I recently purchased an '02 MCS from a car lot in Denver. The dealer stated that the car had the following modifications:

"Has all the available factory options and most of the accessories including: Factory stage III performance upgrade installed at Ralph Schomp, DINAN Suspension, 3 extra cup holders, extra keys, book, Mini floor mats, keyless entry with alarm, 6 CD Changer, center arm rest, tint & clear bra, front driving lights." (was also told it was the 4th ever MINI brought into the state of Colorado)

The car has a HAI w/ K&N filter on it; thats the only visible engine modification I can see. It runs strong, but not much stronger (if any) than other 02-03 MCS's I drove prior to purchasing.

The car appears to be about an inch lower than stock. It has yellow shock absorbers on the back. It handles amazingly well, and possibly rides a bit rougher than other stock MCS's I drove.

What I am trying to determine is what modifications should the car have according to the dealer notes?
-What is the factory Stage III modification?
-What is the DINAN suspension?

 

maybe is running a koni yellow adjustable shocks,and i believe stage 3 is probably a ecu tune for the air intake to your car

 

Yellow shocks could be Bilstein or (I think) KYB. Most of those are deCarbon, gas shocks, which could account for a stiffer, more jiggly ride.

Also, if you have the factory key, a dealer may be able to "read it" to find out for you how the car was equipped from the factory.

 

MINI has no terminology that includes "Stage 3" for their factory products are referred to as JCW or JCW 210 kit. The only tuner that is factory approved is Dinan and they have a Stage 3 which includes Dinan Free Flow Exhaust, Dinan High Flow Cowl Induction Intake and Dinan's Stage 3 Engine Software. But it sound like previous owner might have sold Exhaust and Intake already. Dinan Stage 1 Suspension is yellow because it is KONI shocks they use.
Dinan
http://www.dinancars.com/store/home.php?cat=762

 

thanks for the replies folks.