I just bought a 2007 mini cooper s. Everything has been going great so far. When I was moving the driver side floor mat to clean, I noticed the steering linkage is visible behind the gas pedal.

I need to know if there is supposed to be a plastic piece in front of it so I can get my dealer to order a new one. I am a little concerned because on long drives, I tend to put my feet behind the pedals to stretch from time to time. It looks like it will be easy to put pressure on the universal joint in the linkage.

I have attached two pictures to show the problem. Due to the angle, the linkage looks like it is behind the brake pedal but the actual location is between the brake and gas pedals.

Thanks for the help

 

My 08 does not have any plastic piece around the area you are talking about.

What I can say is that I doubt you would get your foot up to that area as it is behind the gas pedal and pushed back far enough and small enough that your shoe would not get in there to press on the u-joint.

I just tried getting my shoe up there with it off and it is wider than the opening so i know i would not be able to touch the joint.

 

My 07 S looks just like yours

and my 02 did too . . .