When my '02 ds/w MCS was demolished in December, I ordered an '06 ds/ds and after four days of driving it about I am blown away. It's ride, it's build, the many improvements and refinements over five model years.....are a wonder to behold.

I took advantage of new package offered by Mini of the Main Line (Philadelphia) and installed by Helix Motorsports that includes: 17% pulley, JCW intake, Helix short shifter, 22mm rear sway bar, single can exhaust conversion and green brake pads. At the same time Helix also re-flashed the ECU with a GIAC tuning chip that I had on the '02. These upgrades give me everything I need and more for alot less than the cost of a JCW kit.....one heck of a boost in performance that is covered by the Mini warranty. This is probably unique among dealerships.

I also used this new opportunity to change my striping from standard white bonnet stripes to white Shelby stripes from Cooper Flags.....on the bonnet, boot and rear bumper. Fantastic!

Now I have the Mini of my dreams and my motoring experience has been changed.....forever!

 

Congrats... However, I highly doubt that all those mods are covered by MINI. The dealer maybe but not MINI. Take that car to another dealer and they will probably tell you that the warrenty is void.

 

Congrats! Glad to hear that things are going so well!

 

Congrats on the new "baby"!

I noticed a big difference between my '04 and '06 MC. Specifically when in low gear/low speed. The '04 would "buck" and hesitate...no such business with my '06. The rest of the differences are auditory: I noticed a difference in engine sounds and things like that. When I called the dealer and spoke to their lead mechanic, I was told they regeared the box...the mech was amazed that I even noticed. He said that not many pick up on it.

I did because when I was taught to drive a standard when I was a kid, I was taught to drive by sound, not to watch the tach...and you're right...it DOES make a much more enjoyable ride... Mick

 

Flora.....I don't know what refinements had or had not been made by '04, but were these features available: automatic headlights; softer suspension; +7 base hp; rear fogs; heated mirrors & headlamps; rain sensing wipers; hatch unlock on the key; HK audio; LSD; clear bra; larger rear view mirror; headlight washers; new map lights; door handle lights; door lights; center arm rest; extra cup holder; glove box lock; better leather; new style xenons; new style steering wheel; driver's side-visor; secured floor mats; spare key; and current speed display on the OBC? My '02 didn't....but the '06 does.....and I really enjoy having them!

 

I've noticed couple of other physical changes. The chrome on the front grill
no longer has grooves which were difficult to clean.....now they're flat. The tail lights were red & orange.....now they're red with a little clear circle in the lower inside part of the light. Also, I chose to leave out automatic climate control in favor of the manual version which I find to be more user friendly.

What else am I missing?

 

Looking forward to some pictures.