Recently I noticed that the felt (?) lining in the front wheel wells of my MC has deformed (maybe due to water?) such that the edges are 'wavy' rather than following the curve of the fenders, and the edge of the felt is visible under the black plastic trim in a few spots. Not a major issue but it is kinda unsightly. Has anyone else had this problem? Is there a fix that doesn't require extensive disassembly?

 

I have the same exact problem, and I think it's due to water as well. I dunno, it might be happening because we're rinsing out the wheel wells (i.e. we actually want clean cars :|) .

Just looking at it, and judging by the thickness of the material and not understanding how it was "bonded" in the first place, I don't see an easy DIY fix. I would, however, consider it this a warranty issue that your dealer can address.

I haven't yet been able to visit the dealer, though, just too busy driving and living life .

 

The lining seems to be attached using those barbed plastic rivets, but they are in the middle of the liner which explains why the edges are able to get deformed. The rear wheel liners are molded so that the edges tuck underneath the fender trim & are secured - it'd be nice if the front ones were like that too.

 

Thanks, that explains why I was unable to tuck any of the edges underneath the front fender trim. The material is pretty thick, too, so besides trying to reform the material back into its original shape somehow, I'm at a loss :(

 

I noticed this on my Clubman at 4K miles and my car has not been in any water since I got her, so that's not it - seems the felt inner liner was just cut too short to stay wedged behind the fender well black plastic cover - bet a replacement is the only fix. Agree its no big deal but does look unfinished.

I'll be going to the dealer next week and will report back

 

My car had this problem when delivered. I took it to the dealer and they replaced the liner. They had the replacement liner in stock which makes me think this is a common problem.

 

It's one of the MINI parts that looks like it was "engineered" by the accounting department.

 

oops .. double post

 

It's a faulty part - there's a whole batch of them that were made too short. I had mine replaced under warranty and the dealer compared the faulty part with the replacement - one section on it was about 1 - 1.5mm too short.

 

I noticed that both plastic fender moulding on the front of my 2008 cam loose <popped out at the bottom rear side of front fender mouldings> I had it into the dealer and they said it might be because of the clips which secure them. They repaired it. A couple of months later now I washed my car and noticed that the passenger side has come loose again. The clips has come loose from the moulding. I did have my tires rotated but didn't notice it afterwards.
Any botdy had this kind of experience.

 

Guessing this felt crap is like mud guards?
My 2009 MCS has them on the front and back wells (duh wow when did BMW do this)? They seem to be thicker and not as tight as the ones on my 2009 BMW 335i coupe it only has the felt on the back wells it feels like it's glued on compared to the MINI.
Anyway the MINI's felt plastic snap holders on the back wells pop out all the time.
One good thing there is no metal behind this felt crap!

 

I saw this same strange behavior on the front-driver's side wheel lining/arch on an 07 MCS with only 11k miles yesterday. I'm guessing under bonnet heat was the culprit?

 

The mini dealer in Pleasanton, CA just told me that the warped trim liners were due to "caked mud" and wouldn't replace the "felt" trim (part no 51717136165, & ...166, I guess). There is no caked mud in Central California! Must be a warranty issue so the battle will have to be with mini usa, I suppose. Anybody get a resolution when the dealer wouldn't budge and, how did you do it? '08 MCS, 16k.

 

Bump. I have this same problem. at about 3500 miles my passenger side wheel arch had 4 broken clips on it for no reason. Took it to the dealer and they fixed it with 4 new clips. Now 2 months and 1,700 miles later I again have broken clips on the passenger side, but this time it's only 3. Guess I am doing better in terms of clips breaking . I hope this does not become a recurring problem or I will have to have a "nice" talk with the dealership.

 

My dealer replaced the clips for no charge. The problems is because the part that my clips attach too seems to be the issue now. Guess what the warrantly doesn't cover that part. I think its about 200 dollars. Luckily mine haven't come loose again.

 

My front wheel well liners warped slightly which, in turn, made the liner holders pull out. The fitment of the liners wasn't good enough to survive the constant expansion and contraction of the liner material and the wheel well moulding. After some discussion with Mini, the front liners were replaced with similar parts. Clearly, these will fail again. Aftermarket liners made from better material are available and inexpensive.

 

Where are the aftermarket liners available? (Mine are looking like they may need some attention soon).