Ok,
So I am trying to take the plate off the back of my car to clean it and replace the yearly sticker. I can unscrew one screw and the other three just spin.
So I am unable to remove the plate and surround.

Has this happened to anyone else?

I was trying to get behind the plate. But can't seem to grab anything. I even opened the tail gate to try to remove the entire plate holder but the spring mech. is in the way. Any suggestions ?

 

I helped a friend out (not on a MINI) with this same problem. It would appear as if the dealer over torqued (go figure the dealership over-tightening something!!!) the screws that held the plate in. The design was a cruddy one where the screws were self tapping and cut the threads into a thickened part of the plastic bumper cover. I took a piece of plastic and cut a V-notch into it. I pushed it behind the plate and screw and pried outward gently while unscrewing the screw. This allowed the screw to back out. If this is the same problem you have, and this helps you get the screws out, you will be faced with the problem of finding a way to get the screws back in to hold the plate securely. They sell plastic inserts for this. You may have to file the holes a little bigger depending on what you have and what you buy. There are other methods to resecure, but you need to get your plates off first to determine the best course of action to reinstall.
And, keep in mind, electric and air-powered drivers and wrenches are great – for removing nuts, bolts and screws. But if you take pride in your work, use hand powered screwdrivers and wrenches to tighten things. Especially when working with plastics and “soft” metals.

 

Thanks, mad dog.
I will give it a shot.

 

Had a similar problem on the old pick'em up and just pulled gently on the corner of the plate with the offending screw to give it some outward encouragement while turning the screwdriver and out it came. If you can't locate replacement lugs, try breaking off a couple of tooth picks or wooden matches in the hole for the screw threads to grab.

 

Still no luck.
Good news is I am trading in the car. I guess I will let the dealership. Get it off. I am sure they have the problem all the time.