is it possible to replace the rear bucket seats with the rail in the middle with the bench seat? Any ideas as to cost?

Your best bet is to find someone on here that wants to do the opposite and trade seats.

Yeah, that's probably what I'd do, but for now I need to make sure it is possible. I'm helping my gf look for a countryman and there are some nice cars with the bucket/rail, but the bench is a must have for her.

I'd love the buckets, but I imagine it'd be a difficult swap... don't forget the middle seatbelt off the headliner (and possibly the headliner itself, depending on how that mounts). And the rail (split rail would probably be easier to swap than the long rail).

I guess you could just buy a 2014 and get the rear bench as standard equipment. I prefer the buckets though as they are more comfortable.

Figured it'd be more trouble than it's worth.

We are looking for a used one. Probably a 2012...The rail just looks like it'll be way too dangerous for the dogs back there. don't need them breaking a leg.

2011 was all buckets, 2012 the benches just started trickeling in. You may have to expand your search to the 2013s. Also, buckets with a flat load floor can be adjusted for an almost flat open space. Need the cover for the way-back pit, fold the seats forward and then the top floor to cover the seat gap. On either side of the rear seats are plastic "ears". If you remove them, there are tiedowns that you can use to run a strap to compress the seats to a more level position. PIA, but it works.

Yeah that's why we're focusing on 2012 or newer. good info on the flat floor thanks!

As Sealy noted if you have the flat load floor & buckets it will still work. I travel with my 2 Schnauzers that way....

where are you located?

i guess we're left to figure out which one of us JWButler's referring to?

I was talking to the OP.

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To order and retro fit will be way too expensive ( if purchase at the dealer). I already inquired so from Sewell. I drive a 2013 R60s with the rear bench. My hope is to retro fit the bucket seats. However, nobody seems to know or have the right answer.

I really cant see how difficult it will be to swap out one for the other. Perhaps if you & the OP are in the same area, you could get together & do the swap...

Updates?

I'm looking for a used CM as well and the bench is necessary for us. Have found a couple of perfect matches with the options we're looking for, except they have the buckets.

Has anyone tried this out successfully yet?

aaron

I often remove my rear seats simply with removing the 4 rear nuts and 4 front torx bolts to make more room for my dogs on long trip. I would assume the buckets would fit easily.

Me too! The rear bench is really the only thing that disappoints me about my 2014 Countryman. Would much rather have rear buckets for the occasional two adult passengers.

I have a black bench in my 2012. If someone is looking to swap their buckets for a bench, let me know.

Let me know if you are still interested in a swap. Do you have a 1/2 rail? I have the full rail.

I have the half rail. I'm in Minnesota though so shipping would be a problem.

Have you seen this ? That way you dont have to take out the rear seat, just fold them down. Cool design and protection for the pets and for the MINI.

MINI Cooper Trunk / Boot Protection Space Cover Kit - Priced As Kit 51472179301

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51472179301/




OR


This Universal Rear Seat Cover for animal in just the back seat , in upright potion. 52302179302

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/52302179302/





Thanks

I live in the U.P. so we could probably swap in person, if your seat is still available. Question I have is about the configuration of the middle seatbelt. Also, I have the single rail and would like to swap that, too, If possible (as opposed to cutting it myself). Not sure if there are any other obvious differences.
Let me know if you are still interested.

The middle seatbelt is a sticking point. That is mounted to the roof through the headliner, so to do this right you'd need to swap headliners. Just documenting that here for others that are considering the swap.

I spoke with MINI service as well. So besides changing the seat, the rail and the headliner, there are some parts that need to change with the boot, presumably the plastic molded to fit behind the seats. Finally, though many of you would like to change from bench to bucket as opposed to the opposite, adding the third rear seatbelt to convert to a bench could pose an issue as far as programming it with the car's computer. They felt unsure if the car would accept the seatbelt. If it does not, the seatbelt would not lock in the event of a rapid deceleration or collision.

Looking at the wiring diagrams for the Countryman, only the front seats have tensioners and only the rear left and right buckles have a connection to the buckle switch.