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

Kirk

I've always liked the position of the reverse lights in the center… now comes the move to put the rear fog lights in the center but illegal in CA and OR, some owners aren't going to be very happy.

Why is it illegal? The third brake light is in the middle.
http://sports.racer.net Tom Clayton

The Limited Slip Differential available on MCS with Manual starting 1/05, is a great option. I would like to hear what type MINI has chosen to use and what the price will be.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabriel Bridger

Every state has different laws when it comes to lighting and in this case two states' laws are the reason all US MINIs will have an ugly black piece of plastic in their rear.
Josh

I like the LSD option. As much as it makes me cringe, a sport auto will probably sell well in the US. Is it just for here? Why did they change the color name, just for Hendrix?
Matt

LSD, Shorter ratio box, more power, new colors, leather/cloth sport seats, cool new xenons…. maybe a JCW S for delivery in 05?

is the “astro black” the “blueish black,” and if so, do you have a pic of it?
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabriel Bridger

No pic but that was how someone described it to me when I asked.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabriel Bridger

My guess on the color name change is that the term “black eye purple” just does work in middle America.

Besides purple haze is a much much cooler name.
http://omor.com/mini/ dc

LSD++.

My letters to MINIUSA must have been read.

I'm so happy I could trade in my 2002 MC on an MCS when my lease ends in 2005.

Maybe back to D-stock in SCCA classification, wun with the Integra Type R, WRX, BMW 330Ci.
Frank

No doubt the most significant changes for the MCS in 2005 aside from the 170HP engine upgrade is the availability of an Automatic transmission (Further details about the type of gearbox that will be used?) and the availability of LSD.
nfo

what kind of automatic trans do you guys think this will be for the S??
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabriel Bridger

I heard that it won't be a CVT but something very similar to what's found in the current 3 series which is a 5-speed automatic with manual controls. A decent enough unit but nothing to get very excited about.
Frank

What's found in the current 3 series is either a 4 or 5 speed slushbox. I am not sure if this type of gearbox will hurt the performance of the MCS (Reason why MINI went with a CVT in the first place when the Cooper was first launched).

Could this be a SMG gearbox?
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabriel Bridger

I asked that question of the my source about a month ago and he eluded that it will be a more standard auto rather than the SMG unit BMW offers in it's cars.
nfo

that sucks….. i guess i'd rather have the 6spd anyway! :) i can only imagine how costly the other new options will be!
JFS

Thanks for the information!!!

Great news on the LSD, let's hope is reasonable.

Any word on the “MP3-Compatible CD Player” announced on the MINI International website a few weeks back?
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabriel Bridger

The MP3 cd player should be standard on all 2005 MINIs.
Chris

What about Pepper White? Will it still be available?
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabriel Bridger

I believe Pepper White will still be offered but not in Cabrio form.
John

Any chance LSD will be “MINI authorized” option/accessory for 02-04 MCS?
John

Also, with Purple Haze color, does that mean my Indi Blue MCS has just increased in value?
Bernard

I bet the blue/black color is BMW's carbon black. It's an M3 color. Best described as black in the shade and dark blue (like carbon paper) in the sunlight)
Ryephile

I wonder if the '05 can be retrofitted with the current rear lighting system (to maintain the single center back-up light)?

LOVE the LSD option – can't wait to see how much the part costs at the Parts Counter!
CJ

so wait, they have an auto for the MCS now?

(205/202) Automatic Transmission with Steptronic paddles available for MCS starting 1/05
2BlueMCSMRdstr

Echoing what has already been said, I sure hope that the LSD will be an option for pre-'05 MCS models.

I also wonder what the bump to 170 HP will mean for current JCW owners. Will there be a power bump to the JCW kit as well to maintain the HP benefit of the JCW kit?
Scott

mmm, LSD retrofit… please, please, please let that be the case.
dgszweda1

Darn you BMW!

I can't believe this. An LSD for January. I had heard the rumors but was hoping it would be available in September. I will have push my order back to January now. ARGHHHH!

On a side note do you think it will be an option or standard? Most other small cars make it standard (such as the new Neon).
Theo

Wait a minute…LSD, Purple Haze, Hendrix…WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?

I think I remember all that stuff from when I was 20. Not sure, though…

Theo
lexbomb

LSD… LSD… LSD… LSD… please please Please PLEASE make it a retrofit for 02 – 04 MCS!
greatgro

LSD an option or standard? Are you kidding me? I'm positive it'll not only be an option, but a very expensive one. But a good one that's for sure. ;)
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabriel Bridger

It's listed under options.
Eric Rowland

Any leads on an actual picture of purple haze/BEP? The swatch/hazy night picture just isn't cutting it. Awesome info – thanks Gabe!
Charlie

Try logging to http://www.mini.com/COM/en/themini/model_refreshing/index.jsp and clicking on All Innvations, and you'll find “Black Eye Purple” (which will be “Purple Haze” in the USA.

