The Official 2004 Model Year Changes

Here are the big highlights IMHO:

• 850 – Pepper White for Cooper S This is big for me because it'll most likely be my next color if I go with an MCS for my next MINI

• 903 – Velvet Red deleted for Cooper (need to make room for future convertible colors) Sorry to see it go but I'm sure MINI will have something fun to fill it's place :)

• T3CB – Cordoba Beige available in sport seats (Cooper and Cooper S) Even though I would still opt for leatherette this is another one of those no-brainers. The standard Cordoba seats look fantastic but lack lateral support that you get with sport seats. Enter the Cordoba Sport seats!

• 255 – 3 Spoke Leather Sport Steering Wheel (Phase in 12/1/03 for Cooper and Cooper S)
This is a big (and welcome) change to a major part of the interior.

• 240 – Leather Basic Steering Wheel (Phase out 11/30/03 for Cooper) It would be nice to see this stick around as a no cost option but then again I'm sure MINI needs to streamline the ordering process as much as possible with the Cabrio coming online next year

• STD – Rear Power Socket will return as standard Another no-brainer.

• STD – Digital Speed Read-out in Tach will be standard From the moment I first drove a MINI I never understood why they didn't do this. With the center mounted speedo it just makes sense

• 550 – On Board Computer will also include an instantaneous fuel consumption function
Similar to the classic BMW analog MPG readout under the tach. Always fun to watch.

• 476 – Magnesium Door Casing will be dropped for Cooper S Personally I think it's a nice look but aparently I was in the minority as I'm sure it's being dropped because lack of popularity in the ordering process.

I would imagine it would be. I would also imagine that there are going to be people out there you dislike it and wouldn't mind trading you for a '02 or '03 wheel.

Aside from the paint color, are the above mentioned items “retro-fittable”? I'd be interested in the rear socket, speed read-out, and fuel consumption. I would think that the speedo stuff is just a software patch.

Frank – yes I would assume that they will be available by October of this year. It will be interesting to see what sort of level they price them at.

So does anyone currently have a rear power socket? I don't think I have one or don't know where it is if I do.

We don't know any details obviously about the '05 model year MINI but it has been widely reported that there will be a facelift coming down the pipeline in the not too distant future. '05 seems to be the time frame most commonly talked about.

But it's more interesting than that. If you follow the standard BMW protocol a model lasts for 7 years. However initially it was widely reported that the MINI's lifecycle would be shorter due to the current car not having enough profit built into it. Essentially BMW over engineered the car and because of that don't make as much money per unit as they'd life.

Now here's where it gets interesting. BMW execs have since said that the MINI has proven to be much more successful than anticipated and that they have sold more high-profit cars then they had expected (cars with lots of options). Because of that I wouldn't be surprised to see BMW not shy away from making the next generation MINI another engineering tour de force like the current platform.

That next generation MINI should bow sometime in 2007 as a '08 model if BMW follows it's initial timeline.

Dave – It's 100% official. Your dealer should have all this information by now.

BTW – Thanks for the kind words about the site :)

Tom – I'm happy I could help you by posting this info. This is the sort of thing I hope this site becomes known for – delivering helpful information to owners and prospective owners of MINIs. I think you'll love your new car :)

I've heard the rumor but until now haven't had it substantiated. It is being updated now!

Carissa – FYI I've heard this from other that have been on recent tours as well. I guess we'll find out shortly.

I can't believe the center mounted speedo is going bye bye! I do like the shark fin antenna though….any pics??

Yes it makes sense, it's also a relief as this is one of the things that sets it apart.Have you seen the shark fin antenna?

Just found this site – GREAT!

Earlier this eve, I was looking at other message sites, one of 'em (mini2.com or miniusa.com?) mentioned the possibility of the addition, in '05, of a wagon. Would be cool if true. Have you heard anything? Timing would be terrific, we'll be looking to replace the “other” car about then and a bigger MINI would probably fit the bill very nicely.

Thanks again. I'm off to bookmark this page now ;-D

Gregg

Any word on the new (non Daimler-Chrysler) engine rumored when the current contract runs out? I heard it will be a high-tech unit designed and built by a eurpean consortium.

I already have the SharkFin antenna on my 2003 cooper, because I have the Navigation system. Acutally, the radio reception isn't that good, since it is an antenna printed on the rear side window, much like a defroster. I lose signal all the time on AM radio when I pass on the lower deck of the San Francisco Bay Bridge. I also miss the fact that I can't put on an antenna ball either. Funny you would prefer to lose reception over a cooler look in your MINI.

At the first of July, 2002, I ordered my first Mini. Cancelled the order in November because the deliver date was then set for February. I have just ordered again (build date is supposed to be April) and would like to know how confident I should be in a delivery date of mid May?

I have the same problem with AM radio. Horrible reception and static. Anyone find a solution?