Confusion on the whole R50-R53 thing - MINI Cooper Forum

oioioi24 · #1 (**permalink**) Oct 23rd, 2012, 11:29 AM

Hey guys. I just purchased my 2004 mini cooper S 2 weeks ago. I have looked for quite a while and found a whole heap of lemon minis that just didnt meet the bill. i was looking between 2003-2007 (i do prefer the pre 2007 look however) ... anyway, i do understand the idea of the code name for the mini builds such as r50 for mini cooper and r53 for a mini cooper S. however, im stumped when i took a closer examination under the hood of my mini. Its a cooper S, however under the hood on the build plate it says its a r50? i thought mini cooper S's were always labeled r53?? so now im terrified i either bought a fake/chop shop car ... or, im wrong and over reacting. i would love your oppinions guys? help please haha.

mab01uk · #2 (**permalink**) Oct 23rd, 2012, 11:43 AM

Decode MINI VIN Numbers:
Decode MINI VIN Numbers - love:mini - free digital magazine and resource for classic and new Mini enthusiasts

Caveman · #3 (**permalink**) Oct 23rd, 2012, 02:44 PM

Identifying a MINI by VIN - The MINI Wiki

oioioi24 · #4 (**permalink**) Oct 24th, 2012, 02:09 AM

Now I'm even more confused. I checked the vin which says it is a cooper S, but then why would it say r50 on the build plate? Has this happened to anyone else before????

burnstar · #5 (**permalink**) Oct 24th, 2012, 05:55 AM

The build plate on my convertible also says R50, I just put it down to be another one of those Mini quirks.

oioioi24 · #6 (**permalink**) Oct 24th, 2012, 09:07 AM

Must b. everything keeps coming back with it being a r53. the only other thing that confuses me is the fact that my S has standard cooper wheels. is that normal? its the 5 spoke 15's insted of the multi spoke 16's? cheers!

Caveman · #7 (**permalink**) Oct 24th, 2012, 05:53 PM

A previous owner could have changed the wheels.

Which wheels are on your car?

OEM Wheels and Tires - The MINI Wiki

rellik666 · #8 (**permalink**) Oct 24th, 2012, 09:41 PM

Where did you get the car from? Dealer may have put cheaper wheels on at some point.

drozd · #9 (**permalink**) Nov 4th, 2012, 12:45 AM

I've seen some other posts from Australia where the R53 has a R50 plate and I've seen cars advertised from aus dealers as an "cooper s upgrade 2d" it must be an oz thing

mav899 · #10 (**permalink**) Nov 4th, 2012, 08:52 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by drozd (original)

I've seen some other posts from Australia where the R53 has a R50 plate and I've seen cars advertised from aus dealers as an "cooper s upgrade 2d" it must be an oz thing

thats would be a cooper s upgrade 2door then,