9 replies to this topic

[john2502]

So dropping the kids at school today in the mini as usual and one of the grandmas reversed into the front of the mini at about 5mph when parking. See photos. My questions are:

 

1. It looks to be only indicator lamp and bumper damage but where else would you check out to be sure? (car drove all ok afterwards)

 

2. Are there any recommended sources for the bumpers? I can't see any genuine rover ones available, are they all pretty much the same quality in regards to the fit/chrome etc

 

3.  Haven't looked yet as am at work now but guessing the bumper is a pretty easy replacement?

 

4. Anyone know any good lawyers so I can really take her to the cleaners? Thinking whiplash claim (even though I was getting the kids out of the car at the time) and possibly trauma counselling for me and the children

 

ps. point 4 maaaaayyyy be a joke

 

pps it looks like a scratch/scuff on the photos but is actually the reflection in the paint of the bumper

Attached Files

•  mini damge 2.jpg   60.96K   2 downloads
•  mini damage.jpg   38.9K   2 downloads

Edited by john2502, 21 May 2025 - 10:14 AM.

[stuart bowes]

that bumper will just pop back out from the other side, surely?  gently does it with a rubber mallet and a sangbag or something along those lines

 

getting them off is more a case of how long has it been on.  in theory, yeah easy, but it the nut and bolts are all rusted up then not so much.  probably some will snap and need replacing

 

get a new light cover on ebay for like £5 or something 

 

is the bodywork actually damaged at all?

 

maybe check that side tie rod hasn't been bent but it seems unlikely to me

Edited by stuart bowes, 21 May 2025 - 10:15 AM.

[68+86auto]

I'm surprised how little damage there is and it's location especially with the stupid size of vehicles people drive now. I clicked on this expecting to see a written off mini.

[mab01uk]

Minispares genuine bumpers:-

"Genuine Mini Spares manufactured bumper from our own tooling that fits perfectly as per original ROVER bumpers. Better than the last genuine bumpers produced for Rover which is why we laid down tooling - BEWARE - most others available in stainless are poor fitting--Although many look the correct shape they will only fit the front with manipulation, but are very difficult to fit on the rear as they are kinked. This has rolled over ends for safety critical homologation(1996)and also allows extra clearance on fitment to the sportspack arches."

https://www.minispar...rap-around-ends

 

 

 

[john2502]

that bumper will just pop back out from the other side, surely?  gently does it with a rubber mallet and a sangbag or something along those lines

 

getting them off is more a case of how long has it been on.  in theory, yeah easy, but it the nut and bolts are all rusted up then not so much.  probably some will snap and need replacing

 

get a new light cover on ebay for like £5 or something 

 

is the bodywork actually damaged at all?

 

maybe check that side tie rod hasn't been bent but it seems unlikely to me

Thanks, will check tie rod too.

[john2502]

I'm surprised how little damage there is and it's location especially with the stupid size of vehicles people drive now. I clicked on this expecting to see a written off mini.

 

Luckily it was one of the few that isn't enormous (Ford C Max).

 

But then again everything enormous next to the mini!

[john2502]

Minispares genuine bumpers:-

"Genuine Mini Spares manufactured bumper from our own tooling that fits perfectly as per original ROVER bumpers. Better than the last genuine bumpers produced for Rover which is why we laid down tooling - BEWARE - most others available in stainless are poor fitting--Although many look the correct shape they will only fit the front with manipulation, but are very difficult to fit on the rear as they are kinked. This has rolled over ends for safety critical homologation(1996)and also allows extra clearance on fitment to the sportspack arches."

https://www.minispar...rap-around-ends

You are a star! I was typing in chrome bumper hence didn't see this. sounds like the best option. Thanks.

[stuart bowes]

thinking about it again, to damage the tie rod it would probably have had to bend the subframe, right ?

 

along those lines though, has the back end of the subframe (toe board mount) been pushed into the car at all, i.e. denting the toe board.  alignment could be affected for one thing

 

but again, probably unlikely

Edited by stuart bowes, 21 May 2025 - 11:57 AM.

[JXC Mini GT]

I recently had a similar experience, which required a new bumper and grille, the person that did the damage didn't want to go through insurance, so I got a quotation from a local garage for £480, this included a £220 bumper, and an ebay grille (£130) the remainder was for labour. The other party paid me the £480 and I carried out the work myself.

 

Whatever way you go about the repair make sure you are not out of pocket and that the labour cost is taken into account.

 

Good luck

Edited by JXC Mini GT, 21 May 2025 - 02:51 PM.

[john2502]

All sorted, took about 10mins. Only issue is it now really shows up the grill/surround by comparison! Haha

Thanks for the help chaps!

Attached Files

•  20250523_133518.jpg   52.79K   3 downloads