Hey all, I figured many would miss this little bit I included in my Dentpro post (https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=55856) but as it might help people thought it was worth a repost in the main forum...

"Usage hint for everbody from Dentpro -

Do not close the hatch using the handle or metal part, they see lots of hatch cars with dents as a result (the edge of the grab handle, the metal buckling around the edges where you might use leverage to close it). He told me to use the glass to shut the hatch with and it seems to work well - only bad side effect is finger prints "

 

What's Wrong With The License Plate?

 

From day one with our MINI I have used the rear wiper to close the hatch when an extra push is needed. Just make sure you push on the end where the wiper connects to/thru the glass.
This way there is never a finger print

 

It might buckle in the metal behind and around the lic plate area. That is where the SO tended to push to close it and when we had the plate off we could really see how it could push in the area (the plastic plate holder didn't seem to be very strong). Generally I'm sure that, as well as other areas on the metal, it is fine - but I keep in mind now that it only takes one wrong push to have the sheetmetal deform. Plus I'm not sure if over time pushing in the same place can weaken it/make it more prone to deform so I'd rather just play it safe and use the glass carefully.

 

Good advise - I've also used the metal interior latch every since the dent shop I used warned about hatch indentions..

 

I use the interior hatch handles. Just give a firm tug, get my hands out of the way, and let gravity/inertia close it for me. That way I don't get fingerprints on the dirty boot!

 

Same. And if the close isn't complete, re-open, repeat.

 

I use the force.

 

If pushing on the plate deforms the metal then these cars are made of aluminum foil, not rolled and pressed steel. It would seem the plate would bear the load pretty evenly along the body, I just really doubt you are right, I'll keep an eye on it though.

 

Take the plate off and watch it flex then

The plate itself doesn't bear any of the force, just transfers it to the weak plastic holder which presses on the panel which is bendy.

Hey, I'm just passing on advise given to me from people who make good money fixing these things - take it or leave it of course.

 

My MA suggested using the interior handle to bring it down, them put my fingers on the MINI badge to slam it shut. Works for me.

 

I'm with you I close my door with a fingertip on the chrome trim at the base of DLO near door edge...

 

My MA showed me the inside handle and badge method too.

What's the procedure for the convertibles?

 

I push (lightly, but a little bit firmly) on the painted metal of the boot (hatchback). If I push too lightly, the light comes on that the boot is not closed. I don't push on any of the stainless steel (fastened or bolt on) parts. It's reassuring to know I've not done any harm to anything.

 

I push on the bolts of the plate.... if thats not strong enough... they didnt design the car right... Also I use, very few times, "chrome belt line" which works cuz mine is covered in vinyl anyway... I also use the belt line to close my door as to not put fingerprints on it...

-Josh

 

Thats definitely the best way IMHO, you can gently push on the hatch to shut it instead of slamming it by completely using the interior pull handles.

 

I used the interior handle (pull) and licence plate (push)

 

Wouldn't be the first (or last) time BMW/MINI made design errors

Sorry, not directed at you but the list of design flaws in past and present BMWs is long.

Anyhow, I just went and played around with closing the hatch and think it can easily be done via interior handles alone without much effort or slamming as others had posted. Those were never pointed out to me and I didn't utilize them - I will now, thanks for the suggestion!

 

What about pushing on the crease under the liscense plate? that seems to work for me. Or the good ol' tug on the interior handle then get the hand out of the way.

 

We've covered that, not the best idea..... But hey i guess its fine until you have a problem.

 

Honestly i don't know of a car, especially hatchback, which wouldn't have the same problem. The designers don't build that area for pushing. All exterior metal parts of the car aren't meant for pushing or leaning on as some people would want to beleive.....