PROBLEM SOLVED
So, I went out this morning to install the TSW ETD that I just got in, got about 3/4 of the way through the install and realize that the pictures that I was looking at, both from this site and the instructions, looked nothing like what my Mini looked like! Whats going on?!

^^this is what mine looks like w/ that mount over there on the left hand side. Do i completely remove that? because i did and then i was left w/ a 3/4" gap between the ETD mounting bracket and the strut tower.



^^this is what the install should look like when its done. see the spacer between the strut and the mounting bracket that looks like it attaches to the brace on the engine, what is that? why dont i have one?

along with these issues, the engine bracket of the ETD would not fit on my Mini either. see first picture. it should attach right there to the left side of the intercooler.

please help if you have any information!

Thanks!

 

problem resolved, turns out my 04 MCS was built in 10/03, and need the earlier mounting brackets.

does that mean i drive an 03 mcs?

 

but it's not uncommon for manufacturers to "use up" the stock in hand by bleeding over some features into the beginning of the next model year. I've got an early Mustang and pretty much every change has some examples of this. Makes the concourse judging pretty interesting, as all the lines are fuzzy as to what configuration goes with what year.

Matt