Table of Contents

Body

Subject Page

Body Structure ....................................................................................... 3

Body Safety.......................................................................................... 3
The Body Shell..................................................................................... 3
Front Apron Panel................................................................................ 6
Front Side Panel................................................................................... 6
Hood.................................................................................................... 7
Tailgate................................................................................................. 8

Doors Exterior......................................................................................... 9

Exterior Trim............................................................................................11

Bumpers.................................................................................................. 11

Lighting Exterior..................................................................................... 13

Molding Exterior..................................................................................... 14

Interior Trim.............................................................................................17
Consoles..............................................................................................21
Seats....................................................................................................23
Pillar Trim..............................................................................................28

Glass........................................................................................................ 30

Review Questions....................................................................................32

Initial Print Date:09/01 Revision Date:12/01

Body

Model: All

Production: All

Objectives:

After completing this module you should be able to:

• Describe the MINI COOPER Body construction.

• Identify the major body components.

• Know the proper procedure for removal of bolt on body components.

• Know the proper procedure for removal of exterior and interior trim components.

• Understand feature operations.

2
Body
The Body Structure

The MINI COOPER body is constructed with an extremely rigid chassis to assist in the ulti-
mate driving experience, along with superior body strength to ensure that the highest level
of safety surrounds the occupants.

Body Safety

• Torsionally rigid occupant safety cell with roof bow welded above the B post.
• Crumple zones at both the front and rear.
• Achieves crash safety requirements with respect to front, rear and side impacts.
• Body torsional rigidity of 27,000 Nm per degree. (Compare this to 10,500 Nm per
degree for the E46 Convertible and 7,500 Nm/degree for the E36 Convertible.)

44-02-15

The Body Shell

The Body Shell is constructed of sheet steel parts, reinforced by box sectioned longitudi-
nal members and cross beams. Three major sub assemblies come together to produce the
one piece floor frame, the front end, main floor and rear end.
The following components add to the structural rigidity.

• Cross members
• Front Wheelhouse
• Side Frame and Pillars
• Roof
3
Body
Cross Members

1. Floor Pan
2. Reinforcement, Engine Support
3. Front Seat Console
4. Rear Seat Console
5. Floor Panel Rear
6. Crossmember, Backrest

44-02-11
Cross Member Assembly

There are six cross members on all MINI COOPER floor frames.
The cross members are of a transversely connected design in conjunction with the alu-
minum bumper armature.

• Bulkhead cross member

• Front cross member, front floor pan (for acoustic and side impact)
• Rear cross member, front floor pan (for acoustic and side impact)
• Heel board cross member (for side impact)
• Assembly cross member, luggage compartment partition combined with cross
member rear axle support
• Cross member at body rear

1. Splash Wall
2. Lower Apron
3. Interior A Post
4. Supporting Strut, Front Wall*
5. Splash Wall Reinforcement*
6. Cover Panel, Wheel House*
7. Cover, Windshield Panel
8. Nut
9. Screw
*Left Hand Side / Right Hand Side

44-02-30
Bulkhead Assembly

4
Body
Front Wheelhouse

1. Front wheelhouse
2. Supporting strut - interior
3. Front wheel housing strut
4. Cover panel, wheelhouse

44-02-10
Front Wheelhouse Assembly

The engine support legs of the front wheelhouses are of an 8 sided sectional construction
and include an uninterrupted 290 mm axial crush zone and a bend initiation mechanism at
the rear.
Additionally there is a crush efficient aluminum bumper armature bolted to the front engine
support legs.
(There is a similar crush efficient aluminum bumper armature fitted at the rear of the vehi-
cle).

Side Frame and Pillars

1. Side frame, exterior

2. Interior side frame
3. Interior entrance
4. Blind plug - no sunroof
5. Sunroof drain

44-02-09 Side Frame and Pillar Assembly

The one-piece laser welded monoside with three gauge areas has been designed for opti-
mum front impact, side impact, roll over and stiffness.
Additional panels are included in the B post area to further improve the body strength, par-
ticularly in the event of side impact or rollover.

5
Body
Roof

1. Roof panel
2. Roof bow
3. Front header
4. Rear header

44-02-13 Roof Assembly

The roof panel features a front header, rear header (incorporating tailgate hinge mounting
points) and a roof bow for non sunroof versions.
Sunroof versions use a reinforced ring frame as part of the sunroof unit. The roof panel is
spot welded all the way along its four sides; the front, the rear and the two sides.

Front Apron Panel

The Front Apron Panel is secured by four

bolts to the body bulkhead, two Torx screws
into the A posts (one each side), two bolts to
the body chassis longitudinal (one each side)
and two screws to the front side panels (one
each side).

