Pics of when it's done. Installing the new springs with lumbar support was easier than getting the original springs out - the two lower hooks are tough to release. The screws (Torx T-15) to hold the adjuster in place go in from the outside, you'll have to push the foam on the side of the seat out of the way.

With the cloth seats, I found that it it worked best to put the seat back together before making the hole for the adjuster ****, this made sure that the cover was stretched tight. I was able to feel the outline of the adjuster through the cloth - this may not work with other seat materials.

Thanks again to the OP for showing the way on this.

 

i would like to thank the op and everyone's advice on the installation. i was nervous at first but it was actually quite easy installing this mod. like others, i couldn't avoid getting scratches and cuts on my hands trying to get the hooks out - the bottom 2 hooks were the hardest/worst.

very cool, practical, and easy mod

 

Just did this mod in prep for my 10 hour drive...was well worth it. I have leatherette seats so the zippers definitely made some things easier. There were three things that gave me the most trouble:

1.Removing the lower hooks (the ones with white insulation) from the anchors in order to get the original support out. The needle nose pliers came in handy as I used them to straighten the hooks a bit to get them out.

2. By far the most challenging was inserting the plastic horseshoe anchor into the metal frame. In fact, I had to trim down the bottom nibs so that I could squeeze it tightly enough to fit it in the slot. Once you get it in there, just release the pliers and the little horseshoe thingy will snap securely in place. Again, the needle-nose pliers were integral here. Oh, and a huge fear of mine during this procedure was the possibility of dropping the anchor behind the metal flange. I'm not sure there would be an easy way to get behind that metal bit. Thankfully, I didn't have to find out!

3. After the above step, I thought I'd pretty much be in the clear. Not quite. The last challenge for me was mounting the cylindrical cable housing (sorry, have no idea what that thing is really called) flange to the metal seat structure. Basically, you have to channel your inner zen / use the Force to feel around and find the tiny screw hole. Once you've done that (twice), you can truly sit back and relax....on your new lumbar support!

 

Here's the last thing I was talking about. It was difficult for me to find the screw holes without making too big a hole in the leatherette / foam. Of course, I'm well know for doing things the most difficult way possible. Such is probably the case here.

 

Skydryv, is there some reason with the leatherette* seats why you can't lift back the sides of the seat cover and just fit the horseshoe in from the outside? Or did you not undo the bottom rear rivets, and so you couldn't lift back the sides?

I've not seen the leatherette seat covers, which are not sold in Britain, so don't know how different they are.

* I still weep at the thought of all those cute little leatherettes that gave up their life for your seating pleasure. I guess that sort of sentimentality is why they don't sell those seats over here....

 

Could someone help me confirm the right part numbers for a Countryman? It seems the ones listed don't support that model.

 

Where do you find these online?
Mini of south Atlanta doesn't have these.

 

Try this link: http://europartsdirect.net/parts/ind...&siteid=217812

 

Their online catalog lists the part for the left seat: http://parts.miniofsouthatlanta.com/...rm=52102752611
But oddly, not the right (52-10-2-752-612). If you contact them directly, I'm sure they can obtain it for you.
Way Motor Works and other vendors can also obtain OEM parts.

Note that the part numbers are different if your MINI is 9/2011 or newer (see the pdf in the first post).

 

I contacted mini of south Atlanta, they says there is no kit 611/612 just separate parts (613,614 and the wheels).
The problem with 613,614 that I don't know if it includes the lumbar support or doesn't as it has the same part no. and it doesn't say anything online about lumbar.

 

in this drawing

http://parts.miniofsouthatlanta.com/...ssembly=265015

The assembly labelled 3 looks like it has everything. And, assuming it's like my 2012, is able to be switched to the right (passenger) seat.

 

Folks have written earlier in this thread that assembly 3 now includes most fittings - which I think is because so many of you are making this modification.

But the handwheel 4 is also needed - it fits over the (white) stub that's part of assembly 3.

 

The 612 is out of stock or not produced.
As I understand the 611 is the new design and is a kit (and includes the wheel ?).
Are you guys sure the 611 can be used for the passenger (right) side as well?

 

If you have it, it'll be readily apparent if it is reversable. The cable fits in a channel, which will have a mirror image to the other side.

 

http://mini.sewellparts.com/index.php

Sewell will have what you're looking for. They are a sponsor here in NAM and are great MINI authorized dealer - look out for there discount coupon on top of their reduced price for NAM members

 

So the 611 is reversible and will fit the 08 MINI cooper (regular seats)?

Seems like the 611 includes the handwheel?

Confused. Is it reversible or not?

Where can I find the coupon?

So which one will fit the 08 R56 (regular seats which seems to have the same support as the sport seats)? What's the difference between them all (941, 611/612 up to 2009 and from 2009, 613/614 up to 2009 and from 2009)?

 

I used the 611 as stated last fall on my 08 with vinyl sport seats. It had everything in it to do one seat including the wheel and is completely reversible for the other seat. As already said, the cable snaps in a channel. To do the other side, unsnap the cable, flip the cable to the channel coming out the other side. Install. I was tenuous when I did mine, but I just sat in the back seat and removed stuff as necessary. Take is slow and easy. I didn't even cut my hands. Don't do more than you have to get the old piece out. Once it is out, the new piece install is reverse and easy. Scariest part for me was cutting the exterior where the **** will go in. The precut hole in the foam didn't line up real well. Once you put the **** on though, it isn't coming off. After I put the **** on, the material was a little stressed from not cutting the slit enough. And a slit is all you need, not a hole... so I pulled the ****, push the seat and used an xacto to extend my cut. The **** hides a lot.

 

Thanks. So I need two 611.
Now for a 08 cooper I need the up to 09/09 or from 09/09? Is there an improvement in the mechanism?

 

Andrew, I installed lumbar support in my MINI today. The seats are much more comfortable! Thanks so much for the awesome instructions!

 

Thanks for the tip on Sewell! They were great & a fast shipper. The latest part numbers for a complete kit are:

Left: 52 10 2 752 611
Right: 52 10 20752 614

Getting a discount because I was a forum member was a nice surprise.

 

Will this mod work on the standard leatherette (not-sport) seats?

All the diagrams/pictures seems to be talking about the sport seats only.

 

Yep - that's what I have, and it worked just fine!

 

I wasnt able to find the one "521020752614". Did the 611 come with everything that was needed for the driver's seat?

 

Yes.

 

I just finished the install on my stock, non sport, leatherette seat (only did drivers side). It was nice to just unclip the seat back, unzip the sides, remove the protector and go. It took me probably 30 minutes. The tools I used: Philips screw driver ( I replaced the stock plastic screws for the adjuster with steel ones), needle nose pliers, utility knife. I put the part in and then cut the X with it all zipped back up. It looks and feels great! I ordered the part from Sewell Mini. The had a great price, fast communications, and quick shipping! I only ordered one part,it came with spring mat, ****, hardware:

Spring mat, backrest left
52102752611
$62.71 1 $62.71