I just bought a used 05 MCS blue w/ black top / black racing stripe. It has 59K miles on it and it's a great addition to my stable. I love it!!

Packages:

Navigation
Harmon Kardon
Moonroof
Sports Pacakge
Blue & Black Leather

I've been trying to find this color combo for a year now and I finally stumbled upon one at a Dealer in San Jose.


I have a couple of questions for you Mini experts...

I have 59K miles on it, is there a 60K miles mandatory maintenance? On my EVO IX, the 60K service is mandatory because of the timing belt. Does the Mini have something like that?

I saw the CarFax and it says that the car was Inspected by BMW of Mountain View at 54k miles. But, what the hell does that mean, you know? Inspected could mean anything..

The button to the left of the Navigation, parallel to the emergency blinkers, what does that button do? I press it and nothing happens..

Here are some crappy Iphone photos..

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!!!

 

Oh yeah, when I bought my car the dealer only had one key. Where is the cheapest place to buy a Mini Cooper key?

 

The button you are referring to is the instrument lights dimmer switch. Touch and hold it and the lights will brighten. Tap it repeatedly and the lights will dim. Keep tapping until they are as dim as you want. However, the dimmest they go is not dim enough, IMHO, so I keep them on the dimmest position all the time.

Nice MCS, BTW. I like the color combo and the two-tone seats.

 

Nice color combo, and it looks like it's well optioned. There's no timing belt to worry about, so perhaps you'll just want to have an oil change done, check the air filter and fluids, and motor on.

 

Thanks!!

 

Great color combo Congrats on your new ride!!

 

Thanks guys!

I really didn't want the moonroof, but since I've been looking for this color combo w/ matching interior for a year. I decided to just go for it..

 

wow really nice mini wish you luck i have a 2006 like that except with white stripes good luck with it

 

Congrats, LOVE the color combination, and the nav!

 

The inspection may refer to the 2nd inspection which is outlined in the Owner's Manual. That inspection would be due based on the operation of the MINI and the OBC telling the owner when it was due (assuming the codes were reset each time properly). When you turn on the key, for a moment the odometer will tell you what is up next and the mileage to that service, for example Oil Change in XX,XXX miles. If you call the dealer you mentioned they can tell you what was really done. I'm not familiar with the NAV and how that may change where the MINI talks to you.

I suggest the oil change, filter, etc. as mentioned already.

 

Very sweet ride! I also have a 2005 MCS with 50K miles that I bought brand new almost 4 years ago and I am still loving the car. It looks like yours was well taken care of by the previous owner.

Enjoy and don't hesitate to ask questions to us "Veterans".

In regards to the key.... I believe a replacement key can only be obtained from your MINI dealer and retails between $150-$200 a piece (Yes those keys are very expensive). In addition to the missing second remote key, they selling dealer should also have given you a small plastic "Wallet" key for emergencies. When ordering the key from the dealer you need to provide a copy of the registration of the vehicle and your driver's license for security purposes.

 

Very nice ride! Don't forget to wave to us! VASCoop already explained the button you were referring to. In regards to reaching 60k, I would highly suggest inspecting and/or replacing the drive belt if it is the original. The belt doesn't last much longer depending on use and is better to replace prior to it starting to sleep/squeal/break. The belt is supposed to be replaced at the "Inspection II" interval which on my 2003 MCS happened around 60-65k although as stated above your car will tell you when the next maintenance is due. Sometimes if you login to the MINI Owner's Lounge it will tell you what maintenance it has received or needs to be performed.

 

Thanks for the compliments and the help guys!

The MCS is amazing, I was taking some long sweeping high speed turns and the car feels as stable as my EVO IX in the grip department. It as amazing!

I swear my entry speed and the momentum that I'm building through the turn is just like my EVO IX.

 

congrats! may i ask how much you purchased it for? and was it from a dealer or a private party? my ex is interested in a cooper also. i finally have a convert!

 

I've always had a thing against buying a used car from a dealer. But, they had the exact one I wanted. So, I went for it.

I know I probably could of gotten it cheaper from a Private party, but getting the MCS is more important than the little money I would save.

I got it for $19K sticker, $21,000 out the door.

The dealer wanted $23,500 out the door. We negotiated for like 2 hours about the price because I definitely was not going to pay $23.5K OTD.

 

Man, the markup of used MINIs in California is incredible!

 

Everything in California is expensive, especially in the SF Bay Area..

 

congrats! As I live in the same area would be happy to fill you in on any details about your "new" MINI or go for a run through the twisties. pm me if you want.

 

about the keys
only MINIUSA and the dealer can issue keys. I believe there are only 6 made per vehicle and you are issued 2 regular and one plastic emergency key when purchased new. the selling dealer has one back up and MINI keeps the other 2 to sell to you if needed. I am going off memory from when I bought mine in 04 from Mini of Mt View.
If you need service East Bay is the dealer of choice!

 

Nice find !! I bought my '05 S from a local used car dealer in 2006 for $22,000 so you got a good deal considering these cars hold their value very well.

As far as the key is concerned, I had the same problem. You can either go to a MINI dealer and pay $150 for the key, plus an additional $50 for the programming, or some people have had luck buying a blank key off ePay and taking it in to a dealer, or at least I've heard. But as far as I know it'll still be pricey because they have to have it cut. Stick to the dealer is what I'd suggest.

Again, congrats on the car. Very nice looking.

 

Enjoy!

 

Congrats! Looks exactly like mine on the outside but the inside is where it changes a bit. I've got the chrome instruments and no NAV. Same seats.
LOVE my MCS. Good luck with yours. :-)

 

Oh my!

I just bought a new key from Mini of Mountain View for $200 bucks.

I just got bent over.. LOL

 

yup.. but.. that is what they cost..

we all get bent

 

Holy Crap! They've got some serious cohones!

I bought my fairly well equiped 06' with 14 miles on it for $25K out-the-door.

I'm glad I got a new car ...I don't think I could afford a used one.