44-02-01
Front Apron Panel

Front Side Panel

1. Front Side Panel

2. Screw
3. Front Wheel Housing Cover “Black”
*Left Hand Side / Right Hand Side

The Front Side panel is secured to the

body by two nuts to the A post and three
bolts (two to the A post and one to the
front apron panel.
44-02-50
Front Side Panel Assembly

6
Body
Hood

1. Hood
2. Hood hinge - Left hand side/right hand side
3. Torx bolt (x 4, each side)

Workshop Hint

To gain access to the hinge to body bolts, the

side marker light assembly will need to be re-
eased from the front side panel. This is
achieved by releasing the front edge first (out-
44-02-31 ward direction), followed by sliding the com-
Hood Assembly plete unit in a forward direction.

The Hood on MINI COOPER is of a conventional hinged type, supported at both sides by
a gas strut. The hood is mounted on two adjustable hinges, which are secured to the
main body A post panel (two Torx screws, per hinge) and the hood (two Torx screws, per
hinge). The two gas struts limit hood open travel.

44-02-04

44-02-32
Hood hinge mounting bolts at hood Hood hinge mounting bolts at front side panel

Hood Latch
Opening the hood is achieved by first operating the
interior release lever (located in the right hand side
front footwell, regardless of drive). The releasing of the
safety catch (located between the front grille and
bumper) is accomplished by reaching under the hood
and pressing up on the lever. The hood release cables
44-02-121 are color coded, white on drivers side and blue on
passsenger side.
Hood Latch Assembly
Hood closure is achieved by adjustable latches
mounted to the chassis longitudinal (two bolts, per side) and strikers welded to the hood.

7
Body
Tailgate

1. Tailgate
2. Tailgate hinge
3. Screw

Workshop Hints

To gain access to the hinge to body bolts, the head-

lining will require lowering/removal.

Removal of the tailgate assembly will require the har-

ness and washer tubes passing from the body to the
44-02-14 tailgate to be disconnected as well as the tailgate
Tailgate Assembly trim panels and gas struts.

The tailgate fitted to MINI COOPER is of a bolted on design. The tailgate is mounted on
two adjustable hinges, which are secured to the main body roof rear header panel and the
upper face of the tailgate. There are two gas struts to support the tailgate and which limit
tailgate open travel.
44-02-06 44-02-07

Tailgate hinge bolt at body, headliner removed Tailgate hinge at tailgate (Primary Adjusting Point)

Tailgate Latch and Striker

Tailgate closure is achieved by use of a convention-

al latch secured to the tailgate opening lower panel,
and a striker, which is secured to the tailgate.
Opening the tailgate is achieved by depressing the
release switch which is housed in the rear license
plate lamp housing trim.
Work Shop Hints

Tailgate Latch and Striker 44-02-33

Pay particular attention to the alignment of the tail-
gate to the roofline. Mis-adjustment may result in
complaints of excessive wind noise at higher speeds.
The tailgate does have an emergency release.

8
Body
Tailgate Trim Upper and Side

The Tailgate Upper Trim is secured to the tailgate by four 'snap fit' clips . The tailgate side
trim is secured to the tailgate by two ‘snap fit’ clips and one screw). The screw also retains
the fixture clip for the parcel shelf strap.
44-02-35 44-02-34

Tailgate Trim Upper and Side

Tailgate Lower Trim
1. Tailgate Upper Trim
1. Snap Clips
2. Snap Clips
2. Screws
3. Tailgate Side Trim
4. Snap Clips
5. Screw

Tailgate Trim Lower

The Lower Tailgate Trim is secured to the tailgate by seventeen “snap fit” clips and four
screws.

Doors Exterior
44-02-12

1. Door
2. Upper Hinge
3. Lower Hinge
4. Door Brake
5. Door Brake Gasket
6. Hex Nut with Plate
7. Spacer Shim

Door Exterior Assembly

The doors fitted to MINI COOPER are of a conventional bolted on design. There are four
nuts securing each door to its two hinges (two per hinge) with the addition of a spacer shim
between the hinge and door. Between the door and body is also the door brake. The door
brake is fixed to the A post by a single bolt and by two bolts to the door.

9
Body
Door Mounting
The front doors are mounted on two adjustable hinges, which are welded to the main body
A posts and shimmed to the front face of the front doors and secured with two nuts. Door
open travel is limited by use of a single door brake on each door. Door alignment and pro-
file can be aided by the use of selectable shims between the hinge and body. Shims are
supplied in either 0.5 mm or 1.00 mm thickness.

