I've tried to search NAM for an answer. No luck. Can someone direct me to a list of everything that was changed from 2002 MCS models to the 2005 and what month/year were the cars were changed? Thanks!

 

From a mechanical standpoint, the transmission gear ratios were changed to give the 2005 a little better acceleration. A factory limited-slip differential was available on the 2005 and not on the 2002. There was no JCW option for the 2002. When the JCW kit was introduced, it was a 200 HP version and had to be installed by the dealer. By late 2005, the JCW kit was up to about 210 HP and could be installed at the factory.

I don't think the rain-sensing wipers were available on the 2002, but they're available on the 2005.

You can also get the 2005 in a convertible version (first year for the convertible).

Starting sometime in 2005, the factory stereo head unit can play MP3 files and display textual track information with the appropriate iPod adapter.

I'm sure others will chime in with more.

 

You have a 2002 MCS, are you thinking of selling and changing to a 2005 MCS?

There are many changes for 2005. Read this-
http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/...ngfile_review/
http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/07/..._month_review/

Stuff that changed since 2002 version MCS-
Increased engine power rating
New colors
Better build quality
Headlights redesigned
Upholstery options changed (cloth/leather)
Sunvisor added
Anthracite headliner option
Softer shocks (vs 2002)
Lowered Gearing for manual transmission (much improved)
Auto transmission with paddle shifters
JCW factory option
LSD factory option with manual transmission
Adjustment for lower rear shock to allow for more negative camber

2002 is very similar to 2003-2004 with mostly minor changes.
The 2005 MCS is much better than the 2002 version.

 

Seems like a subjective statement. Albeit quality should improve as model years progress, this statement implies that a step change was made...

 

Yes, subjective based on my 2003 MCS and I've driven more than one 2005 MCS.

Also check out the motoringfile.com reviews I linked to for the differences and the reviewer's take on build quality.

Remember we are comparing 2002 to 2005 MCS.

 

indeed. manufacturing & assembly improvements. happens with everything.

 

minihune , You are right, I do have a 2002 MCS that I adore. However, yesterday I made the "mistake" of test driving a 2005 JCW MCS. I was just amazed at the acceleration difference. I had to wonder if it was mostly the Works or the changes made to the 2005 cars. From what I have gathered so far alot of it is the change to the gear ratio. I mean, wow! I drove the car with the salesman once. He got busy with someone else and said I could take it out again on my own. Again, wow. The 05 is DarkSilver, same as my 02. I got back and parked next to my car. I just stood there thinking about changing the cosmetic mods to the JCW car. Reason has (mostly) taken ahold of my head. I'd miss a number of things I have now - like the sunroof and black & blue leather interior. But, the JCW has Cold Weather pkg, Harmon Kardon and Chrono. Then, of course, there is the pesky issue of money. And lastly, do I really need a quicker car, no, not really. But, boy was it fun! If money was no object I'm not sure what I'd do. I'd probably start looking for an 05 or 06 JCW with a sunroof, cold weather, chrono, and anything else I could think of. I don't know what color. I think I'll have plenty of time to think about that.

 

I think the "cool burble noise" was also added hahaha. I bought me a 2002 Cooper the first time around...but the need for speed made me sell it, get a condo first, build some equity and bought a 2005 MCS later! I don't regret it a single bit!

 

I think you can keep your loved "CHEQQRS" but maybe add:
15% pulley upgrade
Colder IK-22 Spark plugs
RMW tune

Then you'd be fine and keep all your goodies.

Find out when Jan from RMW is nearby or in your area. Add the pulley upgrade and do the dyno and tune.

Your 2002 is lacking the lowered gearing of the 2005 MCS and that is most of what you were feeling.

You can get some of that lowered gear feeling by using lighter wheels and smaller diameter tires.


What tires do you have now? Maybe some sticky Extreme Performance summer tires will do the trick. 205/45-17 Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R?

 

Thanks again Minihune,

I am planning on the 15% pulley. In fact I was going to go to Chicago last summer when Way was going to come up from Indy. He had an important family thing come up and couldn't make it. Now I see he's moved to Atlanta - even further away. I haven't found someone around Madison that I know I can trust to do it. No MINI tuners here. There is a good Honda and misc sports car tuner with a dyno though. He did last years oil change and put the CAI on for me. Seems like he knows cars. The shop moto is "we can put any engine in any car". I saw some dyno runs last fall there with the Madison Sports Car Club. Maybe he'd be an option. However, I'd much rather have someone who knows MINIs do the pulley.

Tires: When I purchased CHEQQRS it had 15" white holies with almost new Continental CH95 Touring tires. I then got a brand new take-off set of 15" MINI 5 Stars with Pirelli P300E, 175-65/15 tires. I thought I'd use one of these sets for winter. That is until I deceided not to drive this car in the snow and salt and found out that the Pirellis were more of a summer tire. The 5 Star/Pirellis haven't been used at all. And then, chrome 17s - ah yes!

So now I'm running Dunlop SP Sport 9000 run flats on 17" chrome Kazera KZ-V rims that weigh about 17 lbs. BTY the JCW has run flats on it too. I have another set of the KZ-V that are silver finish with a polished lip. This set is mounted with BF Goodrich Scorcher 215 40 R17. I purchased this set used with about 75% tread. I have not yet had them on my car.

If anyone can direct me to a tuner within 3-4 hours drive of Madison, WI I'd be grateful. And, I appreciate any more imput you all have!

 

+1 pm the Bridgestone Potenzas. They'll transform the ride dramatically from your current runflats!

 

Can anyone tell me the build month/year the new changes happened?

 

I don't think this is one of the motoringfile articles referenced above, but it gives a detailed breakdown of changes by year:
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

 

+1 for the tires as well. I hated the run flats.