North American Motoring

Mini Cooper 2014-Present: How to Remove Front Bumper and Grill

The plastic bumper cover and grill on the latest Mini Cooper comes off in one unit. Changing it in case of damage or to upgrade your car's look is fairly easy, if you follow our guide.

By Piyush Kayastha - June 29, 2016

This article applies to the Mini Cooper (2014-Present).

The 3rd generation Mini Cooper has a front end secured with a combination of rivets, bolts and screws with accompanying clips and guides. For the most part, it is a straightforward process when it comes to removing it to replace it or upgrade to a JCW or aftermarket body kit. You'll also likely have to remove it to fit custom lights or a custom grill. Today, aftermarket companies offer options like aggressive bumpers, splitters and racing spoilers. Learn how to replace your bumper and grill, whether doing a repair or upgrading the body styling.

3rd Gen Mini Cooper with aftermarket body kit
Figure 1. 3rd Gen Mini Cooper with aftermarket body kit.
Mini Cooper 2014-Present: How to Remove/Replace Front Bumper and Grill

Materials Needed

  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Star shape screwdriver
  • Torx screwdriver
  • Socket wrench with various sockets
  • Pliers

Step 1 – Remove fender flares

The plastic fender flares over the wheel arch keep debris from splashing and scratching the body. They are attached into the bumper and fenders via clips and a bolt on each side.

  • Open the hood.
  • Use flat head screwdriver to pry clips out between the arch and body.
  • Remove two slot clips from lower portion of bumper where it meets the arch.
  • Pull fender liner down.
  • Remove rear slot clip.
  • Disconnect light harness.
  • Repeat for opposite side.
  • Slot screw driver shown pry between body and arch trim
    Figure 2. Slot screwdriver shown prying between body and fender flare.
  • Disconnect turn signal harness
    Figure 3. Disconnect turn signal harness.
  • Plastic fender flare clips
    Figure 4. Plastic fender flare clips.

Pro Tip

Be careful not to break the clips as you pry them out.

Step 2 – Remove bumper cover bolts

There are seven bolts holding the bumper to the front of the vehicle. They will need to be removed.

  • Locate the bolts along the underside of the bumper.
  • Use socket wrench to remove the three bolts under the front of the bumper.
  • Remove the two bolts on each side of the bumper where the wheel opening meets the bumper.
Bolts that hold the bumper cover to the fender can be seen here
Figure 5. Bolts that hold the bumper cover to the fender can be seen here.

Step 3 – Remove radiator bolts

There are five bolts along the radiator, which keep the top portion of the bumper/grill assembly attached.

  • Locate the five bolts.
  • Use socket wrench to remove each bolt.
  • It is helpful to have a friend hold the opposite side of the front clip as you pull it off.
  • Radiator bolt shown here
    Figure 6. Radiator bolt shown here.
  • Front clip removed
    Figure 7. Front clip removed.

Pro Tip

If you have auxiliary fog lights, they will need to be disconnected before the front clip comes off.

Step 4 – Remove the grill

If you are not replacing the grill, this step can be skipped, but if a new grill is the whole point, read on.

  • Locate the clips on the backside of the grill area.
  • Use light pressure from a flat tip screwdriver to pop the clips out.
  • Reinstall new grill piece by lining up the grill clips and pushing firmly in place.
  • Grill clips shown behind the trim
    Figure 8. Grill clips shown behind the trim.
  • Close up of grill clip shown
    Figure 9. Close up of grill clip shown.

Pro Tip

Use a second thin flat tip screwdriver to help guide the clip from the clip guide.

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