I'm looking to buy an MCS. I looked at an 05 today that had 03-04 headlights and the old style 2 button key . It did have the newer tailights and the extra driver side visor. It's super clean with just 28K miles, but I'm kinda scared of it with the weird odds and ends on it.

 

The "2 button key" ? AFAIK The coopers have had 2 key styles the older that went until 2006 like this one, and then the ones 2007 till now that are round. The 2005's have the nice feature of never needing a new battery tho as they recharge while in the car

Did you take any pics to show us?

 

The old r53 keys (that needed batteries) were 2 button (up to 2004), and the newer rechargable (they charge by induction)2005+ keys are not compatible (3 buttons) with the silver MINI wing being one of the 3 buttons...the codes they transmit are VERY different....the newer style key was more advanced with a longer code...Maybe the keys were phased in on some early 2005's.....
or sounds like it might be built from a couple different cars......
Check the drivers side door data plate..it will list a production date by month+year....I would also check the VIN's in a few places (door, windshield, and passenger side strut tower are the quickest....

I have an reasonably early 05 S (11-04), and I have the newer style keys, newer style Xenon headlights+taillights, but lack the 2 stage airbags with the weight sensor...those were phased in, along with some interior changes in late December 2004.
All 2005's SHOULD have an updated SC (coated internally, like earlier JCW's) and updated gearing on the stick.

 

Zippy knows

I have an 05 also with the 3 button keys and currently being repaired 2 stage air bags . If you can do what Zippy said and match all the vins on the car - try running a carfax(even tho they miss half the stuff)

Are the tail lights & visor the only parts that seem to be 05+ things on it? Does it have the grey/black plastic filler in the bottom hole that used to be the reverse/rear fog light? Do all the body lines under the hood look straight? Did you see any paperwork on the car, or did the seller just say its a 05?

Hope it works out for the best for you, better to wait and find your love than settle and deal with issues for the rest of your relationship

 

All panel gaps look nice, it does have the black plastic filler piece in the rear bumper, and it seems to have the 05 gearing. Also the VIN# at the winshield says it's an 05, but I didnt check the other VIN. He showed me paperwork on some light repair work on the frontend, so I'm thinking the 03-04 headlights may have gotten popped in then, the airbags werent blown though. I'm going to give it a few days and work on a few other leads then maybe call him back. The low miles keep pulling me back.

 

Lot of "low" mile MINI pop up if you keep your eyes open....many folks have them for weekend only cars....and folks with that kinda $$ are starting to move onto newer stuff now....you should be careful though, some very low mile cars are used heavily for track and Auto-X, so they can be Very Hard miles...so a good inspection, and look at wear items like brake rotors are a good way to check for hard miles like this....

 

If in doubt, walk away SR-71. There are plenty of good MINIs in the world.

 

Yeah, I'm kicking myself for passing on the 04... Just one of those things

 

Don't kick yourself, you secretly knew that you wanted the 05-06 supercharger upgrade, this just may not be the right one. Hold out, you will find a gem.