R50/53 how do you tell what year a MINI is quickly?
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 189
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From: NC
how do you tell what year a MINI is quickly?
I am sure there is already a thread that discusses this, so if someone can point me to it...
I have tried several searches.
I am looking for ways to determine what year a MINI is visually. What are the major distinguishing characteristics... or are there any?
thanks.
I have tried several searches.
I am looking for ways to determine what year a MINI is visually. What are the major distinguishing characteristics... or are there any?
thanks.
02,03,04 look pretty much the same
05s have different tail light design and head light design, cooper bumpers on 05s look different
from the exterior it is difficult to distingush between the 02,03,04 years.... 04s have some new colors, but thats about it
05s have different tail light design and head light design, cooper bumpers on 05s look different
from the exterior it is difficult to distingush between the 02,03,04 years.... 04s have some new colors, but thats about it
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,406
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From: Northeast Ohio
It's hard from the outside, but if you can open the hood or the driver's side door, you can just check the mfg plate...
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5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 798
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte, NC
Glance inside
If you can glance inside, you can tell 05's from pre-05's by the 2-spoke steering wheel. The shape of the inset 2-tone leather seats changed at some point, and late 05's have the yellow low wiper fluid lamp on the end of the stalk.
It's possible that some wheels were not originally available early on, such as the paddle-wheels on 05's, but people may swap these around from different year models...
It's possible that some wheels were not originally available early on, such as the paddle-wheels on 05's, but people may swap these around from different year models...
Banned
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,848
Likes: 1
From: City of Angels, Cali
It's very hard to tell the 02,03,04 apart. The 05's are **** easy.
Here are a few ways to tell that a car is an 04 COOPER S, and not 02,03(having figured out it's not an 05).
If any of these are true, and it's not an 05, then it's definitely an 04.
- It has cordoba interior.
- It has digital speedo reading on trip computer.
- It's Pepper White.
Here is a way you can tell that it's definitely not an 02
- It has Antracite interior.
With just those clues, you can be fairly decent at calling the year. It's a fun game that I love to play.
Can anyone tell me what colours they definitley DIDNT have available in 02? That should help me get better at this.
Here are a few ways to tell that a car is an 04 COOPER S, and not 02,03(having figured out it's not an 05).
If any of these are true, and it's not an 05, then it's definitely an 04.
- It has cordoba interior.
- It has digital speedo reading on trip computer.
- It's Pepper White.
Here is a way you can tell that it's definitely not an 02
- It has Antracite interior.
With just those clues, you can be fairly decent at calling the year. It's a fun game that I love to play.
Can anyone tell me what colours they definitley DIDNT have available in 02? That should help me get better at this.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,848
Likes: 1
From: City of Angels, Cali
Originally Posted by Tarzan
If you can glance inside, you can tell 05's from pre-05's by the 2-spoke steering wheel.
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
Originally Posted by camelpilot
It's very hard to tell the 02,03,04 apart. The 05's are **** easy.
Here are a few ways to tell that a car is an 04 COOPER S, and not 02,03(having figured out it's not an 05).
If any of these are true, and it's not an 05, then it's definitely an 04.
- It has cordoba interior.
- It has digital speedo reading on trip computer.
- It's Pepper White.
Here is a way you can tell that it's definitely not an 02
- It has Antracite interior.
With just those clues, you can be fairly decent at calling the year. It's a fun game that I love to play.
Can anyone tell me what colours they definitley DIDNT have available in 02? That should help me get better at this.
Here are a few ways to tell that a car is an 04 COOPER S, and not 02,03(having figured out it's not an 05).
If any of these are true, and it's not an 05, then it's definitely an 04.
- It has cordoba interior.
- It has digital speedo reading on trip computer.
- It's Pepper White.
Here is a way you can tell that it's definitely not an 02
- It has Antracite interior.
With just those clues, you can be fairly decent at calling the year. It's a fun game that I love to play.
Can anyone tell me what colours they definitley DIDNT have available in 02? That should help me get better at this.
That's all I can recall right now....
Clover
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
Originally Posted by Funk_Flex
I believe the '03 cars doesn't have the cig lighter plug.
Clover
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,319
Likes: 94
From: Tsunami Zone
A work in progress ...
