[hailtiki]

Waited four months for my new 2015 Hardtop.

Broke something in less than four days.

Go me!

Pin in the USB port is bent. I tried to bend the pin back myself, but it's really hard to get in there. Decided to give up and give the service department a call, but they want to charge me $150 and leave the car overnight just so they can "diagnose" the problem. Really? The problem is the pin is bent! Diagnosis done. It shouldn't take more than 30 seconds and a flashlight to see that!

Does anyone have any suggestions? I've searched high and low for information about getting the replacement part or disassembling that lower part of the dash, but I can't find anything. Worst case: if I knew how to take apart the dash, I would have a much easier time bending the pin back into place, or I could replace the USB port altogether (I'm an electrical engineer - I'm sure it's just a small part connected with some wires to the head unit).

 

[fatherfork]

I usually have good luck calling the parts department. You can tell them the part you want and they can get the part number from their diagrams. Then just have them order it and install it yourself if you are comfortable with dash removal.

 

[Angib]

The USB socket is listed as a spare part - part number 84109266607. My guess is that that the socket has a multi-pin plug on the back that the wiring harness plugs into, so if you can physically get at it, swapping it would be easy. This is the parts diagram illustration.

 

[Derrymilk]

You will be able to prise that out without stripping the dash


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[Derrymilk]

Just checked, no room to pop the port, just take the panel!!

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[Derrymilk]

Plastic pry tools work best, but a flat screwdriver with a cloth will work too


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[hailtiki]

OMG! I expected a couple sympathizing "oh, that sucks, see what the service department says... hopefully not a big deal!" type replies, but minif56 forum members totally over-delivered! Within hours, I have a part number and pictures showing how to remove the panel! You guys just made my day! Thank you so much!
@Angib: how did you find the part number? I've spent hours searching for service manuals, part lists, etc... I can't find anything. Is my Google-fu weak?...
@Derrymilk: Similar question: how did you know the panel would just pop off? Do you have a service manual? Or just a guess?

I ask because I had an R56 that I installed a Kuda mount in for my cell phone. I had to take apart a bunch of dash pieces to install it and I remember that some of the pieces just snapped in and others required screws... but the pieces that snapped in were so snug that they felt like they might have been screwed in when you pulled on them. So, I was afraid to start pulling on things because it's hard to tell: is it not coming out because I have to pull harder? Or is it not coming out because there's a screw? I didn't want to break it any more than I already had =)

Anyway, thank you so much guys! I really appreciate your help! =)

 

[Javert]

I guess, this would be the starting point for parts:
http://www.etk.cc

This would be the catalog for e.g. the USA F56 S with the B46 engine:
http://www.etk.cc/bmw/EN/search/selectCar/F56/HC/BMW+Cooper+S+B46/USA/

From there through "84" to the adapter:
http://www.etk.cc/bmw/EN/search/selectCar/F56/HC/BMW+Cooper+S+B46/USA/84/84_0960/

 

[hailtiki]

Thanks @Javert! That's awesome! I'm definitely bookmarking that site!

Update: I stopped by the dealer on the way home from work and ordered the part from the parts department. They said it should take about a week to get here. $47 though =( I also got some plastic prying tools... they didn't work for me (I couldn't find an angled one like in your pictures and I didn't have enough maneuvering room to get the straight tool I bought behind the panel to pop it out), but I used a flat-head screw driver with a wash cloth and was able to pop the piece out. Caused a little damage to the edge of the panel (not sure if it was from the screw driver or the plastic tools), but it will be very hard to notice once the panel is back in place. I can live with that.

Thanks guys! You are life savers!

 

[TheScotsman]

Your first mistake was admitting fault. This is where I would be reporting a defect and have MINI/BMW stump up the bill. It shouldn't be that easy to break a USB port, and through normal usage it just shouldn't break like that.

 

[jeremybingham]

They're quite easily damaged. I am always very gentle with mine havung seen the results of a firm shove on a computer. Theres a bit of a design fault on usb as a Whole imo as it isn't obvious which way up it goes in. Apple's goes both ways lightning connector is genius. You can't really blame mini for this.was reading what c car and they broke their fiesta st's. Insert with care folks!!!!!!!

 

[jeremybingham]

Ps concur thanks folk your knowledge is amazing and have book marked the parts list. You lot are brilliant x

 

[Angib]

The 'original' BMW/Mini parts diagrams are at RealOEM: http://www.realoem.com

After you've visited once and searched for your own car, the site will remember that and jump straight to your model.

 

[jeremybingham]

Angib you're wonderful. Thank you x

 

[Paul Hemsley]

I had the same problem with my USB port & of course was not best pleased.But my dealer arranged for a replacement within a couple of days, fitted a replacement, washed & vacuumed the car too.No charge at all. End result :Satisfied.
This must be a known manufacturing issue & Mini should quickly respond FOC.
I suggest that you give your Dealer some stick.
Almost a joke there !

 

[hailtiki]

Thanks @Angib! I've bookmarked that site, too =)

 

[Derrymilk]

@Derrymilk: Similar question: how did you know the panel would just pop off? Do you have a service manual? Or just a guess?

L =)

Educated guess ?

 

[hailtiki]

Haha, well, it was a good guess =) Thank you for taking pictures! They helped a ton! Once I knew what I was looking for, taking that panel off was a piece of cake!

 

[Derrymilk]

Glad to be of help

 

[Peterg]

The 'original' BMW/Mini parts diagrams are at RealOEM: http://www.realoem.com

After you've visited once and searched for your own car, the site will remember that and jump straight to your model.

Good find that. Thanks for sharing.