Direct fit subframes for the BMW Mini R53, bolting to the factory mounting points in the floor. Part number SU-BM-MI.
What you get
The base frame and the sliding runner, so the seat still moves fore and aft once it is in. Cobra include the runner in the price where Sparco, Planted, OMP, Recaro and Corbeau all sell it separately, which is worth adding to their quotes before you decide which frame is better value.
Some cars need an airbag resistor to stop a warning light once the original seat is out. It is not part of every kit, so tell us the car and we will confirm what yours needs before you order.
What seats it will take
Base mountable bucket seats and reclining sport seats, with either a 291mm or a 405mm wide handle. Measure across the handle on the underside of your seat if you are not sure which you have; it is the figure that decides whether the two parts meet.
It will not take a side mounted seat without adaption bars or side mounts. If you are fitting a Motorsport seat or a Cobra Nogaro, you need side mounts as well, so add those at the same time rather than discovering it on the day.
Before you order
These are made for Cobra seats. A seat from another maker may still work, but we would want to confirm it with you first rather than guess.
When you order a subframe on its own, tell us which seat it is going under in the comments box at checkout. That one line prevents most of the fitment problems we see.
Priced per subframe, which fits one seat.
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. 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?
Cobra design each tailored frame around a particular seat, so check the Compatible seats tab above for the designed pairing. Other seats with a matching bolt pattern can work as cross-compatible components rather than a designed set, so ask us before mixing brands.
Do I keep fore-and-aft adjustment?
Yes, and unlike most brands the sliding runner comes included with a Cobra frame, in the price. That changes the like-for-like comparison against other makers, where the runner is a separate part on top. Our guide to sliding runners covers how they work.
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?
This listing covers a pair, driver and passenger side for a right-hand-drive car. Left-hand-drive car? Ask us, as the sides swap over and availability varies by model.
