My 2005 has the battery in the boot, did they move it in newer models? If so, then what year did they move it? And where to? Thanks!

 

GEN2 battery is in the engine compartment, pass' side, under a piece of plastic cowl near the windshield

 

or at least that's where I left it last...

 

I went to the local dealer, looks like they made more space for it up front.... Why oh why did they put it in the back on Gen 1's?

 

The 1st gen non-S Cooper has the battery in front. The S was developed later and has essentially the same engine with a supercharger bolted on (some other differences but they are minor). They couldn't fit the supercharger and had to relocate the battery to the rear to make enough room.

The different versions of 2nd gen engines were planned out more in advance and they didn't have to resort to such drastic measures.

 

Ah, makes sense. It's funny.... so many things are designed so well, and then some things seem to have little thought to them.... the cup holders for example...