MINIUSA Officially Announces 2005 Changes

Sections: Official News | R50 (Coupe) | R53 (Coupe) May 14th, 2004 91 Comments

You heard it here first! This is the news many of us have been waiting for (including word of an Limited Slip Differential and Automatic for the MCS). The following are excerpts taken from an internal MINIUSA document about the official US 2005 model year changes (also expected in all other markets). You can download the entire document (PDF format) here. Note that what's below does not include much of what has been posted in our 2005 MINI Revealed article.

Exterior (listed for both the MC and the MCS)
(A24) Purple Haze replaces Indi Blue (Black Eye Purple in the rest of the world)

(A25) Astro Black replaces Cosmos Black (deep blueish black)

(A28) Hyper Blue (Available 1/05 for the Cooper/possibly US only)
Interior

(T6LP) Dark Blue leather available on MC & MCS (as seen in here)

(T6PN) Panther Black Leather replaces Profile Panther Black (MC)

(FTDN) Tartan Red/Octagon Black Cloth/Leather Combo is available on Sport Seats (as seen here)

(K7TV) Gray leatherette with Gray interior (replaces Black Leatherette with Gray interior)

(AHPN) Octagon Panther Black Cloth w/Black Interior replaces Kaliedo Panther black cloth w/black interior (Not Available on Cooper S)

(T6LP) Lapis Blue Leather is Deleted from the Cooper S

(T2EM) Emerald Greeen is deleted from the Cooper
New Options

(2TA) Limited Slip Differential available on MCS with Manual starting 1/05

(205/202) Automatic Transmission with Steptronic paddles available for MCS starting 1/05

(318) Interior Surface Body Color. Now the dash and door panels are available for the Cooper S in Hot Orange, Cool Blue, Hyper Blue, Chili Red and Liquid Yellow. (Cooper S Only)

(345) Chrome Line Interior: Chromed rings around all gauges, bezels around the hazard light button & dash light dimmer, inserts on the hand-brake, and rings around the gearshift and rear cup holders (as seen in Cabrio press photos)

(346) Chrome Line Exterior:
MC: Chrome strip integrated into the front bumper 2 chrome strips for the rear bumper chrome fog light surrounds chrome mirror caps
MCS: Chrome radiator grill slats chrome tailgate handle chrome mirror caps

(405) Chrome mirror caps are available separately

(473) Center Armrest available starting 1/05

(547) Cockpit Chrono Pack optional (oil pressure/temp, water temp, fuel gauges) to replace center speedo (as seen in Cabrio press photos)

(ZCV) Convenience package (available 1/05):
Universal Garage Door Opener (available separately)
Auto Dimming rear view mirror
Rain Sensor & Auto Headlights.

Rear Fog Light will be blanked off with a plastic insert as the position of the light is not legal in CA or OR. MINI is recommending a dealer-installed accessory kit for persons who have a need for a rear fog light

“All of these new items will complement the existing options and packages and pricing will be announced shortly. “.

The parenthesis indicate the MINIUSA order code. Bold added for emphasis.

Just a clarification: it appears that Hyperblue is available for the MCS and MCS convertible starting in July and not available on either Cooper model until 1/05.

Written By: MF Staff

Frank

Gabe, time to spill the beans! Can't wait!
Josh

The PDF says the garage door opener is “also currently avalible as an individual option.” Does that “currently” mean NOW or September or January?

I'd go out and get it today.
Larry

Will the LSD be a factory install or will it be a dealer (spelled more expensive) installation.
http://www.minisoforlando.org James

If I order a 2005 Sirius system, do I get a new head unit which will then also play mp3s? It might be worth $395 (plus installation) to get both.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabriel Bridger

The standard head unit should play MP3s out of the box.
Scott

I don't think you need the Sirius kit to get the MP3 compatible head unit…

As Gabriel posted up above – the MP3 compatible head unit should be standard on all 2005's
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabriel Bridger

Larry – it appears that the LSD will be a factory option. However that's still not confirmed.
WAY

With the LSD what will SCCA do about SOLO 2 classification??? Please leave it in G stock.
MiniMahsa

What I want to know is: Will there finally be a PDC (park distance control) for the front of the vehicle. I already have it in the back, but now all the other cars are making them available in the front too, and whether I really need it or not, I just have to have it!
MCINI

Does any one know if the tail lights are geared to be the led type mentioned some time ago. Most BMW's have progressd to these. No more tail light mods.
STORER

Really wish I could test-drive a steptronic… Odd, because I've always thought that auto trannies certainly never belonged in a sports car, but the steptronic paddles sound really cool, plus I just moved to a high traffic congestion area, and shifting really can wear on you pretty quickly. I wonder how spongy the tranny will be… argh…
yorobby

“steptronic” paddles.

