Can anyone clear up for me the model numbering system. I'm to understand that the "R" designation is left over from the the Rover days and was kept because it had already been used long before the Rover/BMW divorce. I also know the 2002-2006 Cooper S models are R53s. My question is, what true R-designation is my Cooper?

"Newt" was ordered Jan. 21 04, built Mar. 04 and delivered to Classic MINI on Mar. 29. What is my R-designation? I've read that MINI Ones are R51 or R50 and that Coopers are R52 and sometimes R50. Thanks to anybody that can shed some light for me BTW are all the New MINIs going to be designated R56? Thanks for reading. Cheers!

 

 

R50=Cooper
R52=Convert.
R53=Cooper S
R56= 2007 Cooper