Coincidentally; almost 2wo years to the day - I had posted a situation where the top of my dashboard had cracked due to cold freezing temps that occurred during that winter.
My Mini had lived and thrived in a warm climate/sub tropic environment for 18years and never saw temps drop below 40º. Having moved a few hundred miles northward since then, this is the second time "we've" experienced temps drop into the teens and the second time my dashboard has cracked. As noted in the link above; I had successfully repaired it the first time.

The other day, after another unusual hard freeze this year, I noticed this:


^ ^ ^ ^ New cracks ~ winter 2023/2024 v v v v



Just curious: For those that live in the live North - Has anyone else have this happen to your dash?

 

Wow. Sorry to hear that.. We use Aerospace 303 (apparently popular for use on boats) on all the plastics and rubber gaskets (door seals) in preparation for the cold. (also protects in the summer) Kinda late now, I guess...

I've never seen a dash crack in the cold- usually dry rot from baking in the sun.

 

The first time it cracked a couple of years ago, It was 32º and I blamed myself for turning on the auto circulation/top vents (not ac) set @74º while the engine was warming up to temp.
Since then, when it's below 50º, I've made it a habit to turn the heat/vents to to the footwell setting before setting it to auto + re-circulation.

I've seen many, many 1st Gens in the salvage yards and have yet to see one with a cracked dash (such as mine). Barring the unthinkable = replacing the entire dash assembly - I'll repair it again this Spring.
I think I'll epoxy and veil the entire top surface this time around.

 

I recommend you look here for a replacement ... Mini Cooper Upper Dash Panel Black 51457055523 02-04 R50 R53 213 – ALLMAG Auto Parts

 

I think we had this discussion the first time it cracked. You have to disassemble the entire dash on the early cars to replace the part that cracked. It’s not what you linked.

 

I just wanted to share the option of what they offer, if you decide to replace it vs repair it. I have found their site and options a viable source for repair /replacement parts.
(I simply clicked on a dash part for the link)

 

Thanks.
I've bought from AllMag for a few hard to find parts in the past. They're a great source.
I'm fortunate to have a few good salvage yards within my metro area. Hence I had originally attempted the option of R&R the entire dash assembly at a local salvage yard....
Yikes! - Not an option I am willing to consider
Thanks anyway for your contribution