OK... I've got a friend who wants me to help her with the removal of a MINI Do More hitch. Unfortunately, she doesn't have these 2 pieces which the instructions say not to reinstall when you install the hitch. Does anyone know if things will be structurally sound or even reassemble without them? Parts #2 and #3 in this pic: 02 SHOCK ABSORBER REAR 1 51127057484 03 Reinforcement, rear body part 1 51717056688
No it will not be structurally sound. The number 2 is the foam piece, aka the 5 mph impact absorber. #3 is the piece that keeps it in place. With out them, should your friend get rear ended there will be nothing to absorb the impact. Not sure what the bumper will do with out that support, either. Just call the dealer. As I recall those pieces are not that expensive.
I think that we might have found a local free replacement... The prices are in the $70 range for the foam and over $400 for the metal backing plate! :rolleyes5: