I'm a new owner and wasn't sure about the vents just under the front wipers. Should they be this open to the elements, or is something missing from mine?

 

Well I went to check my Mini, and it looks like my vents are just as open as yours are. I don't think its anything to worry about really.

 

Thanks, just one of those ya never know kind of things.

 

You have the earlier style dash vents that had a foam insert. After some time the foam disolves and wears out. I removed the vents, took them apart and replaced the foam with window screen material.

Photos Here and Here

 

Thats a pretty cool idea. Thanks.

 

I popped mine out and cut new inserts from some window air conditioner foam filter material(from hardware store),it's charcoal gray and looks like the original but much cheaper.

 

There is an updated vent available from MINI for this issue...about $50

 

I used a hunk of gutter guard screen - easily cuts with a good set of snips and gives a metal mesh look.

Used the same stuff to replace the plastic fake mesh inserts in the rear bumper. Comes out looking like original Aero Kit inserts . .

all this is tho, is a vision block. The newer part has a smaller honeycomb pattern and is open with no insert . . .

 

Cowl vent. You have no idea how many different search strings I tried before I found out what these things are called!!!! thanks for the idea - My 2002 MCS is ready for new cowl vent foam inserts - but I think I like the screen material better.

 

post up some pictures when you are done!!