Just a heads-up that per Eric @ Helix, neither Mintex nor EBC have correctly designed wear sensor slots in their brake pads. The brake pad wear sensors were added by MINI mid-way in the '03 model year production and the pad manufacturers have not yet caught up. My 03/03 build MCS was the first Eric had encountered with the sensors. If you have an '03 with wear sensors and are considering going with aftermarket pads be sure to verify compatibility with your vendor before ordering (assuming you wish to retain the sensor functionality).

I'll post updates as I get them (no e.t.a.'s for updated pads yet), and please chime in if any of you hear anything.