MINI2

msenkbeil · Jul 21st, 2002, 12:52 AM

Is there any info out there (on the Net) or in an FAQ that discusses the lineage of the MINI Cooper? I'm confused about the whole story.

Is my basic understanding correct:
- BMW buys Rover
- BMW designs new MINIs (One, Cooper, Cooper S)
- BMW outsources engine design/production to Chrysler
- BMW builds and exports MINIs from UK

A friend (Ford dealership employee) says that Ford now owns the portion of Rover responsible for the MINI. He says the MINI is in fact now technically a Ford, but is really a Rover which was designed by BMW, with an engine made by Chrysler in Brazil.

There's got to be a easier way to understand/explain the story behind the MINI. It's not as simple as "Rover used to make the classic Mini, but now it's been redesigned and produced by BMW, since they bought Rover recently."

MINIAC · Jul 21st, 2002, 02:04 AM

I could be wrong ...

When BMW jetisoned Rover they got rid of everything but the MINI. The Land Rover portion was sold to Ford and the Rover car and MG portion was sold to a consortium.

The engine used in the MINI is built in Brazil and is the result of a joint-venture between (pre-Damlier) Chrysler and BMW.

Sejanus · Jul 21st, 2002, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MINIAC
I could be wrong ...

When BMW jetisoned Rover they got rid of everything but the MINI. The Land Rover portion was sold to Ford and the Rover car and MG portion was sold to a consortium.

The engine used in the MINI is built in Brazil and is the result of a joint-venture between (pre-Damlier) Chrysler and BMW.

That sounds about right by my recollection.

Ady · Jul 21st, 2002, 04:26 AM

As I understand it it went like this

BMW bought rover
ROVER start developing new MINI in the UK
BMW start a second team working in MINI in Germany
Neither team communicated much Hence the incompatability problems in early electrics, BMW wiring, Rover connections
BMW Dumps Rover group while retaining MINI name and all associated trade marks (MINI, clubman, wolsley, riley etc)
Design team want to use the K series engine but the BMW boss is adamant that the bonnet line is fixed, and the K series is too tall so another engine has to be sourced.

Enter the boys from Brazil
BMW enters into a partnership with Chrysler to build an engine in Brazil, This is the Tritec engine now used in the New MINI.

Ford owns the Gayden complex where some of the developement took place, but this in now way means the MINI is a Ford, ( they wish!)

Hope this is a bit clearer

Ady (R50)

HarryHBMCC · Jul 21st, 2002, 06:33 AM

Which K series engine were they considering? The 1200cc 130BHP/118Nm?

Harry

Mini Cruiser · Jul 21st, 2002, 07:07 AM

I think BMW was more intreasted in the land rovers technology

smiffy · Jul 21st, 2002, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mini Cruiser
I think BMW was more intreasted in the land rovers technology

yeah, they used Land Rovers know how to help design the X5

Electrc109 · Jul 21st, 2002, 10:45 AM

from what I understand, R50 is correct.

I most likely would have not bought a MINI if it contained Ford parts!

GBMINI · Jul 21st, 2002, 10:46 AM

I just bought and am reading a great book called "New Mini" which so far has described the development of the original Mini and the BMW/Rover activity leading to the development of MINI ...
I am sure it will later cover the sell-off of Rover, and the Chrysler engine. But I have not read that far.

Recommended book for anyone that wants to know more about their little car.

Available at Amazon, published by Haynes.

Ian C. Gloucester, MA

Shep · Jul 21st, 2002, 01:21 PM

Iancull is right--the book "New MINI" tells everything about this complex Rover/BMW gestation. I found it a very good read.

See my post "New book: New Mini" about the book:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...threadid=10950

EBMCS03 · Jul 21st, 2002, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Electrc109
I most likely would have not bought a MINI if it contained Ford parts!

Well u know what... u better give me your MINI... cuz it does contain FORD parts!!!

It has been discussed before

They make the washer jets!!

Bad Ess · Jul 22nd, 2002, 08:48 AM

What is that hunk of rusted junk?

forozco · Jul 22nd, 2002, 10:39 AM

Here's a link to a pretty good story on the development of the new Mini...

http://www.ai-online.com/articles/0402/coverstory.asp

Bad Ess · Jul 22nd, 2002, 04:55 PM

Good reading

Sejanus · Jul 22nd, 2002, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by forozco
Here's a link to a pretty good story on the development of the new Mini...

http://www.ai-online.com/articles/0402/coverstory.asp

Pretty interesting. That's the first semi-official confirmation I've heard about a MINI pickup model.

MGB Boy · Jul 22nd, 2002, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by forozco
Here's a link to a pretty good story on the development of the new Mini...

http://www.ai-online.com/articles/0402/coverstory.asp

Probably the most even-handed, non-political story I've read about the development of the MINI, describing who was involved and when...

