18 replies to this topic

[gavinhendy]

I have a mini with no bumpers , do I need some to get it through mot ?

[newbambeeno]

By no bumpers I presume it isn't de-bumpered. If so, you could fall foul of the 'no sharpness' on your car for others safety.

[tommy13]

Your vehicle should pass without bumpers. I understand what newbambeeno means about the bumper mounting flange being a sharp edge, and the police may also take a similar stance, but from the MOT point of view an edge can only be failed if it is a result of corrosion or damage.

[newbambeeno]

I know it's pedantic (sp?) but the MOT tester might think there's no bumper because of damage. My Mini failed(among other things) at one place when my rear bumper was MIA, did everything to pass (but forgot about the bumper) and it passed at a different testing station.

[CHUNKY365]

No rear bumper isn't a problem at all, deseamed or otherwise.

Front bumper is because of the sharp edge behind it potentially hitting pedestrians.

So either fit the front bumper, deseam the car or just fit some rubber strip (like the side sill trim, or a bit of old door seal).

[crazycoleman118]

not sure if they can fail it, but if they cant then they will put it as an advisory, a bit like fuel lines no matter how corroded they are they cant be failed until they leak... but your local plod may pull you for it... get some seam trim and stick it over it, dosent look too bad

[surfblue63]

No rear bumper isn't a problem at all, deseamed or otherwise.

Do cars not run into pedestrians when they are reversing?

A missing rear bumper is treated the same as a missing front bumper, also missing side trim can be seen as leaving sharp and dangerous bodywork.

As others have suggested, basic seam trim over the bumper seams will be OK.

Edited by surfblue63, 11 November 2010 - 02:53 AM.

[CHUNKY365]

No rear bumper isn't a problem at all, deseamed or otherwise.

Do cars not run into pedestrians when they are reversing?

A missing rear bumper is treated the same as a missing front bumper, also missing side trim can be seen as leaving sharp and dangerous bodywork.

As others have suggested, basic seam trim over the bumper seams will be OK.

Are you often in the habit of driving at over 30 MPH in reverse?

If so then you'll find the plod more interested in your driving license!

Missing rear bumpers are NOT a problem, their not treated the same as the fronts.

The only time I had a problem, was with an old Mk1 Escort, the bumper had been removed by a Volvo in a car park incedent, the MOT was the next day and all I had to do was remove the fixing irons. This was only because the MOT man caught his overalls on them and decided he'd be awkward! The edge behind them was no problem at all!

There was no trim rubber on it or anything, just the seam edge.

Although your right with the side trims as they could potentially catch pedestrians as you drive down the road. Usually just Duct Tape to cover the sharp edge is enough as an emergency repair, but obviously fixing the problem is the only real solution.

Edited by CHUNKY365, 11 November 2010 - 07:39 AM.

[Guess-Works.com]

The MOT manual does not specify that any sharp edges need to be forward facing, therefore I'd suggest that it's at the testers discretion..

But I would recommend that no bumpers mean no bumper lip, front or back.

[Tommyboy12]

Mine passed with no front or rear bumper. Or a grille for that matter. But i can only fit a rear one anyway cause of the fibreglass front. My lip wasnt corroded but it was bent on one corner where a previous owner had backed into something without the bumper on.

[Burnard]

There arent even any regulations for pedestrian saftey at the rear of a car on modern cars, never mind mini's.
Plus the bumper lip at the rear is atleast 3mm thick which assuming it is smooth, would even pass and IVA which requires a 2mm radius edge

[toyboy396]

I'd suggest that it's at the testers discretion..

Guessworks is right.. i have just asked my MOT man.

So long as there is no rot on EITHER lip which could be classed as a sharp edge it can pass.

Like most things mini it'l depend if the testers having a good / bad day.

[geo]

Some testers may consider a missing bumper to be damage and as such could fail it. If it were me I would be cable tying a couple of old bicycle tyres to the bumper lips just to be on the safe side.

[surfblue63]

No rear bumper isn't a problem at all, deseamed or otherwise.

Do cars not run into pedestrians when they are reversing?

A missing rear bumper is treated the same as a missing front bumper, also missing side trim can be seen as leaving sharp and dangerous bodywork.

As others have suggested, basic seam trim over the bumper seams will be OK.

Are you often in the habit of driving at over 30 MPH in reverse?

If so then you'll find the plod more interested in your driving license!

Missing rear bumpers are NOT a problem, their not treated the same as the fronts.

The only time I had a problem, was with an old Mk1 Escort, the bumper had been removed by a Volvo in a car park incedent, the MOT was the next day and all I had to do was remove the fixing irons. This was only because the MOT man caught his overalls on them and decided he'd be awkward! The edge behind them was no problem at all!

There was no trim rubber on it or anything, just the seam edge.

Although your right with the side trims as they could potentially catch pedestrians as you drive down the road. Usually just Duct Tape to cover the sharp edge is enough as an emergency repair, but obviously fixing the problem is the only real solution.

As you have written your car does not need to be moving to injure someone, and if a pedestrian injures themselves on your car whilst it is parked and it is found to be a sharp edge, front or rear, then your are liable.

Edited by surfblue63, 11 November 2010 - 03:25 PM.

[100ev8]

sharp edges can only fail if caused by corrosion or damage as allready mentioned . if it fails question his verdict and ask him to refer to the manual if he insists it fails ask him for a complaint form (VT17) .

rob