Well, I am a new owner of a 2003 Cooper coupe in Solid Gold with a black roof and mirrors. I have questions that I hope some of you all will be kind enough to help answer.

I am still trying to figure out what options I have on it. I know that it has the HK radio, and auto A/C.

I have also figured out it has the "computer" option with the display that also has mpg.

It has heated front seats. Does that mean it has the Cold Weather package and therefore also heated windshield washers?

It has 16" aluminum wheels and black stripes on the hood. Does that mean it has the Sport package?

There is a purple sensor thing on the top of the dash, in the center, about 5 inched back from the windshield glass. What is that for?

As I mentioned, it has auto A/C. How do I just get just plain old vents? I just want outside air, not cooled or heated. Just air blowing in.

The glove box kept popping open. Thanks to some good reading here, I think I got the latch readjusted and it hasn't popped open again yet.

I quickly found that the front cup holders can't actually hold cups; well not even American "medium" sized ones.

The front dash "tubes" (I think that is what you all call them) are kind-of scratched up. Is there a way to touch up the paint on these?

Is they only place to get keys made is by a Mini (or BMW) dealer? I only got the one, and I really want a second just in case.

I can't see/read the top half the tach. Is that normal for most of you?

And lastly... how do I attach my rear licence plate???? Right now, I have cable ties holding it on. Unfortunately, the previous owner seems to have kept the original screws. What size screws are needed? It seems that regular American licence screws are way too big.

 

I believe they are M5 screws. I got stainless steel socket heads at Ace Hardware.

 

Wecome Walt!
That rear license plate I found bullet style nuts & mated it with some thread matching bolts in stainless steel. The front plate looks really stupid on mine so I found some earth magnets for easy removal.
Good luck with that nugget.. .

 

My experiences are with my '05 which may have different package combos than an '03.

On my car, the computer display and the auto a/c are part of the 'premium' package.

16" Al wheels on a Cooper usually means its got the sport package but these wheels could just as easily have been swapped in by a previous owner.

I havent had much luck with this myself. I dont like having to worry about the thermostat setting and fan speeds just to get air blowing into the car. The old days of pulling a **** under the dash to get some fresh air are long gone. I just open the windows a bit (or more) and pop the vent on the sunroof.

Theyre good for bluetooths (blueteeth?), change, stuff like that.

Depends on where the steering wheel is in relation to the seat. I like both at their lowest settings even though I cant see the top of the tach like that. If I adjust the wheel up I can see the whole tach.

And welcome to MINIness.

 

Much thanks to all!

Is there some where I can find out what all was included in the 2003 Premium Package and the Sport Package? Possibly it could lead me to discover some other features if I knew there was some possibility I might have them.

Is there a source for touch up paint for the 2003 black interior? I would like to repaint the "tubes" if I could find a can of matching spray paint.

 

I wanted to point out that my local BMW shop that does warranty service got me two keys @$150 each the closed dealership (over 50 miles away wanted 200 for the key and a 85 diagnostic.

 

Welcome to the forum, looks like you got all of your questions answered, enjoy your MINI and good luck.

 

In partially answering my own question...

I have the multifunction leather steering wheel, cruise control, sunroof, auto A/C, and "computer", so I believe I do indeed have the Premium Package.

I have the DSC, fog lamps, and 5-star wheels. I think I have the rear spoiler (its small and just over the 3rd brake light). I might have the sports seats, but I don't know how to differentiate them from regular seats. If I do have all this, I guess I have the Sport Package.

As mentioned, I do have heated seats. I have no idea how to tell if I have heated washers and heated mirrors. I know the heated mirrors on my old Jeep, and a "defrost" symbol etched in the mirror glass itself. My Mini seems to have no such marking on the mirror glass.

 

Well if your seat hugs your back and legs they are sport seats. Check with a MINI dealership and see if they were included with the cold weather package that year. On my 04 they were included in that package, or you can just wait for a coming morning freeze. Also you have a great color it is a shame it only lasted 2 years. Check my gallery on my SG/SG.

 

Hey Walt,

Grats on the new car. I just recently purchased one as well and found this thread really handy for finding out the options it came with. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...r-car-has.html

CincinnatiMini sent me a PDF with the options/packages in an e-mail. All you have to do is send him the last 7 digits of your VIN in the thread and put your e-mail address there as well. One hell of a nice service he's providing the community.

 

For the down tubes scratches try the Silver Sharpie marker--it is an exact match for the interior silver trim.