I thought they should call it “Domestic Violet” but that wouldn't pass the PC test in Ameerica
http://leftthis.com Dillon

Thank you,Gabe. Again,you're ahead of the curve when it comes to info regarding the MINI. I can hardly wait on the info from you guys in regards to the pricing for an '05 MCS Cabrio.
Josh

Will Hyper Blue be a MCS only color? I'm glad I got my Indi Blue already.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabriel Bridger

Well if the document is correct then Hyper Blue will be available for both the MC and the MCS. This is a change from the information that had been released by MINI international.
Scott

According to the link that Charlie posted (http://www.mini.com/COM/en/themini/model_refreshing/index.jsp) – go to All Innovations and click on Cooper S – Hyper Blue is MCS only…

Guess we'll find out soon which is correct.
2VIZLAS

Let me display my ignorance…Just how effective will LSD be on a MCS? Is this just to allow quicker takeoffs when dropping the clutch?
Chris

ZVIZLAS

The LSD is a little bit more than that. It's essentially a device that allows you to get power to the wheels that have traction. Say when coming out of a turn and the your front right wheel is loosing grip, the left wheel that has the traction will get more power so that you can come out of the turn faster/more control. It's one of those things that an autocrosser wouldn't want to live without but an daily driver wouldn't miss, if he didn't beat on his/her car. (Please add to correct info or to add more)

Good Stuff! I would love to get this on my car with the JCWs brake upgrade. So many cool thingscoming out from MINI.
Chris

I really hope the LSD is a retrofit.

That would be so cool and expensive at the same time.
Josh

I'd like to see Mini offer a JCW MCS from the factory…..Works kit, LSD, 18″ JCW wheels, upgraded brakes…
Lucas

Hmmm…. I think BMW/MINI might be shooting themselves in the foot here… With the introduction of automatic transmission on MCS, who would want to buy the MC, other than those who can't afford MCS? Would this be the beginning of the end of MC?
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabriel Bridger

I would say no. And no offense but your rational doesn't really work as MINI currently sells a majority of MC's as equipped with a manual.
http://omor.com/mini/ dc

If you want a retrofit, just get a Quaife.

About $1000 plus installation. eg http://www.vacmotorsports.com/cgi-bin/viewitem.pl?itemid=287 http://www.jscspeed.com/mini/clutch/quaifelsd.htm http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/detail.asp?PRODUCTID=56.309.190
Scott

dc,

Of course, the dealer won't perform the install because the Quaife LSD is aftermarket – neither will they warranty it. (I already asked.) About the only place even remotely local (aside from the dealer) that I would trust to do the Quaife install would be Helix in Philadelphia and that's a bit of a ride.

This potential for a retrofit covers both.
Evan

I think that most of the changes are really good, although I'm glad I got the Indi Blue and the old rear tail lights. My next one will definately be in that Hyper Blue though.

In terms of the auto for the MCS- can't wait to see how they packaged that considering that they used the CVT in the MC for that reason. Now we have the supercharger and the auto? Probably will be a 5speed unit, but from where? Wouldn't it be hard to fit a RWD BMW unit?

Lastly, the auto for the MCS will not detract from MC sales. The Cooper is a blast by its own merit and is plenty powerful. Even gently accelerating I'm at speed very quickly…. It will be interesting to see how many auto MCS sales there are, especially since I'm sure it'll be an expensive option.
COOPR SS

You might be surprised at the number of MCS automatics that will be sold. Here is the reason I will probably be buying one. I have an 04 MCS and love it. My wife has a back problem that makes clutch operation + shifting both difficult and painful. She has driven my MCS and loves it but is hampered by the back problem. I wanted to buy her a Cabrio but she doesn't want an MC because of the power difference. She currently drives our older Corvette and likes the performance. So!! up comes the possibility of an MCS Cabrio automatic and my problem is solved. That is just one reason out of probably many that people may have.
Gilbert Cabral

Do any body know if this cvt trans will apply to mcs 2003,? or can be upgraded.
Frank

I am surprised that NO ONE has commented on the availability of a factory installed remote garage opener in the MINI. This is indeed fantastic news for those of us that are getting sick and tired of carrying a brick sized garage door opener.

Is this a Homelink transmitter?

Proof once again that MINI is listening to its customers.

MINI now the time has come to get down and dirty with that Traveller station wagon!.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabriel Bridger

Don't worry Frank – I've got some news on that wagon coming!
Timothy Sipples

Also wondering if the 170 hp tweaks will be available for retrofit, although 7 hp won't be worth a whole lot of effort.

Don't know if anyone has mentioned it yet, but the MINI-official Sirius receiver price came down (to $395 plus installation). Still not a bargain compared to aftermarket, but getting better.

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