Mini Cooper - What's In A Name?

How familiar are you with the model line for Mini? They are all considered Mini Coopers, but there's a little bit more to it than that.

Typically the badging is the first place you look to help identify the model of the vehicle that you are looking at. Well, that's were it starts to get a little confusing because over half of the models are labeled by trim package. The trim package levels start at a Cooper, then Cooper S, then John Cooper Works. (There are other packages and options for each, but these are the main three.) The original Mini Cooper is now called the Mini Hardtop Cooper. Here's a breakdown of the models appearance-wise:

Model Top Doors People Badging
Coupe Hardtop 2 2

Cooper

Roadster Convertible 2 2 Cooper
Convertible Convertible 2 4 Cooper
Paceman Hardtop 2 4 Paceman across liftgate
Hardtop Hardtop 2 or 4 5 Cooper
Countryman Hardtop 4 5 Paceman across liftgate

Hopefully that shines a little light on the not-so-Mini line. Keep in mind, if it's collision repair information that you are after, the VIN is still the best way to look up the vehicle at: www.minitechinfo.com

  • Film Thickness Gauge For Plastic Parts - Is It Worth The Investment? Friday, 26 April 2024

    Film thickness gauges continue to be a valuable tool in the collision industry. Most shops have gauges that work with both ferrous and non-ferrous substrates. So, should shops invest in a film...

  • Body Shop Business: EV Intake Process Wednesday, 24 April 2024

    Body Shop Business has released an article highlighting the importance of the electric vehicle (EV) intake process.

  • Repairer Driven News: Matte Clearcoat Challenges Monday, 22 April 2024

    Repairer Driven News (RDN) has released an article highlighting the challenges of matte and semi-gloss clearcoat.

  • I-CAR Just In Time: EV Repair Tips Wednesday, 17 April 2024

    Sometimes seeing is understanding, that’s why I-CAR's technical team created the Just in Time video series to guide you through a variety of collision repair topics from ADAS and EVs to repair tips...

  • I-CAR RTS App Monday, 15 April 2024

    Looking for another tool for your toolbox? An informational guide at your fingertips? Well, the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) app is what you are looking for!

  • Repairer Driven News: ADAS Radar Optimized Paint Color Resources Friday, 12 April 2024

    Changes in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) radar technology are introducing new refinishing considerations. Paint film thickness not only may affect the performance of ADAS radars, color...

  • Back-To-Basics: Window Tab Retractor Thursday, 11 April 2024

    Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Window regulators have evolved over the years, most now using a clip type retaining method. With...

  • High-Voltage Vehicle Paint Booth Quick Reference Tuesday, 9 April 2024

    When refinishing high-voltage (HV) vehicles, it is important to check for OEM paint booth temperature recommendations so that HV components do not get damaged in the heat.

  • Ford On Target 2024: Volume 1 Friday, 5 April 2024

    Ford has released the first installment of their On Target publication for 2024.

  • 3M Offers SOP And Process Hands-On Training and Skill Development Thursday, 4 April 2024

    The 3M Skills Development Center is a 15,000 sq ft facility where technicians can take a Body Repair Course or Paint Prep and Refinish Course. Both courses are majority hands-on of standard...