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R57 (2009) Cooper S Convertible Antenna Base Replacement (How To with Photos)
Somebody may need this. I looked everywhere and could not find a guide, video, forum, post, etc. with tips on how to replace the antenna base on my R57 (2009) convertible.
1. Take off both sun visors by unscrewing from the top plastic panel.
2. Take off the central light fixture and rear view mirror. For the light, pull down gently from the side closest to you. For the rear view mirror, twist the base clockwise and it will come off. To put it back on, you'll need do this movement in reverse, put back on at a 45-degree angle and twist counter clockwise.
3. Carefully pull down the top of the side vertical plastic panels (sorry, no pics of this).
4. Carefully pull down the main plastic panel. It's better if you disconnect the light fixture. I didn't.
5. Now you'll see the nut that holds the antenna base to the chassis. You'll need to unscrew that, but not yet.
6. Take a picture of your connections so you know what goes where.
7. Now, unscrew the nut from the antenna base.
8. Pull out the old antenna base and put the new one in. Cables first through the hole. Tighten the new nut. Plug your connections back. (Use the photo you took earlier as reference.)
This is immensely helpful for anyone with a convertible Mini, which seems fairly ignored in all the antenna replacement forums and videos. I just wanted to add a couple of extra details. The first step involves removing hidden screws in the visor “holders.” You have to flip open little flaps on each side to reveal small torx screws. The other side of the visor has visible Phillips screws, but if you didn’t realize the holders are also screwed in with hidden screws, you might damage the main panel when trying to pull it down.
When removing the connectors, they all have small levers that need to be pressed on to release them. They won’t just slide out.
Lastly, be careful with the unusual nut that screws onto the antenna. If you drop it inside the roof, it could be very hard to retrieve. I dropped it inside when I was reattaching it and it slid just out of reach. I had to literally fish it out with a magnet. This isn’t something you’re running down to the hardware store for, so you want to be sure not to let it fall in.
But thanks for this guide. This isn’t a difficult repair, and most people will save tons of money doing it themselves.
Originally Posted by Satoriano1
Somebody may need this. I looked everywhere and could not find a guide, video, forum, post, etc. with tips on how to replace the antenna base on my R57 (2009) convertible.
1. Take off both sun visors by unscrewing from the top plastic panel.
2. Take off the central light fixture and rear view mirror. For the light, pull down gently from the side closest to you. For the rear view mirror, twist the base clockwise and it will come off. To put it back on, you'll need do this movement in reverse, put back on at a 45-degree angle and twist counter clockwise.
3. Carefully pull down the top of the side vertical plastic panels (sorry, no pics of this).
4. Carefully pull down the main plastic panel. It's better if you disconnect the light fixture. I didn't.
5. Now you'll see the nut that holds the antenna base to the chassis. You'll need to unscrew that, but not yet.
6. Take a picture of your connections so you know what goes where.
7. Now, unscrew the nut from the antenna base.
8. Pull out the old antenna base and put the new one in. Cables first through the hole. Tighten the new nut. Plug your connections back. (Use the photo you took earlier as reference.)