There is no official confirmation what type of automatic will be put into the Cabrio.
Melissa

Hey does anyone know if the 2005 model will have the red interior? Not just the seats but the side panels and door panels aswell?
Melissa Einbinder

What will the price change be between the 2005 and the 2004 model?
TBRK

A Mini S Convertible with an Auto tranni with steering wheel paddles a la BMW SMG with an arnmrest to boot. I guess that Mini might be appealing to the Sixties children who owned them back then but don't want to shift a manual tranny and still like the power and hanlding. When can I buy it? Do you guys know the prices of the MCS Cabrio? Keep up the great work! Thank you.
BBSteve

First of all, love your site. Awesome articles and infoÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ can't find anything like this down in Oz! I'm really likin' the revised gear ratios ('cause it's a pig off the line)Ã¢â‚¬Â¦ Just wondering if anyone has had trouble with their transmission? I've only had my MCS for 4 months and my gearbox has died. The gearstick cable snapped off leaving me with no gear selection & nowhere to go! Did some digging and discovered that apparently this has been a big problem for the Mini's. Hopefully will be resolved in the 05 model.
mike duffy

Could use some objective, non-emotional input. I'm thinking of selling my '02 Mini and getting an '05. No problems with the '02, outside the usual rattles and semi-stalling, but the gear shift has been less than impressive. The one thing I really liked about the MC S was the short, quick, sports car-like shifting, so was pretty excited to hear about the new Getrag gearbox. But is this REALLY a good reason to trade in a perfectly good car? Obviously, I'm having trouble being objective here. (Also, the lack of any storage compartments can be really annoying, but I may be grasping at cheap rationalizations at this point). On another point, has anyone had problems with a squeeking sound when shifing into 1st and 3rd gear? It sounds like rubber parts rubbing together. Happens in cold and hot weather, but seems more noticable in cold.
Aaron Pailthorp

So Black Eye Purple/Purple Haze is not available as an interior color? If you go for this body color, don't get an interior body color? Hmmm, going to have to try and see Purple next to Hyper Blue.
Andrew

I found out from MINI itself that Hyper Blue will be available for both the MC and MCS in the US. Not so in Europe. In Europe, Hyper Blue will be MCS only. The MCS exclusive colors in the US will remain Electric Blue and Dark Silver, which is a shame. I just ordered a 2005 MCS in Hyper Blue and I wanted mine to be a little bit more unique.

Incidentally, I almost went for Dark Silver, but opted for more color. And I don't like Electric Blue. Electric Blue is more like aquamarine and reminds me of the paint they used to put on Chevys in the late 80s.
Atif

What is a cooler color. Black or the Black eye purple and can the roof be the same color.
EB

Is it a problem to replace the standard Radio/CD with a aftermarket radio? I was thinking of replacing the factory installed radio with a Pioneer or Kenwood. Any suggestions
Robert

Was ordering my Mini S in Indi Blue but now that it is discontinued how much purple is in the Purple Haze? I am worried that it may look too much like Barney..tell me your thoughts…should I stay with it since I really liked the Indi Blue?
Andrew

I've already ordered a 2005 MCS. So, if I add the Chrome Line Exterior, will I be essentially making my MCS look like the previous years' MC? That is, with the exception of the mirror caps. I don't know if I would want that option.
Staci

Ordered purple haze, I was told it was a blue with purple tint, however, the pictures I've seen are really purple, Barney purple, help? does anyone really know what this color looks like, I do not want a purple car. Every site I have viewed shows a different color.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Some angles can look straight-up purple – some look just like blue with a little magenta added. If it were me and I was worried I would go with hyperblue or electric blue (both available 1/05).
Joey

I'm considering buying a MCS with automatic when the lease on my BMW 330xi is up. Trouble is, I have to do this by February and not sure if the MCS w/ auto will even be available then. Plus, I'll be giving up my BMW and that, on the surface, sounds difficult to do for a MINI Cooper. Thoughts?
Bacsi6948

So, changes are coming. The thought of a slush box in the MCS teases me. Having lost the left leg in NAM always limited me to automatics.

