Sorry if this has been posted before, but I found this while searching for something else...

... realoem shows it starting in 01/2005 for the R52 MCS and R53 automatics only.
I don't know why it wasn't fitted the R50 or the manual trans, but it can be a retrofit for the earlier MCS as well as the MC.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...66&hg=51&fg=75

I also noticed it on the MiniMania website...
http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/NM.../InvDetail.cfm

 

Just bringing the old thread back.

I am interesting and curious to know about the fitting and if it will work with my R50 2002 Mini Cooper Base with manual transmission?

Anyone try it or if it will work?

Thanks.

 

There are a couple of quick-connect phillips fasteners on the fan bracket, much like the ones that go to the back edges of the splash shield. I can't remember where they bolt to, but you may need a fan bracket from an automatic.

 

I did the conversion on my r53 stick...
you need both the air channel (duct) you are taking about AND part 2..the splash shield (plus the mounting bits)...the part that connects to it with the grill....under the bumper....that is why the diagram shows two...one for with the duct, one for without...the whole kit was being sold by moss mini a few years back....not anymore, but since it is a oem part, a dealer can get it all. I used a couple bolts to connect it to the fan shroud.....be sure to have the quick disconnects up front...you will have to disconnect the "channel" and fold it down to do future oil changes.....the reconnect when done.

 

PS
The cost of both pieces, and a few minutes i spent connecting it was LESS than the cost of ONE REPLACEMENT PS fan...so if it only extends the fans life, which so far it has...4+ years vs about 1, it pays for itself....and if the ps pump lasts longer, even better!!
It seems the duct DOES shield the fan, protecting it from the road grit better than any simple "shield" does, and so far I think it has saved me the cost of maybe 2 fans...
In my estimation, it may/may not help with the life of the PS pump....But my observation is MOST cars that need a new one has 17 or 18" rims...heavy...and I run 15" for winter, and 16" for summer...and knowing how much easier it is to turn the wheel in the winter with the lighter rims, I think the heavy weight of the bigger rims might be ONE reason so many PS pumps fail early......higher load on a dc motor= more heat= shorter life....go figure!!

 

Good point about a heavier wheel & tire package taking its toll on the power steering motor. Makes sense to me. I'm a happy 15" winter tire & 16" summer tire guy too.