How do the OEM mirror caps install? Using double-sided tape or does the mirror need to be disassembled? If so, does disassembling the mirror require removing interior panels? Checkered caps are out of stock at my dealer so I'll be picking up the car without them. I can go back and have them installed for about $225 total, or I can buy them for around $130 and do it myself.

Picking it up Tuesday, it appears!

 

I am not positive, but there was a astro black with cf mirror caps in the dealership that felt like double sided tape? But if your talking about the checkers, flag, etc. I don't know, all I've seen is the Carbon Fiber.

 

Try here from ImagoX, or here from MINI2 (about 1/5 of the way down)

There are clips on the mirror caps - no double sided tape. Definitely don't let the dealer charge you $100 for install!
I used the MINI2 method but Matt (ImagoX) swears by his method.

 

ImagoX's instructions are 100% right on. It literally took me longer to print the instructions than it did to install the caps on my 07 a couple of weeks ago.

Seriously, doing everything slowly and carefully, if it takes you more than 10 minutes, you're doing it wrong.

Jeff

 

The ImagoX photos look like pre-2007, so you found that the R56 mirror is put together just the same? You took the mirror off by pulling it out from the bottom?

I'd like to put the mirror out to trace it for a template to send to Multivex. They don't have the pattern for R56 mirrors and I'd like to get some wide view mirrors from my MCS.

 

Perfect, Eric, thanks very much!!

 

Robin - have you thought about trying to get the european spec parts for the rear-view mirrors? They use wide view mirrors over there. Seems like you should be able to find someone over at Mini2 that would order for you, and ship them over as a favor.

 

Hadn't thought about it. I wonder how the EU OEM mirrors compare to Multivex mirrors? The aspheric aspect of Multivex seems appealing.

The passenger side mirror in the USA MCS is slightly convex, but not as much as I'd like. I wonder if the EU mirrors are more convex?

 

You have to email one of the MotoringFile guys as they have just gotten back from EU having driven some spec Minis over there.

 

Just a quick note or warning. I had the passenger side mirror cap on my 07 S stolen early this morning. The mutants had no clue how to remove it (why would somone need it if they didn't own a Mini?) so they did some scratches to my passenger window and the black trim work. Don't know if this is a new thing or a random thing, so just beware.

 

That's a good point. A friend of mine had his chrome Chevy truck mirror caps stolen at a gas station while he was inside paying. It seems if it is shiney, thieves will want to steal it .... Maybe I should not get the chrome mirrors.

 

i didnt realize you were suppose to actually pop the mirror out...

btw, does anyone know if the mirror caps are plastic? also, if they are white.. are they painted or is that the natural plastic color. Im wondering because if it is just white plastic, i think i will try dying them black.