So Ever since I got my 2003 Mini I've got the drivers side door seal replaced a few times because the door doesn't appear to close properly. Well, the little bugger is out of warrenty now and once again giving me the issue of not shutting all the way. Just wondering if anyone know of this issue, or has a fix?
I don't mind putting a replacement strip down from AllMiniParts but is it really gonig to help?

Note the door will lock and the interior lights will shut off, but there is a slight gap beween the door and the body panel when the door is "shut". The passenger side is flush no issues, just the drivers side. Also this car has never been in an accident so you can rule that out too.

 

Did they ever make adjustments to the door hinge or mechanisms.

 

I would examine the seal closely for dammage before just replacing it....if the seal is not the issue....it won't help. Check to see if it is secure, and it is not pulling off the door/frame (it could be pulling off the frame, folding over, and preventing the door from closing...If it is OK, the look at the dirt showing on the door seal to see how it seals....are you hearing noises...or is it a consmtic issue? Has anybody recently sat or leaned heavily on the door...maybe the bolts or the hinge needs to be adjusted....a dealer or a body shop can do this...you might be able too....good luck!!

 

Thanks for the hints on the bolts adjustment. I can hear more outside while driving than I used to. Could also be that I got a new clubman and it's so quiet I've forgotten how much I really heard in the '03. But I'm pretty sure outside noise has increased and the door is definitely cosmetically not shutting. I checked the seal and it looks fine, not loose or anything. Dealer never told me they made adjustments to the hinges when I had in it for service. They did tell me about replacing that seal a few times though cause of noise and/or the door not looking like it was shut. I'll keep an eye on it and maybe have a shop look at the hinges.

 

Are you sure that your 'window dipper' is working properly?