Its annoying that both the driver side vents are always dropping due to road vibration. Has anyone experienced / solved this issue?

 

I am experiencing the same on the driver's right vent. I'm pretty sure when I took the dash apart it didn't go back PERFECTLY square, so the slight offset causes the vent to fall. Have you moved your dash pieces at all?

 

Yes, the problem is worse on the passenger's side right vent. I haven't taken apart the dashboard. It's been like this since day one and the car is almost two years old. I might get it fixed under warranty but I fear they would end up damaging something in the process.

 

hmmmm ... can't say I've heard this problem here in MINI land but it was a common lament in my A-Series Miata days - the center vents would get droopy over the years.

The quick and easy fix was to turn the ball way over to one side and put a strip or two of black plastic electrical tape on the ball - than crank over to the other side and do the same thing opposite the first. This usually added just enough diameter to the ball to make it hold in place. You don't need full circle of coverage but 'get what you can'.... pieces about an inch and a half is what I remember using.

The Miata ball vents were smooth and this worked very very well - the tape stuck very well. Have not had the need to try on my MINI but it can't hurt anything. Done right it will not show in the least.

 

Tape was another option that I was considering. Does anyone know how to pop out the vent without breaking anything?

 

I'd try the tape without removing first if I were you

but on a Miata the procedure to pull a ball vent was to bend a hook into a coat hanger, hook the ball vent then pull like heck.

 

Same here, the left driver's side vent slowly drops down ....

 

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=MF33&mospid=50030&btnr=64_1563& hg=64&fg=05

First I would try the dealer and get a warranty repair, because the replacement parts are not that expensive. (parts.com)

Part Number: 51452752764 List Price Core Price Your Price
Air vent Outer Back $30.98 $0.00 $22.31

Part Number: 51452754452 List Price Core Price Your Price
Air vent Inner Right $30.98 $0.00 $22.31

Part Number: 51452754451 List Price Core Price Your Price
Air vent Inner Left $30.98 $0.00 $22.31

 

I checked my vents today and the surface in question (for the tape) is smooth so I'd guess the tape option will work fine.

I was worried the vents would have a textured finish and the tape would not stick