Is the 2nd gen mini a completely dierent car than the first gen? Anything that is interchangeable between the two gens?

 

Tires? Some brake parts depending on what you have on the R53? Fluids. Probably a couple of other things.

///Rich

 

That's it ??? whoa... They look so similar..

 

the driver is also interchangeable

 

I am sure there are some other parts that are interchangeable too. But although the cars look similar almost ever dimension is changed. As has the engine and transmission. As I suggested not even the wheels are the same. But I am not sure about all the suspension parts. My guess is some other can be more specific.

Rich

 

Ok got you.

 

External door handles are interchangeable between the two generations.

 

The doors look very similar...

 

I think the fun factor is interchangable!!

 

the body pan is identical

 

Are they the same design, or has the design changed but retained the same fitment?

I wonder if the mirrors are interchangeable.

Some of the suspension bits (struts, coilovers, rear control arms) can be interchanged. Camber plates won't work though.

 

Can use the same gas credit card for both.

 

Maybe the cigarette lighter, but I wouldn't count on it.

 

I believe that some of the brake components will work since the R56 brakes are essentially the same as the 1st Gen JCW brakes. I believe there are some threads that go into more detail concerning what one would have to do to put R56 brakes on a R53.

Also, anyone know if it would be possible to retrofit the seats from and R56 into a 1st Gen?...just curious

 

The mirror assemblies are not the same, but they may be interchangeable.

The R56 mirrors come to more of a point on the outside. The mirror capsr from an R53 will not fit on mirrors from an R56.

Also, it seems that the aluminum rear arms from the R56 and GP can be retrofitted to the R53. There are quite a few parts involved in this swap and it doesn't look to be cheap.

I believe the aftrermarked adjustable rear control arms from the R53 can be used on the R56.

I'm a big fan of the new seats and would be interested to find out if I can easily bolt them into my 06 MCS (and retain airbag functionality). I doubt the rear seats would fit, but mine may get removed soon anyway.

 

The magnetic stone chip protector can be used on both models.