MINI2

indiman · Sep 11th, 2002, 09:38 AM

A Mini USA operator told me the following based on the last seven digits of my VIN # TE13363:

The 'E' designated a different production facility... he couldn't tell me the name of the plant or where it is.

Any thoughts?

Dom · Sep 11th, 2002, 09:40 AM

The only plant producing MINI's is Cowley, Oxford, UK. My guess is perhaps that means what shift, or what line, if there's more than one

Dom

Splicer65 · Sep 11th, 2002, 06:01 PM

Strictly to compare. My 9/20 build date is TD58357
Cooper S, same options

Paul

indiman · Sep 11th, 2002, 07:34 PM

Update on last 7 digits of VIN # from Mini USA: Different person confirmed one production facility. She also said that the 'T' designates where the Mini is built and the 'E13363' is a number chosen at random.

AprilWhine · Sep 11th, 2002, 07:37 PM

That broke the code:

TE = CVT
TD = MCS
TC = MC 5 spd

Washy · Sep 12th, 2002, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AprilWhine
That broke the code:

TE = CVT
TD = MCS
TC = MC 5 spd

Must be different in the UK as my MCS is a TC number...

erazo · Sep 12th, 2002, 10:55 AM

According to the VIN guides I've read, the letter referred to designates the transmission type: E=CVT, C=5-speed, D=6-speed. Don't understand how washy got a TC number.

Washy · Sep 12th, 2002, 10:58 AM

Oh my god I've bought a cooper with an S body kit on.

I have jst nipped out to check and it is definately TC

SoggyCornFlakes · Sep 17th, 2002, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by washy
Oh my god I've bought a cooper with an S body kit on. I have jst nipped out to check and it is definately TC

... and so Mr Snobby's downfall began, it was a Cooper afterall with a hole in the bonnet

Washy · Sep 17th, 2002, 12:55 PM

Yes but it is still quicker than yours.....

fadec · Oct 1st, 2002, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by indiman
She also said that the 'T' designates where the Mini is built and the 'E13363' is a number chosen at random.

Interesting... I just wrote the OL about my MCS and it's serial number.

In the reply she said: "Actually, we do use a number that is sometimes referred to as the "serial number". It is the last seven characters of your MINI's VIN. In your case, the serial number is TD50099."

So that would mean the last seven are not random at all. Actually in my history of reading VIN's everything in a VIN means something specific. There is nothing random about them. It's just a matter of getting the code.

I remember reading in another post, don't remember which, that the "5" in the number stands for 2002 MCS. This is why I've been looking for concrete info on how they work their VIN system. Everybody seems to get a different story from Mini.

I wish they would come up with something solid and believable! MINIUSA is turning out to be very "wishy washy" when it comes to information.

The original question was to inquire about deciphering the VIN number so I would know exactly what I had. I was also told this information they do not release. (not surprised)

So, my search continues....

eBrit · Oct 2nd, 2002, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AprilWhine
That broke the code:

TE = CVT
TD = MCS
TC = MC 5 spd

Unfortunately not. Don't believe everything you read on MINI2

It was a good attempt at a hypothesis...but obviously it needs considerable modification! Here is a photo of my 6 speed MCS just after unloading from the transporter. Note the Serial Number. Also note white disc...Huey's MCS, which also arrived on said transporter has a red disc. Anyone know the meaning? And all the other numbers...and the little green spot

eBrit

eBrit · Oct 2nd, 2002, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by eBrit

Note the Serial Number. Also note white disc...Huey's MCS, which also arrived on said transporter has a red disc. ...Anyone know the meaning?

.... Red Spots ... White Spots ...???

dsc68 · Oct 2nd, 2002, 12:49 AM

My MCS has a TC64594 number. Things that may be encoded are:

LHD or RHD
Destination Country
Model

From past experience of VINs, the numbers all mean things but the encoding tends to be allocated as required and have the appearance of being random.

So the only way is to compare numbers with features ie

Code:

VIN      Model Color Wheels Gbox         Drive   Country   Built
TC64594  MCS   cr/w   16"   6 spd manual RHD     Australia  Aug 02

eBrit · Oct 2nd, 2002, 01:21 AM

It looks as if they have Blue Spots too

eBrit

eBrit · Oct 2nd, 2002, 01:34 AM

A HUNCH

There are far more red spots at the factory and the dealers than white (or blue for that matter). Could the spots be indicative of bonnet stripes?...or roof decals? Where do they put on decals?...at the factory...or the VPC? Do we have a dealer reading?...or even better ..someone who works at Cowley?...to satisfy our curiousity

eBrit

mainlinemenace · Oct 2nd, 2002, 05:01 AM

The discs in the window represent what region the dealer is within the network. there are 8 regions in the uk and all cars delivered to my dealership have blue discs.

I think,sounds good though

Anyway dont worry about what colour or shape the discs/stickers are they mean nothing to the end user, they are to help track the car from production to distribution.

eBrit · Oct 2nd, 2002, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mainlinemenace
The discs in the window represent what region the dealer is within the network. there are 8 regions in the uk and all cars delivered to my dealership have blue discs.

