I'm selling my 2003 MCS and getting a 2006 MCSC. I was not aware of some of the changes that were made in 2005 - the JCW vane coating on the supercharger is now standard, and 1st gear is geared lower to make it a little quicker.

Does anyone have the details on the 1st gear change? And are there any other improvements since 2003?

Thanks!

 

MotoringFile has a lot of articles detailing the 2005 changes. Check this one for starters. There were lots of little changes that add up to a big improvement in overall feel imho.

 

Big changes from 2002-2004 cars and the 2005 cars. Basically only color changes from 2005-2006. MAJOR changes from 2006-2007

I wanted a 2005 but the dealer did not have any on the lot that I wanted. So I ordered a 2006 but did not order a new color.

 

Great info, Indimini - that helps! I should get the 06 MCS Cabrio in a day or so. The 2003 was a great car, so this should be even better!

 

I've been curious, are there any minor changes from '05 to '06 that anyone has noticed? I've not seen anything so far but the color changes and the new options packages.

I'm not worried about it - I am more than happy with my '05, just wondering if anything is different on the '06 models...

 

Mechanically, newly added JCW options. Other than that is just cosmetic.. (Color for exterior and interior, new wheels, new strip, new silver top option)

 

Don't forget the LSD. I think its worth the extra $500 at purchase.

As for the 1st gear... you'll LOVE it!

The only potential downside you may notice coming from an '03 is that early '03s (up until about April of that year) had the original firm sport suspension. Many people thought that was too harsh. So, current MCS's have a softened version. If you liked the early, firm suspension, you may think that the new suspension is a little less 'sporty.' But, this is largely subjective.

 

Actually, it's not just first gear that changed, but all 6 of them. It will be most noticable on the highway, when you're in 6th, and your 2006 will run at a higher RPM for the same speed than your 2003 did.

 

Yep - I ordered the LSD on my 06. I also hear that the suspension on the cabrio is not quite as stiff as the tin top. Nothing that some new springs can't fix

I saw an earlier post from Ryephile that said with the new springs, it was better.

Either way, I can't wait since all the changes really seem positive.