I’ve seen things here and there about the new 2004 MINI cooper S that are different from the 2002-2003. Could some one list the differences before I decide to buy some presents for my car before it come.

What I have heard:
-New Exhaust hanger’s position
-Short shifter is different
-Brake sensor???

Thanks

 

The exhaust change I can confirm first-hand & I'll be posting some pictures tonight of the difference.

In addition, I've heard new MINI's are getting an improved windshield, but I haven't been able to confirm this yet.

_________________
'04 MCS w/ 16" SSR's wrapped in Yoko's!

 

Improved windshield, per what I've seen- the 2004's supposivadely had
a system designed to "produce less A-pillar flex", and a rolling change is
supposed to be a stronger laminate for the windshield. If the sucker does
break, get PPG glass! Many less stress-cracks on the PPG 'shields. Tho
some cases are still popping up, even on the PPG

 

does anyone know if EBC "greensutff" Brake Pads fit on 2004 MCS. They are listed for 2002-2003 MCS?

 

>>I’ve seen things here and there about the new 2004 MINI cooper S that are different from the 2002-2003. Could some one list the differences before I decide to buy some presents for my car before it come.
>>
>>What I have heard:
>>-New Exhaust hanger’s position
>>-Short shifter is different
>>-Brake sensor???
>>
>>Thanks
>>
Don't forget the revised suspension shocks that afford a more complaint ride quality without losing the trademark handling dynamics the car is known for. Actually the revised shocks were added sometime during the middle part of the 2003 model year.

Most 2002 MINIs have the old and firmer shock absorbers. The '02s and early '03s ride much harder than the '04s with the same exact suspensions and tires.

My '02 Cooper CVT in spite of having std suspension and 15" non-runflat tires and lightweight rims, rides like a buckboard in comparison to my '04 MCS with SS+ suspension and 16" runflats.

 

There are many differences in the '04 MINIs when compared to the 2002's and 2003's but here are a few more:


1) Digital LCD speed readout in the tach (Regardless of ordering the trip computer or not)

2) Added prompt for instant fuel consumption in the Trip Computer

3) Higher quality, scratch resistant plastic panels for the front seatbacks.

4) Thicker "U-ring" in the boot hatch to prevent rattles when hatch is closed

5) 2 extra rubber bumper stops in the rear hatch door opening (The 2002's don't have these)


6) Boot 12V jack (Added in 2002, discontinued in '03 and re-introduced in '04)

7) Stronger metal front door hinges (Black color versus dull metal for the old ones)

Under bonnet rubber strips (One of each side towards the center front of the under bonnet) to prevent paint rubbing and peeling when the bonnet lid is closed.

9) Non-rattly front door windows. In the old 2002 MINIs, the glass use to rattle when opening the doors. The factory added extra stops to the glass, so when you open the door, the glass does not rattle. Door feels more solid when opened. (Note: There is a retrofit MINI kit to help solve this problem in older build MINIs)

10) Quieter ventilation system fan. The A/C in my '04 MCS cools down the cabin quickier and quieter than the fan in my '02 Cooper CVT. I have manual A/C in both cars.

11) Revised outside vent grilles at the base of the windshield.

12) Stronger halogen lights

13) Revised seatbelt housing on each b-pillar to prevent rattles.

14) Better interior build quality. Less to almost non-existant rattles

15) Revised, non-leaking coolant bottle.




_________________
'02 Cooper CVT PW/B, MFSW, CD Boost, 15" 8-Spoke silver wheels.
'04 MCS CR/W, UJ Roof Flag, Aux Input, HK, Sport MFSW, Rain sensing, Auto dim mirror, 16" silver V-spoke wheels, Chrome grille, Chrome mirrors, OBC, front fogs.

 

YAYE :smile:

Im glad i order now. It seems that it has gotten better. Well anyone with the info on the Greenstuff brakes would be greatly appreicated (do they fit 2004?).

Thanks

 

* The steering wheel on the 04' is much better. It has perforated leather and little nubs for your thumbs.
* The self leveling Xenons now level as soon as the car is on with the driving lights. They seem to either level out less or do it more smoothly.
* We can get a full row of toggles with the rear fog lamps
* Lighter socket in the back again
* Follow me home lights are activated by pulling the brights after car is off (much better)
* and probably much more that I can't think of...

 

drool... only one week left to wait....

 

>>Well anyone with the info on the Greenstuff brakes would be greatly appreicated (do they fit 2004?).

