So I finished paying off my 2006 BRG/W Mini (automatic) this week and want to celebrate. I've read folks on various threads mention that the 2006 version of the Mini is special but I don't know enough (outside of the fact that the car drives and looks great) to know the difference between it and the older models.

Can someone clue me in about what was special about this year's model?

 

Do you mean...other than the fact that it's the last year of the supercharged first-generation MINI?

 

Didn't realize it was the end of a generation. Are the 2007s dramatically different? I've seen photographs and they look quite similar.

 

^ apparently it is now faux hood scoop.

edit: oh and no more silver roofs. and i think no more space blues either.

 

You can read through some of the 2007 discussion. There are a lot of things changing. SC to Turbo, body style, interior style etc...

My 2007 news is a bit outdated, but motoring file is also another good source

www.motoringfile.com

 

Well for starters the 06's will be the best as far as quality goes for this generation of MINIs. BMW has had a lot of time to work out the bugs since 02.

I believe the gearing was changed for 06 as well...someone can correct me on this but there was a change along these lines from 05 to 06.

The U stripe decal was new for 06 as well as the checkmate package.

 

The transimission gearing change occurred back in July 2004

Chronology of US MINI Changes

 

The real difference between the 02-04 models and the 05-06 models was a different gear ratio setup that improved acceleration and they coated the supercharger veins for improved airflow and there was something about a bit of a facelift

 

I think I saw where Royal Grey has been dropped for next year, too.

 

Yep, the Royal Grey, silver stripes and silver roofs were all limited to 2006..

 

AHHH dang it, well i can always get my MINI dealer to rip apart an 07 and paint it, that is if I can ever afford one

 

OOOOHH! We got a limited model then. Anyone know how to get production numbers for certain color combos?