To remove (or replace) the dash on an R50, R52, or R53 MINI you will need:
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Torx screw drivers or | Allen keys... | an adjustable spanner | and a flat bladed screwdriver |
Procedure
Preperation
- As we will be working near explosives (the passenger airbag) it is critical to disconnect the car battery first.
- Get a box for putting panels into to prevent scratching, and a dish for collecting the screws etc.
- Use your mobile camera to take pictures of each step as you go. This way you'll know which screws go back where.
Removal
- Remove the under dash trim on drivers side, just a few screws and clips hold everything in place, remember to disconnect the headlamp adjustment switch.
- Remove the passenger side shelf or glovebox, again just held in place with clips and a few screws.
- At both ends of the dashboard remove the trim panels #3 with a flat bladed screwdriver, and unfasten the screws revealed.
- Remove all torx fasteners labelled #14 in the above diagram.
- The dashboard top #1 can now be lifted off and kept safely.
- All trim panels now unclip, but start form the air vents #4 as each unit overlaps the next.
- For the drivers panel remove the screws at the bottom of panel #7, and then lower the steering column to allow panel #7 to be lifted clear of the gauges. If this is still too tight undo the screws holding the tachometer to the steering column in panel #9.
- Remove the airbag panel #5 by releasing the bottom screws, and then the bolts holding the panel at the top #18.
- The centre panel comes in two parts, front #6, and #16. Panel #6, the trim panel can be released by removing the screws under the panel.
Fitting is simply the reversal of the removal process.