Introducing the 2005 MINI Cooper S

Zach Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

Broken link? That's cruel and unusual punishment! Can't wait to see the '05

Matthew Gifford Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

That looks really nice. I'm still not sure about the headlights, though.

zach Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

Ahhh…there we go. I'll have to take a closer look, but from the front it looks as if the new headlight cluster is the largest change.

James Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

I still prefer the Indi Blue and I'm glad I got my 2004 IB/W MC before they discontinue the color. Especially since it appears that Hyper Blue isn't available for the MC.

Gabriel Bridger Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

Hyper Blue seems to follow the current color forecasting to something a bit more vibrant than an indigo blue that has been popular for the past 3-4 years.

Frank Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

Save the headlights, rear stop lights and placement of the rear fog light, the '05 MCS is essentially carry over from the '04. I really like the new Hyper Blue and looks nicer than Indigo Blue it replaces.

Couple of observations….the rear view mirror looks different (Bigger) and seems to be mounted lower in the windshield….just a vision effect from the photo?

And the rear exhaust tips seem to be covered on black material around them…different tips?

Gabriel Bridger Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

Yes the mirror is bigger. Yes the exhaust is slightly different in it's finish.

Matt Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

awesome color. i want!

Pete Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

Thanks for posting these awesome images. They should clear up the confusion about wheather the 'S' model is getting a 'face-lift'.

Philip Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

What about the side skirts and a new rear spoiler we heard about earlier? I rember seeing photos and a short clip of an MSC on the Nürburgring. Was that maybe just testing of the new JCW racing equipment? Any news on interior upgrades? A German automotive magazine has posted the details of the new MCS Cabrio engine: 170hp and 220Nm!

Philip

monkey_punch Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

I'm glad I have an 04. I just dont like the way those headlights (they remind of little gatling guns) look and the way the light above the exhaust is red.I think the larger rear view mirror is designed for those who don't how quickly glance over their shoulder when changing lanes. The smaller design of rear view mirror is much more visual appealing and requires the motorist to be a bit more alert.

Happy Friday

MP

Rocketboy Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

I just use 'hot spot' mirrors to fill in my blind spots.. but something nobody's mentioned yet, is that the chrome around the grille is smooth now also… it looks good, but i think the older style looks a little nicer, in that 'more expensive' looking way…

Steven Diver Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

Anyone else notice that the chrome trim around the grill has now been smoothed out? It no longer appears to have the detail work in it.

Hyper Blue isn't bad. When not in direct sunlight it looks VERY similar to the Indi Blue, in sunlight it is considerably brighter looking, more modern. Indi Blue seems like more of a 'classic' color when compared.

paco Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

I dislike the new headlight cluster. From the front, they look like Clockwork-orange forced-open eyes! It looks as if the S is angry now.

Frank Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

Can anyone clarify whether the 6-speed Getrag transmission is also a goner for '05??

Patrick Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

As a payed option? Part of the Sports package? Im confused. Which one would be considered “better” or the sportier option?

???

Patrick

Frank Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

The current 6-speed Getrag lacks a top overdrive gear ratio. So I am thinking that for those customers wishing to purchase a MCS but still concerned about fuel economy can get a 5-speed Getrag version…am I wrong?

To me the current 6-speed MCS gearbox is what makes the car absolutely fantastic, please don't dismiss it!

IGoDayGlo Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

I have an '03 MCS in Indi Blue with white roof. Is this new color truly different? Perhaps its my monitor, but I can't tell a difference. Any chance we can see the two colors together side by side?

I like the new, simpler chrome around the grille. It also looks easier to wax.

Ivan Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

The 6th gear is an overdrive gear. The MCS can achieve top speed in 5th.

Frank Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

Ivan, the 6th gear in the MCS is not a top overdrive gear ratio:

1st gear = 11.43:1 2nd gear = 7.18:1 3rd gear = 5.40:1 4th gear = 4.41:1 5th gear = 3.66:1 6th gear = 2.97:1 Reverse = 11.13:1

Now look at the current 5-speed Midland Gears gearbox in the Cooper:

1st gear = 3.42:1 2nd gear = 1.95:1 3rd gear = 1.33:1 4th gear = 1.04:1 5th gear = 85.1 (

Ivan Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

Those numbers don't accurately represent the true gear ratios, due to the twin layshaft design of the Getrag 6-speed. If those were to be directly compared, 5th gear in an MCS = 1st gear in an MC?

Gabriel Bridger Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

Okay – I have to say I'm not sure about the 5-speed vs the 6-speed. I seriously would be surprised if BMW dropped the 6-speed from the MINI but I don't have any confirmation either way at the moment.

nino Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

looks better,than what i thought! Gabe, is the production time of July “officialy” confirmed?

Thanks & cheers Nino

Frank Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

The gear ratios were obtained from MINI's official documentation. May be you can ask them directly.

Gabe: I too would be very surprised if the 6-speed is discontinued in '05. If that were to be the case, it smells more of cost cutting than anything else. It figures it is cheaper to have one transmission box shared among many models with different gearing ratios.

