I have a 2008 Mini Cooper S Sidewalk Convertible that I think is referred to as a R52, correct? (First question).

My driver side door got hit in a parking lot (see picture) and I need to replace it including the hinges that got bent. I found a guy selling a door shell from a 2003 Mini Cooper S. Will that door work as a replacement? (Second question)

 

my gut feeling is it will work

my worry is semantics ..... is this a door or a door 'skin'

SKIN is a common term in the body work world ....

SHELL is not IMO

a SKIN is only the outer/exterior plate and re SKINing a door is different than replacing a door ....

in the restro world and even the body repair world we 're skin' a lot .....

and we hang new doors .....

which is this?

 

The second picture looks like the car prior to the hit, correct? Depending on how hard the "hit" was, I would be sure to determine whether the hinges on your car are damaged. It is one thing if you are going to have a body shop replace and completely other if you are going to do yourself if there is any hinge or latch damage I would think.

 

Thanks. Yes the picture is pre-hit. I think I need to be looking for both the door and hinges. Are these usually sold together when a complete door off of a "part out" is offered.

Also, do you know if I have a R52 based on my description? Are doors for this interchangeable with R53 and others from the 2008 era?

 

The R52 was years 2005 through 2008 and is based upon the R53 body and engine style. There are some differences with the two models as the rear seats cannot be swapped but I'm thinking this is more of the top issue. From the new 3rd picture it appears your door is sprung, not dented, almost as if you had the door open, backed up and hit something. If the door is sprung you have hinge issues. The hinge is welded the frame pillar. If this pillar is bent, I would think you need a body shop person to make the corrections.

 

Thanks. Good suggestion. I will go by a body shop and ask their opinion on the frame pillar.

If it is just the hinges are bent I think it would just a matter of replacing them. I found an Ebay listing forhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/252608122793?ul_noapp=true. Would these be the correct one for my Mini?

 

There are two parts to the hinge, the part the picture shows and the other half that is welded to frame. Those are what I would be concerned with. I cannot tell from the picture if they are correct.

If you are going to do yourself, suggest you also review the electrical components within the door and then how the wires connect into the pillar.

 

More info here abut the door hinge and the shims to align it.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-a-2003-a.html

 

We have a Pepper White door available! PMed!