-Ricardo

EBMCS03 · Jul 22nd, 2002, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bad Ess
What is that hunk of rusted junk?

Haha, that is the washer jet thats made by FORD! inside your MINI...

NICE Article... They're not going to over load the MINI sales like the VW bug now are they?

Jul 21st, 2002, 12:52 AM	#1
msenkbeil MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Milwaukee, WI, USA Local Time: 02:31 PM Posts: 218 Offline	BMW vs. Rover vs. Chrysler vs. MINI (long) Is there any info out there (on the Net) or in an FAQ that discusses the lineage of the MINI Cooper? I'm confused about the whole story. Is my basic understanding correct: - BMW buys Rover - BMW designs new MINIs (One, Cooper, Cooper S) - BMW outsources engine design/production to Chrysler - BMW builds and exports MINIs from UK A friend (Ford dealership employee) says that Ford now owns the portion of Rover responsible for the MINI. He says the MINI is in fact now technically a Ford, but is really a Rover which was designed by BMW, with an engine made by Chrysler in Brazil. There's got to be a easier way to understand/explain the story behind the MINI. It's not as simple as "Rover used to make the classic Mini, but now it's been redesigned and produced by BMW, since they bought Rover recently." 2003 Dark Silver / Black Cooper S Black Leatherette, Anthracite Trim, Premium / Sport / Cold Packages, HK Stereo, Auto Wipers / Mirror Visit My MINI Site

Jul 21st, 2002, 06:33 AM	#5 (permalink)
HarryHBMCC MINI2 Master Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Guelph, Ontario, Can Local Time: 03:31 PM Posts: 2,686 Offline	Which K series engine were they considering? The 1200cc 130BHP/118Nm? Harry MINI Cooper Cabrio: now the car with go cart handling really feels like an open go cart! "... the only man that can come home at 3 am in the morning without getting into trouble with his spouse is the owner of a British sports car!" -- Phil Bailey Last edited by HarryHBMCC : Jul 21st, 2002 at 06:46 AM.

Jul 21st, 2002, 07:07 AM	#6 (permalink)
Mini Cruiser Pain In The ... Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Midlands, uk Local Time: 09:31 PM Posts: 2,785 Offline	....... I think BMW was more intreasted in the land rovers technology

Jul 21st, 2002, 10:28 AM	#7 (permalink)
smiffy MINI2 Master Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Here Local Time: 08:31 PM Posts: 5,778 Offline	Re: ....... Quote: Originally posted by Mini Cruiser I think BMW was more intreasted in the land rovers technology yeah, they used Land Rovers know how to help design the X5 S for Smiffy "Kids in the front seat cause accidents, accidents in the backseat cause kids!"

Jul 21st, 2002, 10:45 AM	#8 (permalink)
Electrc109 DRIVER Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ormond by the Sea FL Local Time: 04:31 PM Posts: 696 Offline	from what I understand, R50 is correct. I most likely would have not bought a MINI if it contained Ford parts! Last edited by Electrc109 : Jul 21st, 2002 at 01:44 PM.

MINI2

Fuel for your MINI obsession

Use this forum to discuss MINI topics which are not related to other forums. Posts may be moved from here to alternative forums by the moderators without notice

Today
Sponsors	Sponsored Links Registered members do not see Google Ads posts, they can also post messages, pictures, and classified adverts. Register your free account today and become a member of MINI2 - MINI Forum

Jul 21st, 2002, 02:04 AM	#2 (permalink)
MINIAC MINI Profiler Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: City By The Bay Local Time: 01:31 PM Posts: 8,527 Online	I could be wrong ... When BMW jetisoned Rover they got rid of everything but the MINI. The Land Rover portion was sold to Ford and the Rover car and MG portion was sold to a consortium. The engine used in the MINI is built in Brazil and is the result of a joint-venture between (pre-Damlier) Chrysler and BMW.

Jul 21st, 2002, 02:38 AM	#3 (permalink)
Sejanus Moderator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: West Sacramento Local Time: 01:31 PM Posts: 4,252 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by MINIAC I could be wrong ... When BMW jetisoned Rover they got rid of everything but the MINI. The Land Rover portion was sold to Ford and the Rover car and MG portion was sold to a consortium. The engine used in the MINI is built in Brazil and is the result of a joint-venture between (pre-Damlier) Chrysler and BMW. That sounds about right by my recollection.

