I searched some with no luck. Does anyone have any experience removing the rear spoiler from an early model MCS? I expected to find 4 bolts under the bonnet but haven't found them. I didn't look far as I was on a pre-removal recon mission. Any info from another site would be helpful.

 

on my 03 .. I removed 2 rubber gromits (one on each side). Found a single 10mm nut under each gromit. removed the Nuts and pried the spoiler off since it also glued to the rear hatch.

 

If your looking under the bonnet your at the wrong end of the car, which may be your problem.Try under the hatch.

 

Heh. Okay, okay. Under the BOOT!

Thanks Mugami.

 

so there are infact only two nuts holding it on? you just pry it off?? it feels way to sturdy to just be held on by those two nuts

 

2 nuts and urethane!

my orciari spoiler was held on with the stock bolts, and urethane glue, infact, the 2 pieces on the sides are not even bolted down, and have held up the last.... 3 or so years

the body shop guy says, as long as no one tries to push up the spoiler from underneath, then ur fine

 

Just 2 10 mm bolts.

If you do this on a "warmer" day or use a hair dryer it does help...
You can also ues a bit of fishing line and "saw" through the stickem.

To clean offf the rest of the glue both Goof Off or even WD40 are a big help

 

Unbolt the 2 bolts and use fishing line to saw through the double sided tape that holds the spoiler firmly to the roof (use masking tape on surrounding areas to protect from minor scuff etc).

It will take you some time. It does not just PRY OFF.

 

I've searched through most of the "remove rear spoiler" threads, and have a grasp on how to remove it. But the question I cannot find an answer to, is it possible to remove it and leave it off?

I assume there will be two open holes, so is there a sano way to plug these without doing any bodywork (factory plugs, etc.) ? And will the residue from the glue/tape clean up without a trace?

My car is a 2006 S that I just bought. So the spoiler has been on there since new, and I'm worried I'll have a mess on my hands if I take it off.

It's not that big a deal, but I'm old and prefer a cleaner more retro look. The rear roof line is so nice on these and really captures the style of the original car. The spoiler is sort of a "spoiler" to my eyes.

 

We have a couple in our local group that removed their OEM spoilers and installed aftermarket spoilers. I don't remember seeing any residue from adhesive removal but I also don't know how long they worked on that aspect. I did see color-matching plastic plugs to fill the holes, at least temporarily. If I find a photo, I'll post it.

 

Correction, only one was removed and used a different mounting point. The other MINI has an aftermarket set up that uses the same footprint as the OEM spoiler.

 

I have removed the rear spoiler to install the JCW. Undo the two nuts. Then the hard part. As you have probably read, try to warm up the glued on areas maybe using some adhesive remover too. I used some plastic pry tools. And slowly pry it off of the hatch. If you can get the plugs from the JCW wing that would be ideal. Or drill the holes to a circle and use body plugs. Paint them to match the roof.

Or here is an idea.
Just get a rear hatch off of a Cooper. They don't have the spoiler.

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I figure I'll live with it awhile. It's not that big a deal and I rather not have to deal with holes in the panel. I'll at least wait until summer if I do decide to take it off!