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How to Mount Bucket Seats Super Low in a Mini R53

One of our customers recently shared their experience fitting a Mirco RTS-2 bucket seat into their Mini R53, achieving an ultra-low seating position. Their goal was to mount the seat as far back as possible against the roll cage while keeping it extremely low to improve headroom and driving ergonomics. To accomplish this, they used Endurance Motorsport Multi Point M8 Side Mount Brackets, modifying them slightly to align with the Mini’s factory bolt holes. By side-mounting the seat directly to the floor, without sliding runners or a base frame, they achieved the lowest possible fitment.

This setup is particularly beneficial for taller drivers who struggle with limited headroom in small cars like the Mini R53. When wearing a helmet on track days, many drivers find that their seating position is too high, forcing them to hunch or tilt their head to avoid hitting the roof. A lower-mounted seat resolves this issue by lowering the driver’s center of gravity, improving visibility, and enhancing the overall driving experience. However, there are some trade-offs—since this installation method fixes the seat in place, adjustability is extremely limited. Unlike setups with sliding runners, this configuration may not be suitable for shorter drivers who need to move the seat forward.

Despite the lack of forward adjustability, this method is ideal for track-focused setups where stability and a secure seating position are priorities. A fixed seat mount ensures minimal movement under high-speed cornering and braking, providing a safer and more connected driving experience. Our customer noted that while this setup worked perfectly for their needs, those looking for more flexibility should consider alternative mounting solutions, such as sliding rails or adjustable side mounts. Below, we’ll dive into why some drivers prefer a super low seat position, the specific fitment details of the Mirco RTS-2 bucket seat, and the modifications needed to achieve this setup.

Why Choose a Super Low Seat Position?

A lower seating position is essential for many performance drivers, especially in compact cars like the Mini R53. Taller drivers often struggle with headroom and visibility, particularly when wearing a helmet on track days. Lowering the seat helps improve driving ergonomics, lowers the driver’s center of gravity, and enhances the overall driving feel—especially in a sporty, track-focused setup.

In this particular case, our customer wanted to mount their seat as far back and low as possible against the roll cage. This setup is perfect for taller drivers who need extra legroom and head clearance, but it does have limitations—namely, the seat does not have any forward adjustability due to being mounted directly to the floor. If adjustability is needed, additional hardware such as sliding runners would be required.

The Mirco RTS-2 Bucket Seat – Perfect Fitment for the Mini R53

The Mirco RTS-2 bucket seat is an excellent choice for those looking to install a fixed-back FIA-approved racing seat in the Mini R53 while achieving the lowest possible seating position. This seat has been successfully installed by one of our customers, proving that it is one of the largest bucket seats that can physically fit inside the Mini R53 without excessive modifications. If you’re a taller driver or someone who needs maximum interior space, the Mirco RTS-2 is the best option for you.

Due to the compact interior of the Mini R53, fitting an aftermarket bucket seat can be a challenge, especially for larger individuals. The Mirco RTS-2 sits right up against the door cards and center tunnel, meaning that any wider or taller seat would be impossible to install without significant modifications. Its curved design and narrow base allow it to fit snugly while still providing ample support and comfort for those who require a larger racing seat. If you’re looking for the biggest possible seat that can fit inside the Mini R53, this is the go-to choice.

Here are the key dimensions of the Mirco RTS-2 Bucket Seat:

  • Total Height: 915mm
  • Shoulder Width: 590mm
  • Base Width: 500mm
  • Seat Depth (Front to Back): 630mm
  • Lower Base Width (Mounting Area): 290mm
  • Harness Slot Width: 410mm

With these dimensions, the Mirco RTS-2 is a perfect fit for taller drivers while still being compact enough to work within the limited space of the Mini R53’s cabin. If you’re considering installing a fixed-back bucket seat into your Mini, choosing a seat with similar or smaller dimensions will ensure a hassle-free installation.

