Interior/Exterior Interior and exterior modifications for Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

Interior/Exterior How-To: Clear Corner Marker Install

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  #1  
Old 11-03-2004, 09:09 AM
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How-To: Clear Corner Marker Install

Clear Corner Marker Install Tools:


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:


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.


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).


(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.


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.


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)


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.



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:

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.



For a printable version click here: http://www.criterion-solutions.com/i...ker_how-to.pdf

Disclaimer: I'm not a certified mechanic and should not be held responsible if you screw up your car or yourself
 
  #2  
Old 11-04-2004, 06:33 PM
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Thanks man! I'm glad you posted this before I attempted to put mine in. You've saved me and many others some potential frustration.
 
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Old 11-04-2004, 06:55 PM
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clear lamps

i feel like i have been in a cave for a while where did you guys get the clear side marker lamps???? by the way they look real good on your car....great step by step pics and instructions.....
 
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Old 11-04-2004, 06:59 PM
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There are a ton of them on eBay...you can get white (like what was pictured) or smoke. Of course, if you want the smoked version, you could always go the easy route and get a smokeout kit, which are basically covers for the stock lights.
 
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Old 11-04-2004, 07:01 PM
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I just noticed that he included a printable version in PDF...that is awesome!
 
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Old 11-04-2004, 07:02 PM
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thanks for the response i will be looking on e-bay also to get the smoked look you can also spray paint them with model paint that is used to smoke the plastic glass on model cars.....thanks again...... :smile:
 
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Old 11-05-2004, 06:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Krassanova
There are a ton of them on eBay...
Yep... that's where I purchased mine. They came from a company called SABERSPORT for $63 plus $9.95 shipping.
 
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Old 11-05-2004, 08:03 AM
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Did you have to replace the bulbs with colored ones? I put the smoke tint on mine, but would like to replace them with the clear lenses... thanks!
 
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Old 11-14-2004, 08:42 PM
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I'm curious about the bulbs too. Do these things illuminate red and amber using the stock bulbs? Also, do they REFLECT light in red and amber like the stock lenses? Thanks.
 
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Old 11-15-2004, 06:39 AM
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Originally Posted by DeMinimus
I'm curious about the bulbs too. Do these things illuminate red and amber using the stock bulbs? Also, do they REFLECT light in red and amber like the stock lenses? Thanks.
They reflect white.

The lenses I put on the MC did not come with additional bulbs so I had to put the original white bulbs back in. You can replace the bulbs with colored ones if you wish, but I suggest doing this when you put in the lenses so you're not having go through this trouble twice.

Make sure you check the laws in your state. I consulted a lawyer friend before I put clear corners on my Maxima. He basically said that you cannot have white light coming from the back of the car while it is moving forward. Apparently NC law doesn't say anything specific about light coming from the side of the car. I had the clears on the Maxima for almost 2 years and it passed inspection both times.
 
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Old 11-18-2004, 09:24 PM
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I found some LEDs

Here's a company in TX that has colored lights & LEDs.
Scroll to the bottom for LEDs.
The pro lights are suposed to be better.

www.installer.com/lights/index.html

This should help clear up the legal mumbojumbo.
They have interior LED lights too.
It's just kinda expencive
Joel
 
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Old 01-06-2005, 10:44 AM
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Corner marker light part number???

I would like to replace the corner markers with clear ones but want to get colored bulbs (amber and red). There is a site that sells LED bulbs with these colors http://autolumination.com/

My question is what are the corner marker bulbs called? In the owners manual I do not see a reference to these lights and on the site that sells the bulbs they list several lights of which the only ones that seem that could be the lights are referred to as Parking lights or Front side marker lights both have a part number of 2825.

Is this the correct light bulb and part number? If so the LED part number should be # 194.

Cheers
 
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Old 04-15-2005, 08:41 PM
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Originally Posted by tech-gi
Here's a company in TX that has colored lights & LEDs.
Scroll to the bottom for LEDs.
The pro lights are suposed to be better.

www.installer.com/lights/index.html

This should help clear up the legal mumbojumbo.
They have interior LED lights too.
It's just kinda expencive
Joel
I used to work for Eddie (the guy who owns installer.com). He's a great guy, and if you have questions, just give him a ring and he'd be happy to help you.
 
