Gen 1 Cooper S Convertible

[S2r]

Quick question that I can't seem to find an answer on the web - the Volvo's up for sale as I want another Mini...

Anyway, the Gen 2 hatch came out in 2006 but the Gen 2 convertible only came out in 2009, so would a 2008 Cooper S convertible have Gen 1 running gear and a supercharger or would it be Gen 2 mechanicals with a turbo and flakey tensioner in a Gen 1 body?

Or a mixture of both?

[E-bmw]

It is a fully Gen 1 car.

[rabbitstew]

Depending upon your budget I would try out both gen 1 and gen 2 convertibles. We were looking at a gen 1 convertible earlier in the year but after driving a gen 2 we just had to get a gen 2. It felt completely different to drive and the quality of the interior was loads better. It was more like a BMW I guess, which the wife preferred.

However, when I bought my Cooper S hatch I wanted that rawness of the gen 1 so that's what I went for.

[E-bmw]

But don't forget that the Gen 2 S engines CAN be problematic.

[chrisch77]

Post 2007 R52 convertibles got the 2nd generation colour and wheel options but are otherwise completely 1st generation spec.

[S2r]

Thanks for all the responses.

That's good news then as I like the Gen 1 shape more than the Gen 2 so it gives me some more options to look at.

[Jibaro]

The "Sidewalk" edition is pretty cool

[T1CHS]

I bought a March 2008 Cooper S convertible sidewalk this week. 61k and full service history. Heated seats a nice option and very good condition.
Really bought it as a station car, but actually drives very well, certainly as quick as the GT86 and handles really well.
Bring on the summer.....