I've had my 02 MCS, well since Aug 02, and I've read the discussions about the improvements (thanks Gabe) but until you experience them for yourself, back to back, you just won't believe it!

We picked up my wife's MCS today and I just finished my first and if she has her way, my last drive in her car! We've got a nice section of road here called Hwy 9, it runs from Black Mountain to Bat Cave, NC (I'm not making this up , check mapquest). Anyway, it's like a mini Dragon, lots of curves and a few nicely banked chicanes and even staying within break-in limits it was a hoot. The car just ate it up! All 5 times

The improvements, notice I didn't call them changes, between the 02s and the 05s seem larger then what I've read. Yes the fit and finish are better, but even that is more then closer tolerances, yup I know about gearing changes and the extra 7 HP. But it's more then that, must be that "sum of the parts is greater then the whole" thing. It could be that my 02 has 60,000+ miles and could use some new shoes, but I don't think that's it. I think MINI has gotten it right!

The 02 has been tweaked, Pilo CAI, 15% pulley and 22mm rear sway bar so I know it would beat the 05 through the curves, but with the right driver I'm thinking it would be close.

Anyway here is her car:
Specs:
'05 CR/W MCS (soon to have a checkerboard roof)
Premium Package (Sunroof, MFSW, Auto AC, Trip Comp.)
Sport Package (DSC, Fogs, xenon and 17" web-spokes)
Cold Weather Package (Heated Seats, Side Mirrors and Washer Jets)
LSD
Rear fog light
Panther black leatherette
Color coded interior
Chrome Line Interior
Anthracite headliner
Stripes


Sorry for rambling on have some pics:









For all you 02 owners out there, go test drive an 05 or maybe you shouldn't

 

Congrats on Barbara's pretty new ride and thanks for the nice report, Smokey! Love that red dash.....AWESOME! Great pics!

I have the brake rotors for you....


Clover

 

Thanks! I think I'll be able to swing by the Welcome dinner on Thursday. Maybe even bring the new car, of course I won't be driving it See ya then!

 

Looks great! Are you going to join the group in Asheville or are you coming from Franklin?

 

Gorgeous! Love the Web Spokes. And of course I think the red interior is fantastic - it's what I have in my own car.

Enjoy!

 

I'll be coming up from Franklin. Don't get off work until 6 pm, but might be able to get the night guy to come in early. I think by then everyone will be there already won't they?

 

Hopefully they'll be there....for the Welcome Dinner! With I-75 reported as problematic, let's keep our collective fingers crossed!

Dinner will be served until 8 PM. :smile:


Clover

 

WOW - that's a gorgeous car. Nice choices! I have to admit that in my IB/W with alloy patina dash, that I like the grey headliner. But in hers, the anthracite headliner looks GORGEOUS. That's just hot...

 

The red interior panels/trim is fantastic. Sporty and tastefull. Wow.

 

Hmmm...I don't think your '02 would stand a chance I'll take an '05 over a lightly modded '02 any day!

 

Congratulations, Smokey!! Awesome ride . Very nice color combo - love the red/chrome/anthracite interior .

- Mike

 

Beautiful MINI! Enjoy!

 

OK - this pic just sold me on the Anthracite headliner!!! SWWEEEET!!

 

Congratulations...looks stunning, enjoy!

 

Just gorgeous - like Barbara.... Thanks for sharing the pixs Smokey..:smile: :smile:

Donna
02' CR/W MCS (gone to MINI heaven - burned up)
05' Cool Blue MCSC "Ariel"
05' HB/W MCS on it's way - no name yet

 

Wow, what a stunningly beautiful car! I see you managed to get the warning sticker off the passenger dash without causing any damage. Does it just peel off, or was there a trick to taking it off?

Pete

 

Thanks folks!

Mini2Go - we're loving the anthracite! The only thing is you can't get the down tubes in anthracite unless you order the anthracite dash. If you order the color coded dash you get the silver as soon. You can't even get them when ordering the headliner! What's up with that Looks like I'll be ordering replacements or painting soon.

D&M - Glad to see you've decided on another MINI. You won't be disappointed!

Boondox - The sticker came right off, lift and peel no sticky stuff left behind, unlike the one on my 02's alloy patina dash. Has to be the new finish.

Off to wash, clay bar and wax - later

 

Beautiful car

Have got to agree with you on the changes in the 05- it just feels quicker and more finished in tangible ways (and this is comparing an 03 MCS to an 05 auto).

Funny about the airbag sticker - after having the trouble with the sticky stuff on the alloy patina I was stressing about the removal on the new car too. I sure was happy when it came right off

 

Why is it the wife always gets the new ride?


Nicely done!

 

Well, I get the new ride this time! The wife is still content with her Mazda.

 

Smokey, thanks for the write up. I have to agree with you on the '05. When I first drove an '04, I was disappointed because of the gearing and the perceived build quality (Sorry, Eval, but I'm one of those snobby Bimmer Boyz).

Well, the aught five changed everything! It was funny; it was six months between test drives, and I could tell instantly! It was as if Hanz and Franz had broken into the MINI plant at Oxford and said, "We're here to pump you up! (Not that I'm into that sorta thing . . .) I knew instantly that MINI got everything right, and now I'm on board.

Friday can't get here fast enough!

 

Friday is a big day for a lot of people. Mark (TheOldMan) gets his then, you get yours then, mine gets done being built then...


...


...I'm jealous.

 

Nice car. Love the wheels.

 

FANTASTIC MINI..... Best of luck.

 

Love the car smokey and Absolutely crazy about the web Rims! I wish they had them when I ordered my 05!! Big thumbs up with the choice of colors and acc. I didn't like the Anthracite headliner untill I saw yours. you've got one sweet lookin ride!!