Hey everyone. First post here. Im on the lookout for a used 05 or 06 cooper s. Ive found a few in my area, and a few worth driving to look at/get.. What im wondering is what options should I look for? I know I want the sun roof, heated seats, cruise, and power locks/windows. But I know there are alot of other basic options and "hidden" options to look out for... So what are they?? Ive also noticed two different ac units? Whats that about?
Thanks from a future mini owner,
Brett g

 

If you plan to do any competitive racing like AutoX or road courses, I would look for one with a Limited Slip Differential. Apart from that, the Harmon Kardon stereo option is just awesome. I love the sound of mine and will not consider going with any aftermarket sound system due to how well they sound. I also like my automatic AC unit. It allows me to set the exact temperature I want and the car will maintain that temperature, whether to blow cold or hot air.

 

Xenon (HID) headlights & Limited Slip Differential (LSD). I think the factory LSD wasn't offered until Jan.'05 built cars.

 

Ah yes...I forgot about the Xenon light. It's a must and was at the top of my requirements when I searched for my 06 MINI.

 

The two AC options are; Automatic and Manual. With the Automatic you set a temperature and the AC tries to maintain that temp. It is a nice feature.

There are various John Cooper Works (JCW) options available. The most common is the Engine option (Supercharger Pulley, Exhaust, Fuel Injectors, Air Intake, Cylinder Head, Spark Plugs, ECU Tune). Other JCW options are suspension (shorter springs and matched shocks - JCW springs are about 5/8" shorter and Red) and brakes (larger rotor and caliper - same as stock R56 brakes but JCW are Red). If you want more power than a normal S and do not want to do your own mods a JCW car is a nice way to go.

HID headlights are very nice. However, if you find a car that you want without HID lights, you can add brighter halogen bulbs to the stock lights.

In my opinion, Limited Slip Differental is a must.