I was wondering with some of the upgrades on the '05 MCS model, is it close to '02-04 JCW standards? If you had to choose, which model and why? And know, I cannot afford an 05 JCW. Thanks for the time!

 

Personally I would pick a '05+ MCS over a comparable ''02-'04 MCS any day of the week for the following reasons: 1) Better gearing. 1st thru 3rd gears are substantially shorter than in previous models 2) Quicker, more effortless acceleration (Trust me I had a stock '04 MCS and when the '05 MCS came out I sold the car after a test drive) 3) More power.... 168HP vs 163HP in the older models and more torque (I believe it went from 155 pounds feet of torque to 161) 4) Revised intake 5) Revised ECU engine programming 6) Revised exhaust. With the '05 and '06 MCS you get an intoxicating burble from the stock exhaust when you let your foot off the accelerator. 7) The EATON supercharger was beefed up to the same one used in the JCW engine kit with full coated splines. There were several more changes in the 2005 "Mid-life" refresh that make any 2005 or 2006 a best buy when it comes to R53 used MINIs: http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/ I personally would pick a bone stock '05 or '06 R53 Cooper S over a '02 - '04 Cooper S with the JCW engine kit. To me the stock 2005-06 Cooper S is as fast from the get go than the older models with the JCW pack. I suggest driving both. But you'll agree with me that the '05 and '06 R53 S MINIs are the best of the bunch, hands down!

 

as an owner of a 2002 modded to almost JCW level I decided to sell the 02 and buy an 05. The car is more refined, some of the rattles (especially sunroof) are addressed and the gearing is a HUGE PLUS.

Spend your money on a better foundation now. When you scrape up more $$$ you can bring in the JCW goodies.

 

when I put my deposit down on my S in Jan 04 there was a 9 mo wait. ended up being great because I got the 05 instead of the 04.

 

Thank you so much for the input. I'm sold on an '05 or '06!

 

I had my '04 MCS for 16 months. Ordered the car in January 2003, took delivery October 2003 (Yes waiting times back then ran into the months!), put 17K miles and finally sold the car privately in early February 2005 for $700 more than I originally paid for it new (Incredible story I might add). The car was great but when MINI announced the 2005 changes I had to test drive it. When I did, I said to the MA..."This is the way the Cooper S should have been offered from factory from the get go!". And she agreed! About 2-3 weeks later I put my order for a new '05 MCS and took delivery in March 2005. After 3 years and 40K miles I still have that car and have no immediate plans to let go of it. I am very glad to this day that I switched from the '04 to '05. Best upgrade!

 

Thanks for the response!