On the interior side of the rear boot sill (part 51476952381) there are two rubber strips. These rubber strips are detachable on the upper end and are described in the parts manual as: Rubber Band (2) part 51472753922. Each of the two 'rubber bands' are possitioned just to the outside of the warning triangle recess, one on each side. Anyone know what purpose these 'rubber bands' serve?

 

I not only don't know what they're for, I don't know what they are!

I'll go look and come up with a plausible but probably incorrect answer later...

 

I may be mistaken, but I believe they are for holding a MINI umbrella.

 

Yes these are there for the European version of the Mini Umbrella. The US spec is much shorter like a Tote's Umbrella.

They are actually part of the Storage Compartment Package (standard in US) for Europe. And their real Parts Locator Name is "Rubber Band" part number 51.47.2.753.922

and if you want ot order the Warning Triangle it is par number 71.60.6.784.336 is should come with a velcro retaining strip as well.

 

Very timely. I was just pondering those very bands yesterday as I was cutting a temporary cargo mat and was poking around there. I'd guessed a safety triangle might fit in the recess, but would never have guessed a "brolly" went in the rubber bands.

 

Do you know of a source for the correct mini umbrella?

 

I don't have any umbrella. Was a Tote's-like umbrella supposed to come with the car?

 

The US unbrella is a Tote's style and is available from from any dealer. It is not part of the standard package wo we do not get one with the car.

As for the european umbrella the parts departments do not have the authority to get them for us here in the US.

Now an update for 2009 makes the Mini Umbrella the same for all countries and it is the small Tote's Style. And it looks like the old large style is no longer available anywhere (out of stock and not reorderable)

This may be due tot he odd location for the umbrella as you would get very wet while trying to get to the umbrella. It sort of made no sense to have it located there. That's British engineering for you though.

But for those still interested in getting the Tote's style here is a link to P/N 80.23.0.410.061
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=3777

Here is another link that shows in installed in the foot well. (click onthe link and then click go under the word umbrella on the left side)
http://accessories.mini.com/internet_relaunch/UK/en/index_uk.jsp?random=0.18450274809773937