Is it a bug or a feature? It’s a question software developers often grapple with when releasing software to the public. When something goes wrong, doesn’t work perfectly, or simply doesn’t look good, a quick way around the inevitable questions is to simply call it a feature rather than a bug. There are several areas of the MINIs interior that could be considered in the same light. One of them that comes to mind are the exposed screw-holes on the door bracing. To some they look purposeful, industrial, and modern. To other they simple look like holes.
To rectify this issue for some folks, MyMini has developed chromed metal buttons or caps that simply snap into the holes as if they’re were intended from the start.
I was initially worried that they would look out of place in my anthracite and chrome interior, however the chrome accent actually is a nice touch and somewhat surprisingly, they don’t look out of place at all. However, I imagine if you’re someone who simply wants a dark monotone look throughout the entire car, they may not be for you.
Installation is as simple as it sounds. Just snap them in and you’re done. I found that the caps fit a little more snug in the lower holes but in general all four look like they could have been installed from the factory.
One drawback to the buttons, the chromed finish isn’t at the same level a few other interior pieces on the MINI. However this isn’t as much of an issue as you might expect as it’s not something you can typically see until you a couple of inches away. And for the price, you certainly can’t complain!
The MyMini Chrome Door Buttons are a great way to subtly refine your interior without braking the bank. They’re a snap to install and look great. If you’re looking to add a touch of chrome to your MINI’s interior, they should definitely be considered.
MotoringFile Rating: 3.5 (out of five)
The MyMini Chrome Plugs retail for $8 and are available from MyMiniParts.com
<p>It’s always a “feature”. It’s never a “bug”. Nice hole caps, but I like my holes.</p>
<p>Nice looking “feature” you got there…..!</p>
<p>One question, how easy are they to remove?</p>
<p>These are the only exposed screws visible from the driver’s seat and have bugged me from the start!</p>
<p>On my first test drive I asked the MA, “Did someone steal the caps off these screws?”</p>
<p>Anyway, after seeing the ones on MyMini 6 months ago, I filled my holes with 49 cent “furniture caps” from the local hardware store.</p>
<p>I think you’ll find the similarity startling! </p>
<p>And for the removal question, they pop right back out again if you slide your finger nail underneath them. Though, as noted, the lower ones are a bit tigher.</p>
<p>They were the first “mod” I got for my MINI. I even got them before the car was here. And I love them. They totally clean up the look of the doors.</p>
<p>It looks pretty good. They seem to go with the door-pull nicely, accenting that little bit of chrome you get (if you don’t get the chrome package, of course).</p>
<p>I also have an anthracite interior, but not the chrome interior pieces, so I purchased some nylon caps on eBay, which fit very nicely and look perfect.</p>
<p>Search eBay for Spiffy Caps and you’ll find him.</p>
<p>Gabe, I’m curious if you’ve ever given a 5 out of 5 score to anything you’ve reviewed. I applaud discerning taste, I’m just wondering if anything has ever been that impressive. Your JCW wheels? Your MINI in general? Zaano polish?</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Gabe, I’m curious if you’ve ever given a 5 out of 5 score to anything you’ve reviewed. I applaud discerning taste, I’m just wondering if anything has ever been that impressive. Your JCW wheels? Your MINI in general? Zaano polish?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I wonder that myself. I try to not give these products a free pass when I score them (while not being overly critical). I think the closest thing I’ve ever reviewed that has come to a 5 is the Ian Cull Auto-Up circuit. Then there are a few things that I haven’t reviewed yet that actually may hit the mark; Zaino, the Euro Parcel Shelf, and the glove box organizer come to mind. I could also imagine a 15% pulley and a rear sway bar might score pretty high as well.</p>
<p>As much as I love them. I don’t think I’d even give those JCW wheels anything above a 4 due to weight, price etc.</p>
<p>I saw these on e-bay once that said “John Cooper Works”. I lost the bidding and have been looking ever since. Anybody ever see these?</p>
<p>yeah, I think I may have seen a 4.5/5 mark before. I personaly like out of 100 scores better. That way you get a better feeling. 4/5 is actually 80/100</p>
<p>MyMini has some great products, you can’t go wrong with any of them. And the owner, Pete, is a MINI enthusiast and a strong supporter of MINI clubs. The caps look good although I don’t mind the holes. I find them “purposeful, industrial, and modern”.</p>
<p>Honest question: Do you guys really think these are needed? I mean, I never noticed the “holes” except to think that they looked kinda cool.</p>
<p>Also, why chrome? Why not silver or anthracite to match the door?</p>
<p>The caps I have match the black in the leather, which I think is even better, as they don’t call attention to the holes at all.</p>
<p>I don’t even notice my holes when I’m driving. They don’t bother me, I think it is a small characteristic of the MINI.</p>
<p>SPIFFY CAPS, terrific. Been looking for this item.