44-02-08

44-02-37
Door Hinge Door Striker

Door Striker
All MINI COOPER derivatives are fitted with a conventional door striker secured to the rear
edge (B post) of the door opening, by means of Torx bolts into captive nuts in the body.

Door Latch
44-02-38

Door Latch is cable operated from both the inside and

outside door handles.

Door Latch

Workshop Hints
All MINI COOPER derivatives are fitted with a
conventional door latch located inside the door
If the door assembly is being removed for
and secured by Torx bolts to the rear edge. access purposes only and not requiring replace-
Opening the door is achieved by use of either the ment, door removal can be achieved by remov-
door handle mounted to the exterior of the door ing the hinge pins, thus not breaking the painted
seal of the hinges to the door.
or an internally mounted door release handle. The door to main body harness is disconnected
at the A post (beneath the grommet sleeve).

10
Body
Exterior Trim
44-02-39
1. Rear Wheel Arch Trim
2. Sill Trim
3. Front Wheel Arch Trim - Front side Panel
4. Front Wheel Arch Trim - Hood
5. Front Wheel Arch Trim - Front Bumper
6. Fuel Filler Door
7. Side Marker Light Assembly
8. Roof Panel Trim
9. Rear Quarter Glass Trim - Lower
10. Rear Quarter Glass Trim - Front
11. Rear Quarter Glass Trim - Rear
12. Front Door Glass - Waist Seal Trim
13. Exterior Door Handle
14. Exterior Door Mirror
15. Rear Wheel Arch Trim - Rear Bumper

Side Exterior Trim

1. Front Bumper
2. Front Bumper - Upper Grill
3. Front Bumper - Lower Grill
4. Hood Grill
5. Front Towing Eye Cover
6. Air Intake Grills
7. Windshield - Upper Trim
8. Windshield - Lower Trim
9. Windshield Side Trim - A Pillar
10. Windshield Side Trim - Fillet Trim
11. Front Headlamps
12. Front Turn Signal Indicators
13. Fog Lamps
14. Windshield Washer Jets
15. MINI Badge

44-02-40
Front Exterior Trim

Front Bumper
The front bumper on MINI COOPER is attached directly to the bumper armature, which in
turn is bolted directly onto the body chassis longitudinal. The front bumper is broken down
into three parts; bumper cover, wheel arch trim (x 2) and a front spoiler.
The bumper cover is secured to the body mounted armature by six upper bumper cover
clips, five lower clips to the front spoiler and a bolt at each side for alignment purposes. The
wheel arch trim is secured to the bumper cover by one screw at the top, four clips to the
cover and one screw to the front spoiler.
The front spoiler is secured to the bumper cover by eight clips and one screw at each end
going into the wheel arch trim and is secured to the modular front end by three central bolts
and two outer screws.
11
Body
Front Bumper Adjustment
Adjustment is possible on the front bumper to
achieve profile of the front bumper ends to the hood
and wheel arch trim. The adjuster bracket can
adjust the bumper in both Vertical and Horizontal
planes.
Bolt (1), will enable bumper end movement in a for-
ward and rearward direction.
Bolt (2), will enable bumper end movement in an up
and down direction.
Access to these end adjuster brackets can be
44-02-03
achieved through the front wheel arch liner.

Front Bumper Trim

The upper grill with location tags is secured to the bumper cover by means of adhesive
tape. The lower grill is secured to both the bumper cover and front spoiler by ten clips.
The front towing eye cover is a push fit into the bumper cover by means of an upper and
lower retaining clip.

Rear Bumper
The rear bumper on MINI COOPER is attached directly to the bumper armature, which is
in turn bolted directly onto the body. The rear bumper is broken down into three parts;
bumper cover, wheel arch trim (x 2) and a cover spoiler. The bumper cover is secured to
the body by five screws and four threaded clips (two into the rear bumper armature and two
into the rear wheel arch liner).
The wheel arch trim is secured to the bumper cover by one screw to the cover spoiler and
four clips to the cover (The upper edge of the trim is the outer most bumper attachment).
The cover spoiler is secured to the bumper cover by twelve clips and one screw at each
end going into the wheel arch trim.

Rear Bumper Trim - (MINI COOPER S ONLY)

There are two grills fitted to the rear bumper cover on MINI COOPER S derivatives and each
one is secured by six clips.

Park Distance Control (PDC) Sensors (x 4)

The Park Distance Control Sensors are retained in the rear bumper by three raised clips on
the sensor body.