Our Mirco RTS-2 Bucket Seat Collection

At GSM Performance, we offer a diverse range of Mirco RTS-2 bucket seats, featuring multiple versions tailored to suit different styles and preferences. Our selection includes unique listings with pre-applied customizations, allowing customers to choose from various trim colours, stitching colours, and premium materials such as velour fabric, 3D spacer fabric, and durable vinyl. Whether you’re looking for a sleek black finish or a more personalized design, our Mirco RTS-2 range ensures you get the perfect combination of comfort, style, and FIA-approved safety for your Mini R53 or other track-focused builds.

  • Mirco FIA Seats

    £424.00 Excl. VAT Add to basket
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    From £439.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • , , , , ,

    £431.66 Excl. VAT Add to basket
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    From £349.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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    From £334.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

How Our Customer Achieved the Lowest Seat Fitment

To achieve this ultra-low seat position, the customer used Endurance Motorsport Multi Point M8 Side Mount Brackets and made minor modifications:

  • The brackets were mounted directly to the Mini R53’s floor instead of using a base frame.
  • One hole on each side was slightly elongated to align with the Mini R53’s factory bolt holes.
  • Some carpet was trimmed back to accommodate the wider side mount spacing.

This method secured the seat firmly in place while achieving the lowest possible fitment. However, due to the fixed nature of this install, shorter drivers may struggle with positioning unless an adjustable mounting solution is used.

The Best Side Mounts for a Super Low Install

The Endurance Motorsport Multi Point M8 Side Mount Brackets were crucial in this install, providing multiple mounting points for fine-tuning the seat position. These brackets are known for their strength, versatility, and adjustability, making them a top choice for track-focused builds. They allow for a custom seat angle and positioning, which is essential when fitting a bucket seat into a tight space like the Mini R53.

If you’re looking to achieve a super low seating position in your Mini R53, these side mounts are highly recommended—just be prepared to make minor modifications to align them perfectly with the factory mounting points.

  • Endurance Motorsport

    £75.00 Excl. VAT Add to basket
  • Endurance Motorsport

    From £39.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Recommended FIA-Approved Fibreglass Bucket Seats for the Mini R53

If you’re looking to achieve a super low seat position in your Mini R53, it’s crucial to choose a bucket seat that fits within the dimensions of the Mirco RTS-2 or is slightly smaller. The Mirco RTS-2 is one of the largest possible seats that can be installed in the Mini R53 without major modifications, as it sits snugly against the door cards and center tunnel. Any seat larger than this will likely be impossible to fit without serious adjustments to the vehicle’s interior.

To make installation easier and ensure a guaranteed fitment, we’ve compiled a list of recommended FIA-approved fixed-back bucket seats that match or are smaller than the Mirco RTS-2’s dimensions (590mm wide at the shoulders, 500mm at the base, and 915mm in height). These seats offer excellent support, safety, and comfort, making them ideal for both track day and motorsport use. Below, we’ll be linking our top picks for FIA-approved fixed-back bucket seats that are a perfect match for the Mini. 

  • Sparco FIA Racing Bucket Seats

    £510.00 Excl. VAT Add to basket
  • Sparco FIA Racing Bucket Seats

    £358.50 Excl. VAT Add to basket
  • Sparco FIA Racing Bucket Seats

    £475.00 Excl. VAT Add to basket
  • Mirco FIA Seats

    From £324.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • OMP FIA Racing Bucket Seats

    £318.00 Excl. VAT Add to basket
  • OMP FIA Racing Bucket Seats

    £428.00 Excl. VAT Add to basket
  • Cobra Motorsport FIA seats

    From £520.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Corbeau Sprint X Motorsport Bucket Seats

    From £460.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Final Thoughts – Achieving the Best Bucket Seat Fitment in a Mini R53

For Mini R53 owners looking to install bucket seats at the lowest possible position, side-mounting directly to the floor is the best approach. The Mirco RTS-2 bucket seat fits within the tight cabin space, but adjustments may be needed depending on the driver’s height and preference. Using the Endurance Motorsport Multi Point M8 Side Mount Brackets, our customer was able to securely mount their seat without a base frame, creating an ultra-low, race-ready driving position.

If you’re considering a bucket seat install in your Mini R53, we recommend staying within the Mirco RTS-2’s dimensions for a proper fit. Visit our showroom to see the Mirco RTS-2 bucket seat in 3D spacer fabric and explore the best mounting options for your build.

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