Is this a mini cooper S
Discussion
Dear collective
I am about to pull the trigger and purchase a MC S and before making a school boy error............
I have the VIN an engine number is there a website I can easily check it is what Im being told it is ?
Would appreciate any help as Im new to classic mini ownership however this will be my gf's sixth
many thanks
I am about to pull the trigger and purchase a MC S and before making a school boy error............
I have the VIN an engine number is there a website I can easily check it is what Im being told it is ?
Would appreciate any help as Im new to classic mini ownership however this will be my gf's sixth
many thanks
if its a pre 1970 ish the only way to be sure is to get a heritage cert, or a heritage check done on the chassis number - only the heritage data will tell you what the vehicle started life as, but even these can contain errors (all be it very rare)
the cheaper coopers share the same prefixes as the s, so its impossible to tell just by looking at the number and you cannot trust the model type on the v5c as many will state they are 'cooper s' when they are not ditto any hpi checks or anything like that as they draw the data from the dvla
if its a 1990's cooper you can tell by the vin number, they are easy.
the engine number on the v5c will be of no help as they can be altered or get mixed up, ive got a mini that the dvla made the engine number the same as the chassis number!
it can be an absolute minefield, and with the value of the 1960's ones its very easy to get ripped off!!!
the cheaper coopers share the same prefixes as the s, so its impossible to tell just by looking at the number and you cannot trust the model type on the v5c as many will state they are 'cooper s' when they are not ditto any hpi checks or anything like that as they draw the data from the dvla
if its a 1990's cooper you can tell by the vin number, they are easy.
the engine number on the v5c will be of no help as they can be altered or get mixed up, ive got a mini that the dvla made the engine number the same as the chassis number!
it can be an absolute minefield, and with the value of the 1960's ones its very easy to get ripped off!!!
annodomini2 said:
If it's a high value car and they are trying to rush things (to prevent you doing proper checks), walk away.
Thanks for respondingIts not a high value car and the current owners seem totally plausable , normal ( as mini owners go ) and have a completely reasonable reason for sale.....all in all it seems a very honest car
I think that the John Cooper garages S kit was an aftermarket modification rather than a factory fitted option. As such the engine and vin numbers would not identify if the car has had the S modification.
(I could be wrong, however when I used to buy parts from the John Cooper catalogue for my 1990 Cooper I am sure that the S kit for the pre injection minis was fitted at their garage in Sussex).
(I could be wrong, however when I used to buy parts from the John Cooper catalogue for my 1990 Cooper I am sure that the S kit for the pre injection minis was fitted at their garage in Sussex).
The best way to find out is to look for the conversion details. There should be a plate on the drivers side cross member and there will also be a certificate, if they still have it.
The cylinder head will have been painted blue and will have a small engraving on the top by either the heater outlet or the thermostat housing (I've forgotten exactly!).
The cylinder head will have been painted blue and will have a small engraving on the top by either the heater outlet or the thermostat housing (I've forgotten exactly!).
Ok so confirmed by chassis number that it is a 1.3i MCS and a ltd edition centre console/interior ( has x2 plates in car and paperwork )
So all looks good
really like the electric full length sunroof and black ( white piped ) leather seats too
Going to hit button - so will be joining the Mini collective shortly ( this will be g/friends sixth )
So all looks good
really like the electric full length sunroof and black ( white piped ) leather seats too
Going to hit button - so will be joining the Mini collective shortly ( this will be g/friends sixth )
ace01 said:
The best way to find out is to look for the conversion details. There should be a plate on the drivers side cross member and there will also be a certificate, if they still have it.
The cylinder head will have been painted blue and will have a small engraving on the top by either the heater outlet or the thermostat housing (I've forgotten exactly!).
Thanks for the reply. G/f has confirmed there was a plate on the cross member by drivers seat...blue "top to the engine" and yes they still have the certificate.The cylinder head will have been painted blue and will have a small engraving on the top by either the heater outlet or the thermostat housing (I've forgotten exactly!).
On a different note - she has had hilo suspension recently fitted...is there somewhere in Hampshire that could check the geo settings for us...?
Got it home - after skirting round a closed M25 - will post pic soon
I know its an older engine and it will smell a little of oil so Im not to worried , in fact Im quiet enjoying the aroma, but to be on the aafeside Ive been advised that I should do an oil change with a semi synthetic oil so its less likely to seep from anywhere.....is this true and if so is there any that you recommend
many thanks
I know its an older engine and it will smell a little of oil so Im not to worried , in fact Im quiet enjoying the aroma, but to be on the aafeside Ive been advised that I should do an oil change with a semi synthetic oil so its less likely to seep from anywhere.....is this true and if so is there any that you recommend
many thanks
Rugbyman said:
Got it home - after skirting round a closed M25 - will post pic soon
I know its an older engine and it will smell a little of oil so Im not to worried , in fact Im quiet enjoying the aroma, but to be on the aafeside Ive been advised that I should do an oil change with a semi synthetic oil so its less likely to seep from anywhere.....is this true and if so is there any that you recommend
many thanks
20w/50 Mineral oil in a classic mini.I know its an older engine and it will smell a little of oil so Im not to worried , in fact Im quiet enjoying the aroma, but to be on the aafeside Ive been advised that I should do an oil change with a semi synthetic oil so its less likely to seep from anywhere.....is this true and if so is there any that you recommend
many thanks
As the oil is shared with the Gearbox, semi is a no-no.
FWDRacer said:
Fill it full of Dinitrol from day #1
ML3125 ordered - looks like a damp weekend so may have to wait a short while as it would have been a 20 mile drive to the ramp Car is covered so no huge rush
many thanks for the advice
Ps are you doing the mini7 this year ? hows it going ?......just looked at your profile
oil changed to correct stuff 20w50 - underneath wire brushed Didnitol'd and Hammerite'd
Next job ? .........will prob go for full re-spray as there is at least one issue on every panel
Questions ..... It has the plate and certificate, blue head, engine plate etc to say its a John Cooper 'S' conversion , my question is the plat and cert say 'No.29' ....does anyone know how many this is the 29th of ?
And also it has lovely full black leather cream piped and full walnut ..but also a walnut center console with JC plate inside 21 of .......anyone know how many of these were produced ?
I guess Im just trying to find out how rare or not this car is ....oh and final question ....a long shot....how many of these came with the full electric sunroof ? thousands I guess...?
Sorry for the questions but I think the mini bug has bitten me quite hard damn it ......addictive isn't it
Next job ? .........will prob go for full re-spray as there is at least one issue on every panel
Questions ..... It has the plate and certificate, blue head, engine plate etc to say its a John Cooper 'S' conversion , my question is the plat and cert say 'No.29' ....does anyone know how many this is the 29th of ?
And also it has lovely full black leather cream piped and full walnut ..but also a walnut center console with JC plate inside 21 of .......anyone know how many of these were produced ?
I guess Im just trying to find out how rare or not this car is ....oh and final question ....a long shot....how many of these came with the full electric sunroof ? thousands I guess...?
Sorry for the questions but I think the mini bug has bitten me quite hard damn it ......addictive isn't it
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