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Now on to the seats. Roll the seat forward, as if you were getting into the back. Looking behind the seat, you will see a piece of upholstery that cups right below the seatback, making a clean sweep underneath. If you peek under the seat, you will see that this upholstery is attached to the seat frame by two little clips. Unclip them-and you will have clear access to the area between the seat back and bottom, a place for bands and clips to go through. And, when installation is complete, you can replace the fabric so no one can see the unsightly elastic.
Finally, let's tackle the seat bottom. Looking at the backside of the cover, you can tell the seams that are meant to blow out, if needed. You will also find several elastic straps. You will find a little bag of black S-clips tied to one of the elastic bands on the seat cover. If you count the number of bands vs. the number of clips, you will discover a) there are not enough to go around; or b) there are way more than you need. Too many means you will need them for the seat back, so don't toss any away. Clip on the ones you need, and either save the rest, or steal some from another bag!
 During
installation, being a contortionist will help. Get yourself
situated so you can look under the seat. You will notice
a cloth-sheathed wire bundle that culminates into two electrical
connecters. These are air bag actuators, so be careful to
steer clear from those wires and certainly DO NOT disconnect
them. The elastic bands will stretch into place, and the
plastic clips will attach to the metal upholstery framework.
Just manipulate the seat cover around until you have clips/fabric/and
elastic where they need to be. On the outside edge of the
seat, I got one elastic band to go under the plastic cover-see
photo-it made for a better looking installation.
The seat backs are a little easier. Three bands/clips will go in between the seat back and bottom. The large band with male/female clip fits right behind the seat. Two side elastic bands and one from the top of the seat cover can be clipped together. The lumbar control knob pulls directly off the seat...you will have to pull hard and steadily, but it will come off.
WHAT DID I LEARN? The seat covers fit quite well and the "blow apart" seams match the air bag lines exactly, a comforting thought. I found the seat cover a little puffy looking at first, but I am sure as it stretches it will conform to the seat shape. The car seat shape, not the driver's posterior, of course...
Now you can replace your headrest, and stand back with some feeling of accomplishment. Actually, after getting up close and personal, I think the covers have more than a great personality...they have a certain charm. So, I will now drive them out to dinner. With a MINI, even new seat covers are a great excuse to go motoring!
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