There are few vehicles in this world that people instantly fall in love with, and the Mini is one such car. Created in the post-World War of 1957, Alec Issigonis of the Morris Company was tasked with building a small, fuel-efficient car that would challenge the gas-guzzlers of the time.
Issigonis inspire 1959 two innovations for the Mini: 1) pushing the four wheels out to the corners. 2) turning the engine sideways for stability. The Mini Cooper quickly became a legend. In 1996, BMW acquired the Mini Brand and relaunched the Mini Cooper in 2001
Mini Cooper VIN Decoder
Like most other imported and American-built automobiles, the Mini used a detailed chassis/VIN numbering structure, which began as early as 1959. These seven- to ten-character chassis numbers inevitably evolved into the 17-digit alphanumeric code mandated by the NHTSA in 1981.
A quality tool such as the Free GoodCar VIN Decoder can reveal a basic timeline and other information such as the make, model, and engine size of any Mini Cooper model. Input the 17-character code into the GoodCar application and instantly discover a fundamental profile involving the Mini Cooper.
Deciphering an Mini Cooper VIN
Starting in 1954, Mini Cooper used a nine—and eleven-digit chassis or VIN code. By the late 1960s, the brand switched to an eleven-digit code for all its models. Lyndon B. Johnson's 1964 white Mini Cooper Convertible had an extremely detailed trim plate.
- 1
- F
- T
- 8
- W
- 3
- D
- T
- 8
- 5
- 5
- c
- 3
- 8
- 8
- 9
- 9
Locations of the Mini Cooper VIN
The NHTSA mandates two locations on every vehicle.
- The first location is on the driver’s side dashboard at the windshield. The VIN must be stamped on a label that is permanently affixed to the automobile. The label must be permanently affixed so that it cannot be removed without destroying the label.
- The driver’s side door jam or post is the location of the second VIN. The code is stamped on a non-removable plaque along with other information, such as tire types and pressures.
- VINs may be stamped on other locations, including the engine block, firewall, or frame. The VIN will be located in the insurance documents, registration papers, and title.
Popular Mini Cooper Models
Mini Coopers are excellent first-time cars. They have a high resale value, are easy to handle, and have good safety features. One of the best features of the Mini is that they will turn heads wherever the driver wants to go.
Mini Countryman S
The Mini Countryman S, starting at $38,900, is one of those cars that everyone wants at some point in their lives. The model is very stylish and has plenty of power. It features a 241hp Turbocharged two-liter inline four-cylinder engine, an automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. This Mini is perfect for a family of four who want to try out all the winding roads everywhere they go. The Countryman S is larger than most other models but carries the Mini Cooper spirit in style. The Countryman S is next-level technology-enabled, with a powerhouse store of add-on features. Everything in the Countryman S is voice or touch-optimized with a cloud-based navigation system. Never miss a beat with this fantastic Mini Cooper Countryman S.
Mini Cooper Convertible
Given the opportunity, is there any sane person who would turn down a drive in the Mini Cooper Convertible? An emphatic No. The Mini Convertible, starting at $37,200, offers excellent handling, up to 228hp, and a well-appointed cabin. There are convertibles; then there is the awesome-to-drive Mini. The Convertible provides a crisp suspension for the enthusiastic driver, along with excellent acceleration and cruising speeds. Nothing is better than a country drive in the Mini Cooper Convertible.
The Mini Cooper VIN
Few automakers get a second chance at life; the Mini Cooper brand is one of them. The original Mini began life in 1959 by the British Motor Company and lasted until early 2000 when BMW bought the brand. The Mini Cooper two-door hardtop was first introduced into the American market in 2002 through a research and development permit.
The original Mini followed other automakers in developing their VINs, using five, seven, and eleven production numbers stamped on the engine block or frame. The 2002 Mini was compelled to use the NHTSA 1981 VIN mandate.
Mini Cooper VIN Lookup
A VIN lookup from GoodCar offers its users a detailed look at the vehicle’s event history, recalls and technical service bulletins, complete ownership timelines and accident history. Prospective buyers should never purchase a used car or truck without referring to a quality VIN check history report. Users who want a complete understanding of the vehicle’s history should use the GoodCar VIN Check service.
GoodCar Mini Cooper VIN Checks
Odometer fraud is a fast-growing automobile crime that any prospective buyer needs to be aware of. Analog odometer meters make it easy for innovative criminals to roll back the mileage and enhance the vehicle’s value. Digital meters are more complex to manipulate but still can cause a risk for buyers. The GoodCar service records the mileage every time the vehicle is registered or any ownership changes take place. Prospective buyers need to be aware of any discrepancies.
Recalls and technical service bulletins are vitally important to owners, buyers, fleet managers, and similar personnel for a variety of reasons. Whenever a notice by the NHTSA, CPSC, or manufacturer is published, GoodCar instantly records the notice and includes this data in its report. The notice for the recall or TSB includes the reason for the recall and a detailed description along with the date and notice ID. The report includes what the owner's next action should be and what the dealership is prepared to offer.
Technical Service Bulletins
March 2024, NHTSA #10252037, TSB for the 2021 Mini Cooper. The technical service bulletin's reason is that during inspection and/or diagnosis, dirt/grease buildup is noticeable on the axles near the inner and/or outer CV boots. Owners should immediately take the Mini to the nearest dealership for inspection and repair.
Recalls
October 2024: This recall is for12,535 Mini Cooper Hardtops. Faults may occur in the high-voltage battery or high-voltage system, resulting in a short circuit, which increases the risk of a fire. The battery or high-voltage system may have been manufactured outside of standard specifications, which could lead to overheating or a short circuit. This could happen even when the vehicle is parked or stopped. Owners should immediately take their vehicles to the nearest dealership, where they will provide a software update free of charge.
July 2023,recalling 97,933 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles. The electronic control module in the driver’s side footwell area may short-circuit due to corrosion from water and road salt. An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire. The remedy is currently being developed. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 3, 2023.