Jul 21st, 2002, 04:26 AM	#4 (permalink)
Ady Tinkering In The Garage Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Midlands, Uk Local Time: 09:31 PM Posts: 2,258 Offline	As I understand it it went like this BMW bought rover ROVER start developing new MINI in the UK BMW start a second team working in MINI in Germany Neither team communicated much Hence the incompatability problems in early electrics, BMW wiring, Rover connections BMW Dumps Rover group while retaining MINI name and all associated trade marks (MINI, clubman, wolsley, riley etc) Design team want to use the K series engine but the BMW boss is adamant that the bonnet line is fixed, and the K series is too tall so another engine has to be sourced. Enter the boys from Brazil BMW enters into a partnership with Chrysler to build an engine in Brazil, This is the Tritec engine now used in the New MINI. Ford owns the Gayden complex where some of the developement took place, but this in now way means the MINI is a Ford, ( they wish!) Hope this is a bit clearer Ady (R50)

Jul 21st, 2002, 10:46 AM	#9 (permalink)
GBMINI MINI2 Master Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Gloucester, MA, USA Local Time: 04:31 PM Posts: 7,567 Offline	I just bought and am reading a great book called "New Mini" which so far has described the development of the original Mini and the BMW/Rover activity leading to the development of MINI ... I am sure it will later cover the sell-off of Rover, and the Chrysler engine. But I have not read that far. Recommended book for anyone that wants to know more about their little car. Available at Amazon, published by Haynes. Ian C. Gloucester, MA

Jul 21st, 2002, 01:21 PM	#10 (permalink)
Shep MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Princeton, NJ, USA Local Time: 04:31 PM Posts: 209 Offline	Iancull is right--the book "New MINI" tells everything about this complex Rover/BMW gestation. I found it a very good read. See my post "New book: New Mini" about the book: http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...threadid=10950 Chili red Cooper/white roof/CVT/sunroof/DSC "Max" arrived on 19th August 2002 License plate: OURMINI

Jul 21st, 2002, 05:49 PM	#11 (permalink)
EBMCS03 M5 Extraordinare! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: So Cal Local Time: 01:31 PM Posts: 6,777 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Electrc109 I most likely would have not bought a MINI if it contained Ford parts! Well u know what... u better give me your MINI... cuz it does contain FORD parts!!! It has been discussed before They make the washer jets!! Last edited by UCSDxB0i : Jul 21st, 2002 at 05:55 PM.

Jul 22nd, 2002, 08:48 AM	#12 (permalink)
Bad Ess MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: New Hampshire Seacoa Local Time: 04:31 PM Posts: 430 Offline	What is that hunk of rusted junk? Ess

Jul 22nd, 2002, 10:39 AM	#13 (permalink)
forozco MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Longmont, CO Local Time: 08:31 PM Posts: 21 Offline	Here's a link to a pretty good story on the development of the new Mini... http://www.ai-online.com/articles/0402/coverstory.asp PIX: http://mini2.com/gallery/personal/index.php?gallery=forozco

Jul 22nd, 2002, 04:55 PM	#14 (permalink)
Bad Ess MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: New Hampshire Seacoa Local Time: 04:31 PM Posts: 430 Offline	Good reading Ess

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Jul 22nd, 2002, 06:25 PM	#15 (permalink)
Sejanus Moderator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: West Sacramento Local Time: 01:31 PM Posts: 4,252 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by forozco Here's a link to a pretty good story on the development of the new Mini... http://www.ai-online.com/articles/0402/coverstory.asp Pretty interesting. That's the first semi-official confirmation I've heard about a MINI pickup model.

Jul 22nd, 2002, 06:53 PM	#16 (permalink)
MGB Boy heterochromic & loving it Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: at the rink Local Time: 04:31 PM Posts: 4,226 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by forozco Here's a link to a pretty good story on the development of the new Mini... http://www.ai-online.com/articles/0402/coverstory.asp Probably the most even-handed, non-political story I've read about the development of the MINI, describing who was involved and when... -Ricardo 06 MCS-W/77 MGB/69 MGB-GT "2 minutes by yourself and...you feel shame, you know...and then you get free"

Jul 22nd, 2002, 08:09 PM	#17 (permalink)
EBMCS03 M5 Extraordinare! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: So Cal Local Time: 01:31 PM Posts: 6,777 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Bad Ess What is that hunk of rusted junk? Haha, that is the washer jet thats made by FORD! inside your MINI... NICE Article... They're not going to over load the MINI sales like the VW bug now are they?

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
After How Long Do BMW/Mini get Involved?	Gavin1	Faults & Fixes	4	Feb 23rd, 2005 11:27 AM
Does this prove that Bmw/Chrysler will cease production of Tri-tec in late 2006??	johnsocal	General Discussion	2	Dec 29th, 2004 10:30 AM
BMW/MINI Stonewalls on Cracked Windshield Issue: Part 2: (Long but worthwhile reading	Bill Sz.	Faults & Fixes	36	Aug 10th, 2003 04:41 AM
BMW/MINI Stonewalls on Cracked Windshield Issue: Part 1:(Long but worthwhile reading)	Bill Sz.	Faults & Fixes	0	May 7th, 2002 09:39 PM