Mini R57 - Ceiling trim panel replacement hook

While driving, the ceiling center trim panel of my R57 mini fell on my head.

After some search, it it held in place by 4 clips on the center and 4 fasteners on the edge.
unfortunatly for me:

• The 4 edge fasteners were broken, which seems to occur frequently

• BMW does not sell the clips individually, one has to buy the whole ceiling center trim panel for 200+€

As an alternative, I designed beefy clips, which fit like the OEM one but are strong enough to hold the panel in place. After some trial and error, I finally did it :)

Instructions:

• Install the 4 clips on the panel mounting points. They slide in the grooves, like the OEM ones. However, to maximise the strenght, the clip base is thick and some force is needed to put it into position.

• Make sure to properly position the panel on top of the clip holes in the ceiling.

• Once the positioning is confirmed, push in place the ceiling trim panel.

  • This will require some force. The clips are very tight fit.

  • Try not to hit/hammer the part. Apply a steady force insted. It is possible to pass the hand behind the metal beam, just under the roof fabric.

  • Ensure the part is correctly positionned.

• Test the roof opening/closing motion, the panel shall not come off.

Printing instructions:

• Print the part at 20% infill and 3 perimeters. be cautious increading the infill or perimeters, it might make the clips to brittle.

• Print the clips horizontally, they have a flat surface on one side for bed adhesion.

• Use PETG or other heat resistant filament.

• Print one or two spare clips :)

NOTE:
Do not try to fit one clip without the trim panel, they are very hard to remove :)

Updates:
August 24th, 2026: Clip design updated to more strenght.