Workshop Hints

The Rear Bumper is not adjustable.

12
Body
Lighting Exterior

Headlamps
The front headlamps are secured to the hood by three nuts. Adjustment of the headlamps
is possible through an access hole in the front wheel arch liner using tool number 63 2 100.

44-02-101
44-02-100
Back side of Headlamp assembly Headlamp Opening in Hood

Turn Signals
The direction indicators/side lights are held to the rear side of the bumper cover by two
screws. To remove them, the front wheel arch liner will require removal. Bulb replacement
can be achieved via an access hole in the modular front end (requires only for the hood to
be open). Twist the bulb holder as shown below, then remove from light assembly.

Fog Lights
The fog lamps are secured to the modular front end by three screws from the front wheel
arch housing direction. Therefore removal of the lamp will require removal/releasing of the
front wheel arch liner. To replace the fog lamp bulb, similarly the front edge of the front wheel
arch liner will need to be released. Adjustment of the fog lamp can be achieved from above
through the access hole in the modular front end (requires only for the hood to be open).
The adjustment attachment is of an Allen key design.
44-02-156

44-02-157 44-02-158
Taillight Assembly
Turn Signal Assembly Bulb Holder Turned
Tail Lights
The tail lamp assemblies are secured to the body by two clips on the outer side and stud
and nut on the inner side of the tail lamp assembly. Replacement of the tail lamp bulbs is
possible through access provided in the rear quarter trim panels. Removal of the tail lamps
is achieved by releasing the clips and removal of the nut through the same access panels.

13
Body
Third Brake Light
The third brake light is secured to the tailgate by three Torx screws. These screws are
accessible with the tailgate open which reveals the screws.

44-02-110

44-02-111
Third Brake Light Third Brake Light Mounting

Reverse Lights
The reverse light lamp is retained to the rear bumper cover by two molded clips on the lamp
body.

Molding Exterior

Body Molding
• Rear Quarter Glass - lower trim is secured by seven 'snap fit' clips. The clips to the body
are secured by means of 'T' studs welded to the body rear quarter panel. This trim will
need to be removed if the rear quarter glass is to be removed.
• Rear Quarter Glass Trim Front - attached directly to the front edge of the rear quarter
glass.
• Rear Quarter Glass Trim Rear - attached directly to the rear edge of the rear quarter
glass.
• Front Door Glass - waist seal trim is clipped to the door skin flange.

44-02-161 44-02-162

Welded ‘T’ Clip Replaceable Trim Clip

Workshop Hints

Care must be taken when removing the rear quarter

glass not to break the glass and also not to break the
'T' studs.
Quarter Glass
44-02-112 Trim Clips

14
Body
Windshield Trim

Windshield Lower Trim Clips 44-02-123 Close up Windshield Lower Trim Clips 44-02-122

The upper trim is clipped to the top edge of the windshield prior to being
bonded onto the car. This trim can be removed after windshield instal-
lation and new trim installed. Removal is required for windshield
replacement. The lower trim is two-piece joined together in the center
by use of a joining clip. Each half is retained to the body by means of six
snap fit clips and a screw into the A pillar. Both the left and right hand
trim will require removal if the windshield is to be replaced. The side trim
(A post trim) is secured to the main body A post by four snap fit clips
and 4 screws to the A pillar. The small fillet trim is secured at the top of
the external A post trim. Retention of this piece is of a snap fit design
onto a body mounted nipple at the top of the A post.

A Pillar Trim Mounting

44-02-113

Air Intake Grill

Air Intake Grills 44-02-124
The Air Intake Grills are fitted into the front apron panel and are retained by three forward
clips and three rear edge clips. Removal is achieved by releasing the front edge and sliding
the grill forward to release the rear clips. A filter housed is in the grill and not replaceable
separately.

Washer Jets
The washer jets are of a simple push fit into their hood locations.
15
Body
Wheel Arch and Sill Trim
• The Front Wheel Arch Trim - side panel, is retained to the body mounted side panel by
means of four clips.
• The Front Wheel Arch Trim - hood is secured to the hood by three clips and one plas-
tic nut, accessed with the hood open. Removal of the trim requires pressing the clips
throught the hood from the engine side.
• The Front Wheel Arch Trim - front bumper is secured to the front bumper cover by
one screw at the top edge with four plastic clips. There is an additional bolt on the lower
edge securing the finisher to the front bumper cover bib spoiler.
• The Rear Wheel Arch Trim is retained to the body rear quarter panel with five female
clips with welded studs on the body wheel arch and one male clip into the body.
• The Sill Trim is held by a total of twenty four attachments; Eleven clips along the body
sill side face, four screws along the door opening tread strip and eight threaded clips
along the body sill floor face with one screw at the rear going into the rear wheel arch
liner.

