I have a new 06 MC on order here at the local Mini/BMW dealer that will be comming in at the end of the month... However, I'm having second thoughts , I think I want to go MCS now!!!
I just can't wait the 6 to 9 months to get one new. So my question is: have they changed anything on the MCS's or are they all the same from 2002 to 2006? Did they add more power to the newer ones? have they upgraded anything?

 

well in 05 along with the whole MINI range the MCS had a minor facelift, offering slightly different head and taillights, and better comfort and convenience features for the driver in the interior, as far as performance goes, the 02-04 are fine as they are wiht 163 horsepower and an open differential, plus taller gearing, which is a bit of a drag for starting off, but you get used to it quick and its all good. in 05 the MCS gained 5 hp, had an optional limited slip diff, and recieved shorter gearing for the manual gearbox, along with an optional six speed autobox. i want to say there were minor suspension modifications too, for a less harsh ride, but i may be wrong, but to my knowledge on the performance forefront thats what i have, anybody else care to add or back me up?

 

i think u sum'ed it up nicely.

 

I would be looking for an '05 with the LSD if I was you. It does seem to be a bit quicker to me. The shorter gearing along with the LSD is sweet!!!

 

Rats! What does LSD mean? And what does it do?
Oh and thanks to everyone above! It really helps!

 

LSD stands for Limited Slip Differential.

It's a mechanical device inside the drivetrain that will detect a wheel that is losing grip and transfer more power to the other wheel (that has a better grip).

The main benefit of it is on hard cornering and curves - it will "pull you through" the curve better as one wheel starts to lose traction. I'm sure others will give a much more detailed description of it than I have, but that's the basic idea.

 

I would think the biggest difference is the gearing.

I didn't like the '05 gear ratio at first -- I thought it was too short. It is nice for acceleration but I wish the top end was a little better. 6th gear is like cruising gear for 55mph, but it's still going to be cruising gear in the areas where the speed limit is 70mph and I find myself wishing I could upshift one more time.

 

They did that with the Miata as well - how is it that a car with SIX forward speeds doesn't have a real 'cruising' gear? :impatient
The '05 gearing does make it much better off the line.

 

Right on! So it really sounds like there are some pros and cons to the newer MCS's.

Did they also change the gearing on the MC's Also?

 

yup. nice to have the close ratio gearbox, but if you spend much time haulin' butt on the interstate in the current model, you really wish for a 7th gear...

 

There are definitely pros to the 05+

I don't think they changed the gearing on the MC, but they did go from a Midlands gearbox to a Getrag - supposedly more reliable.

When I got mine I was waffling between the '04 and '05. Here's my personal pro/con list.

2004
PRO
Indi blue
two spoke steering wheel
shark fin Nav antenna

Con
miles (used)

2005
PRO
+5HP
lower gearing
new SC coating
map, puddle lights
anthracite headliner
arm rests

CON
No Indi Blue
Rear lamps (fog in bumper vs. reverse light) <-styling issue
cost

 

Sweet, that really does sum it up well. Thanks!

 

I thought changing the rear lamps was a really good idea... It just looks weird with the reverse light being where the fog light is now... i think reverse should ALWAYS be integrated into the rear lights - they just seem more visible...

 

I agree 100%. It also never made sense to put the fog lights in the tail lights... the lower down to the ground that the fog light is, the better, safety-wise... so I for one consider the tail lamp design change to be a PRO, not a con... except for the fact that the turn signals were also changed to red instead of amber. THAT is a con, IMO...

...but easily rectified with the purchase of the Euro tail lights.