I'll probably follow up with ECS Tuning or some others directly, but wanted to post out in the forum first in hopes this may help someone else. Who knows, maybe someone else has run into this issue.

I guess this is an issue with a high mileage MINI?

Just above the license plate is the "handle" for the rear hatch. I say "handle" as it is really just a small piece of rubber that you push on to open the hatch.

I noticed the piece of rubber on mine had started to split apart. It got so bad that one day when I went to open the hatch, my fingers just pushed on through to the interior of the "handle". This resulted in things getting jumbled up in there and at least one piece of plastic fell out.

I'm assuming I need to replace the whole unit that is up under there (includes the license plate lights). But I cannot figure out or find the part numbers and whether I can buy just the "handle" part or the entire unit.

I did check on realoem.com, but not know the proper name for the part has stymied by search efforts.

Hope someone can help point me in the right direction. And if there is anyone out there that has replaced those parts, maybe they could let me know how involved it is (I'm assuming it is just a matter of removal and then reconnecting some electrical connectors and re-assemble, but assuming anything with the MINI can be hazardous).

TIA!

 

Hello, I had the same issue with my 2008 Cooper. It was a 5 minute replacement. If I recall, it was 4 screws that held the piece to the car, and 1 plug-in connection. Very simple and easy.

I couldn't find just the rubber button. I replaced the whole piece. Here is what I ordered.....#5 Trunk Lid Grip, Chrome:

http://parts.miniofsouthatlanta.com/...category=19822

Hope this helps
Ed

 

Removing the boot handle is a 5:minute job...one or two electrical plugs...maybe 4 torix headed bolts if I recall right....pretty sure the design (but not the part) is the same as older cars...
Tip...do not let the hatch shut...put something in the way so if you drop it...it does not close or you will be doing the fix bent over....
You can get the hatch handle in primer to paint or chrome....
Be sure to replaced the foam gasket behind the handle...think it comes with a new one...

 

Yep, 5 minute job.

My wife likes the handles chrome, so right now I have three extras. One in Sparkling Silver, one in Horizon Blue, and one in Pepper White in boxes the basement

I thought you could order them in the correct color from the dealer??

Maybe just a poor assumption on my part.

 

Thanks for all the responses.

Just wish it didn't involve having to replace the entire handle, including getting it painted. Maybe I can figure out some DIY solution once I get the handle off.

 

I looked at a dozen different ways to replace just the rubber bit, but once the microswitch is exposed, TWO plastic parts will fall out. It bothers me greatly that the whole handle has to be replaced but I really don't see any other way without pitching the whole switch with its condom thin rubber cover and putting in something else more weather resistant.

 

Here is the DIY for the R56+ for the handle, if you have painted or something else, so you can swap the outside cover.


https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rking-diy.html






Thanks

 

Surely, with a little ingenuity you could just replace the switch with an aftermarket push button switch.

 

I'm hopeful I can figure something out. I don't think any parts need to be replaced other than the rubber membrane. I can feel some pieces are loose up in there and I have the one piece that fell out. The switch itself still works - if I poke around long enough I can hit and it will pop the hatch. So mainly a matter of figuring out how to get it apart then put back together as it should be.

 

I'm pulling for you; no need to replace a $100 part when the real problem is a faulty $1 switch.