Hey everybody hope all of you are doing well i am started to look to find a mini. i want a mini cooper s 2006 or a 2005. i am curious on what the difference is between the 2005 and 2006. also would like to find one with less than 70,000 miles on it, what are somethings i should look for when looking at one. thanks for your input in advance!

 

I want to say the 2006's had an limited slip diff and that the gear ratios are a little closer together so that you get better acceleration. Other than that I don't think there's tons of differences between the 05 and the 06.

As far as that it's general mini stuff. Check out modmini on youtube, he has tons of videos, including a great one for things to look for when buying a used mini.

 

LSD was an option, so not all late R53s had one.
The gear ratios are a little shorter from 7/2004 - 2006 compared to earlier 6-speeds.
2005 and 2006 are pretty damn similar.

 

Here's the link to the video racinguy mentioned. If you buy a Mini this guy has a video on how to fix everything

We're pretty lucky, there's a lot of other car video how to's, but mod mini does it better than most.

 

2006 is the only year with factory installed JCW kit, so if you are going to autocross the ONLY year that can run in DStreet with JCW kit is the 2006

I own an 05 and an 06 and that's the only difference I've found, both 05 & 06 could have had an LSD but only the last few months of 05 had that option available.

the airbag seat sensor changed in 06, and the powersteering pump. The 06 sensor got a recall. the powersteering 03-05 got a recall. I have an airbag warning light on my 06 on the headliner that my 05 does not have, but that may be because my 05 has the chrono pack and my 06 does not and the 06 is a hardtop

 

I thought they started putting the JCW kits on them at the factory in late 04' early 05'?

As far as which mini to buy.....if it was me I would not care if it was an 05' or 06'......I would pick whichever one appeared to have been cared for better, and maintained better, and was in overall better shape.

 

Nope, I wish it were I wouldnt have had to buy my 06

 

Wow that video is really thorough. The video is well done. I bought my mini a few weeks ago. It's probably best I didn't know what this car needed or would cost to maintain. I might not have bought it and I would have missed on the funnest vehicle I have ever owned. Now that it's mine I don't have a choice.

 

Welcome to NAM! Let us know which you end up with! I picked up my'04 R53 a few months ago after a lengthy search. My goal was a Cooper S under $10,000 and under 100,000 miles. I found one in really good shape, looks almost new, with 79,000 miles and just under $7,000. I've come across many NAM members who have struck even better deals. Really depends on your part of the country.

Please visit our website for numerous free application, service, maintenance and performance upgrade guides. Feel free to sign up for member discounts, too.

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

When choosing between 2 R53s, don't automatically go for the right MINI.
Sometimes the one on the left is better.

 

I found a 2005 Mini Cooper s jcw with 70,000 miles would this be good or do you guys suggest finding a 2006

 

That one sounds great if the price is good

 

I would not let the model year determine which R53 mini I bought. If you find a good one that you like, and appears to be in good shape for a good price...jump on it.

 

+1

Yes, there is a hype about LSD and 05-06 cars but don't leave the rest of them out of the equation.

There are many super clean 2002-2004 cars out there as well.

 

I've driven both, pre facelift for many miles and own a facelift. Believe the hype. The facelift gear ratios are worth it in my opinion, the LSD is nice but unless your doing auto x It's not a necessity and could be hard to find. 06 will still be covered under corrosion warranty so that's nice.