Noticed that a cig lighter plug is an option in the rear of the car for a cooler...
If you do not have the plug is the wiring still there?

 

I'm glad you posted this. I noticed the same thing yesterday at a gathering of the Michigan Club. It seems the '03 MINI was the only year they left it out. I would like to retro-fit this if anyone has the know-how.

 

Only the 03's don't have the socket in the rear. The wiring is not there. I
was able to get the parts list together with the aid of the dealer's parts
guy and wired one in myself. I just went straight to the battery ( I have
an MCS with the battery in the back) and used an inline fuse.

 

I have an 06 and it does not have it?

 

Petercrosby, can you provide the part's list?

 

what about an 03 MC.. there is no battery in the boot...

I tried tapping into boot lamp.. but it shuts off after a few minutes...

 

Unfortunately I no longer have the receipt for the parts I got when
I retrofitted the socket to the rear of my '03 MCS. As I recall, though,
the socket and lamp were the same as the one in the cabin. The only
additional item was the black plug which goes into the socket when it
is not being used. I tapped into one of the running lights for the lamp
and got power for the socket by running a direct wire to the battery
(with an inline fuse) and using a ground I found inside the left rear cubby.

I can't help you with the Cooper. Sorry.