Sections: Ask MotoringFile Jan 18th, 2008 18 Comments 
This edition final of the week’s “Ask MotoringFile” comes from Dave M:
I have a 2008 MCS on order and am relatively new to the MINI world. I couldn’t help but notice everyone using these code names for different models of MINIs. What does it all mean?
MINI models follow a similar system to the (seemingly ancient) BMW model internal naming convention. Since we often talk about different models (sometimes in the same story, paragraph or even sentence), using the internal model code-names is often the easiest way to quickly identify what model of MINI we’re referring to.
The first generation of BMW MINI’s started with the R50 which was meant to be the coupe version of the car. However once that model number was established BMW decided to produced a higher power version called the Cooper S. Because the development work was started later it was given a different code-name – the R53. The R52 was actually conceived before the Cooper S and thus has the code-name R52. And for those wondering, the R51 was a concept that never made it past the conception stages.
With the second generation MINI, BMW had things planned out a bit better. That meant the entire range of 2nd generation coupes would use the R56 code and the convertibles R57. The Clubman was designated R55 since initial work had started on the concept before the R56.
So why the big gap between the R57 and the new R60 SUV MINI? We’ve been told that is simply due to several concepts which have either been shelved or delayed.
If you ever need a quick reminder we have the cheat-sheet (seen below) on the lower left of every MotoringFile page. Each code-name links to the subsequent MotoringFile section for each car. A handy way to see all posts referring to individual models.
1st Gen MINI
2nd Gen MINI
Mark Smith Jan 18th, 2008 Link
Another little tidbit for everyone. The “R” stands for Rover since this project was originally a Rover product under BMW’s watchfull eye. That watchful eye ended up taking over the entire project and now we have what are some of the most legendary cars on earth.
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Mark Smith Jan 18th, 2008 Link
Yes and the new 7 series will be the first car with an F designation. The new 7 series when it debut’s will be the F01.
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Craig Jan 18th, 2008 Link
Acording to wikipedia.org “‘E’ stands for Entwicklung, German for development or evolution.”
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pbraun Jan 18th, 2008 Link
The original Mini was designated ADO50. ADO stands for Austin Design Office.
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Bwana Yak Jan 18th, 2008 Link
That little cheat sheet is in the lower right corner of the Motoringfile pages. Handy little sucker while you learn the model numbers.
Do you have info up on the site about those failed/shelved concepts? I’d be curious to find out what the R51 was.
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c4 Jan 18th, 2008 Link
I don’t think R51 was ever used according to my own research. How about R54?
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Jon Jan 18th, 2008 Link
In my unorthodox view for both the Mini and BMW brand generally the numbering sequence means bigger and heavier and bigger and heavier lol.
Second Bwana’s point out the helpful little cheat sheet on the lower right of the page.
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Craig Jan 18th, 2008 Link
In my unorthodox view for both the Mini and BMW brand generally the numbering sequence means bigger and heavier and bigger and heavier lol.
Yo do realize that the R56 is lighter than the R53 right?
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gokartride Jan 19th, 2008 Link
Sometimes I wish the R56 Cooper and MCS has different numbers like R50 and R53 did. Made talking like a MINI-geek a bit more fun!!
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Aussom Jan 20th, 2008 Link
Well, my April 2002 MCS Coupe has an R50 plate (not R53). I have no idea why that is! When I check my VIN number at BMW – it definitely comes up as a MCS in the system (not Cooper or One as you would expect). Can anyone indicate why my MCS has the R50 model number instead of R53?
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Bruce Jan 20th, 2008 Link
The original Mini was designated ADO50. ADO stands for Austin Design Office.
Well… actually, it was ADO15, and it stood for Austin Drawing Office. (But thanks for tying this back to the original Mini)
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Ryan Jan 22nd, 2008 Link
Correcty me if I’m wrong Aussom, but didn’t MCS debut in the States in 2003? I don’t see how you could have a 2002 MCS
ReplyCorrecty me if I’m wrong Aussom, but didn’t MCS debut in the States in 2003? I don’t see how you could have a 2002 MCS
It debuted March 22nd 2002.
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