--Edit-- 2004 vs 2005 only--

Hey guys, I am new here and looking to buy a Mini Cooper (Non-S). I have probably done at least 6 hours of research in the past couple of days trying to learn every possible thing I can about them and what to look for. I have gone to the dealership twice as well. The only answer I have yet to find a clear response to is whats titled in this thread. What are the changes between the 2004 and 2005 models? I know a few of the major ones but I want to know as much as possible.

If you guys could point me in the right direction or list out some stuff that would be awesome. . I am looking for a 2005 r50 at a dealership with around 60-70k miles, and I believe I could get one anywhere from $10,000-$12,000 cash. I definitely want the newest year possible, just wondering what features I could possibly lose by going to an older model. (02's are out of the picture, dealership service manager said shoot for 03+, and 06's are too much $)

Thanks! I hope to get a Mini soon and join in on all the fun.

 

I would go for an '05 at the earliest, simply for the better tranny.

 

Check out this link http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

I would buy an R50 that was BUILT in or after Jan 2005. Check the built date in drivers door jam.

 

i agree- definitely go with an 05+ mini. there are subtle improvements here and there; the tranny is a big one. wish i knew this before i bought my 03.

 

Awesome link autoxcooper! Thanks a lot. I think I could definitely get an 05 with 60k+ miles on it. All I'm concerned about was how the previous owner would have treated the clutch, which would be easier from a private party.

Alright just read that article, 05 it is. When did the Aux. input jack become standard? I'm not so worried about it though since you can install the $40 piece from the dealership yourself. Thanks!

 

It's supposed to be a pretty easy install. I let the dealer do it, though, because I bought my car new, and the additional cost was only pennies per serving.

 

Many have replaced clutches near 60K no matter what, some less some more. But it's a big job at home and at least 10 hours of labor at a shop. I would be sure and upgrade the whole clutch system when you do replace it. A quick test is in a flat parking lot/safe place, from a dead stop try and start moving in 2nd gear without touching the gas, if you can get moving the clutch as some life left.

I Love my R50, but wish if had been made in Jan 05 and not Sept 04

 

I read that the dealer charge $150 for the aux jack hookup. The service manager told me how easy the radio is to pull out, and I am pretty handy with that stuff, did a lot of it with my wrangler. I'll definitely do it myself even if it only saves $10 buck. (I'm only a teenager)

Thanks a lot for the clutch tip too! In theory if I get 12k for my Jeep, and can talk a mini down to 11k I will have a grand to store away for a future clutch job.

 

My 2005 r50 was built in Nov of 2004. I am curious what is different about an R50 built after Jan 05

 

Does anybody know any more details that make at 05 much better than an 04? That website outlined important things like getrag gearbox and new headlights. Do those two things make a big difference? I really want an 05 but there are none with higher mileage on them in my area to which I can afford.

 

hey i have a 2004 and my tranny runs perfect! 6 speed.

 

Fine but irrelevent. The OP is looking at R50's (not your R53) and this model had the 5-speed gearbox change from Midland to Getrag between 2004 and 2005.

- Mark

 

And even if it was an R50 with the Midlands 5-speed, an instance of one of these running perfectly says nothing about the genuine issue of a larger than normal instance of a part-specific failure.

 

So I take it the Gertrag 5-speed is significantly better than the Midlands?

The HID headlights with the halo's look a lot different but how different is the beam pattern and color?

There are more 04's around that I could possibly afford than 05's currently and I want to decide if I would be much better off with an 05. I have another month or so til I am ready to buy so hopefully more 05's will pop up.

 

ooohh i misread ! sorry. but one thing to state. i was reading on that page that said the rattles were still in the 2004. this was correct. i had rattles in the dash and the hatch and Motorwerks MINI got rid of them for free for me under warranty, i was surprised they would do 7 hours of labor for free just to remove a rattle. that was nice of them. so now it sounds perfect lol. even though my magnaflow would cover the rattle up anyways now.

but eitherway enjoy the R50!!!!!!!

 

Yeah definitely go 05-06 if you can. The tranny is much more reliable and there are a few other subtle changes, most of which escape me at the moment (the stereo unit is easier to work with in terms of add-ons, the dash is easier to take apart).

 

Everyone's experiences are anecdotal but my 2004 MCS is one of the most solid and rattle-free cars I've owned. And I've had only two warranty problems - steering rack leak and a window lift. Otherwise, it's been flawless. I do wish I had the more durable supercharger that came in the '05 - with a 15% pulley, I suspect I'll start seeing a drop in performance approaching 100K miles.

2005 was the year for the substantial changes in spec, but I think the 2002-2004 models were just a steady improvement in build quality.

- Mark

 

I've driven both Midlands and Getrag equipped R50s, and the newer Getrag just feels better, to my hand. Check out both and see what you think. It may not make a difference to you, but then again, it may.

 

Well I have an 03' mini...so far so good...I have heard the tranny's and something about windows were an issue for those year cars...well...I dont know, it gets me thinking...its been fine, its got 53K on it so far, should i run my chances and keep it or trade it in? I just saw an owner here of a 03 mini, more than 100,000 miles and still running...hmm.

 

I have only a short experience with manuals, and that was just learning how to drive one awhile back. I have yet to drive any r50 so I probably couldn't tell the difference in the feel of either gearbox. I like the Getrag more just from what I've read and that it states that it is smoother.

How are your headlights in your 05? Do they move as you turn through corners? (A guess based on how the round bulb unit looks.) And are they fairly white like newer car headlights? I can't find any night comparison pictures.

Thanks for all the input thus far!

 

No headlight turning feature. In fact no MINI has ever offered it.

My honest advice..... Get a 2005 or 2006 MCS. The R50 Cooper lacks a proper 6th gear for highway cruising....Too noisy and tiring.

Just my opinion.

 

Oh alright, I guess the round light bulb housing thing is for the self leveling feature. The only lights i have seen that look like that can move so thats why i guessed. I'm only 18 so an 05-06 MCS would be about 5k too much for me. I could get an older one but I would rather have an 05 justacooper for best fuel mileage and features.

How many RPM's would the 5 speed be turning at 70mph vs the 6spd? Furthest I ever go is 1-2hrs for paddling trips, and I want the best gas mileage so I won't be going 80.

 

I have an R50 and in 5th at 70 you are running about 3500 RPM. On the highway/expressway I try and run in 5th at 3000 RPM/63MPH for good MPG. My avg MPG 30 city and 35 HWY.

I also run 205/55 16's that are bigger then the stock 195/55 16's this helps with ride and better MPG. I do add air when I want to play hard or if I AutoX with them.

I think the 5th gear is fine for most 70 and under long runs. I have wished for a 6th gear in states with higher speed limits to help with the MPG's. When my 5 speed dies I'll put a 6 speed in my R50.

 

Great info, thanks! Thats good enough for me. Highway limit in SC is 65-70 in different places.

Alright so heres what I got so far about why the 05 is a better choice:
-new 5spd
-new HID Xenon headlamps
-larger door pockets
-more interior lighting
-restyled bumpers
-integrated reverse lamps instead of on the bumper

Anyone care to add any more noticeable things?

 

Revised bumper covers, head lights, 3 piece dashboard, revised tail lights, satellite ready antenna, "ambient" orange interior lighting, bigger power/volume radio ****, dual stage airbags with front passenger weight sensor (from January 2005 production onwards).

Aside from the Getrag 5-speed nothing else changed mechanically for the R50.

New colors, different style wheels among the changes as well.