Scott Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

I see they still have that fake air-vent in the rear. Anyone have a clue as to what that's supposed to represent?

I like the chrome grill ring. Much nicer than my (busy) '03 one.

Iain Gillott Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

Having just ordered a 04 MCS in Indi Blue, this is interesting. Glad I ordered mine and did not risk waiting for the hyper blue. The new colour looks a little 'trendy' – I think it will age. Indi blue seems to be a lasting classic.

Ivan Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

Here's an official reply from MINIUSA, as taken from a MINI2.com post by “Arizona Cooper S”:

The MINI Cooper S uses a three-shaft Getrag transmission versus a two shaft conventional transmission. This transmission has two output shafts geared to the differential.

The gears on the input shaft from the engine drive the output shafts and the differential through different final drive gears. So there is a 2.75:1 final drive for 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th gear on one shaft and a 4.05 final drive for 3rd, 4th and Reverse on the other output shaft. (Imagine the differential gear, with two seperate gears on opposite sides.)

So depending on the gear you have selected, the final drive ratio varies (either 2.74 or 4.05). So publishing a conventional gear chart can't be done. For example, both 3rd and 5th are 1.333:1, and 4th and 6th gear are 1.089:1, but they are on two different output shafts with different final drives. People thought when we publish the same ratio for two gears, it was a typo. So what we have published are the overall gear ratios (gear ratio multiplied by the included respective final drive).

Ivan Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

Take the Cooper's gear ratios and multiply them by the final drive (like they did with the Cooper S specs), and you get this result:

1st gear: 13.46 2nd gear: 7.67 3rd gear: 5.25 4th gear: 4.15 5th gear: 3.33

Slightly taller, but that still places the S' 6th gear well within “overdrive” status, if it were to have the same final drive as the Cooper.

Greg Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

Let's hope the 6-speed stays as an option. By the way, any word if the 2005 JCW package will also bump up power to 207HP? Or is the ECU flash the same one that is part of the existing JCW package?

Tom D Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

One simple question… Does it have a limited-slip differtential????

GJR Apr 23rd, 2004 Link

To me, the worst visual aspect of my MCS has always been the fake rear grilles at the bottom of the bumper. I guess MINI isn't going to improve on it with an official update…anyone in the aftermarket industry want to give it a try??

dave Apr 24th, 2004 Link

I love the new Xenon lamps. They appear to be projector HID lamps. Retrofit 2002-2004's?

Scott Apr 24th, 2004 Link

Ummm, Gabe, the rear grills are completely fake on my '03. There's no way any air could get through.

Dan Apr 24th, 2004 Link

So is the 05 coming out THIS July??

Paul C. Apr 24th, 2004 Link

So is this HP bump just an ECU flash? I can see that as a real sticking point to those of us that already have an S and would like the ECU flash. Maybe they just changed out the intake and made the car breathe better. This could be done by changing the headers or madiflying the exhaust…hmmm….

nino Apr 25th, 2004 Link

Sorry to repeat myself but: Is there any confirmation on the facelifted model being produced from July onwards?

I'd have to know since I'm about to sign for a new MCS tomorrow (and was quoted July/August delivery)

Thanx

Iain Apr 25th, 2004 Link

Nino,

I ordered an Indi Blue MCS in February – une delivery. At the time, the dealer was quoting October onwards for a 2005.

Paul C. Apr 25th, 2004 Link

Nino, congrat's on the S order! Just so you know, I love my Indi Blue/W but I think both colors are a winner.

Now as far as model year changes, the traditional time frame Mini has used for new model changes has been starting September. This doesn’t mean that the changes for the car takes place but rather they are officially designated the next year built in this month. Example, when I was on the waiting list I knew I had a late year built car. I talk to the dealer to push my final spec and order placement until I knew for sure the changes that would happen instead of guessing. My car was supposed to be built in December but I held off until a January built just to get the three spoke steering wheel and the fogs factory built. I know it was a minor change but I didn't have to worry about not being sure.

One thing I can say is don’t look here for news after you spec your car! It's torture having both eye's closed and opening one slowly hoping nothing pops up new for spec’s…….hehehe. Seriously this is the greatest site and the road to Mini ownership defiantly runs through here!

Rocketboy Apr 26th, 2004 Link

Paul.. If it is an ECU upgrade, I want one!

Gabriel Bridger Apr 26th, 2004 Link

It's an ECU upgrade and improved air flow.

Jin Apr 26th, 2004 Link

I have got a 04 MCS. Is it possible to upgrade ECU at the dealers?

Philip Hubertus Apr 26th, 2004 Link

I read what seems to be the official German Mini press release. Only the One and Copper will get an updated 5 speed gear box – no mentioning about the MSC.

The new official top speed for the MSC is now at 222 km/h (138 mph) thanks to the engine upgrade to 170 hp (at 6600 rpm) and 220 Nm.

Autobahn here I come.

Gabriel Bridger Apr 26th, 2004 Link

That's exactly what we have listed in this article and is indeed what MINI has released. The inital MINI press release was incorrect about the MCS having a 5-speed gearbox.

