What's the difference between the new MCS 2005 vs. the older MCS models like the 2002-2004? I'm weighing out what's better for me. I heard the new '05 models made some changes like the 1st and 2nd gear shift. Anything else?

 

:smile: silly, since the MINI seems to be holding its value (read: great resale), you may find that you are close enough in price between new and used to just go ahead and order a new one, and exactly the way you want it.


For 2005, the MCS's getrag gearing was changed, with the first gearing not being as tall. Both are FUN, though!


Clover

 

I agree with MINIclo on the price difference. I asked a question about usefulness of the 2002 – 2004 Bentley manual for use with a 2005 and Ryephile provided the following list of differences:

*different tranny ratios - makes no change in most maintenance
*different cat-back internals - makes no change in maintenance
*taillights different functionality (back up and rear fog's swapped location)
*interior oh-sh*t handle for front passenger, and driver side side visor
*center console with front cubby and under e-brake cubby
*larger rear cupholder in center console
*different supercharger part number - different rotor coating
*radio antenna now bigger/different (same as late MY04), optional part number houses Sat radio antenna also.
*door handles slightly different design in functionality only, look same
*same cat-back hangers as 2nd half of MY04
*depending on build date, clock is either in the odometer, or over head console
*speaking of overhead console, more map lights for front passengers
*bigger door card armrests - no change in maintenance
*different seat bases.

As you can see this list focuses on mechanical differences and not on options like body colored dash panels. In addition to the above, they made a limited slip differential an option in ’05.

 

"The 2005 MINI Revealed"

http://motoringfile.com/2004/02/01/t..._mini_revealed

"Merry Christmas, here is the 2005 MINI"

http://motoringfile.com/2003/12/23/M...resThe2005MINI

"Autoweek on 2005 MINI Changes"

http://motoringfile.com/2004/04/29/a...5_mini_changes

"Q&A with Eaton on the 2005 MCS Supercharger"

http://motoringfile.com/2004/05/08/q...s_supercharger

"2005 MCS Motoringfile Review"

http://motoringfile.com/2004/08/31/2...ingfile_review

"MINIUSA Officially Announces 2005 MINI changes"

http://motoringfile.com/2004/05/14/m...s_2005_changes

"2005 MINI Advanced Airbags"

http://motoringfile.com/2005/01/29/advanced_airbags


There are a million more articles at: www.motoringfile.com

Do a search using key words: "2005 MINI". That should give you 280 article matches.

Plenty material to read. Should give you a good idea about the 2005 vs 2002-2004 changes.

 

Do you know if there's more maintence on the MCS vs. the MC?

 

163 hp vs. 170

 

The only routine item difference that I have noticed is that the drive belt on the the MCS should be replaced at 60,000 miles on the MCS vs 100,000 miles on the MC.

 

Nice detail info, Thanks NealW

 

Additional changes:

The 3-spoke steering wheel vs 2 spoke, and now the MFSW has 2 phone buttons.

Car will be pre-wired for rear foglight, alarm, and homelink rearview--(possibly mic pre-wired for bluetooth)?

Low washer fluid light on the wiper stalk.

 

That's washer fluid, actually. :-)

 

Low "windshield fluid" light on wiper stalk.

 

The new gearing and the extra power make the car feel a lot "spunkier". IMO

 

edited...

 

That's probably one of the most important improvements.

They also changed the chrome sorround for the front grill from ribbed to smooth, and redesigned the headlights, available red/yellow/blue colored dash on MCS.

As well as some option tweaks. Standard cup-holder, availability of chrono-pack, sweet arm-rest, an extra side sun-visor etc...

 

MCS owners......in relation to pre-'05 MCSs......have the early "stumble' and "yo-yo" issues been adequately resolved??? I have heard of lingering symptoms in some cases, although these phenomena seem non-existent in the '05s. Thoughts?

 

Actually it is 168HP, not 170HP.

But it feels more like 45-50HP over the previous 163HP

 

No stumble or yo-yo at all in my '05 MCS.

 

I've just got generally poor throttle response on my '05 MCS. It is very abrupt; backing off a little on the throttle while accelerating produces a very noticable cut from the engine, instead of a smooth transition. I'm beginning to think it's just part of the character of the MINI, but one I'd rather go without. It's magnified by the air conditioning. I also wish the throttle was more responsive from idle; I usually either bog the engine or spin the wheels pulling away from a stop light.

Part of it's me, for sure (I'll apparently *never* unlearn my "technique" gained from learning to drive stick on an underpowered Cherokee...), but most of the blame lies within the engine, I think.

While I'm nitpicking, I also think the torque reduction by the DSC is way too much. Chirping the tires while getting a little overzealous with the throttle trying to zip across a couple lanes of traffic often leaves me praying to a higher power for more power. I read that the MTH ECU remapping can adjust how much the torque gets cut...

 

My '05 MCS is smoooooth as silk and accelerates strongly from the get go with none of the symptoms you describe. Either something is wrong with your car or your driving technique.