So I'm looking to replace a damaged radiator support/carrier on our 2003 Mini Cooper S. I see they list different parts for the R50 vs the R53, is the only difference the cutout for the air intake? Could I conceivably cut out the opening on an R50 support? Reason I'm asking is that they are large and expensive to ship. My local u-pull-it has an R50 and that would be huge $$ saver if I can just modify it slightly to work on the R53.

 

I don't know the differences between the R50 & R53 supports, but I suspect you are correct about the air duct. I think it would be difficult to modify a support if it doesn't already have the air intake. The other issue is that the used ones may already be damaged or broken. I found that to be the case on my old one and used ones I found in salvage yards. You might be able to find a used one through some of the Mini recyclers, but shipping may bring the cost close to new. I bit the bullet and bought a new one when mine was further damaged in an accident. The new one seemed to be a much more robust design (heavier plastic) than the original.

 

Check these out. Not an endorsement because I haven't used them for a support but I've had good luck with other parts from this same source.
https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/20...r_support.html

 

I had seen those, but it's $80 shipping from PartsGeek. I found one somewhere else that was only like $35 to ship and only a few bucks more to buy. Probably just end up going that route, though. I'll check on a genuine through work, but I anticipate it still being prohibitively expensive.

 

I ordered an OEM from minipartsdirect.com. I think it was around $300 shipped.

 

Shipping was $23 on Parts Geek. Where did you see $80?

 

Maybe it's my location, but it's telling me $79.55 shipping and handling.

 

you have to get a s with the intake duct cut out on top right period , cannot modify it

 

Thank you. The more I looked the more that seems to be the case.

 

If you belong to facebook, there's a number of guys parting out cars.

Have you tried Allmag auto parts in Florida?

There's also a guy named Adrian that I have purchased many parts from... I can get you his contact info if you want..... send me a PM if you need his number

Bryan

 

I have looked at and bought from Allmag before. For what they charge I can get a new aftermarket one. At this point I think that's the route I'm going to go.

 

Have you taken the direct approach and priced one from your local MINI dealer? They may give a club discount and no shipping charge. A few years back, I hit a groundhog at VIR's Turn 7. In addition to the front splitter and grille, it cracked the radiator support. FLOW Motors, the MINI dealer here was the least expensive for an OEM part.

 

Check out Adrian Willoughby on Facebook. He owns Willmek Mini Cooper Parts and is a parts reseller.

 

I work for a BMW dealership and can get 15% over cost from the MINI dealership we get parts from. It's still well over $200, which isn't terrible, but budget is always in mind. I understand the PartsGeek one won't be OE, but sounds to be of decent quality.

 

yup...that's him

 

Well, I am not on FB, so kinda hard to go that route, but I appreciate the input.

I went ahead and ordered the one from PartsGeek, today. Thanks again for all the input everyone gave on this.

 

So to report in on the PartsGeek support...

The packaging was terrible. The support was poking out of the single wall box in multiple locations. Fortunately it was intact and I was able to use it. There were a few chips, but no major damage. It fit well, though it was little tight over the frame horn studs. I attribute some of that to the car having been in a front end accident prior to our ownership. The Nissens radiator I got was a bit tight fitting into the support.