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In early 1996 Rover under the ownership of BMW were looking to the future and
the launch of the 'new' mini. The new mini would be aimed at a different market
to its predecessor. To help to condition the public to this new market and to
justify the expense of bringing the original mini in-line with EU rules on car
construction, emissions and safety, The original mini was to receive a large
multi million pound face lift to allow it to continue into the 21st Century.
The changes;
Engine
- K series oil filter
used (A lot easier for ordering at a Rover dealer)
- MEMS 2J Twin point fuel
injection fitted from Rover range, injection manifold not throttle body, all
vacuum advance pipe and all remaining ignition components replaced with
electronic sensors. Stepper Motor IACV.
- New engine casting,
distributor hole deleted, oil filter now screws to side of block.
- Multi grooved 'Polly-V'
alternator belt.
- 65A Integral fan
Alternator (mounted higher up).
- Electronic distributor
(no more wet points) includes electronic coil unit
- Front mounted alloy
Radiator with ECU controlled electric fan.
- Both the 'Mini' and
'Cooper' models shared the same engine transmission units.
The TPi engine in my own car, shown with
optional and painted Rocker cover.
Body
- Front panel cut for
front radiator (no side radiator or holes)
- Glass with airbag warning information
- New brackets fitted to
accommodate various electrical features.
- Side impact bars in
doors.
Electrical
- Halogen headlamps with
electric headlamp adjustment
- New multi fuse box
under lower dash
rail, attached to wheel arch
- Lucas 5AS alarm system
tied to MEMS ecu, with full cat2 immobilisation and perimetric alarm.
- Headlamp switch moved
to column stalk, fog lamp switches relocated to centre.
- 2 Speed heater fitted.
- Electric Cooling fan
replaces mechanical one.
Interior
- Font seats based on the
Metro. Using mini sub frame.
- MGF/Rover steering
wheel
- New steering column
with Metro/400 stalks
- Rear quarter pockets,
given plastic covers to replace the old floppy cardboard liners.
- Plastic Valeo heater
with twin speed added.
- Revised door release
handles, still plastic but less prone to snapping.
- Choice of Trim options,
Base model with Half leather Monaco (cooper) or Balmoral cloth (mini), 5
different choices of leather colour.
Safety
- SRS system added with
Driver airbag and front seatbelt pre-tensioners.
- SRS control unit
mounted to floor under rear seat.
- Side impact bars added
to doors.
- Front towing Eyes
fitted as standard.
Optional
Extras
There were also various
optional extras available for the mini. Rover went though and picked out the
best of the aftermarket accessories as well as creating a few 'cult' items of
their own. Including the now famous 'Sportspack'
option
Paint
Colours
Rover went to town on the
paint colours. Giving the best range to choose from in the mini's history. Yes
there was some Beige and Grey still but they didn't last long. Thankfully
Chocolate Brown was long gone! Colours took inspiration from Fashion, the Minis
history and cherry picking and improving on Rover's best colours from their
catalogue.
Limited Editions
There were a few Limited editions produced from the Twin point.
Some more notable than others. As the TPi was fairly well stocked in base form,
the LE's were normally something quite Special.
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The Twin point mini