Vehicle Owner

Member ID: pir897

Location: Winterville, NC

Vehicle Info

2003 MINI Cooper

Bragging Rights

  • 1/4 Mile15.45 sec @ 95 mph
  • 0-600sec
  • Top Speed-1mph
  • HP-1
  • Weight-1lbs

Major Upgrades

  • turbo
  • nitrous
  • bore increase
  • port and polish
  • supercharger
  • extrude honed
  • stroke increase
  • engine swap

Modifications

Performance Parts

  • Custom Intake 
  • Custom Perf. Chip 
  • Custom Exhaust 
  • Custom Brakes 
  • Hotchkis Springs 

Interior

Exterior Styling

  • SYLVANIA Lighting 
  • Custom Body Kit 
  • Yokohama Tires 
  • ASA Wheels 

Car Audio & Video

Ratings

    • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.

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Last updated: Mar 22, 2006

Hits: 10,310

BJ’s MINI Cooper
“The Black Pearl”

  • Currently 3.2571428571428 /5 Stars.
13 guestbook comments

How-To: Clear Corner Install

There are different ways to do this including removal of the front and rear facias... this just how I did it.

Disclaimer: I'm not a certified mechanic and should not be held responsible if you screw up your car or yourself :)

Clear Corner Marker Install Tools:

pir897's 2003 MINI Cooper


These are the tools I used for this project. I was a bit limited because I did the work in the warehouse at my office and did not have access to all of my tools. The screwdriver and wrench were included in the MC�s tool kit in the spare tire area.

The Markers:

pir897's 2003 MINI Cooper


This is a photo from the back showing the tabs and bulb socket.

Front Install
1. Turn the wheel so you have clear access to the area behind the marker.

pir897's 2003 MINI Cooper

2. Remove the retaining clip holding the plastic wheel well shield behind the marker. You should be able to use a Phillips head screwdriver to partially back out the screw then pull out the entire clip. 50% of the time the screw would not back out so I had to use a flat head screwdriver to pry the clip out.
3. Gently pull the plastic shield back until you have access to the upper nut (note: the lower nut is shown in the photo above).

pir897's 2003 MINI Cooper


(10 mm nut)

4. Remove both nuts from the tabs using the 10 mm wrench. I was able to loosen the nuts with a couple of turns of the wrench then remove them by hand. I found the upper nuts a bit more difficult to reach so I placed the 10 mm socket on the nut to give me a bigger surface area to grip with my fingers. The space was too small to use a socket wrench.

pir897's 2003 MINI Cooper

5. Push the marker out from the back. Do not try to pry it out from the front! I found it easier to push from the top. There seems to be sealant around the bulb housing at the top, so be patient while that seal is broken.

pir897's 2003 MINI Cooper

6. Once the marker is out, unclip the wire by pressing the clip at the top and pulling it away from the socket.
7. You will need to remove the black part that contains the bulb from the socket in the marker. Do this by slightly twisting to disengage the part and pulling it out.
8. Install the bulb in the new marker. Note: there is an O-ring that will need to be compressed to prevent moisture from getting in the marker. Push down and twist to engage the bulb in the socket.
9. Pre-thread the nuts on the new marker by putting them on and turning a couple of times. The nuts have sharp centers that will cut groves in the plastic tabs on the back of the markers. (Remove the nuts before installing)

pir897's 2003 MINI Cooper

10. Reattach the wire to the bulb.
11. Slide the new marker into place.
12. Reattach the nuts on the tabs.
13. Push the plastic wheel well shield back in place and reattach the retaining clip.

pir897's 2003 MINI Cooper

Rear Install
The rear is very similar to the front but more difficult since there are more retaining clips and the wheel cannot be turned out of the way.

1. Jack up the rear of the car to give you access to the work area.
2. The rear wheel well�s plastic shield entirely covers the back of the marker so you will have to remove more retaining clips. I removed the three shown below:

pir897's 2003 MINI Cooper


I was able to use the screwdriver to remove the top two clips in the photo, but it was too long to get to the bottom clip. I used the Phillips head drill bit to reach this clip.

3. The plastic shield tucks under the trim and should pop out with relative ease. Gently pull the shield back enough to give you access to the nuts on the back of the marker.
4. Repeat the steps for removal and installation from the front marker instructions.
5. Once the new lights are in snap the wheel well shield back in place under the trim and reinstall the retaining clips.

pir897's 2003 MINI Cooper

Guestbook

Displaying entries 1-5 of 13

Mini_Mojo  

Posted by: Mini_Mojo

03/22/2006 12:05PM

Any intrest in selling the cooper, if not just keep me in mind when you get bored, I live in ATL and I am very intrested in purchasing someones creation and adding a couple of personal touches of my own. If you here about anyone in the southeast willing to part with there Mini-S 2002-2004 own the site please point them in my direction, I would really appreciate it enjoy the ride it looks beast.

DoctorFrost  

Posted by: DoctorFrost

03/11/2005 01:07AM

Sweet cooper, I just got my 05 pepper white with corodoba biege leather CVT last week. I was planning to buy a TSI kit this month and was wondering if u had urs on yet? Also what is the best place to buy one from.... If u wanna drop me a line my Email is shizzle-my-dizzle@sbcglobal.net...Again..badass cooper..

mini4me  

Posted by: mini4me

02/14/2005 01:26AM

Hey whats up ? Ithought id stop by and check out your mini again to see what you have been working on,I see you have a lowering kit and youve done a turbo thats ass kickin'... Ive done a new mod myself ,I've just finished Reversing my Hood(forward)Come check it out and tell me what you think.Thanks

martinmcfly  

Posted by: martinmcfly

02/06/2005 08:07PM

hehe, classic mini eh? ive lived in mentor, ohio all my life. i have a freind that says he can get me a deal on the paint work on the factory kit (he works in classics bodyshop) thanks for the suggestions!

GotMini  

Posted by: GotMini

01/10/2005 01:31PM

Sweet Mini come check me out I am still in the process of making my page but I have alot of plans for it. Check me out maybe you got some ideas

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Vehicle Owner

Member ID: pir897

Location: Winterville, NC