Noticed something odd under the MINI today. On the right side the bottom of the shock has a cover so you can't see the bolt, but on the left side it's naked as a babe's bum. Am I missing a left side cover?

 

Yes

 

Damn! Thanks Jim. I'll pick one up and throw it on.

 

mine doesn't have a cover on either side, but mine is a 2008.
Wonder if that was something used for production? or maybe I am missing both??

 

guess i am missing two?
...i haven't done anything to alter that area. I couldn't find this part online for my year. wonder if it is something that was added to later 2012 models?

 

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...57&hg=33&fg=45 and holy crap, it's $45!!!

 

My 2012 has one on each side. I bought it in Dec. 2011.

 

Mine feel off at sebring track day.q

 

Jeez I noticed this last night too haha.

I took the car to this handwash place where its ran through a machine (NO BRUSHES THOUGH!!!!) and noticed the car sat very close to the railing that guides the car straight through the machine.

The railing is on the inside left of the car guiding it. What do you know, I'm missing the left one.....
I'm no rocket scientist but I'm pretty sure thats where I lost it.

BEWARE FOLKS

Stupid plastic cover is stupidly expensive too

The part number straight off of the plastic cover is 3350 6 851 235
note: I have a 2012 S...there was a design change at some point...but 2011/2012 are the same

 

Is the cover important? I noticed them when I swapped my rear sway bar and was thinking that those could come off pretty easily...

 

I dont have any of them. I did my rear sway and didnt see any. oh well...

 

I asked a tech about these a while back. They are a part to protect the lower suspension bits. So its up to you if you replace it.

 

protect from what? ....i imagine rocks and small road debris, but, why not protect the entire undercarriage then? ...i am fine w/ mine not being there. Personally i wonder if mine ever had them to begin with? 4+ years and no issue w/ errant rock hitting the nut that the flimsy plastic cover is supposed to protect!

 

Found out it's covered under warranty. Appointment set for Friday morning

 

I have a first gen, and mine is missing the left one, so I ripped off the right one to see what was so special, and I guess the rubber holds more moisture cus the right was was way rusty compared to the left (exposed) one.

 

After 8 months and a whopping 2300 miles, both covers are still there.