Thought I'd start a thread with some comparision pics. I've only done two so far -- the grill and the headlights. Based on various pics I've come across. If you come up with better pics, let me know and I'll swamp them out.

Old Grill:


New Grill:


Old Headlight:


New Headlight:


I'll post more soon.

 

Old tail light:


New tail light:


Old handle:


New handle:

 

I much prefer the current headlight and tailight assembly over the new one for 2005. All the other posted changes are OK by me.


Don't forget to post a pic of the current MINI key and the new '05 MINI key.

 

New key:

(From Motoring File)

I can't find a picture of the old key. Anyone have one handy?

 

Old dash:


New dash: (with optional center chrono gauge)

 

Old rearview mirror: (ignore the trick ipod modification)


New rearview mirror: (from cabrio, so it also includes roof controls; it is bigger, though)

 

>>I much prefer the current headlight and tailight assembly over the new one for 2005. All the other posted changes are OK by me.

Agreed. Those new headlights look kind of ricey to me.

 

>>>>I much prefer the current headlight and tailight assembly over the new one for 2005. All the other posted changes are OK by me.
>>
>>Agreed. Those new headlights look kind of ricey to me.
I believe I saw the 2005 headlight rings on the current E46 and they are called demon eyes.

I saw those on the web. They look kinda cool..

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html...ODUCT_ID=DDE46

 

The new "photon blaster ray gun" headlights just don't go well with the rest of the car. Same with the new taillights, they're also out of place on the MINI's classic retro inspired shape.

I personally prefer the old "split" dash to the new continuous one.

I do like the new grill a lot though.

 

I'm glad I got an 04!

 

The new headlights look very plastic. Definitely a step in the wrong direction in my book. Still waiting for an all wheel drive 220 hp R32 fighter! Now that's an upgrade!

 

How is the grill different? I just don't see it.

 

>>How is the grill different? I just don't see it.

Is smooth instead of "creased" like the current one.

 

What an awesome post - that was great.

AND, you have dwindled away my dissonance of ordering the 04 a month ago as opposed to waiting for the 05. I even like the old grill better. In EVERY pic, I like the 04 better.

THANK YOU!

 

>>>>How is the grill different? I just don't see it.
>>
>>Is smooth instead of "creased" like the current one.

I replaced the grill image with a larger (huge, actually) picture so the differences are clearer. Apologies to any dial-up folks; most of the other pics are pretty small, though.

 

>>>>How is the grill different? I just don't see it.
>>
>>Is smooth instead of "creased" like the current one.

So, it's just the chrome surround on the grill, correct?

 

I like the speedo in the center of the dash,can you have it there? Any one know
Thanks

on a MC
Thanks

 

gt6: Yes, as I understand it.

lot15: Yes, the chrono gauge is an option, like the navigator, that pushes the speedo to the wheel. If you don't get the chrono, the speedo stays center.

 

>>
>>gt6: Yes, as I understand it.
>>
>>lot15: Yes, the chrono gauge is an option, like the navigator, that pushes the speedo to the wheel. If you don't get the chrono, the speedo stays center.

>>Thanks

 

>>Old rearview mirror: (ignore the trick ipod modification)
>>

Please, please tell me that isn't a photshop trick? I will pay ANY amount of money for such a mod....

Who/What/Where/When/How?

Thanks!

 

Yet more! (Only applicable to MC, not MCS.)

Old front bumper:


New front bumper:


Old rear bumper:


New rear bumper:

 

>>I'm glad I got an 04!
>>
I concur!

 

>>>>>>How is the grill different? I just don't see it.
>>>>
>>>>Is smooth instead of "creased" like the current one.
>>
>>So, it's just the chrome surround on the grill, correct?
Yes.

 

I am glad to have both a '02 and '04...."The real articles"

 

>>>>Old rearview mirror: (ignore the trick ipod modification)
>>>>[image]
>>
>>Holy S**T!!!!!!
>>
>>Please, please tell me that isn't a photshop trick? I will pay ANY amount of money for such a mod....
>>
>>Who/What/Where/When/How?
>>
>>Thanks!

Details on that trick ipod mod here.

And for my part, I don't mind the modifications that much. I don't like the MC bumper change, but I'm not getting an MC. I don't mind the front lights and I actually kinda like the rear lights (heresy, I know). I like the dash, especially the color dash option. And I like the grill change, but that isn't that major.

I'm tempted to bump my June build order by a month to get the better mechanics (gear ratio, supercharger, exhaust, ECU).