Hi all,

I'm a proud owner of an 05 Cooper S (bought 2 weeks ago)

Before I purchased, I researched a lot on these forums as to what the differences were and model numbers etc, and came to the conclusion that all first gen Coopers were an R50 and Cooper S an R53.


Since changing my wiper fluid and checking out my spark plugs, I noticed the badge under the bonnet with info on the car model says R50, not R53.


Would anybody be able to shed light on this as it was my understanding that all Cooper S models were an R53.

Cheers to anyone that can clear this up!

 

MINI Cooper S (R53) Silver thing is Intercooler with Supercharcher under it.

MINI Cooper (R50) No supercharger or intercooler

 

Here's a cheat sheet link on Mini models and color abbreviations that may help.

 

thanks for those, but my point was that it's a Cooper S, yet it has a badge saying R50..

i checked the VIN online at bmw and it's coming up saying it's an R53.

it's confusing as it's contradictory.

wondering if anybody else has anything odd like this about their car.

 

This is correct for years '02-'06.

My guess is that someone at the plant in Oxford just slapped the wrong badge on your car. Consider it a very unique mod!

Nothing to worry about; keep on motoring!

 

hey might be as rare as 1943 copper penny