44-02-155
Wheel Arch Trim Mounting 44-02-140
Front Wheel Arch Trim and Clips

1. Bolt with Plastic Nut

2. Plastic Trim Clip

44-02-142

Rear Wheel Arch Trim Welded Studs 44-02-141 Rear Wheel Arch Trim and Clips

16
Body
Interior Trim

Dashboard Assembly

The Dashboard Assembly houses the climate control air outlets, solar sensor, Hazard
Warning switch, Instrument Illumination switch, Instrumentation and the IKE.
The Dashboard assembly consists of three main assemblies:
• Dashboard
• Dashboard - upper covering
• Dashboard cross car beam

Dashboard

44-02-92

The Dashboard is the complete assembly and is attached to the dashboard cross car beam
in 9 locations. Depending on derivative, the tachometer (or speedometer) is positioned on
top of the steering column and the speedometer (or tachometer) is positioned centrally in
the dashboard except on models where navigation has been specified. The speedometer
and tachometer are then housed in separate units on top of the steering column. Additional
switches for the hazard warning lights and instrument illumination are located centrally on
the dash lower assembly.

Workshop Hints

Note:
There is an additional locating stud that is attached
to the heater unit and this is accessed from the
engine bay.

17
Body
Dashboard Upper Covering

The Dash Upper covering is attached to the

top of the Dashboard with 4 screws
accessed through the removeable side pan-
els.
Removal of the dash upper covering allows
44-02-42 Upper Dash Covering
access to the passenger airbag.

Dashboard Cross Car Beam

The Dashboard Cross Car beam is attached
to the body in 6 locations. Removal of the
dash, upper and cross car beam can be
achieved as a complete assembly without
having to remove the steering wheel, dash
trim (inc. speedometer pack/ nav pack,
heater and heater controls, switch pack,
44-02-43 radio unit and glovebox/dash shelf).
Dashboard Cross Car Beam

Instruments and Vents

Dash Vents

1. Air outlets
2. Central outlet
3. Side window de-mister
4. Windshield outlet
5. Solar sensor

44-02-44

Air Outlets

When the MINI COOPER is equipped with Automatic Temperature Control a solar sensor
is installed in the top of the Dash assembly.
The dash contains four adjustable air outlets for heating/ventilation purposes. Three more
fixed outlets are fitted in the dash upper cover, two for side window de-misting purposes
and a central outlet for face level heating/ventilation.

18
Body
Instrumentation

Depending on model and options, the MINI COOPER is fitted with various instrument clus-
ter arrangements.

44-02-82
Optional Tachometer (Std. on S)

44-02-84
Standard Speedometer

44-02-85

Navigation Display

44-02-83
Tachometer/Speedometer Remote Display

19
Body
Removal of Instruments

Center Display
Removal of Center Display (whether Standard Speedometer or Navigation Display) is as fol-
lows:

• Remove trim from switches (1)

• Remove screw on the lower right side of the instrument cluster trim (2)
• Remove screws on the upper side of the instrument cluster (3)
• Remove lower edge of trim in an outward direction
• After cover is off, remove four screws from Display unit
• Disconnect connectors and remove unit
44-02-150
44-02-151

3
3

1 1

Left Side Upper Instrument Cover Screw Right Side Upper Instrument Cover Screw
1. Switch Trim 1. Switch Trim
3. Torx Screw 3. Torx Screw

Lower Right Instrument Trim Cover 44-02-153 Remote Cluster Mounting Screws 44-02-154
2. Torx Screw

Remote Instrument Cluster

The following procedure is applicable for all remote cluster configurations

• Remove two screws at rear of instrument cluster

• Disconnect Plug Workshop Hints
• Remove Remote Instrument Cluster
It is easier to remove cover from center instru-
ments by first removing upper dash cover, dash
trim directly behind steering wheel and passen-
ger side air bag cover.

20
Body
Consoles

Front Center Console

The Front Center Console is connected to the dash by the two support tubes. Removal of
these tubes allows access to the attaching points for the heater controls, switch pack and
radio unit and the removal of the front console. Housed in the front console are two cup
holders*, an auxiliary power socket* and switches for door mirror adjustment.

* If a smokers pack is fitted, the auxiliary power socket is replaced by a cigar lighter and one
cup holder is replaced by an ashtray.

