Heres the story. I have been watching on autotrader some minis and have fallen in love with an '04 MCS. I am looking for under 40K miles and specific options. Sport pkg, Premium pkg, and Cold weather pkg. I would rather get an 05-06 car due to some of the things ive read however I see so many 02-04 minis around. This 04 mini is exactly what I am looking for (given it is in good shape when I inspect it) except the year. I have searched on here for months finding all the differences between them however I am wondering how much they really amount to. I plan on installing a 15% underdrive SC pulley and some sort of suspension plates and leaving it alone from there. (for a while )

My question. Why shouldnt I buy an 04 Mini? I am looking for good reenforced opinions as to why I should get an 05-06 instead. I have an 05 in mind already however it is further away and costs more for the same options and miles.

Thank you all

 

I have an '04 MCS with 6-spd/sport/premium/cold. What I don't like, and which I believe changed in '05 or '06, are the gear ratios (in particular, going from 1st to 2nd), and the composition of the throw-out bearing and the guide sleeve along which it travels.

 

Horsepower boost and, like the J A Blazer said, gearing. But if performance isn't your thing, I don't see any reason to not get the 04.

 

Check out the auto reviews of all the years of Mini models on this link. It's got a lot of info that may help.

 

Is this what your were talking about?

<http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide>

I have read it many times. It has very valuable info. I dont think I am really missing anything as far as differences. I am really curious about the reliability and drivability differences between them. even small convenience differences that people have noticed.

I love the answers please keep them coming. I have done extensive research on the actual cars but am really looking for individual opinions about the differences

thank you

 

You could also get a Limited-Slip Differential as a factory option starting in 2006 - something that wasn't an option on the earlier cars.

I think the biggest day-to-day difference is the revised gear ratios for the later cars. I have some friends with an earlier JCW MINI and a 2006 'S' (not a JCW). According to them, the later 'S' feels as quick and "peppy" accelerating away from a stop as the earlier JCW, even though it has less horsepower.

 

For me its more about the cosmetic difference than the gearing and such, although all that can be changed out for a price. But that goes for any of it even the tranny. I just like the 05-06 headlights and such and the minor things in the interior that set it apart.

 

Same for me - I really like the later three-piece dash compared to the older five-piece version. Unfortunately, both of our MINIs are '06 convertibles, so while there are a lot of differences between our cars and the earlier cars, I don't know which differences are because we have convertibles and not coupes, and which differences were the result of the 2005 "facelift".

 

For me it's also cosmetic... I have to say, I like the reverse light being in the bumper of the older cars, as opposed to the black plastic filler piece that are in most of the newer bumpers, since only, like, 3 people opted for the rear fog light to take its place. I also prefer the older-style tail lights... they are much truer to the original car, and more substantial looking with the turn signal floating in the center... although I DO wish it were a white lens instead of amber.

 

You guys(and gals if applies) are awesome. thank you for the quick responses. Im pretty sure it will be an 06 will be the final choice

 

What exactly is the "face lift" in 2005? I know they changed the headlights and tail lights, but is there anything else?

 

I don't know all of the changes, but they included taillights, headlights, a new three-slat front grille, and a change from the five-piece dash to the three-piece dash. The Cooper also got new front & rear bumpers.

There were also engine/transmission changes, such as the revised gear ratios in the six-speed. The superchargers were internally-coated for tighter tolerances. (basically, the old JCW supercharger became the new standard supercharger).

For the suspension, MINI added a small amount of rear camber adjustment.

I'm sure others will chime in with more of the changes.

 

the tray between the front seats under the hand brake. the keys are charged through the ignition instead of using a normal battery, chrono package available, limited slip available through factory, cooper gets a 5-speed getrag instead of the old BMW unit that was prone to failure. the CVT is dropped for a conventional automatic with push button shift, further revised coolant tank, addition of extra notches on upper front strut mounts (dont know if that was intended for strengthening or not), only 3 spoke steering wheel available and revised smarter airbags. new wheel options available, new interior surface options (lounge leather! ) reverse light moved from lower bumper to into rear taillight assemblies and replaced by optional fog light. smooth grill surround on front (old has ridge) introduced the convertible and automatic trans now available on MCS.

I think that sums it up. as you can see ive done extensive research on this to try and see if a few extra thousand was worth getting the revised MK I MINI. I have decided yes it will be in the long run. better reliability and driveability reign supreme.

 

Here is a link that may answer your question about the midlife face lift.

 

Some of the things stated already mattered to me as well. I like the gear ratio in my '05 but wish I had even smoother 1st to 2nd ....high revs in first to find 2nds power range. The headlights w/washers are nice. The '02-'04 backup light was something I wanted so I added it with the Minspeed Kit...easy. Probaly the downside would be the leaking fluid filled engine mounts that have been replaced once since it was new. Some of the problems I read about are with engine and clutch in earlier models and that is something I would hope to see less of. I expect to throw some money at an '05 engine/power train anyway though. Hope this helps.

 

And I am pretty happy with it. I have pretty much everything except the NAV. Sport, premium, cold weather, HK, back up assist, etc. i got it used, and the miles were low, condition good, and I liked the color combo, Indi Blue w/ black. For me the gear ratios seem prety good from 1-4, 5 and 6 seem a little close in my opinion. I don't see any reason to not buy an '04 if the deal is right.

Judst my $0.02...


J. Tucker
'04 MCS
"92 C2 Coupe

 

thank you all. this thread is very helpful. I drove an 04 and an 06 back to back over the weekend. I am finding myself liking the 04. I like the longer gear ratio for highway use. I like the 2 spoke steering wheel for some reason. I cant figure out why. It felt nice in my hands. The 04 I drove was a little worse for wear but did not rattle or squeak even on the horrible IL roads and highways. I see no difference with the 5 piece dash vs 3 piece as far as quietness. granted I dont drive a mini everyday... yet. I also like the fact that the 04 had the amber rear turn signals where as the 06 has red. on such a small car I want every light to be as bright as possible so all the idiots have a better chance of noticing. I dont really mind the difference in the headlights. As long as it has the HID low beams that is all that matters to me. all in all it is still a very hard decision between the 2. all opinions wanted as anything can potentially be valuable.

 

I didn't know I was one of 3! That rear fog is great for backing off tailgating SUVs...

 

I also have an 04, Indie Blue with black, I have the sports package, nav, Hot weather package, rear fog lights. I have the build sheet who ever was the original owner pretty much put everything into this car, I purchased this car use with 21K on it a year ago. I have had a few issues with the Suspension and other minor things, it does have a few small rattles but overall I realy like the car.

 

JRoca can you elaborate on your issues with your car? Im trying to get a feel for the average definition of "small issues" on this board.

 

I had a right rear suspension failure, also had to change 1 of the front drive axles as it was making a noise like 2 pool ***** hitting.
Other then the crater of a whole that I hit in january the car has been excellent, I have put almost 30K on it in a year, including a few trips of 800 plus miles and a very ulgy winter on very unplowed roads.
I have owned more then 25 cars, and I have to say this ranks right up there in the top 5 and I plan on holding on to it for at least another year or so.

 

I have an 05 PS and love it. Given all the factory upgrades 04 vs 05 I choose to go that route, I also love the look of the headlights. Most of the things you liked about the 04 vs the 05 amber lighting etc.. can be modified on an 05 for very little cash except the 2 spoke wheel. If you weigh your options the old JCW supercharger used on the 05 S alone is worth $2500.00 al the older ones have a much higher failure rate. my 02cents