should just pop out? and don't be afraid to give some power?

 

Just push on the whole thing from the back...it'll pop it out.

 

I just did this today, yeah just push really hard form the back, and when it comes out a little, grab it with the other hand and pull hard... it wont break.

 

"Remove side marker by prying on front edge with a plastic prying tool and sliding bezel forward." -Bentley service manual.

 

isn't that for the non-s model? because the 'S' model pops out straight.


and Thanks for the Help! i'll post picks when it's done.

 

It works for both because I replaced my S markers with non-S ones and the tabs on them are molded the same.

Edit: I don't know if it matters, but my MINI is an '03 and the non-S markers were from an '05 or '06

 

they wont pop out!!!!
maybe i'm pushing weakly?? idk it just wont pop for me! lol

 

Hey I got your PM, was a crazy weekend, I'll try and have a how-to with photos up for you and the others that PMed me within the next few days.

 

wow you are a life saver. thank you very much!!!

 

+1. Same for me except mine is an '02.

 

wow Motor On, that has got to be the best looking side marker in MINI existence.

 

i know right. gosh hooked me right away and now i'm stuck. haha such a tease.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=144437

Here is a link for anyone subscribed to this thread, I labeled it a how to and posted in a more appropriate forum
for a wider audience.

Thanks for the compliments

 

so...
i still couldn't get the marker off my car.
therefore i went to plan B and painted the markers while they were on my car still haha... blue tape is amazing!

 

no prep work? that's gonna chip really quickly.

 

nope just cleaned them thoroughly. lol

 

This thread was helpful in helping me remove the side marker covers . . . needed them off in order to apply the checkmate graphics on the A fender. THANKS!!!

 

No chrome at all....



I had to pry mine because I have small hands and could not push hard enough from the back. My fingers would barely reach that far. I put a thick piece of paper between the prying tool, I think I used a flat head, and the body of the car to prevent damage.


And the S is the normal red. It's just reflecting light.