R50/53 Differences: German R53 vs. US-spec'd R53
#1
Differences: German R53 vs. US-spec'd R53
With some help from madman daflake, my OBC now thinks it's German. Way cool.
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.)
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.)
#2
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.
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.
Last edited by daflake; 01-05-2008 at 04:07 AM.
#6
I do need to check the reflectors, too -- that might be a second difference (besides the brake lights).
#7
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#10
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...
Oh! The foglights stayed on (non-xenon headlights) even with the high beams on.
I wish my '04 MCS operated this way...
#11
#12
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?
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?
#14
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).
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).
#15
Keep us posted with your car's progress. I'd very much like to do the same with my car.
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).
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).
#17
#18
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.
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.
#19
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.
I almost forgot to add images of their custom tags..
Last edited by cabriopilot; 04-08-2008 at 10:49 AM. Reason: Added images
#20
I got the brake lights on, and the rear light, too (still need to wire in the switch).
Here's the difference:
Mine on the left, Henry's on the right. Photo is from our day at the Ring today.
Here's the difference:
Mine on the left, Henry's on the right. Photo is from our day at the Ring today.
#21
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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.
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.
#24
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
#25