Two Sparco sub-frames for the BMW Mini R53, sold as a pair at part number 00499038-X2. The R53 covers the first-generation MINI Cooper and Cooper S from October 2001 to 2007, the supercharged body that sits below the R50 standard hatchback. Both the Cooper S and standard Cooper share the same floor mounting layout, so these frames fit both.
The pair covers driver and passenger. Unlike some of the Fiesta frames which are universally sided, the R53 frames are handed: driver and passenger are different parts, which is what this pair provides. Both sides are included.
The frames use the 345mm x 271mm base-mount bolt pattern, which is common across Sparco, OMP, and Corbeau base-mount seats. They bolt to the factory mounting points in place of the standard runner without drilling the floor.
Sparco sliding runners are an option between this frame and the seat if you want fore-and-aft adjustment. Without runners, the seat is fixed. For a track car or rally car where a fixed seating position is usually acceptable, the frame alone is sufficient.
If your Mini is an R56 (the second-generation car from 2006), there’s a separate frame for that chassis. Check the code on your door pillar before ordering if there’s any uncertainty about the generation. The R53 ended production in 2007; any MINI made after that is an R56 or later.
Have you written anything about this exact product?
Yes, we have covered this exact product: Sparco Evo XL Fitted in a Mini R53: Big Seat, Perfect Fit, and Customer Car: Mini R53 Track Car with Sparco Evo L Seats. That is first-hand coverage from our own builds and showroom, not brochure copy.
Will this fit my car?
This frame is made for the BMW Mini R53 (R53). Chassis code and years matter more than the badge, as floor pans change between generations, so if your car sits near a changeover year, send us the registration and we will confirm before you order.
Which seats does it take?
It takes seats drilled 345mm x 271mm (the Sparco and OMP seat pattern). The Compatible seats tab above lists what bolts straight on. If your seat is not listed, tell us what you run and we will confirm the fit.
Do I keep fore-and-aft adjustment?
Only with a sliding runner between the frame and the seat, which is a separate part on Sparco frames. If more than one person drives the car, budget for the runner. Our guide to sliding runners explains the options and widths.
Base mount or side mount, and does it matter?
This is a base-mount frame: the seat bolts down through its base, the simpler stack that suits seats with a flat bottom and keeps the install low-fuss. Our guide on base mount versus side mount explains the whole fitting stack.
Is this for the driver or passenger side?
Both sides are available on this listing, pick driver or passenger side at the point of order (sides listed are for right-hand-drive cars). Left-hand-drive car? Ask us, as the sides swap over and availability varies by model.
