Is it possible to visually differentiate between the MCS 2002 and 2003?

 

Essentially no. The only way you could tell is by color. 2002 had silk green which is being phased out while 2003 introduced the gold (and some kind of god aweful candy blue). From my understanding the bodies, glass, lights etc are the same. There are some interior options that are new the for the 2003 model year as well.

Motor On.

 

To concur....color is the main difference....
Besides that awful Candy Blue ..is an equally awful ....Metalic Black....which I saw in person at Hassell Mini on long Island.
I also saw the anthracite as I mentioned in an earlier post, and was not impressed.
All in all the 2002/2003 are for all intense and purposes ..interchangeable.
Automatic wipers, mp3 compatability... are a few addons that come to mind for the 2003.
The $125 price increase, is .....a horrible new option... if you ask me !!!!!!
I'll keep my 2002....thank you very much.... and maybe go for a 2004/5 ....if they add a few...more interesting options.
Let's start with a 200+ horsepower engine, ample room for 19" wheels, ......to name a few

_________________
2002 MCS:pure silver/black top,lapis int.,all pkgs,17"ROH rims,

 

The 2003 also get a second remote key. If you think about it, the $125 increase for the car is worth it. From what i was reading in past forums, people were ordering a second key for their cars and paying that amount alone for the key only! Getting it programmed was another $50 or $60!

 

> people were ordering a second key for their cars and paying that amount alone for the key only! Getting it programmed was another $50 or $60!

Second key? That would mean someone else was driving "my" MINI. Get another MINI, not a key!