When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I bought a beater R53 a few days ago after not having a mini for the last 7-8 years. Had some goofy bumpers on it but I bought it anyway because it was pretty cheap. It looks like I bought an AC Schnitzer 2006 MCS. What I dont know at this point is whether this mini has just an appearance package or whether this has the whole Kit with performance mods. Anyway to tell?
Looks like the old bumper kit. We used to carry the stuff. Not anymore.
They might have a floormat kit, shifter, wheels, strut tower brace, pedals, CF AC dash, e-brake handle, and maybe a piggyback tune. They had a sticker set also. Sometimes an exhaust, intake, wheels, and suspension. Fabric sunroof was a rare option which is an OEM part.
Most of the ones in the states just had a couple items as they were $$$$$. In europe it was like a 50K+ MINI back in the day when VW were 16K all day.
An interesting aftermarket alternative to dealer-installed JCW kits, which I wasn't aware of previously. Looking forward to more pics...
TopGear UK republished a 2003 period article last year which indicated few completely kitted cars made it into there. Unless Schnitzer had a physical presence in the UK, were those cars exported to Germany for mods then reshipped to the UK? Seems unlikely any were imported into North America as complete new cars (vs aftermarket kits and bits).
I bought a beater R53 a few days ago after not having a mini for the last 7-8 years. Had some goofy bumpers on it but I bought it anyway because it was pretty cheap. It looks like I bought an AC Schnitzer 2006 MCS. What I dont know at this point is whether this mini has just an appearance package or whether this has the whole Kit with performance mods. Anyway to tell?
...Speaking for myself - This is totally unexpected to see something like this.
'kinda likens as the R53 "Airflow" version.
What year is your R53?
Does it also adorn the Shnitzer rear bumper?
Very unusual (to me) - A little funky perhaps but Nice find!
Yep - in USA it was a la carte. We had some of the NLA AC stuff and it sold out.
Europe - people order it after dealer delivery and their were levels and add on. A la carte also. Think Dinan for BMW back in the day.
So it was maybe a kit bought from US distributor back in the day. Their was not many body kits back then. MINI just had the Aero bumpers which we still sell.
