MINI parts catalog by VIN
The modern MINI has run through four hatch generations since 2001, plus Clubman, Countryman, Paceman, convertible and roadster models. Each generation has its own chassis code, and parts rarely cross between them even when the car looks the same.
Enter the VIN and ETK opens the diagrams for that car only, with its engine, gearbox and options applied. Hatches start their VIN with WMW, and the larger MINIs with WMZ.
R50, R56 or F56: which MINI is it?
The first-generation hatch, the R50 and R53, ran from 2001 to 2006 with the Tritec engine BMW developed with Chrysler. The R56 followed from 2006 to 2013 with the Prince engine, whose architecture BMW shared with PSA Peugeot Citroën. The F56 arrived at the end of 2013 with BMW’s own B38 and B48 engines.
The fourth generation, from 2024, splits by drive: the electric Cooper, the J01, comes from China, and the petrol hatches from Oxford. Larger models follow their own codes, such as the R60 and F60 Countryman and the R55 and F54 Clubman.
Engines shared with BMW and with PSA
On R56-generation cars the Prince engine links MINI to Peugeot and Citroën, which is why timing chains and other engine parts come up in both worlds. Compare numbers through each catalog and confirm by VIN before you mix sources.
From the F56 on, MINI uses BMW B-series engines, so a MINI and a BMW with the same engine often share engine parts, while body, trim and lighting stay MINI’s own.
Common MINI nameplates
These nameplates help you find the right vehicle family. Confirm the exact model, market and production period against the active catalog before quoting a part:
| Model | Production years |
|---|---|
| MINI Cooper | — |
| MINI Countryman | — |
| MINI Clubman | — |
Frequently asked questions
Which catalog does MINI use?
BMW ETK, BMW Group’s electronic parts catalog. MINI parts carry the same eleven-digit numbers as BMW parts.
Can I look up MINI Cooper parts by VIN?
Yes. Enter the 17-character VIN and ETK shows the parts fitted to that car. VINsearch opens it in the browser with the same login as BMW.
Did MINI use Peugeot engines?
The second-generation MINI, the R56 era from 2006 to 2013, used the Prince engine, whose architecture BMW shared with PSA Peugeot Citroën. From the F56 on, MINI uses BMW engines.
How do I tell an R56 from an F56?
Decode the VIN. The build record gives the chassis code, the engine and the production date, so the catalog opens the right generation.
How much does it cost?
From $5 for a Day Pass, $50 a month or $500 a year. Every plan opens all 53 catalogs, with no per-search fees.