I traded my 2005 Cooper Convertible for a 2006 JCW Convertible this week. I must say WOW!!! The JCW is Wicked Fast!!!

My issue is this. I bought the JCW from a Mini dealer and it was a one owner car with only 19000 miles on it. The JCW is a factory machine, as it came with all the JCW ceritificates etc. What I don't understand is why the gas door is the Cooper style and not the Cooper S style. I have to assume that the first owner opted out of the chrome door when it was ordered. I would like to replace the Cooper style door with the S style door, but all of the kits from the various Mini stores are made for a Cooper to convert to the S style and will not work on either an S or a Convertible S. Will I have to actually get it from a Mini Dealer (and pay a fortune)?

Has anyone encountered this? I just think being a JCW it MUST have the S type door.

Thanks!!!

Adam

 

Hi Adam,
I'm no expert, but I'll tell you what I believe to be true. Because it's a convertible, the available space within the 'fender area' is reduced because of the mechanicals required for lowering and raising the top. The reduced space prohibits the installation of the JCW fuel door (because it needs more?? I'm guessing here.) That's my theory, anyway. I hope someone with the whole story chimes in; that way we'll both know for sure.

 

You have it right - all of the convertible first-gen MINIs (both Cooper and 'S') have the same body-colored flush fuel door as the regular Cooper coupe, because of limited space behind the panel.

 

Interesting. Would never have thought of it that way. Thanks to both of you for your input. So now the question to other S or JCW Convertible owners is; has anyone found a way to put the S style gas door on the Convertible? Or is there an aftermarket version that will fit?

Thanks!!!

Adam