So the question comes, trade for an 05 MCS with automatic or keep my 04 CVT MC? This is a no brainer for me, I'll keep my 04 CVT. I know that I couldn't stand the wait for an 05 and besides I love it more than any other car I've ever had in the past 35 years.
June Milby

A rear seat vision screen option is available in the UK. Are we going to be able to get that in the States? My eight year old is longing for this feature.
Bartosz

I'm so happy that BMW MINI got some many options for the mini. I just loved them and newest versions of mini 2005 ,sweeet…
Kimes

I want the LSD for '05. As you know, it is only available on 1/05 and if you ordered your '05 mcs now (like me) it will not be a retrofit option (much less a pre '05), or at least that's the word today.
Sergio A

Woosie lazy americans and thier need for automatic transmissions! Geeze people, a true sports car is a manual! So either learn to drive one, or buy yourself a 4-door automatic grocery-getter!
EB

I ordered a 05 MCS today and had the choice of leatherette or cloth seats. Any comments or suggestions? Is the cloth seat a dark or light silver/gray? Is the leatherette comfortable – does it got hot and sticky in the summer time. Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!!!
memory

on my '04 MCs the steering rack went kaput after 9,000 mi. this concerns me. i'm thinking of getting an extended warranty. ?anybody else have that problem? ?any suggestions on extended warranties (cost, company name, etc.)
http:/// CCDEE

Hey guys.

Anyone knows the acceleration from the new mini cooper S 2005 with 170 PS? and the new gearbox?

because im getting 1 and if its not good enough i better put the jcw 2 on it

thx alot

CCDEE
SuperCharged

Are the gear ratios chosen for the 2005 spec mini a good thing? Does this mean the 2005 Mini will have to rev higher while just doing cruising speeds? If so, by how much?
ski

I was on the mini.usa site and it listed on automatic transmission for the S. So I was glad to see it will be available in January, 2005. How has the automatic been on the base mini. Can you get onto freeways fast enough?

What should one know to make the decision between the base or the S mini? I have read on one web site that the base is a joke. That the S is the one to get. On another site I read that most of us do not need the power of the S. I have also read that if you want an automatic you should look at other cars, not the mini.
SuperCharged

Ski:

The base mini also has amazing handling, and a lot of the cooper s attributes. The main difference in performance is the engine, and for a standard engine of it's capacity it is quite powerful. While you may not NEED the power of the Cooper S, it's nice to have, and is a lot of fun. In my opinion, the Cooper S isnt the kind of car to match an automatic transmission.
LombardSteet

My brother has an Audi TT 3.2 with a “steptronic” transmission. (I use the quote marks because I don't know if that's a brand name or not.) It has 6 speeds I think. You can put the thing in drive and it will do all the shifting for you, or move the lever over to the side and flick it back to shift up or away from you to shift down. Or you can use the paddles on the steering wheel. As I recall, the one on the right shifts up, the one on the left shifts down. Reminds me a lot of my Honda 350 motorcycle I had in college – click up for downshifts, down for upshifts.

I don't know if this is what MINI is talking about, but I'll bet it's close. It is extremely cool. Much faster shifts (the clutch is electronic). You can shift without removing your hands from the wheel. And you can forget about it when your hands are busy holding a cup of hot coffee or cell phone.

OTOH – I love working a clutch! If it had been an option when I ordered mine, I don't think I would have ordered it. Even if it were no-cost. (Well, maybe if it were no-cost!)

No, on second thought, probably not. On the Audi or a Bimmer, maybe. But the MINI is so retro – seems like it ought to have a clutch.

And few of my daughter's friends know how to drive a stick!
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

No – the TT 3.2 has a very different transmission than what the MCS will get. It's more of a semi-automatic like SMG (actually called DSG). The MCS will be getting a standard automatic – similar to the standard Audi TT full automatic ironically.
http://none Jenny

Does anyone have any advice on the two paint colors jet black and silver? One person told me that the black will fade over time and the silver will look newer longer- another person told me that the silver will oxidize and look gray over time. Help?
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