Chronology of MINI Changes
As far as telling '02s, '03s and '04s apart ... look at the VIN in the lower driver-side corner of the windshield ... the 10th digit (preceding the "T") is model year.
As far as telling '02s, '03s and '04s apart ... look at the VIN in the lower driver-side corner of the windshield ... the 10th digit (preceding the "T") is model year.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,848
Likes: 1
From: City of Angels, Cali
Originally Posted by MINIAC
Originally Posted by camelpilot
It's very hard to tell the 02,03,04 apart. The 05's are **** easy.
Here are a few ways to tell that a car is an 04 COOPER S, and not 02,03(having figured out it's not an 05).
If any of these are true, and it's not an 05, then it's definitely an 04.
- It has cordoba interior.
- It has digital speedo reading on trip computer.
- It's Pepper White.
Here is a way you can tell that it's definitely not an 02
- It has Antracite interior.
With just those clues, you can be fairly decent at calling the year. It's a fun game that I love to play.
Can anyone tell me what colours they definitley DIDNT have available in 02? That should help me get better at this.
Here are a few ways to tell that a car is an 04 COOPER S, and not 02,03(having figured out it's not an 05).
If any of these are true, and it's not an 05, then it's definitely an 04.
- It has cordoba interior.
- It has digital speedo reading on trip computer.
- It's Pepper White.
Here is a way you can tell that it's definitely not an 02
- It has Antracite interior.
With just those clues, you can be fairly decent at calling the year. It's a fun game that I love to play.
Can anyone tell me what colours they definitley DIDNT have available in 02? That should help me get better at this.
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 937
Likes: 1
From: New York City
Originally Posted by MINIclo
Mine does. BUT....and it's a big but, tee hee....the 03 lost the 12-volt plug in the boot, which was returned in 04 and 05!
Clover
Clover
. You'll have to excuse me b/c I just found out my Cooper S will depart Southampton tomorrow and arrive in NY on July 15. So I'm kinda hyped up right now 
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
Originally Posted by Funk_Flex
Oh yeah.....I forgot to type the part about the boot . You'll have to excuse me b/c I just found out my Cooper S will depart Southampton tomorrow and arrive in NY on July 15. So I'm kinda hyped up right now
. You'll have to excuse me b/c I just found out my Cooper S will depart Southampton tomorrow and arrive in NY on July 15. So I'm kinda hyped up right now 
Clover
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,319
Likes: 94
From: Tsunami Zone
Originally Posted by camelpilot
tells me that i have to log in. can you cut and paste plesae?
Click highlighted text for Press Release, News Article, FAQ or DIY$ = MSRP set or changed
+ = feature or option available
- = feature or option no longer available
# = feature or option changed
03/2002 = Launch of Cooper and Cooper S:+ = feature or option available
- = feature or option no longer available
# = feature or option changed
$ 16,300 for Cooper
$ 19,300 for Cooper S
# Front Suspension (eliminate "Pull Left" problem)
04/2002 = Beginning of ordering per customer specifications (June builds)$ 19,300 for Cooper S
# Front Suspension (eliminate "Pull Left" problem)
09/2002 = Start of production for 2003 model:
$ 16,425 for Cooper
$ 19,425 for Cooper S
+ Alarm System Pre-wiring
+ Interior Surface Anthracite
+ Interior Surface Silver (now available for Cooper S)
+ Satellite-Ready / Aux-Ready Radio
+ Second Remote Key
- Boot Power Outlet
10/2002 = Changes for 2003 model:$ 19,425 for Cooper S
+ Alarm System Pre-wiring
+ Interior Surface Anthracite
+ Interior Surface Silver (now available for Cooper S)
+ Satellite-Ready / Aux-Ready Radio
+ Second Remote Key
- Boot Power Outlet
+ Manual Boot Release
12/2002 = Changes for 2003 model:+ Alloy Pedals (Cooper S)