44-02-63

Rear Center Console

44-02-41 Front Center Console

Rear Center Console

The Rear Console is a separate unit from the front console and encases the handbrake
lever. Also housed in the console is a cup holder for rear passengers and switches for heat-
ed front seats and Tire Pressure Warning (RDW). Removal of the rear center console is
achieved by removing the handbrake grip, releasing the handbrake boot from the console,
which will reveal a single console retaining screw. After removal of the screw the console
can be released from its’ two front and two rear retaining clips.

Doors Interior

Interior Door Panels

1. 10 “Snap Fit” Door Retaining Clips

2. 4 Screws
3. 6 Clips on Inner Waist Seal Finisher

Workshop Hints

Access to the top rear-most door trim retaining

screw is hidden behind the reflective cap.
44-02-58

21
Body
 Window Regulators

The Window Regulators are of a cable drive type. The window motor is fitted to the win-
dow regulator device in the door. The motor and regulator are available as separate parts
for service.

44-02-51

44-02-59
Window Regulator/Motor Assembly Door Glass Adjusting Points

Door Glass
The Door Glass on MINI COOPER is of a frameless type and adjustment is achieved for
both gaps and profile to the body. There are four attaching points; two upper and two
lower. The upper bolts must be loosened to adjust the lower bolts that provide the glass
to opening pre-load adjustment. The threaded glass retaining washers on the regulator
enable fore and aft as well as up and down movement of the glass.

Door Glass Adjuster

on Regulator

44-03-125

Exterior Door Handle

Door Handles
44-02-126

Exterior Door Handle

The Exterior Door Handle is secured by means of two bolts accessible from inside the door
and one external bolt (only on the drivers door), accessed through a grommet on the end
face of the door. The two internal bolts will require door panel removal and the glass to be
in the fully raised position.
22
Body
 44-03-94
Interior Door Handle and Tweeter Dual Panel Glass Sunroof 44-03-95

Interior Door Handle

The Interior Door Handle is secured to the door by three screws. The Tweeter and door
release bezel is secured to the door trim panel by six retaining clips. Removal of the door
panel is necessary for interior door handle or bezel replacement.

Sunroof

The Sunroof is available as an option and consists of a twin glass front & back panel. Only
the front section is moveable in a tilt/slide operation. The back is fixed. The sunroof cas-
sette is removable/replaceable and bolts to the roof.

Front Seats

All Front Seats on MINI COOPER are of a manual type and

are offered in two variants:

Basic Seat -MINI COOPER (Sports seats can be ordered

on these models as an option)
Sports Seat - COOPER S
Standard seating surface for all vehicles is Leatherette.

Leather is an available option in all vehicles. The sport seats

include lumbar support.
The front seats are secured to the body by four Torx bolts

Workshop Hints

44-02-81 When removing the seats disconnect the electrical

connections on the underside of the seat at the front
edge (Seat belt pre-tensioner, Side 'Thorax' airbag
and seat heating).

23
Body
Front Seat Operation
5
1. Forward/Backward
4 2. Height - driver seat only
3. Backrest Angle
4. Backrest Forward Tilt (Easy Rear Seat Entry)
5. Lumbar Support - Optional

2 Workshop Hint

3 When the lever (3) is operated with no driver/passen-

ger seated, the backrest will move to its full upright
position.
44-02-80 1

Front Seat Adjustments

All MINI COOPER front seats, regardless of type (Basic or Sports), have manual adjustment
only. The various adjustment capabilities are achieved as follows:

• Forward/back adjustment of the seat

By operating the lever (1), the driver or passenger can move the seat, forward or
rearward, to the desired position.
• Height adjustment of the seat - drivers seat only
By operating the lever (2), the seat cushion height can be raised or lowered to the
drivers desired position.
• Backrest angle adjustment
By operating the lever (3),(pulling up) the backrest position can be altered to a more
upright or reclined position.
• Backrest forward tilt (easy rear seat entry).
The front seats fitted to the MINI COOPER can be regarded as having an
'Intelligent' seat position memory. There are no electronics involved in seat posi-
tion recognition. Once the drivers and/or passengers seat have been set to the
desired position, when levers 3 or 4 are operated (pushed down) the seat backrest
and cushion will move fully forward. While in this position (easy rear seat entry), the
back seat occupants will enter and exit the vehicle.When the seat is returned (man-
ually) it will return to the exact previously set position and lock into place.

