all is well with my mini (1050 miles on the clock) except for something that really bugs the k-rap out of me. my chrome trim on my driver and passenger door dont line up (horizonzonally) with the trim on the rear section. the driver's door trim sticks out about 1/16" and the passenger about an 1/8". Iwen't by the dealership and allmost all the brand new minis were pretty much the same. do any of you guys have the same issue? and is there a DIY fix? Thanks

 

Mine match but I've seen many on the road that look bad...

 

you, my friend, really lucked out then. I didn't see a single new car on the lot where the trim ligned up right. a 27000 car shouldn't have 70's quality trim alignment. ant ideas on how I can fix this? Thanks

 

My bet is that the trim alignment is off exactly the same amount as the rest of the door... you'd need to adjust the door hinges and/or latch to affect this.

 

is this doable with hand tools at home? Im probably being OCD but I expect more from a 27000 car. none on the lot that line up is freakin ridiculous

 

I vote for "Im probably being OCD..."

 

There have been many gripes about MINI body panel fit. Check out the clearance between the black plastic front fender skirts and hood on a few MINIs and you'll find no two with the same fit, and some are way off from one side to another.

I read an article once about how complicated the design of the MINI hood was, and how MINI was still able to manufacture them to very tight tolerances. I couldn't stop laughing!

When it comes to overall fit and finish, it's no Lexus!

 

so theres no way to adjust the doors or trim a little DIY style so everything lines up like it should be?

 

i had the same problem on my 2008. i took a wood wedge and very carefully moved the mouldings-worked realy good!!

 

hey ricbow, could you explain this in further detail please. the doors on my car look like they line up good. it's just the chrome trim that stands out as misalined. Thanks

 

Yes! and if you could add some pictures of the tool you are using, that would be great. I've read that people take off this belt line trim but never how its done. Thanks in advance

 

nobody

 

They just aren't built to the same standards that, say, BMWs are. It's something you just have to accept or you'll always be finding little things like this -- I know it's annoying as hell. I'd be interested in hearing a solution for this, too, and I agree that it should not be an issue in a car that costs this much; but they ARE made in England!

 

Big Hammer.