I have a 2004 Mini Cooper Hardtop that has a door alignment issue. The door is flush with all around except for the to top door handle section. The chrome trim is off about 1/4 inch and it causes the about a 1/8 inch gap between the window and the window weather stripping. Any suggestions on how to fix it so that it aligns correctly so that the weather stripping seals against the window?

 

You can adjust the door alignment by loosening, repositioning and tightening the
door hinge bolts (except for alignment toward and away from the center of the car
to the outside, which requires shims). Paint any exposed metal after shifting the
hinges to avoid rust later. Specs for fore/aft gaps are 4 mm +/- 0.75 mm. Also,
re-adjust the door lock striker if necessary

 

Do not loosen the door hinges.

The weather strip is further away from the edge of the door because at one time someone wedged the door to try and slim jim the lock.

The only real solution is to have a body shop do some creative work to massage the upper part of the door skin closer.

You could try removing the door trim piece it just pulls off so no clips to break, tape the door with some painters tape and use a 2x4 and a dead blow to massage the flange that the trim sits on. You have to be careful not to break the window or ruin the paint. This really is a job for a body shop. The flange needs to be straight.

Just a heads up for MINI owners never ever let a locksmith slim jim and wedge your door. I was told this after talking with a locksmith. If your locked out pull the trim piece up and off before trying to slim jim thus negating the use of a wedge.

 

+1 on pulling the trim off and the trying to move back the top seam. You can adjust the main door panels at the mounts and door striker but if your seam is good all the way around , that will not solve it. Wonder if the trim is lifted or just not attached all the way. Think the slim jim idea might have caused it.

Here is both side trim , driver side.

Bottom Window Trim - Left 51337071669 Driver side

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51337071669/





#4




Thanks

 

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I did adjust the door hinge and striker (before I read the comments on the Slim Jim. The door is pretty well aligned now and the window rolls up against the weatherstripping fairly well, no perfect, but the 1/4 inch gap is virtually gone now. In doing this door alignment i created a new problem, the door does not close easily now. We have to pull it shut pretty hard. It is probably the striker alignment but if i move the striker to a location where it is easy the gap returns. I'll keep playing with the alignment, or i'll end up taking it to a body shop to see if they can perform some magic. Getting close to winter here and i don't want snow melting into the car.

Thanks again for everyone's comments.

 

I would think by adjusting the door striker in your causing the glass to be pushed against the outside molding because it’s contacting the b-pillar weather-stripping first. I would not leave it adjusted like this. I would think the window regulator won’t like it in the long haul or the glass will shatter trying to slam the door shut.