As I patiently wait for my new car to arrive, I've been perusing the various aftermarket vendors. I notice that lots of them have stuff listed for model years 2002-2004 but specifically say will not fit '05's. What were the major differences added then? Also, I can't find it listed anywhere in official Mini literature, but I'm guessing that the factory xenons are for low beam only with the high beams halogen? Or are they bi-xenon as BMW's have been for several years now? thanks.

 

Main differences in aftermarket parts for 05s are for the intakes and exhaust. Intakes for the MC are a bit different because MINI made a small change. Current intakes need a little adjustment to fit. Basically the intake tube needs to be bent slightly. A MCSa will not fit the currently available ALTA intake hose. This is due to the length and twist in the hose and 2 instead of one inlet on the side of the hose. Otherwise the intake w/o hose and every other intake for the MCS will fit.

Exhaust, the 2 inner hangers (next to the battery box) on the MCS are turned. I don't know why they did this and can make for some small adjustment when installing an exhaust.

I'm not aware of many other major mechanical changes that would mean aftermarket parts wouldn't fit on a 05.

MINI's Xenons are the low beams. The high beams are H7 Halogen bulbs. Most BMWs I believe use this configurarion. Many VWs and other use Bi-xenons.

I hope this helps:smile:

 

One area I came across is with the tail lights. I was looking at purchasing aftermarket lights (either all clear or tinted) and found that all of the available ones only fit 02 - 04s. Apparently in '05 they changed the rear light assembly in some way.

Also, reverse/back-up lights are now in the tail light assembly instead of a single light in the center of the rear bumper. There's now a piece of oval plastic there now.

Another stock difference - 05 rear turn signals are red, 02 - 04 are yellow.

Other differences anyone?

John

 

I think this great article by Gabe of Motoringfile will help settle many of the questions of the 05s.


http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/08/...over_the_years