Hi all!!
This is my first time posting and if this topic has been discussed I would appreciate a link to that thread. Anyway, my teenage son got a 2002 Mini Cooper base (R50) for free and it wasn't in great shape when he got it, so we decided to restore/rebuild the car. The interior of the car is kinda ok, but the dashboard is trashed. I also have a 2011 Mini Cooper S R56 (LOVE THIS CAR!) and while I was doing a some work on it to replace the stereo, I noticed that the dashboard, with just a few differences, looks like it is pretty close to the same dimensions and size as the R50 dashboard. So I began to wonder if anybody out there has put a newer model dashboard in the an older Mini, more specifically, like an R55-57 dashboard into an R50 or R53 Mini? I would like to know if it possible!

 

How much of the dash are you looking to replace?
At first glance the dash may look like a direct swap. However they are completely different in many respects after July 2004.
I had completely disassembled a dash on an 2003 R50 5panel (dashboard) at a salvage yard, thinking I could replace my broken dash in my '04 pre-facelift R53 with it.
Let me first say you are in for a tremendous amount of work.
Although my mindset says "nothing is impossible" However in my limited experience - I don't think it will work/fit without some clever and serious modifications.
Albeit - I'm no expert. ' would love to see some pics of the dash & your intentions.

 

I am actually looking at doing a full replacement. There are some deep surface gouges on the dash and several broken brackets in the interior, so that is why I was looking at maybe 'upgrading' the dash to a later year model. If I decide to go that way, I will definitely post some progress pictures and the process that I will go through. Thanks for your comments!! I really appreciate the help!

 

That's awesome - glad to hear you're up for the challenge
Regardless of how it's going/progressing, I hope you can provide us with some updates. If you can.

 

Do you mean: 1) the top upper part with the defroster vents coming through? Or 2) the plastic panels on the front that surround the vents? Or 3) the part with the instruments set into it?

For 1 and 3, I think that will not be doable without a lot of work as was mentioned above. For 3 - the R56 instruments, displays, and dummy lights are probably not backward compatible with R50/53 senders and computers - but I am not sure about this. For 1, it could be possible, but if it's just the dash pad, why not locate a good R50 one in a junkie? If it's only because of 2 - those panels are easy to pull and to replace. If you're thinking about the entire dash including 1, 2, and 3, hot rodders have done more complex things, but I think the vents would not line up with the ductwork in your car, I think the instruments would need new senders and controllers.

Got a picture of your current dash? Maybe folks can make better suggestions if we could see the issues?

Personally, I prefer the interior of the gen1 cars to all later MINIs - the simplicity and cleanliness go away after 2006. Again, just IMHO.

 

This is certainly not meant to discourage or mock.
However....
Here is a brief but extensive rundown of what I experienced in removing the entire dashboard from a '03 R50 at a salvage yard...

First you'll start with this...(^^*this pic is my dash/car for reference)


After a couple hours hunting, unclipping, unbolting, unscrewing you'll eventually end up with this.
But wait....There's more!


A little while later, (perhaps after a few beers and some Advil?), You'll get to this...
*notice all the removed components laid out neatly in the footwells?


Yey!,,, Now your left with this! Now it's just a matter of putting it back together in the car, in the reverse order...?
Whew!

I wish you luck! - *no sarcasm intended

 

Someone else asked this recently. Maybe you can team up to share development costs.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4634003

 

@Here2Go In your last photo above, the passenger airbag cover is still in place on the dash frame. Is it removable? Or am I going to have to paint it in place?!?

 

As I recall, I had some difficulty trying to remove the airbag and cover. I don't remember if I ever figured it out. At the time I was careful and mindful about breaking retainers and clips so I left the airbag/cover in place.
It maybe prudent to paint your airbag cover in place (?).... Just to be on the safe side?

 

Thanks. That's unfortunate. I'll see if I can find any tips to removing it. If not, painting that piece will have to wait until Spring. :(

 

@dmath Since I couldn't remember all the details of why I hadn't removed the airbag cover - I was also curious and decided to do a little search on R&R.
I found this thread on the mini2 site. MiniGuy outlines the rundown on how to remove the cover (on an early 5panel R53?). Now I understand why I hadn't gone through the trouble at the time.
Although, it is certainly worth a read.

 

Yikes! That's a scary procedure. I wonder if it will seem less scary by Spring.

To tie this back to the OP's question, the linked article is good reading for anyone removing the airbag or the entire dash.

 

Yeah - I think the rivets straps securing the cover was the deterrent for me. I also remember hearing a small pop/snap when I attempted to lift up the bottom edge of the cover. I don't think I had broken the clip(s) completely - as the cover remained flush to the frame in that instance. BTW ^^^Good point @dmath ^^^ with regards to the link for anyone looking to R&R the airbag or cover from an '03 - pre-facelift '04 5panel R50 - R53.