24
Body
Seat Backboards
Regardless of seat variant, all the front seats have a back-
board fitted to them. The available variations of back-
boards are:

• Basic backboard - without stowage pocket- for both left

and right front seats
• Backboard - with stowage pockets (shown in illustra-
tion)

The backboards are secured to the rear face of the front

seats by four trim clips and two locking tabs on the bot-
tom. Removal is possible only after removing the tilt levers
44-02-79 on both sides of the seat.
Seat Backboard

44-02-77
Pyrotechnic Seat Belt Tensioner
44-02-78
Side “Thorax” Airbags

Side 'Thorax' Airbags

Side 'Thorax' airbags are mounted on the outboard edge of the seat backrest frame.

Seat Belt Pre-Tensioners - Pyrotechnic

Both Driver and Passenger seat belt pre-tensioners are mounted to the seat cushion frame
on the inboard edge (as shown below).
Seat Heating
The seat heating is activated via the seat
heating switches, which are housed in the
Seat Heating rear center console. Activation of the seat
Switch
44-02-64 heating is achieved by depressing the seat
heating switch. Upon activation the LED in
the switch will illuminate.
25
Body
Lumbar Support - Optional

1. Backrest seat suspension

2. Lowest part of mechanical mechanism
3. Top of mechanical mechanism

44-02-71 Seat Mechanism

The lumbar support can change the contour of the backrest by the operation of a rotation-
al hand wheel located on the inboard side of the seat backrest. The lumbar support can
be adjusted accordingly to adapt the lumbar support optimally to the anatomy of the per-
son occupying the seat.
Rotating the hand wheel in either a clockwise or counter clock-wise direction will either
increase or decrease the amount of lumbar support provided.

Rear Seat

The rear seat configuration on all MINI COOPER derivatives is of a one piece seat cushion
and 50/50 split, folding backrests. Removal of the cushion is achieved by lifting the front
edge of the seat cushion and then pressing down on the rear edge to release from the rear
edge body clips.

Seat Backrest Operation

The backrests can be folded horizontally by releas-
ing either one (50% split) or both (100% split) of the
backrest release catches (1) located in the rear face
of the backrest (accessed via the luggage compart-
ment). The rear seat latch (2) is located in the seat
backrest and the striker (3) is secured to the body C
post.
44-02-74

Workshop Hints Workshop Hints

The seat heating pads are bonded between the When returning the backrest to the secured
seat cover and seat foam so neither is service- (latched) position Ensure the rear seat belt strap
able separately. does NOT get trapped.
The seat heating pad is a resistor pad. One part
of the resistor pad is located in the seat cushion,
while the second part is in the seat backrest.

26
Body
Backrest Removal
The rear seat backrests are secured by a central and two outer brackets secured to the
body floor. To remove the rear seat backrests, loosen the screw on the center bracket and
then pivot the clamp upwards (forward direction). This will enable the rear seat backrest to
be released from the central mounting bracket.
To remove the backrest from the outer brackets, release the backrest from its latch, and
then tilt the seat backrest forward to release the outer seat fixture from the body mounted
outer bracket.
44-02-130

Backrest Clamp Open 44-02-131 Backrest Clamp Closed Backrest Outer Bracket 44-02-133

Head Rests
Both the backrests incorporate, as standard, manually adjustable head restraints. These
are adjustable in a vertical direction only. Adjustment is achieved by lifting the head restraint
pad to the correct position. There are only two setting positions for these headrests, fully
down or fully raised (locked position). Lowering of the head restraint is achieved by
depressing the release button on the guide bar collar.

ISOFIX Brackets
The MINI COOPER is equipped with ISOFIX points for child seat retention. The ISOFIX
brackets are accessed through trim plugs in the rear of the seat cushion.
These brackets (as shown) are attached directly to the body.

Workshop Hints

Head Restraint removal is only possible with the

rear seat backrests folded forward.

ISOFIX Brackets 44-02-65

27
Body
Pillar Trim

A Pillar Trim
The A post trim is secured directly to the body A post by three snap fit clips. The upper two
clips are designed with retaining straps. These straps retain the trim to the body in the event
of AHPS deployment.

44-02-53 44-02-52
A Pillar Trim A Pillar/Sill Trim
1. Snap fit Clips 1. Trim Studs (7)
1a. Retaining Straps 2. Trim Stud

A Pillar/Sill Trim
The one piece A post lower trim/ door sill trim is secured by seven trim studs along its full
length and a single trim stud securing the front edge to the body bulkhead.
This trim also incorporates the following: Workshop Hint
• Fusebox access cover in the left hand trim
regardless of drive hand
The A post trim and C post trim is of a once only
• Cut out for the hood interior release lever in use. This means that in the event of having to
the right hand trim regardless of drive hand remove the trim, it will need to be discarded and
• Two location holes in the rear of the trim for a new one installed.

alignment with the rear quarter trim panels

44-02-54

B Pillar Trim C Pillar Trim 44-02-56

B Pillar Trim
The B post trim is secured directly to the body B post by a single upper retaining clip (1)
and a single screw at the base of the B post trim (2). The B post trim also incorporates the
front seat belt height adjuster trim. No part of the adjuster trim is serviceable separately.

