Hello, just bought a 2008 Mini and have been looking through this forum for a bit of information on what I have. Eventually I'm sure I will find what I am looking for, but if some of the more experienced would pop me a note on this thread I would be greatful!

What model do I have? Where is a "cheat-sheet" to spotting the models? I must have the base model, because it does not say Clubman or "S" anywhere.

What stereo do I have? I think there are 6 speakers, does that identify it?

Anyway, love the little car and after only 24 hours with it I am very satisfied.

 

You probably have a base MINI. Easiest way to tell is if it does not have a hood scoop. Having a base MINI is cool... have a couple of those myself and in some ways, they are every bit as fun to drive as an "S" or JCW. Fewer horsepower (has no supercharger or turbocharger) doesn't mean less fun. And they are known to be more reliable than their cousins with more horses.

By the way, the 2008 hardtop MINI is identified as a model R56. You would know if you had a Clubman... it looks much different than a hardtop. Think MINI stationwagon.

Not sure the 2008 stereos can be identified by the number of speakers. If you have the upgraded stereo, pretty sure you will see the 'Harmon Kardon" words stamped on the speakers or maybe even the in-dash unit itself.

How about some pics ?

And by the way... if you call the local MINI dealership with your VIN, they can give you a whole bunch of info on your MINI.

 

VIN decoder on this site works great too (Look on the left side of the screen).

Welcome, OP! I'd love to see some pics of the ride!

 

Post a pic of your ride and the last 7 digits of your VIN. Someone on here will be able to pull up the full data sheet on your car. User UnderatedMINI is a sponsor and his username is now TheMINIPartStore, you can PM or Email him your info as well and he'll email you your options list. He doesn't charge for that, he just volunteers it as a contribution to the forum, great guy. He also does sell MINI Parts and accessories, I ordered from him before with great service.

Anyway congrats!

 

Thanks, no local dealer, but I will stop in the dealer in Phoenix soon to see what I can see. Base model, check! No 'Harmon Kardon" on anything, so that means it is not the top line OEM stereo (I think there are only two). Not a Clubman then, doesn't look like a station wagon. It does have the two piece sunroof, which is kinda cool.

 

Nice MINI. Yes its a base model (non-turbo) Mellow Yellow R56 (hatchback) with a few extras on it. Looks good. The R56 subforum is a great place to get a lot of info on it, as is the 2nd Generation section all together.

 

You have a base Cooper. We like to call them Justa Cooper around here. It's a term of affection.

And your color is called Mellow Yellow... pretty cool color. Congrats.. looks nice !

 

While waiting for the VIN Decoder to spit out the answer (42), I see a couple of helpful folks have identified it as a 2nd Gen, and the R56 model - that is really helpful to track down the other details on some maintenance parts - Thanks!!!

 

http://www.scribd.com/doc/58891914/M...7-2011-Excerpt

This site will be super handy:
Type in your last 7 and you have access to the parts catalog specific to your car. Make sure you see if the part you are looking at includes your Year make so you don't get confused. Pretty simple to use but be careful to not get confused since there are many options available to MINIs.
http://realoem.com/bmw/select.do

 

Sweet! No owners manual came with it, so yesterday I was a little confused on stuff. Took me a while to figure out how to turn off the radio for instance. Just downloaded an Owners manual, and I will see if I can find someone with a Facebook account to download that scribd manual - otherwise I will just buy one.

Hmm, the VIN data tells me it is an OHC 16valve engine - so that means it is DOHC because it has 16 valves?

Thanks guys, I was a little confused.

 

42k miles for $11k, great looking shape and the interior has been cared for, so I think I am happy with the deal. Looks like the right mirror and the lower foglight area was replaced and I think I know why. Zero ground clearance, 3 automatic car washes turned me away because they say Mini's won't clear their tracks! Handwash!

Thanks again everyone, off to spend my day reading the R56 pages!

 

There is a dealer in Tucson now, 22ND & Swan
Enjoy your ride I may see you around town, post some pics.

 

You're better off. You'd have a hard time putting more swirls and microscratches in your paint than you'd get going through an automatic car wash.

 

Accidently drove past the Mini dealer when I was out exploring! They got me for $200 already in stuff, mostly front end pieces to get the foglights cleaned up. Pics when I am done. Thanks to this forum I feel I have invested in some nice changes that really make the Mini a greater joy. The NW torque arm insert, K&N filter, the intake resonator taping all make the limited power useable - all great mods!

My vintage Jag mechanic was surprised I did not get a turbo model, but thrilled at how quick these mods made the car without one. My exhaust guy was amazed I have an all stainless steel exhaust system. My tire guy was amazed that I had the (hard) original Dunlop runflats still AND a spare tire tucked up under the rear.

And everyone says that Mellow Yellow color is rare around here. The woman that owned this that kept it in her garage obviously had covered parking at work, and only managed to get 42k miles on it from Nov 2009-Nov 2013 in sunny Tucson, AZ. She must have cleaned the interior every week because it is spotless, no scuffs or tears, interior has all the colorline and chrome options.

 

Congrats on your Mellow Yellow MINI. It looks fantastic.

 

Thanks! I will post some pics after I get the foglight/front end sorted out. Spent 4 hours cleaning the inside of those white wheels, the woman kept the car clean but did not get deep into keeping the brake dust under control. People say the EBC Reds are a good fix for the dust, so maybe those will go on soon.

Found a Checkered START button today at Outmotoring! Gotta have it!

 

I went on a "Run" with the PDXMINI club. I had a regular "non S" in front of me, and I was worried that the pace would be too slow.

Wow, was I ever wrong! Even as he left the stop sign in front of me, then I would stop (almost) at the stop sign, and take off running up the revs and moving through the gears in my "S" model to keep up with the group. I could 'maybe' start to close the door a little on acceleration but it would take a lot of effort on my part -but the playing field leveled immediately under any braking then turning. We were not really "competing" with one another, but after that I would say that a regular Cooper has no trouble keeping up on public roads, even very spirited driving. I never once felt like I was having to wait for a slower car in front of me, and had a lot of fun. Find your local club -it's awesome!

 

I have a 73 Jag XJ6 with a small block Chevy @375 HP, and feel it would have some trouble keeping up with this car outside of the long straights. The Mini certainly can carry the higher corner speeds with less drama, even though the Jag is very well balanced on fat sticky tires.