11 replies to this topic

[primrose8]

Hi I be just bought a mini, which was advertised as ;
Rover Mini Cooper 1275 spi 1998.
Just got the v5 back and it doesn’t state it’s a cooper, and now I’m beginning to doubt if it is , how can I check exactly what model it is?
Thanks for any info!

[Quinlan minor]

'98 would be late for an SPi.

Not impossible, but an MPi would be more likely. I'm fairly sure all the Rover Minis are "Cooper", but that does not mean they are Cooper Car Company versions.

[MatthewsDad]

The 8th position on your VIN might help - if Y or Z it is a high compression cooper SPI or MPI engine, respectively. Lower compression SPI engines had an X in position 8. But as Quinlan minor points out, are you checking whether it is a factory 'Cooper' that came off the production line, or a Cooper Co. conversion of a factory car? Only the former can be confirmed by the VIN. There is a VIN plate in the engine bay and some will retain the number stamped in the bonnet drain channel on the scuttle.

[bartman]

If it’s a 1998 it’s an Mpi. Just because it doesn’t say it on the logbook doesn’t mean it isn’t a Cooper. Dvla and rover were pretty crap at registering cars with the correct titles. The first 10 or 11 digits of the vin will confirm it.

[primrose8]

Thanks so much for the replies, I’ll check the vin plate tomorrow, 👍🏻

[Pops_Guild]

Hold up! They continued to make SPIs for Japan right up until the end, so a 1998 JDM Mini would be SPI.

If it doesn’t say Cooper on the log book that could also be because it’s JDM. It’s down to the importer to get the correct make and model.

[primrose8]

Just checked out the vin number and apparently it’s either a hle or Mayfair (6th letter w) and it’s a mpi high compression( 8th letter z) built at longbridge 11th letter d)

[phil242]

IMHO a photo of the engine bay is maybe a better option than the serial number to identify a SPI or a MPI.

And, a 1998 have better chance to be a MPI.

 

And if it's a MPI, Cooper or not is just a matter of stickers no? Regarding the engine, compression ratio, gearbox ratio etc. all MPI are the same.

[sonscar]

As long as you did not pay an inflated "cooper tax" does it really matter?If it is a good car then enjoy the driving of it and not the badge,Steve..

[bluedragon]

Regarding the MPi Coopers, the regular Mini Coopers were mechanically the same, with appearance and interior equipment upgrades over a base Mini.

 

However, the Cooper S models had uprated engines and some had 5 speed gearboxes. Technically, those were directly modified by John Cooper and not factory products, if I recall correctly.

 

 

Dave

[phil242]

Dave, a few MPI (not only Cooper) were modified at John Cooper's garage.

They can be easily recognised, as you said it, 5 speed gearbox (not all, because it was expensive), but the blue painted head was always included in the bundle, plus the specific metal plate with the serial number inside the car.

But those cars are rare and are not related to mass production where 100% are mechanically the same during 96 to 2000.

[Spherix]

Dave, a few MPI (not only Cooper) were modified at John Cooper's garage.

They can be easily recognised, as you said it, 5 speed gearbox (not all, because it was expensive), but the blue painted head was always included in the bundle, plus the specific metal plate with the serial number inside the car.

But those cars are rare and are not related to mass production where 100% are mechanically the same during 96 to 2000.

 

Those should have the 'Si' badge on the boot at well.