Mini Cooper S R55 R56 R57 Air Inlet Intake Hood Bonnet Trim Chili Red - 851

Visual condition of the part

The product shows signs of use visible in the photos.

Mini Cooper S R55 R56 R57 Air Inlet Intake Hood Bonnet Trim Chili Red is an original body component designed for installation on the front part of the hood. This aesthetic and functional detail improves airflow to the engine compartment while emphasizing the characteristic, sporty look of the Mini. Thanks to its factory fitment, it is a practical solution for replacing a damaged intake or refreshing the vehicle's styling.

Specifications and technical data

• SKU: 0430302-CHRED2
• Mark: Mini (Genuine OE)
• Condition: Used
• OEM Part Number: 0415378
• Substitutable numbers: 0430302, 51130430302
• Location on the vehicle: Front
• Color: Chili Red - 851
• Category: Air Intake & Fuel Sensors

Purpose and function of the air intake

The presented hood air intake has been designed specifically for the Mini Cooper S R55, R56, and R57 versions, where it acts as a component that directs airflow to the intake system. Positioned at the front of the body, it works with the factory shape of the hood, ensuring stable seating and proper alignment with the remaining body panels.

The component belongs to the Air and fuel intake sensors group, which highlights its importance in the area of power supply and airflow. Replacing a worn or damaged intake with an original component allows for maintaining proper operating conditions of the intake system and a consistent appearance of the front of the vehicle.

Color and styling compatibility

The intake is finished in the factory color Chili Red - 851, characteristic of sporty Mini variants. As a result, it blends perfectly with the body paint in this shade, without the need for additional painting or color matching. This is particularly important for post-accident repairs and restoring the original look of the car.

Precise fitment to the hood lines and the preservation of the original geometry mean that the component does not require any additional modifications after installation. Consistency with other styling details, such as the grille, headlights, or decorative trims, is maintained, which positively impacts the overall presentation of the car.

Installation and performance characteristics

The intake is intended for installation in the front body zone, in the place of the factory opening in the hood. The design, based on the original Mini project, allows for installation using standard mounting points, which facilitates workshop work and shortens repair time. The lack of need to adjust universal replacements limits the risk of leaks and problems with the component's geometry.

The product comes from disassembly, which means it is an original Mini component, not a replacement with uncertain parameters. For many users and service centers, this is the preferred solution, allowing for the preservation of factory build quality and compliance with the manufacturer's design.

Benefits of using an original air intake

Using an original hood air intake in a Mini Cooper S brings a number of practical benefits:

• maintaining the factory look of the front of the vehicle,
• secure fit to the hood and other body elements,
• proper guidance of airflow to the intake system,
• reduction of the risk of installation problems typical for low-quality replacements.

For Mini owners who care about stylistic and technical consistency, choosing such a component is a reasonable compromise between costs and maintaining the original character of the car.

If you are planning a comprehensive repair or upgrade of the air supply area in your Mini and need other elements from the same group, such as additional intakes, intake ducts, or components cooperating with the power supply system, check the available parts in the Mini Air and fuel intake sensors category.

Used component vs. part selection and compatibility

When choosing a used air intake, it is crucial to ensure proper fitment to the specific body version and vehicle model year. It is worth paying attention to compliance with manufacturer markings and reference numbers to avoid problems during installation. In case of doubt, comparing the shape and mounting points with the element currently installed in the car may be helpful.

If you want to better understand how to safely select used components from the power supply and control system groups, check out the guide on our blog: Used automotive electronics on board – why is it worth choosing second-hand ECU modules and sensors?. Although it mainly concerns electronics, it discusses universal principles of selection and verification of used components, which are also worth applying to other parts.