I think,sounds good though

Naghhhh...if that were the case ...how come Huey got a red one amd me a white one ...and our cars nuzzled upto one and other at the same dealer? Anyway,that would make my car English and Huey's Welsh

eBrit

BruceK · Oct 2nd, 2002, 10:21 AM

From what I understand the 'rules' of:

TE = CVT Cooper
TC = 5 speed Cooper
TD = Cooper S

are accurate as they relate to US and Canadian market MINIs.

fadec · Oct 2nd, 2002, 12:54 PM

Hmmmm.... Doesn't it seem weird that with several hundred members we have here....

....there isn't a single MINI employee among us that could get us a real and solid answer!?!?

Makes me wonder, what's the big secret?

Think it might be time for someone over there to head to the factory offering several pints to whom will talk!

Sep 11th, 2002, 09:38 AM	#1
indiman MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Colorado Local Time: 08:23 PM Posts: 17 Offline	How many production facilities for Mini? A Mini USA operator told me the following based on the last seven digits of my VIN # TE13363: The 'E' designated a different production facility... he couldn't tell me the name of the plant or where it is. Any thoughts? 03 Indi Blue Cooper - Premium Pack + Sport Pack + Cold Pack = Yahooo!

Sep 11th, 2002, 07:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
indiman MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Colorado Local Time: 08:23 PM Posts: 17 Offline	Update on last 7 digits of VIN # from Mini USA: Different person confirmed one production facility. She also said that the 'T' designates where the Mini is built and the 'E13363' is a number chosen at random. 03 Indi Blue Cooper - Premium Pack + Sport Pack + Cold Pack = Yahooo!

Sep 11th, 2002, 07:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 08:23 PM Posts: 16,078 Offline	There was a thread back in April... That broke the code: TE = CVT TD = MCS TC = MC 5 spd Global Moderator

Sep 12th, 2002, 08:56 AM	#6 (permalink)
Washy Six and out... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: in the country Local Time: 02:23 AM Posts: 18,702 Offline	Re: There was a thread back in April... Quote: Originally posted by AprilWhine That broke the code: TE = CVT TD = MCS TC = MC 5 spd Must be different in the UK as my MCS is a TC number... 135i M sport convertible

Sep 12th, 2002, 10:58 AM	#8 (permalink)
Washy Six and out... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: in the country Local Time: 02:23 AM Posts: 18,702 Offline	Oh my god I've bought a cooper with an S body kit on. I have jst nipped out to check and it is definately TC 135i M sport convertible

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Sep 11th, 2002, 09:40 AM	#2 (permalink)
Dom Test thread infiltrator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Swindon Local Time: 03:23 AM Posts: 8,420 Offline	The only plant producing MINI's is Cowley, Oxford, UK. My guess is perhaps that means what shift, or what line, if there's more than one Dom

Sep 11th, 2002, 06:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
Splicer65 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Pittsburgh PA Local Time: 10:23 PM Posts: 85 Offline	Strictly to compare. My 9/20 build date is TD58357 Cooper S, same options Paul

Sep 12th, 2002, 10:55 AM	#7 (permalink)
erazo MINI2 Senior Join Date: May 2002 Location: San Diego Local Time: 07:23 PM Posts: 526 Offline	According to the VIN guides I've read, the letter referred to designates the transmission type: E=CVT, C=5-speed, D=6-speed. Don't understand how washy got a TC number.

Sep 17th, 2002, 12:45 PM	#9 (permalink)
SoggyCornFlakes Awwww %%%% it! My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Northampton Local Time: 02:23 AM Posts: 33,225 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by washy Oh my god I've bought a cooper with an S body kit on. I have jst nipped out to check and it is definately TC ... and so Mr Snobby's downfall began, it was a Cooper afterall with a hole in the bonnet Click here to Welease Woss and Bwand MINI2 Charity Ball 2009 ....... Global Moderator

Sep 17th, 2002, 12:55 PM	#10 (permalink)
Washy Six and out... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: in the country Local Time: 02:23 AM Posts: 18,702 Offline	Yes but it is still quicker than yours..... 135i M sport convertible

Oct 1st, 2002, 10:53 PM	#11 (permalink)
fadec MINI2 Regular Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Wandering Nomad Local Time: 08:23 PM Posts: 112 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by indiman She also said that the 'T' designates where the Mini is built and the 'E13363' is a number chosen at random. Interesting... I just wrote the OL about my MCS and it's serial number. In the reply she said: "Actually, we do use a number that is sometimes referred to as the "serial number". It is the last seven characters of your MINI's VIN. In your case, the serial number is TD50099." So that would mean the last seven are not random at all. Actually in my history of reading VIN's everything in a VIN means something specific. There is nothing random about them. It's just a matter of getting the code. I remember reading in another post, don't remember which, that the "5" in the number stands for 2002 MCS. This is why I've been looking for concrete info on how they work their VIN system. Everybody seems to get a different story from Mini. I wish they would come up with something solid and believable! MINIUSA is turning out to be very "wishy washy" when it comes to information. The original question was to inquire about deciphering the VIN number so I would know exactly what I had. I was also told this information they do not release. (not surprised) So, my search continues.... EB/W MCS