Just ordered a set. Thanks.</p>
<p>I like the original unplugged look also. In fact, I prefer the three holes in the 02-04 doors to the two holes in the 05, which covered up the third hole with the redesigned door armrest. Two spokes + three holes, Frank Stephenson got it right, and every little change just moves the Mini a little farther away from the dead-on original vision, IMO! </p>
<p>I do have an 05 en route though, and will soon be living with three spokes, two holes, and other committee approved changes [sigh].</p>
<p>John – if it makes you feel better about your new ’05, I’ve actually spoken to Frank not long ago and he specifically mentioned how he thought that MINI’s design was in very capable hands with the current team.</p>
<p>LOL, love them pick up set of them 2 months ago . those holes where driving me crazy . so happy i found them also. was wondering why do they send you six plugs when there is only 4 holes to plug..</p>
<p>Thanks Gabe. I’m envious that you have met the man and spoken with him about our favorite subject! If I should ever have the opportunity, perhaps he would convince me too, but I can’t help but feel that he is being kind or generous or maybe there was a “forever speak no evil” clause in his MINI contract.</p>
<p>In any case, the original design is the very definition of “Instant Classic”, IMO. The 05 “freshening” of the MINI to my eye clearly gives the MINI a more contemporary look – the plain chrome grill surround vs. the more retro ribbed design, for example, or the three-spoke SW replete with playstation controls vs. the retro two spoke. Perhaps the greatest contrast of all is between the space-agey new xenons vs. the old lights.</p>
<p>At least all of the changes are pulling in the same direction.</p>
<p>Sorry to come off topic, but there’s only so much that can be said about cover-up buttons :)!</p>
<p>I have these and I love them. Really spruce up the interior. Easy to remove too.</p>
<p>john s
sincityminiclub</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Sorry to come off topic, but there’s only so much that can be said about cover-up buttons :)!</p>
</blockquote>
<p>heh… try writing a review on them ;-)</p>
<p>To me……..it’s just tacky, they belong in a 1967 Pontiac, but to each his own. Some like their cars all whored up and some like me don’t. Bling On Baby, Bling On.</p>
<p>As mentioned in a similar thread on NAM where they were seen of ebay for $10 – these can be had in many other colors as well at SEARS for $0.40 for a bag of them! Lowes and Home Depot alos have a limited array of colors for the same price. This has been done for a while by those that care for the look.</p>
<p>I’ve seen the at Home Depot and while they are cheap… the look of the ones I saw didn’t exactly inspire a lot of confidence.</p>
<p>I did this last year with rubber plugs from a hardware store, but it didn’t seem to catch on at NAM. Looks better than the chrome I think.</p>
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21808&highlight=door+plugs">NAM Thread</a></p>
<p>Really nice mod but my s/a said it would void my warranty. BMW concured.</p>
<p>Hugh</p>
<p>those look completely tacky and cheap looking …</p>
<p>it’s like putting a generic button on a pair of cool jeans … hehe</p>
<p>Hugh,</p>
<p>Door plugs would void your warranty? What did you use? Cement?</p>
<p>Jim</p>
<p>Awesome! I have been agonizing over what should be my first mod, and now I’ve found it. Thanks for the excellent review!</p>
<p>I’m wondering if these door buttons are the same as the stainless steel tubing end-plugs I saw at the hardware store for 50 cents each?</p>
These are available at any Ace hardware store for $.70 each. Tey are nickel-plated “hole plugs” and are also available in stipple-finish black nylon, which looks good wtih Anthracite…