+ Harman Kardon Sound System
# Sport Steering Wheel (perforated leather wrap and thumb grips)
01/2003 = Changes for 2003 model:+ Harman Kardon Sound System
# Sport Steering Wheel (perforated leather wrap and thumb grips)
# Power Steering Fan (no longer shares electrical circuit with radiator fan)
03/2003 = Changes for 2003 model:# Body Colors:
04/2003 = Sirius Satellite Radio available (dealer install)+ Solid Gold
- Silk Green
- Silk Green
05/2003 = Changes for 2003 model:
# Shock Absorbers (oil viscosity and valve structure)
06/2003 = JCW Kit available (dealer install)09/2003 = Start of production for 2004 model:
$ 16,449 for Cooper
$ 19,449 for Cooper S
$ Options:
# Body Colors:
# Seat Upholstery:
10/2003 = Rear Fog Lights available (dealer install)$ 19,449 for Cooper S
$ Options:
+50 for CVT
+50 for Leather Upholstery
+50 for Premium Package
+50 for Sport Package
+ Boot Power Outlet+50 for Leather Upholstery
+50 for Premium Package
+50 for Sport Package
# Body Colors:
- Velvet Red
+ Pepper White (now available for Cooper S)
# On Board Computer (instantaneous fuel consumption feature added)+ Pepper White (now available for Cooper S)
# Seat Upholstery:
+ Cordoba Beige Soft Leather (now available for Sport Seats)
# Tachometer Digital Display (speed readout added)10/2003 = Changes for 2004 model:
# Power Steering Fan (protection grill added)
12/2003 = Changes for 2004 model:+ Rear Fog Lights
# Sport Steering Wheel (3-spoke instead of 2-spoke)
01/2004 = Changes for 2004 model:# Sport Steering Wheel (3-spoke instead of 2-spoke)
$ 19,899 for Cooper S
# Exhaust Hangers (parallel versus perpendicular for Cooper S)
04/2004 = Limited production model available:# Exhaust Hangers (parallel versus perpendicular for Cooper S)
$ 27,000 for Cooper S MC40
07/2004 = Start of production for 2005 model:$ 20,950 for Cooper Convertible
$ 24,400 for Cooper S Convertible
$ Options:
+ Chrome Line Exterior
+ Chrome Line Interior
+ Chrome Mirror Caps
+ Chrono Gauge Pack
+ Interior Surface Body Color (except Cooper Hardtop)
+ Universal Garage Door Opener
- Rear Fog Lights
# Body Colors:
# Clock (switchable time / odometer display on speedometer)
# Dash (3-piece replaces 5-piece)
# Engine Power (+7 hp / +7 lb/ft for Cooper S)
# Exhaust Sound (burble on deceleration for Cooper S)
# Grill (3-slats with smooth surround)
# Headlights and Taillights
# Manual Transmission (Getrag replaces Midland Gears for Cooper)
# Manual Transmission Gearing (better acceleration)
# Seat Upholstery:
09/2004 = Changes for 2005 model:$ 24,400 for Cooper S Convertible
$ Options:
+20 for Metallic Paint
+50 for Premium Package
+50 for Sport Package
+ Anthracite Headliner +50 for Premium Package
+50 for Sport Package
+ Chrome Line Exterior
+ Chrome Line Interior
+ Chrome Mirror Caps
+ Chrono Gauge Pack
+ Interior Surface Body Color (except Cooper Hardtop)
+ Universal Garage Door Opener
- Rear Fog Lights
# Body Colors:
+ Astro Black (Cooper)
- Cosmos Black
+ Cool Blue (Convertible)
+ Hyper Blue (Cooper S)
- Indi Blue
+ Hot Orange (Convertible)
+ Black-Eye Purple (Purple Haze)
# Bumpers (front and rear for Cooper)- Cosmos Black
+ Cool Blue (Convertible)
+ Hyper Blue (Cooper S)
- Indi Blue
+ Hot Orange (Convertible)
+ Black-Eye Purple (Purple Haze)
# Clock (switchable time / odometer display on speedometer)
# Dash (3-piece replaces 5-piece)
# Engine Power (+7 hp / +7 lb/ft for Cooper S)
# Exhaust Sound (burble on deceleration for Cooper S)
# Grill (3-slats with smooth surround)
# Headlights and Taillights
# Manual Transmission (Getrag replaces Midland Gears for Cooper)
# Manual Transmission Gearing (better acceleration)
# Seat Upholstery:
- Panther Black Kaleido Cloth
- Tartan Red Kaleido Cloth
+ Panther Black Octagon Cloth (Cooper Standard Seats)
+ Grey Space Cloth (now available for Cooper Sport Seats)
+ Tartan Red Octagon Cloth+Leather (Hardtop Sport Seats)
+ Blue/Orange Sunrise Cloth+Leather (Convertible Sport Seats)