C Pillar Trim
The C post trim is secured directly to the body C post by four 'snap-fit' clips (1). Two of the
clips (1a) include retaining straps.
28
Body
Rear Quarter Trim

The rear quarter trim is of a one piece molded design which incorporate the following com-
ponents:
• Storage Bin
• Tail Lamp Access Panel
• Provision for Power Socket in Left Side
• Provision for CD Autochanger in Right Side
• Parcel Shelf Side Support
• Speaker Grills
44-02-57
The rear quarter trim panel is secured to the body by seven
'snap-fit' clips (1), three screws (2) and three clips on the
lower body flange of the rear quarter glass (3). On the
reverse side of the rear quarter trim panel, five screws (4)
secure the stowage bin and 6 screws (5) and two clips (6)
secure the rear speaker grills.
Workshop Hints

The rear quarter trim will require removal prior to

B post trim removal.

Rear Quarter Trim

Luggage Compartment Lower Trim

The Luggage Compartment Lower Trim is secured to the tailgate opening lower edge by
four trim clips on the horizontal face (1) and three plastic rivets on the vertical face (2).

Parcel Shelf
The mounting of the parcel shelf is via the rear quarter trim with lifting cords at each side,
which are connected to two tailgate mounted clips on the side trim.

44-02-60

44-02-61
Luggage Compartment Lower Trim Parcel Shelf

29
Body
Headliner

The Headliner fitted in the MINI COOPER is of a one-piece molding and is available in two
combinations; with sunroof or without sunroof.

1. Digital clock
2. Sun Visors
3. Grab Handles
4. Interior Light Module
44-02-90
5. Rear View Mirror
6. Ultrasonic Sensor
7. Sunroof Trim Front
8. Sunroof Trim Rear

Workshop Hint

Removal of the headlining requires the removal

of the A, B and C post trim, rear quarter trim,
44-02-91 rear seat cushion and both backrests and the
Headliner w/Sunroof & w/o Sunroof front passenger seat. Only when these trim pan-
els and components are removed is it possible
to remove the headlining through the passenger
door opening.
Care must be taken not to crease the headlining
during removal and installation.

Body Glass

The glazing system for MINI COOPER utilizes the now common industry practice of direct
bonding of the glass to the body panels. The front/rear windshield and the 3/4 windows are
fitted in the production process by robotic application, while the front doors use a frame-
less window glass system.
The thickness for the front windshield is 4.5 mm, door and rear quarter glass panels are 4.0
mm and rear windshield glass is 3.0 mm. The tint color is green. The front windshield is of
laminated construction while all other glass is of tempered construction.

30
Body
Windshield
The front windshield as part of the visibility pack option, incorporates a heating element to
enable rapid de-icing in cold climactic conditions. Also available as part of an option pack-
age, is the rain sensor for the automatic wiper system. This is bonded to the top of the front
windshield.

HFS 44-02-162 HRW 44-02-171

Back Glass
There are two versions of the rear window. Both incorporate a heated rear window element;
however when the aerial diversity system is specified the element also acts as the additional
aerials. The two leads from the aerial amplifier unit attach to the connector points at the bot-
tom left hand corner of the rear window.

Quarter Glass
When the optional shark fin antenna is fitted the right rear quarter glass will also contain the
radio antenna.

Side Quarter Glass 44-02-170

Notes:

31
Body
Review Questions

1. What is the torsional rigidity spec for the MINI COOPER body?

2. How do you gain access to the hood hinge to body bolts?

3. Describe the adjustment procedure for the Rear Bumper?

4. What is the procedure for headlamp adjustment?

5. What is the procedure for Turn Signal bulb replacement?

6. Improper removal of the rear quarter glass trim results in damage to

7. Name the main assemblies of the Dashboard.

8. What is the location of the switch for RDW activation?

9. Is it possible to replace a window motor separately from the window regulator?

10. During Exterior Door Handle removal what other component must be removed?

11. What is the location of the front seat control module?

12. Name the location of the Side Throax air bags?

13. Failure of a seat heating pad will require replacement of what component(s).

14. Removal of the A or C pillar trim requires the replacement of what component?

15. What is the thickness of the rear quarter glass panels?

32
Body