What are some major differences between the MC/MCS '03 and the MC/MCS '08 hard tops? Like body design, part placement, etc.

 

Completely new engine (turbo vs. SC on the S)
Heavily revised (i.e. new) interior
Higher beltline, bulging boot

 

what do you mean by 'Higher beltline, bulging boot'?

 

The "beltline" is the horizontal trim strip that runs around the car. Basically, the bottom edges of all of the windows/windshields form the beltline. On the R56, the beltline is significantly higher up on the car. Looking at the car from the side, that means there's less glass and more door, for example.

The bulging boot refers to how the boot meets the rear glass. In the first-gen cars, the transition from glass to boot is almost smooth. In the R56, the top of the boot panel bulges out where it meets the bottom edge of the hatch glass.

 

Oh ok, thanks for explaining that. Is there any big difference in how it drives?

 

Actually, the better question would be, What is the same between the '03 and '08.

I know of only one thing that is the same......... Exterior door handles. That is even different if you have the Convenience Package. Everything else is different.

 

The '03's are more visceral and hardcore, whereas the '08's are small BMW's that have huge torque and huge fuel economy while being serene, a bit isolated, and refined in comparison.

 

See Motoringfile's side by side here.
And this one here on NAM.


And the exterior door lever was revised in '05, it pivots from a different point.

 

Thanks for the information, it'll be helpful to know if i have to lose my MINI when i go to Vegas and get another one down the road.

 

There are also different colors from '03 to '08

 

You're planning on betting the MINI???!?

Or you're taking literally what goes to Vegas stays in Vegas?

The cars are totally different, chassis revisions, new engines, different interiors, etc, but the "feel" and major style points are pretty much the same. I own an 06 S and have driven the 07 S and Cooper, they drive great.