I've read about the differences and I'm still undecided. I'm looking at an 04 and a 05 for the same price. The 04 has many more options, sunroof, upgraded sound system, driving lights, nav.,etc and 36K miles. The 05 has 29K miles and the chrono package. I like the options on the 1st car and I like the gearing on the 2nd. Any input?

 

www.motoringfile.com has a comparison that might help.

 

The chrono pkg. would sell it for me. Gotta have those gauges!

 

Specifically, the buyer's guide: http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

 

I liked the 05-06 refresh, so I made sure I found an 05-06. Do you like the refresh? The small changes were enough for me to want an 05. I think the headlights for me were enough, it made the car look so much newer and more 'awake', like eyes. hah.

 

What is your primary reason for buying the car . If it is creature comforts, go for the 04. If you are going to track the car or do aggressive tight canyon driving the 05 tranny as well as the lack of sunroof will be appreciated.

Randy
M7 Tuning

 

I mainly want something a little more fun to drive to work and around town.

 

I went through the same dilemma in '05.
I went with the '04 for the color (indi blue), steering wheel, Nav, etc.

The think I miss most is the gearing. The '05 has a much friendlier in town gearbox.
On the other hand, I LOVE the Nav, the wheel, the color...
As for gauges, you can get a scangaugeII, that for $150 gets you four gauges at a time.

 

Nav shouldn't have been a factor. It was always available through the rest of the 1st gen production. Indie Blue was gone by the time I ordered my '06, but I think it was available for awhile in '05. There is someone here with an Indie Blue '05 cabrio.

 

Does the improved gearing really make the car that much more fun?

 

The 05 had 03-04 headlights and the old style 2 button key, which seemed fishy. I think I missed out on the super nice 04 by messing with this one..oh well.

 

The 05 with the improved SC (the same coating as prior JCW's and "other improvements" =+5 hp), better gearing, and more rattle resistant dash are all good things...I also have the gauge package, and love it, as I also love the 05+ Xenon lights...they are a big improvement...as are the self charging 3 button keys, 05+ cars...but a well maintained older car beats a questionable newer car....
In this case, go with your gut, and be sure to do a car Fax/title check...and remember....there will always be more cars for sale if you don't find "THE ONE" this time.
I have the Sunroof...but if I could order it again, I would not get it....too much glare 50% of the time, and too much heat when parked...so I use a second shade to keep things cool, a "Zippy shade".

 

Do you have the VIN of the "05"?