Differences: German R53 vs. US-spec'd R53
 

With some help from madman daflake, my OBC now thinks it's German. Way cool.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2251/...a8af00c4_m.jpg

Which leaves me thinking -- and leads to my question -- what are the differences between German and American spec'd R53's?

I've heard talk that the brake lights are different -- anyone know what parts (and part numbers!) I'd need to replace, to help hide my Americanness? I'd love to ID the differences and apply the changes.

Someday, we're going to end up coming back to the States, and I'd like to see the car look like the proper autobahn runner that she is.

(Oh, and daflake, the kids complimented the car in its German. She speaks proper German, "better than me" said my son.)

LOL, gotta love them kids (they are pretty smart).

Lights are pretty much the only differences (that I have noticed) as you pointed out. You can buy the euro lenses at the dealer I am sure and the difference is that they have a yellow turn signal (rears). Other than that, I have not noticed much of a difference. There used to be a great difference in cars in Europe over cars in the US (reinforced doors and glass) but now it is all the same.

how bout the no reflector fender trim/wheel mouldings?

Do all the navigation systems take you to Poland?
Sorry.... just kidding. :)

The German R53 does not come with the "Police Interceptor" badge -- that may be a give-away

You know, when I was thinking of getting it, I pondered how to phrase it in German. It just doesn't work.

I do need to check the reflectors, too -- that might be a second difference (besides the brake lights).

1) rear fogs (Actually actvated)

2) euro tag holders (for longer plates)

- The emergeny road side assistance sticker in the boot is in German

- I beleive it comes standard with a first aid kit

it definitely is

I rented a 2007 MCC in Switzerland back in October. Something else I noticed was that there was no in-key ignition chime, nor a seatbelt reminder chime. Headlight reminder chime still worked. The seatbelt light came on at startup, and disappeared after a few seconds regardless of actual seatbelt usage. Radio tuning was also different, but that's easily changed through the radio's hidden menu.

Oh! The foglights stayed on (non-xenon headlights) even with the high beams on.

I wish my '04 MCS operated this way...

Transfer from America to Germany
 

Hello Abuzavi, did you buy your Mini in America or in Germany? It sounds like you bought it in America and brought it to Germany. I am thinking about doing just that and am looking for anyone who has already done it. Can you help me out?

Some other things I noticed with the '07 MCC I rented in Switzerland -

No wheel arch reflectors.
Driver's side cubby hole instead of the full knee bolster.
Headlight aim switch located on the driver's side knee bolster.

A question for someone in Europe - do all MINIs out there have the headlight adjustment switch? It's also my understanding that US models have a speed limiter - do you have this as well?

I too, would like to make my MCS less "Americanized". So far, I've got the euro parcel shelf, the center armrest (older style - bolts under the seat track), the warning triangle and first aid kit, and a clear-lensed 3rd brake light w/ red LEDs (came with the european version of the white turn signal lens rear light package).

Abuzavi - have you noticed any differences now that your OBC thinks its German? What exactly ARE the differences anyway?

We bought our cars via an American vendor so they are American spec.

Yep -- American spec'd, just shipped here direct from the factory. I took possession of it once it arrived.

OBC -- range for fuel is in KM, but odometer is in miles. GPS stuff is all on KM. I also got the choice of language that the OEM GPS uses -- Germany, British English, and French.

I'll be heading up to my favorite dealer (Peter Nick, in Weinheim) here in a week or two, and ordering parts to make mine more Germany. Already have the arm rest, and did the Euro shelf when I bought the car ('06).

Keep us posted with your car's progress. I'd very much like to do the same with my car. :thumbsup:

Tailights are different :nod: Here are the Euro tails on my MINI
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...abbottgtg1.jpg

I stopped by and ordered the parts -- brake lights and the rear fog light. Opted to not do the arches, though the parts guy was pushing me to do it, so that I could sell him mine afterwards. Parts will be something like 130 Euro -- the brakes only come as the full things, it seems.

Do you know if the headlights are any different? I looked it up on realOEM the other day and they show a different part number for ECE vehicles.

I've got a set of ECE headlights for my Jeep Cherokee, I absolutely love them. I'll never go back to DOT crap headlights if I can help it.

How does your euro front plate mount to your bumper? Are you somehow using the existing US bracket? I've got a GB number plate I'd like to mount to mine once I get my Aero Kit installed. :)

If you really want that European look then you'll need a European license plate and holder.

http://www.grtpl8s.com/images/SW-WJ666.JPG

Here's a website that not only will make you a custom tag but they also sell real plates to be used outside of the EU.

They also sell the frames that can be easily attached to Amereekon cars. :thumbsup:

http://www.grtpl8s.com/images/FRAME-BLACK.JPG

I almost forgot to add images of their custom tags..

http://www.grtpl8s.com/images/COOPER-S.JPG

http://www.grtpl8s.com/images/customers/MOVE-OVER.JPG

I got the brake lights on, and the rear light, too (still need to wire in the switch).

Here's the difference:


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/...4b39a7e0_o.jpg

Mine on the left, Henry's on the right. Photo is from our day at the Ring today.

Is the British version different from the German version??

Does anyone know of any online vendors (with English websites) who deal in European parts? I know in my Honda days TONS of people imported Japanese parts (JDM- Japanese Domestic Market).

I live in the UK, so if you have specific questions I can check my car for you. peter

drill into the bumper...

No specific questions, just wondered if there are any well-known differences... not like "There is a button on the Euro version which is red instead of blue and is .03mm to the left". lol

Yes, but they provided a factory fitted front license plate holder for us.

Also, the difference in headlights for UK is left to right side of road, hence the reason for the different part number.