I was at MINI of Nashvilles homecoming today so I took advantage of the trip to check out the 05's. The first thing I noticed was that the leatherette and cloth had a lot more cushion than mine and other 03's I have sat in. In my MCS, the lower part of the seat seems thinner and the bolsters, if that's what they call the sides that go up, push firm against my legs. The new seats aren't like this. The lower part seems thicker and the bolsters don't press as hard against my legs. Don't get me wrong, they are very comfortable. Sort of like a mold into the seat type of feel.

What I am curious about is I remember back in early 03 there were a lot of people that didn't care much for the harsh ride of the MINI. It was mentioned that MINI made a suspension change to correct this. But after sitting in the 05 seats, I'm just wondering if MINI just added more cushion to the seats to make up for the rough ride some didn't care for. If that's not the case, when did the seats change?

 

Hmmm Never saw the diff between the 03 and the 05. I do know they changed the shocks in the S around from 04 to 05 I believe it was. Or 03 to 04. Not to sure on that one. Does your Mini have regular seats or the sport seats?

 

Yes indeed, the lower cushion of the seats for '05s built since January 2005 were changed to accomodate for the new "Intelligent" airbag system, particuraly for the front passenger seat. The seat now features weight sensors in the lower cushion, which determine whether the seat is being occupied or not (To either automatically activate or deactivate the front passenger airbags) and if someone seats there, the computer detects the individual's body weight and adjusts the rate of airbag force deployment accordingly. This is why MINI recommeds against using seat covers in MINIs built since 1/2005 equipped with the intelligent airbag system.

Also the leatherette material seems richer looking/feeling in the new cars as well.

 

Ahh that could be why I didn't really notice the diff. My Mini was a Dec build 05.

 

The changed the shocks as of Mat 2003 built MINIs... I remember VERY clearly because I missed it. I got my car March 2003.

 

Are the sensors in the drivers side seat as well? Kind of a no-brainer that the drivers seat is occupied if the vehicle is being operated... I only ask because my driver's seat feels too bulky underneath, and am wondering if it is related to this.


_Dave_

 

'fraid the advanced airbags are not in Dec builds, started in Jan:

http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/01/29/advanced_airbags

 

I took delivery on my 2005 MCS just three month's ago and besides the mini I rode in back in 1966, I can surely say the seats have gotten better.

One of the first things my wife said going back to Louisville KY after picking up my mini in Cincinatti OH, was "these are the most uncomforatable seats she ever sat in". I thought they were different, not uncomfortable.

We just got back from a two week vacation after driving about 2000 miles, and never heard any complaints. I guess she changed her mind. You know, women can do that. By the way, drive "The Tail of the Dragon" outside Robbinsville NC, it is an INCREDIBLE drive.

 

There are sensors in both seats to make sure they only open with enough force to stop you. The more weight, the more force they open with. So yes, the driver seat has a sensor too.