James Apr 26th, 2004 Link

I also wondered about the changes coming in June or July rather than September. So the last of the 2004s will have the new look? Or is 2005 production starting early?

Ian Cull Apr 26th, 2004 Link

Check out this site for lots of details about the changes and confirmation of the date: http://www.mini.com/COM/en/themini/model_refreshing/index.jsp

(Gabe – any way to put html in your comments?)

Ian Cull Apr 26th, 2004 Link

Something else just occurred to me – do you think there is any possibility that the rear fog / reverse light change was triggered by MINI being unhappy with people doing the “brake light mod”?

Matt Gifford Apr 26th, 2004 Link

Ian, the tags allowed in comments are listed below.

spike friedman May 28th, 2004 Link

re: '05 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION WITH CLOSER RATIO GEARING FOR MY 03 MCS . . .

So what is the part number

for the new close-ratio box

and when can I get one from

my local MINI dealer ?

Best,

Spike

 503 222-MINI

laura Jul 4th, 2004 Link

can anyone tell me where i can find a PINK mini cooper picture on the net !!!!!!!! coz i really need a picture of one !!!! thanx !!!!

Edgar Muro Jul 17th, 2004 Link

Hey, I'm 16 and getting the new 05 Cooper S. I live in AZ. I was wondering if anybody had any ideas where to get awesome bodykits, and where to find an center exhaust tip that's just one huge oval exhaust tip instead of the two little tips of a standard mini S

Patrick Jul 31st, 2004 Link

I really do like the 05's headlights. I think they look a lot more modern and hi-tech than the older ones. I just went to the mini dealership and got my mom to buy an 05 hyper blue cooper s fully loaded. Chrono gauges, chrome grill, harmon kardon sound all the good stuff. I was told that the dealership will have the car in beginning to middle august so I can't wait to take it out for a spin!

Chris Aug 9th, 2004 Link

Just an an FYI… the 05 MCS does have the 6 spd… the HP bump is at 168hp… and somehow manages to drop the 0-60 down 1/10 sec. (6.8). It does come standard with the LSD – very nice addition! And the stereo now has MP3 capability – both the standard and the HK. Mine should be in at the end of this month!

Bruce Aug 9th, 2004 Link

Took delivery of my '05 MCS in dark silver two day's ago. First 05 delivered in Washington State. Love the new headlight's, very very cool at night….this car is so much fun..overall, my face hurt's from smiling…

Gabe Aug 9th, 2004 Link

Chris – this story is quite old thus the numbers here are in reference to MINI's original info about the US spec 2005 MCS. Since then we've reported on the changed HP numbers. Also LSD will be an option (not standard) on cars produced after 1/05 (news we broke last May incidentally).

For reviews of the MP3 playing stereo search for MP3 in the search bar above.

Andromcs Aug 12th, 2004 Link

Do you think the lsd is a must have for a daily driver that will not be used for racing but certainly for spirited driving?

Gabe Aug 12th, 2004 Link

Honestly no. Unless it's very “spirited” driving :)

Andromcs Aug 13th, 2004 Link

Have you had any experience in driving a MCS that spun a wheel say on cornering, an inside tire, or from starting where the lsd really would have helped? And if so, did this happen often?

Thanks!

Sandy Oct 15th, 2004 Link

It's amazing! But i'd love it even more if they made it in a dark, creamy pink. I LOVE IT!

Hussein Hagi Nov 1st, 2004 Link

Hi how are u the person,how is reading this.I thinks this car is the best looking car i have seen. i love this car so much that i would do anything for it.It has a nice look, and it looks so beautiful inside the car. Anyways thanks for hearing me out sencerily Hussein Hagi

Bill Nov 8th, 2004 Link

I have MINI ONE 09/04 Reg.

Big.crashing prob when selecting reverse.BMW/Dealership say “characteristic” of Getrag 5sp box fitted from July 04.Say I must live with it and suggest “Double declutching”I think BMW not being totally “honest”about technical cause and possible “fix”.They have talked of layshaft “spin down” time beind long owing to use of synthetic gear oil ,also mentioned lack of synchro on reverse?.Any gearbox buffs out there who can give me insight into actual engineering/technical reason for this prob?.

ashley Dec 5th, 2004 Link

Very nice! would rather if it was pink though.. mibbi we could see a picture of it in pink? If not could someone tell me where to find one? thanks

stuifzand May 14th, 2005 Link

hi i have a 2005 mini and i want to know if you can atacht an other brand of mp3 players to the mini instead of the i pod greatings a dutch mini driver

carly May 18th, 2005 Link

pink is the bst

eleazar r. buhain Oct 13th, 2005 Link

my dream car…. wish to have one

emma Nov 8th, 2005 Link

id blatantly want a pink mini im now saving for one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

emma Nov 8th, 2005 Link

id blatantly want a pink mini im now saving for one i hope i get it !!!!!!

Dennia Ortizsz ..!(x Nov 29th, 2005 Link

awww i love this car as soon as i turn 15 i am going to get one …=D