I have Mintex on my 2004. As the Mintex pads, Greenstuff will fit on the 04 without any problem. The only difference is the 04 comes with brake pad sensors for left front and right rear wheels. The pads will fit fine but there's no sensor connection. Most people just zip tie the connection cord and not worry about the sensor.

 

>>drool... only one week left to wait....

Well arent you lucky
:evil: Ive waited 7 weeks already, and there are still 7 to go.

 

>>>>drool... only one week left to wait....
>>
>>Well arent you lucky
>> :evil: Ive waited 7 weeks already, and there are still 7 to go.

Only 2 days left for me.

 

The current Green Stuff pads from EBC have the brake sensor provision on the front and the new rears with the sensor provision are being delivered to the USA this week.

 

I also live in Orange County and recently got a 2004 S. If you want to compare the differences, let me know. I am curious myself.

 

>>drool... only one week left to wait....


Still have to wait 5 more long months, been waiting for over 2 months already.

 

>>* The steering wheel on the 04' is much better. It has perforated leather and little nubs for your thumbs.

My Jan '03 build MCS has both the perforated leather and the thumb grips. The 'sport wheel' was introduced late in '02 on '03 build cars. What's new about the wheel in the '04's is the three spoke design and MF buttons on the front not the rear. I prefer the looks of the 2 spoke, and I love the buttons on the rear, but that's just my own personal preference.

 

I got the 3 MFSW, and from what I've been told, it lacks two buttons from the 2 spoke model. Any confirmations on what those two buttons do? I also learned that the horn is actually the center of the wheel cap on the 3 spoke, as opposed to the buttons on the two spoke? Is that true?

 

The engine mount changed on the right side of the car starting with December '03 builds. It is an aluminumn casting now.

 

May 1st That's how much longer I have to wait. It's just killing me. Last night took the wife out to dinner. Went for a walk after in the local out door mall, low and behold what do I see? Yeppers you guessed it, a DKS/W - MCS under the lights. This car was really nice! We just stared at it. I felt like that guy in the commercial, where the guy just stands there, looking, watching, & WAITING!!! 3 more weeks!

I’m 6’1” 300 LBS when I look at that car it just makes me laugh that I fit in it, comfortably…

PS congrats on you're getting you're MCS, stay safe.
HG

 

>>I got the 3 MFSW, and from what I've been told, it lacks two buttons from the 2 spoke model. Any confirmations on what those two buttons do? I also learned that the horn is actually the center of the wheel cap on the 3 spoke, as opposed to the buttons on the two spoke? Is that true?

No, there's the same amount of controls. There are 10 buttons on the 2 spoke, and 8 on the 3 spoke, but remember, 2 of those on the 2 spoke are the horn buttons.

I've got the 3 spoke MFSW also, and I am SO glad I did. Whenever I see a 2 spoker I think it really takes away from the interior. Not to mention it belongs in an old Ford F-150!!

 

Just finished installing the short shifter and it's definitely different. The shifter link housing box under the car looks different and it's black color instead of white. The shifter cable link is a little beefier in diameter. The socket portion of the link no longer has the plastic retainer piece, but rather all metal in construction. I guess too many people break the plastic piece when installing the short shifter.

 

The 3-spoke MFSW does not have the ability to switch the mode of the head unit; i.e. radio, CD, changer, etc. Other than that the functionality is the same as the 2-spoke.

 

If you think the "2 spoke" wheel belongs in a Ford F-150 pick-up truck, I think you need to look again as the new F-150 has a "3 spoke" wheel, standard.


So you were saying?

 

>>It has higher quality perforated leather for a sporty look and better grip, meanwhile the leather covering in the 3-spoke is the same exact smooth out and thinner leather material as found in the original 2 spoke steering wheel.
>>

Not true, the current 3-spokes have the perforated leather, not the smooth.

 

>>
>>>>It has higher quality perforated leather for a sporty look and better grip, meanwhile the leather covering in the 3-spoke is the same exact smooth out and thinner leather material as found in the original 2 spoke steering wheel.
>>>>
>>
>>Not true, the current 3-spokes have the perforated leather, not the smooth.

Last Thrusday night, a new member of our club, brought over his brand new '04 CR/W MINI Cooper 5-speed equipped with the 3-spoke leather MFSW steering wheel. He did not have the perforated leather, but the smooth leather surface. I saw it and touched it.

Perhaps the 3-spoke with the perforated leather is exclusive to the MCS?