Here it is... Runs and drives great!

 

Why'd you swap bumpers? I thought I saw the white one on before.

 

Great job! Glad it all worked out

 

White one was on before the swap but the non s front end does not have the ability to hold the intercooler for the s ... I'm sure with lots if modification you could but I have 20 hours on the clock for this swap so I was going more towards speed than ingenuity.

It will be painted white Lol

 

Thanks! It was an awesome experience

 

Just check out Auto salvage yards,

Look for a car that has been T-boned... It will make it a lot easier to get what you need from the car for the swap.

 

What you need to convert a non s to s:

mini cooper S front end




S Engine and transmission





DME(ECU)

Evap line and fuel line, only the first section of piping in the engine bay.

Battery from the s was 70ah versus 55ah in the base so I swapped that

At this point the car would crank and not start... All the mechanical parts took me 14 hours... The last six were spend taking the interior of the s apart trying to find all the computers.

You will need to swap the CAS, which is the key recognition system for the car and allows it to start. It also allows for the use of all the added options in the car... Like auto wipers and auto on headlights.
This unit is under the dash on the driver side... I believe it would be on the driver side in the UK as well as in always on the driver side.

I took the bcm from the s but I don't think it was necessary, I'm going to swap it back to the previous computer just to see if everything still works. This computer is located under the steering wheel.

The foot well module does not have to be swapped, if you do make sure the windows work before you button up... Mine worked in opposite directions and half an inch at a time.

And neither does the speedo or tach... If you can and you want to swap the tach and speedo its easy while you have everything apart so go for it. Make sure you can swap the head unit... Meaning the audio system and inputs need to be the same.

I already had an s bumper and s exhaust so I didn't have to deal with that portion of the swap... But all you need from the salvage car is the rear bumper and exhaust mounts.... Pull the heat shielding out you don't need it.

Important note, if you have an automatic... Don't swap to manual. I'm sure its possible but probably with about 10 hours more work.

Non s hood will have to be fitted... The s hood is different not only because of the scoop but the frame itself is entirely different... I used a hammer to get out most the kinks fine adjustment still needed.

If you have a steering wheel lock and the donor car does not you will need to swap the steering wheel check this when you're swapping the CAS. Its very easy to do will only take about 30 minutes.

 

Some pics of the half was finished Frankenstein. Its done very well Indiana to Tennessee and back twice. Not a single hick up!

 

Hello, I am an Italian user. I want to try to do the swap. send me more photos in private? and a list of components? thanks

 

nice job dude!

i wish i saw this at the beginning!

i might have to do this just for ***** and giggles!

 

Hell yeah! And thanks!

Just watch out for pesky timing chain issues. I got a motor that's effected and I will be replacing it this coming week, it is a recall item.

So a proper disclaimer: you will void the warranty if you do this swap! All warranty and recall items will have to be repaired on your own dollar or by yourself like me.

 

Meh, just like every other car, I've ever had.

My MINI is the first car I've ever had with a warranty

Dave

 

So nothing to worry about haha

Just annoying when you can get something done for free by the dealer and they have an excuse not to do it.

 

Priceless thread!