Oct 2nd, 2002, 12:14 AM	#12 (permalink)
eBrit MINI2 Senior Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Hampshire Local Time: 03:23 AM Posts: 574 Offline	Re: There was a thread back in April... Quote: Originally posted by AprilWhine That broke the code: TE = CVT TD = MCS TC = MC 5 spd Unfortunately not. Don't believe everything you read on MINI2 It was a good attempt at a hypothesis...but obviously it needs considerable modification! Here is a photo of my 6 speed MCS just after unloading from the transporter. Note the Serial Number. Also note white disc...Huey's MCS, which also arrived on said transporter has a red disc. Anyone know the meaning? And all the other numbers...and the little green spot eBrit Attached Thumbnails

Oct 2nd, 2002, 12:16 AM	#13 (permalink)
eBrit MINI2 Senior Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Hampshire Local Time: 03:23 AM Posts: 574 Offline	Re: Re: There was a thread back in April... Quote: Originally posted by eBrit Note the Serial Number. Also note white disc...Huey's MCS, which also arrived on said transporter has a red disc. ...Anyone know the meaning? .... Red Spots ... White Spots ...??? Attached Thumbnails Last edited by eBrit : Oct 2nd, 2002 at 01:27 AM.

Oct 2nd, 2002, 12:49 AM	#14 (permalink)
dsc68 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Canberra, Australia Local Time: 12:23 PM Posts: 186 Offline	My MCS has a TC64594 number. Things that may be encoded are: LHD or RHD Destination Country Model From past experience of VINs, the numbers all mean things but the encoding tends to be allocated as required and have the appearance of being random. So the only way is to compare numbers with features ie Code: VIN Model Color Wheels Gbox Drive Country Built TC64594 MCS cr/w 16" 6 spd manual RHD Australia Aug 02 Dean MCS CR/W with bonnet stripes, DSC, full leather, MPSW, alarm. trip computer, X-Lites Superduperminicooperexpertengineering

Oct 2nd, 2002, 01:21 AM	#15 (permalink)
eBrit MINI2 Senior Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Hampshire Local Time: 03:23 AM Posts: 574 Offline	It looks as if they have Blue Spots too eBrit Attached Thumbnails

Oct 2nd, 2002, 01:34 AM	#16 (permalink)
eBrit MINI2 Senior Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Hampshire Local Time: 03:23 AM Posts: 574 Offline	A HUNCH There are far more red spots at the factory and the dealers than white (or blue for that matter). Could the spots be indicative of bonnet stripes?...or roof decals? Where do they put on decals?...at the factory...or the VPC? Do we have a dealer reading?...or even better ..someone who works at Cowley?...to satisfy our curiousity eBrit

Oct 2nd, 2002, 05:01 AM	#17 (permalink)
mainlinemenace MINI2 Regular Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: On Snow / Water (dep Local Time: 02:23 AM Posts: 255 Offline	The discs in the window represent what region the dealer is within the network. there are 8 regions in the uk and all cars delivered to my dealership have blue discs. I think,sounds good though Anyway dont worry about what colour or shape the discs/stickers are they mean nothing to the end user, they are to help track the car from production to distribution.

Oct 2nd, 2002, 09:02 AM	#18 (permalink)
eBrit MINI2 Senior Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Hampshire Local Time: 03:23 AM Posts: 574 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by mainlinemenace The discs in the window represent what region the dealer is within the network. there are 8 regions in the uk and all cars delivered to my dealership have blue discs. I think,sounds good though Naghhhh...if that were the case ...how come Huey got a red one amd me a white one ...and our cars nuzzled upto one and other at the same dealer? Anyway,that would make my car English and Huey's Welsh eBrit Last edited by eBrit : Oct 2nd, 2002 at 09:07 AM.

Oct 2nd, 2002, 10:21 AM	#19 (permalink)
BruceK Moderator & Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: San Antonio, Texas Local Time: 08:23 PM Posts: 3,758 Offline	From what I understand the 'rules' of: TE = CVT Cooper TC = 5 speed Cooper TD = Cooper S are accurate as they relate to US and Canadian market MINIs. + 2002 MINI Cooper S - Dark Silver / White roof, Sport, Premium, Lapis blue leather + 1965 Mini Traveller - Tartan Red / White roof, 1275, Cooper S discs, fully restored/renewed

Oct 2nd, 2002, 12:54 PM	#20 (permalink)
fadec MINI2 Regular Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Wandering Nomad Local Time: 08:23 PM Posts: 112 Offline	Hmmmm.... Doesn't it seem weird that with several hundred members we have here.... ....there isn't a single MINI employee among us that could get us a real and solid answer!?!? Makes me wonder, what's the big secret? Think it might be time for someone over there to head to the factory offering several pints to whom will talk! EB/W MCS

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