Hello, I am brand new to the Mini cooper world and just got into this group. I am not familiar with this forum, and I am not sure if it is the proper place for this thread, so please let me know if I should move it to another section.

I just recently purchased a 2015 Cooper S convertible for my 16yr old daughter. I have 2 questions about it. First one is how do I know what Gen this cooper is? In another group on Facebook I was told several different answers and still I am not sure what Gen it is. I don't think it really matters much, but if I need to know, I would like to have an answer I am comfortable with.

Second question is about the navigation system. The maps are all European maps and the location shows I am somewhere in Italy. I am not in Italy, I am in Wisconsin. I figured if I just purchase the update to the map system that would fix it, but in talking to the people that sell the update, they said I might need a whole new system. They said I can try the update but there are no refunds if it doesn't work. I don't want to waste the $160 for the update if its not going to work. Anyone else have this issue of the Navigation showing you are in a different location that where you actually are? I tried to change over to a different region on the Nav, but it only has European maps available.

thanks for the help with this.

 

I guess I also need to know what "model" number it is. Not sure if that is the correct way of saying it but in trying to find windshield wipers for it(which has been a challenge), I have been asked if its a R57 or F56 or something like that. Any idea how I find out that information also?


thanks in advance.

 

Welcome! I'm also new to Minis. I believe your car is an R57 (2nd gen convertible, 2009-2016), since the F57 (3rd gen) started in 2016.

The forum sections break down the gens and models. The R57 forum will have a wealth of knowledge for you: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...talk-2009-187/

That'll give you an idea of common issues on R series, and how to overcome them. Unfortunately the list is sizable, but on the other hand there are tons of resources for caring for those cars.

 

Here's a common issue list for the car's engine which is an N18: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...on-issues.html

Thankfully that engine is a lot better than the N14 a few years earlier. Definitely change the oil every 5k miles.

 

Hope this helps!

 

As for the NAV maybe you could just install a Carplay/Andriod Auto module. Being you have an R57, MINI probably hasn't updated the maps to that NAV system in 10yrs.