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Old 04-26-2005, 10:20 AM
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I just replaced mine and have a cheaters way of doing this without jacking up to do the rears, or messing with those PITA clips on the front.

Front:

Pop the hood, remove the screw holding the peice of trim that the bumper light is on.

Remove the screw on the bottom of the bumper holding the same peice of trim on.

Pull trim off carefully, unplug wireharness.

Use 10mm socket to remove retaining nuts.

Remove normal bumper reflector.

Install new 'pimpin' smoke/clear bumper reflector.

Use 10mm socket to put retaining nuts on new reflector.

Snap trim into place.

Screw trim back.

Front ones done, only tools used - 10mm socket (or 10mm wrench from mini toolkit) and Philips head screwdriver (in mini toolkit).


Rears:

These are a bit trickier, as you cant remove the top screw holding them in, and have to be careful not to damage the plastic.

Remove bottom screw.

Gently pull trim away (not too hard since the top is still fastened in place.

Unplug wire harness.

Use 10mm socket/wrench to remove retaining nuts.

Remove old style reflector.

Install new style reflector.

Use 10 mm socket/wrench to install retaining nuts.

Plug wireharness in.

Snap trim into place.

Screw in bottom screw.

And you're done, in under 30 minutes for all four corners.
 
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Old 04-26-2005, 11:13 AM
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Originally Posted by tradiuz
I just replaced mine and have a cheaters way of doing this without jacking up to do the rears, or messing with those PITA clips on the front.
Sweet! I just got some new ones for my new MCS and I was dreading the install. Can't wait to give your method a try
 
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Old 02-11-2006, 01:25 AM
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I know this post is a couple years old, but does anyone know where I can get these side markers for my new 06?
I tried ebay, but no luck :(
 
  #17  
Old 02-11-2006, 08:14 AM
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Clear markers

Hi,
I saw some on ebay last nite but they were smoke.
I have the smoke ones on right now and I like them better.
They look good on a DKSil-S.
Make sure you have the red & yellow colored lamps also.
Tech-gi
 
  #18  
Old 02-11-2006, 09:15 AM
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Thanks, I guess I just didn't try hard enough. I found the smoke ones, but was unable to find clears, which I think would look better on my Pure Silver.
Anyone know if there is a web store that sells em?

Also, does anyone have pics of the real smoke ones installed?
 
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Old 02-13-2006, 05:52 AM
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Originally Posted by Joe Kewl
Thanks, I guess I just didn't try hard enough. I found the smoke ones, but was unable to find clears, which I think would look better on my Pure Silver.
Anyone know if there is a web store that sells em?

Also, does anyone have pics of the real smoke ones installed?
Smoked...
 
  #20  
Old 02-13-2006, 08:38 AM
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I had the clear ones on my old MINI. I am looking for a set for my new one. I was out bid on ebay the other day and I am having a hard time finding any more. Any ideas?
 
  #21  
Old 02-13-2006, 08:53 AM
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Originally Posted by JohnMonk
I had the clear ones on my old MINI. I am looking for a set for my new one. I was out bid on ebay the other day and I am having a hard time finding any more. Any ideas?
You'll have to use the buy it now buttons. You may get lucky and get it for less but I doubt it.

Here's a link I found:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/02-05...QQcmdZViewItem
 
  #22  
Old 02-13-2006, 11:18 AM
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Thanks Pir8 97 for the pic, and link. I guess they do exist on ebay from time to time.
 
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Old 02-13-2006, 12:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Pir8 97
You'll have to use the buy it now buttons. You may get lucky and get it for less but I doubt it.

Here's a link I found:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/02-05...QQcmdZViewItem
You rock buddy, I guess I wasn't looking in the right place. I have them on the way. Thanks
 
  #24  
Old 02-13-2006, 12:43 PM
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Ahhhh sooooo

Originally Posted by JohnMonk
I had the clear ones on my old MINI. I am looking for a set for my new one. I was out bid on ebay the other day and I am having a hard time finding any more. Any ideas?
LMAO I guess I figured out who outbid me now!!! I"m also looking for a set of clear lenses.....let me know if you don't like them
 
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Old 02-13-2006, 12:52 PM
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Anybody know where to find these? They are all gone on Ebay.
Thanks
 


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