Hello,
I'm almost done reassembling my 2003 r53 , inner fender liners, and front bumper, and came across this bolt in my parts that were to reassemble.
I don't recognize it, do you? It is an 8mm x 1.25 x 90 mm (3.5") long. 13 mm head, and no strength designation.

 

It looks like one of two bolts used to support and slide the front end on when in service mode. Did you originally do the disassembly or was this a box of parts you got with the car?

 

SOLVED!
RB-MINI,
YES! You did it!
Until you mentioned "supporting the front end in service mode" I didn't remember.
Thank you! Working on the MINI is new to me, I usually work on Saabs and forgot about the unique pulling of the front end away from the car operation.
I was concerned that the bolt went somewhere and it did, solely to service it.
Yipee!

 

Where does one get those bolts?

I am the original owner of my R53 and have never seen that bolt. "Service Mode" to me means radiator core support bracket removed from the vehicle. There are some jobs I've done where moving the cooling pack a little would be ideal.

 

Not sure if they’re still available from MINI. The easiest way to get something similar that works is from a big box or hardware store. I think they’re M8 1.25 thread, and 90mm might be the longest that are readily available. The actual shoulder bolts from MINI might have been 100 or 110mm.

I don’t know the exact definition of service mode so you might be correct and the bolts enable a partial service mode giving just enough room to access some things without removing the coolant, radiator, and disconnecting the AC condenser.

References to the bolt location and sliding the front forward are around 3:20 and 4:45 in this video.

 

This thread explains it in more detail, I just used some bolts I had in my parts bins.
It is an 8 mm diameter with a 1.25 thread pitch.

 

Sorry, Forgot to put link to thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...xtensions.html

 

I just got mine at the local auto parts store.

 

yep those old service tools are nla, but we have options linked: https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...h/83300494045/

 

I have to say it - Ace hardware has always been my local go to when it comes to finding "the out of the ordinary" bolts and stuff other big box hardware stores fail to stock.
Mcmaster Carr, for the most part, has been our preferred supplier for my former industry.