When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
After discussions with two Mini parts men and many auto parts folk, here's what I've learned. (Note, I have a 2009 base hatch. Your mileage may vary)
The R56 base used two different alternators. They are NOT interchangeable. You cannot tell which you have by your Vin#. You must inspect your alternator.
The two alternators are shown below. One is a Bosch 150 amp, the other a Valeo 120 amp.
The good news is that you can determine which you have by looking under the hood. You can use these illustrations to compare with your alternator and figure it out with no dismantling.
BTW, at 118K, my belt is really worn. Should have been replaced a while ago!
Just did an alternator on my MCS 08. Like you said I had troubles identifying which alternator I had also. I concluded that sense I did not have navigation and other high use electronics, that I might have the 120 amp alternator.
Ordered one from Rockauto and got lucky as to it match.
Whatever alternator you buy, stay the heck away from Autozone. Their pulley don't even line up with the belt grooves. I finally got mine done with the O-Reilley pulley.
The Modmini video above was invaluable!!! Made the job trouble free. I strongly advise you to view that video before starting the job.
If you use the video, give the guy a tip. He saved so much trouble!
Gotta hand it to Mini. Changing the belt is super easy!
Changed coolant and hoses while I had the front end in service mode.
Broke some clips while removing grill. I had trouble visualizing where they were and how they worked. Fortunately, the one clip remaining in the center and the upper fasteners hold the grill perfectly.
