I am working on the front bumper of my '04 Cooper S and am not sure how to take the top chrome strip off. I notice there are tabs in the back and I believe I should be able to punch out the strip by hitting it with a hammer and screwdriver, but it is not budging and I don't want to damage it.

The other question is when I took off the bumper I noticed an black item, that I don't know the technical name, was at the bottom of the bumper.

I also noticed a wire that I am sure was connected to the black item. This is from the drivers side.

 

That part of the bumper trim is held on with dbl sided 3m tape. The black item is your outside air temp sensor and yes it should be connected to that wire

 

So what is the preferred method to remove the chrome trim?
Where is the air temp sensor connected or located behind the bumper, because I found it lying on the bottom of the bumper?
How can I reconnect the wires to the sensor?
Thanks

 

lots of dental floss! LOTS!
There should be a small clip near the bottom grille or bottom of the bumper

 

I've used fishing line for taking off badges, so will try that.
I'm thinking of pushing the wires back into the sensor and securing it with electrical tape. Not sure if that will work but will give it a try for lack of anything else.

 

it wont work
You'll need to a much better repair or your car will have an error

 

The picture of the sensor appears to show that the female plug is still in place. Suggest you remove and see what type of pins are in the female end. Sometimes you can push them out from the end, open up the connection point and then re-pinch. Slide the pins back in. Get some dielectric grease and place some into the female end to help seal the wire connections.

With a quick search I found the sensor on ebay for less than $10.00 so it seems that with a more detailed search you might find the plug harness.

 

Will give that a try.

 

Got the trim piece off. Fishing line didn't work, kept breaking and very fiddly. Thin screwdriver, actually two and a hammer. Just chiseled my way down the line. One and a half hours.
As far as the sensor, I see a number of them online and I don't think I would need a sensor, but rather a repair kit. Couldn't see how to take the pins out. Don't know what type of micro tool would do the job?
Where do I get the strong double sided tape to re adhere the chrome strip?

 

Use 3M Exterior Attachment Tape specifically designed for this purpose. Available in Parts stores or Amazon

 

Hey, if you need the wire for the temperature sensor or the sensor we have both of those here. The wire is already cut and can just be soldered back on to your existing wire, you can see what I am talking about here http://www.allmagautoparts.com/produ...44-65816936953. The plug is in good condition and you can just reattach it to your sensor.