- Panther Black Profile Leather
- Emerald Green Natural Leather
+ Dark Blue Gravity Leather (Convertible Sports Seats)
+ Grey Leatherette
- Tartan Red Kaleido Cloth
+ Panther Black Octagon Cloth (Cooper Standard Seats)
+ Grey Space Cloth (now available for Cooper Sport Seats)
+ Tartan Red Octagon Cloth+Leather (Hardtop Sport Seats)
+ Blue/Orange Sunrise Cloth+Leather (Convertible Sport Seats)
- Panther Black Profile Leather
- Emerald Green Natural Leather
+ Dark Blue Gravity Leather (Convertible Sports Seats)
+ Grey Leatherette
- Anthracite Headliner
10/2004 = Changes for 2005 model: + Rear Fog Light
11/2004 = Upgraded JCW Kit available (dealer install)01/2005 = Changes for 2005 model:
$ 16,950 for Cooper
$ 21,450 for Cooper Convertible
$ 20,400 for Cooper S
$ 24,900 for Cooper S Convertible
$ Options:
+ Auto Headlights
+ Automatic Transmission (Cooper S)
+ Convenience Package
+ Limited Slip Differential (Cooper S manual transmission)
# Body Colors:
03/2005 = Changes for 2005 model:$ 21,450 for Cooper Convertible
$ 20,400 for Cooper S
$ 24,900 for Cooper S Convertible
$ Options:
+30 for Chrome Mirrors
+50 for Chrono Gauge Pack
+10 for Fog Lights
+30 for Sport Seats
+ Anthracite Headliner+50 for Chrono Gauge Pack
+10 for Fog Lights
+30 for Sport Seats
+ Auto Headlights
+ Automatic Transmission (Cooper S)
+ Convenience Package
+ Limited Slip Differential (Cooper S manual transmission)
# Body Colors:
+ Hyper Blue (now available for Cooper)
+ Armrest
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 98
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The VIN will tell you. As posted earlier, the tenth digit...just before the T is the year model of the car. After 2009 that will become a letter and it will be harder to decipher, but right now the number is the year.
Good Luck
Good Luck
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: NC
is there a class for this?
that is a comprehensive list that MINIAC posted.
Everyone has had some good input on this. I do find it very challenging to determine what year a MINI is by just looking. The steering wheel is usually a good indicator
You would have thought MINI would have made some more distinguishing features to tell them apart. I guess they will in '07.
I guess if something ain't broke, don't fix it.
Everyone has had some good input on this. I do find it very challenging to determine what year a MINI is by just looking. The steering wheel is usually a good indicator
You would have thought MINI would have made some more distinguishing features to tell them apart. I guess they will in '07.
I guess if something ain't broke, don't fix it.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
I don't think anyone's mentioned this yet:
- '02 model years have the rubber pedal covers.
I pride myself on being able to distinguish between any and all MY MINIs. I think it's fun and do it ever year at the Dragon. :smile:
- '02 model years have the rubber pedal covers.
I pride myself on being able to distinguish between any and all MY MINIs. I think it's fun and do it ever year at the Dragon. :smile:
Originally Posted by NOCLWNS
I don't think anyone's mentioned this yet:
- '02 model years have the rubber pedal covers.
I pride myself on being able to distinguish between any and all MY MINIs. I think it's fun and do it ever year at the Dragon. :smile:
- '02 model years have the rubber pedal covers.
I pride myself on being able to distinguish between any and all MY MINIs. I think it's fun and do it ever year at the Dragon. :smile:
because i have a 10/02 build 03 MCS and i have rubber pedals
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: SE Michigan
Now I don't know if this was a custom job (I certainly wouldn't have PAID to have this done), but there's an '05 (methinks) in the parking lot @ work, it's grill has the cheesy, honeycomb plastic, with no slats whatsoever. That was the BIG clue to me. I like the 3-slat look, and if this is a change, I'm seriously bummed.