2005 Pricing Announced by MINIUSA

Greg Jun 18th, 2004 Link

I will be very curious to see how much the LSD will cost in Jan 2005.

James Jun 18th, 2004 Link

If all the stories about BMW not making much profit on each MINI are true, then why didn't they raise the price considering that there is still a strong demand? Perhaps all the cost-cutting measures we've seen were enough to boost the per-car profit margin without needing to raise the price. Interesting.

dgszweda1 Jun 18th, 2004 Link

What is even more suprising is that they didn't raise the prices even with the change in value of the dollar. The dollar has lost 20% of it's value this year. We are the second largest market behind the UK, which we may beat this year. If the profit had been so bad this year, they would have surely raised the prices. I think the fact that their largest market is effectively lowering their sales by 20% and the cost is still the same in dollars, really speaks volumes about their profit on this vehicle. My feeling is that they are probably still making a good profit on the car,whether that has been through cost cutting procedures in the car or the manufacturing of the car is unknown to us.

As a side note, if I were to guess for a price on the LSD it would be $550. I know this is cheaper than the Quaife stand alone unit, but this is still my guess. I am still unsure why it isn't standard. To my knowledge every front drive vehicle that is on the market with a limited slip, it comes as standard equipment.

Gabe Jun 18th, 2004 Link

As it stands MINI barely makes a profit on a base Cooper. Where it makes it's money is on the options and accessories which are generally quite popular on a car like the MINI.

So yes MINI makes a solid profit on most cars – especially in the US where many are ordered with thousands of dollars in optional extras.

Knowing this it would seem MINI is keeping the base price the same while increasing (albeit slightly) key optional extras. I think this is very fair as it keep the cost of entry lower.

I would guess that the base Cabrio has more profit built into the price as it's more of a luxury item.

Kurt Collins Jun 18th, 2004 Link

Anyone know what colors the combo cloth leather package comes in for the United States? I heard red cloth and black leather – Hyper Blue would look great with blue cloth and black leather.

Michael Jun 18th, 2004 Link

Any idea on the cost of the ZCV Convince Pack?

Mark Jun 18th, 2004 Link

Any word yet on the auto trans on the S yet? Is it a conventional automatic or is it an SMG?

frank Jun 18th, 2004 Link

It appears to be a convetional 6-speed slushbox with Tiptronic feature. NO SMG or CVT for the '05 MCS Automatic.

Preliminary reports indicate the '05 MCS Automatic is a good drive but remember that this is a heavy, fuel/power sapping slushbox. The jury is out until the US mags get to drive it and eventually us consumers.

I would have much rather for MINI go with a CVT box instead of a slushbox. We shall see.

Gabe Jun 18th, 2004 Link

Yup – conventional old school auto slush box.

BOB Jun 18th, 2004 Link

Cost of my spec. S Cabrio is….$30,000 + tax UH!

“”It appears to be a convetional 6-speed slushbox with Tiptronic feature. NO SMG or CVT for the '05 MCS Automatic.”"

Where did you get this information regarding the automatic?

Shawn Jun 18th, 2004 Link

…cool,the price was actually on point for what I thought it would be for a '05 MCS,JCW Open. Plus it's still about 10 grand less than the Lotus Elise(which was a tight second for what I wanted to buy). Also,one can't beat the service by MINI for their price.

ejkd Jun 18th, 2004 Link

I agree with Gabe that BMW get it's profits from options & accessories. Good marketing!

I wonder if the pricing of the auto on MCS will be similar to CVT on the MC.

joe Jun 18th, 2004 Link

Any idea when the USA website will be updated to configure these models? thanks

Gabe Jun 18th, 2004 Link

Joe – this story posted awhile back should have all the answers for you:

the MINIUSA 2005 Model Year Configurator

Chris Jun 19th, 2004 Link

After a long 4 month wait, East Bay Mini in NorCal called me today to confirm my order and final options for July production and late September delivery date for MCS 05. The prices listed above are correct. No info on MCS automatic except that production is scheduled for January 05 and expected delivery time of March 05, which according to the dealer may still change. The dreaded 3-spoke as the steering wheel standard without the 2-spoke option is unfortunately confirmed by the dealer as well. Does anybody have any opinion on standard vs. automatic transmission?

Paul Jun 19th, 2004 Link

about transmissions: I drive my 2002 Cooper everyday in Chicago, so I shift a lot. When I took my car in to be serviced this week I got a new Cooper with an automatc. It sucks. I hate it. If I had to drive it I wouldn't. A Mini with a stick is a MINI!; a Mini without a stick is a car. The only reason to drive a Mini with the the automatic CVS trasmission is if you are unwilling to learn how to drive a stick and want to “look” like you have fun.

Chris Jun 19th, 2004 Link

Sorry, this is probably not the forum for this but is the LSD a must for the MCS? Why would I need this? Thank you.

foolsdragon Jun 19th, 2004 Link

It's funny that dealers have had their July production allocation since May, along with the ability to enter orders into an order bank that drops orders into production slots as soon as they're available, yet they're JUST NOW calling you to confirm your production.

Chris Jun 19th, 2004 Link

the lady at the dealership said that it will be in the “JULY PRODUCTION”, unless she was lying…

BOB Jun 19th, 2004 Link

“”"”It's funny that dealers have had their July production allocation since May, along with the ability to enter orders into an order bank that drops orders into production slots as soon as they're available, yet they're JUST NOW calling you to confirm your production.”"”

Mini dealers cannot take your order without the prices coming out first!!

Dan Jun 19th, 2004 Link

Well if there's a demand…

njpaguy Jun 19th, 2004 Link

Where does MINI make money? How about the charge for metallic paint in the US. At last check no extra $$$ for metallic paint in Canada. Could be the same in other countries as well. (However, this may be changing with the MY 05 production…)

pete Jun 19th, 2004 Link

hmm, i got the JCW 6-speed gearbox imported from england, and it has the lsd, i also have the john cooper works kit installed in my car, and they go awesome together! wow, you can still do burnouts, but there is about 50% more traction off the line making it a crisp, clean takeoff, i wouldnt go back to the regualr gearbox if i could

Deb Jun 20th, 2004 Link

I've been contacted by my local dealer to place my order for a Cabrio. I'm debating the S. Now that the prices have been released, the MC seems more in my price line. I will be the only one in the car 75% of the time on my 33 mile commute to work. Gas mileage, insurance and longevity of the engine are important to me. I'm not a speed-shifting, burnout kinda gal…just wanting a sporty FWD convertible (trading in my '97 Miata). Any opinions as to supercharged engines having longer/shorter lives than normally aspirated?

Gabe Jun 20th, 2004 Link

“Mini dealers cannot take your order without the prices coming out first!!”

• they can and they do. I know many people that have had deposits down on for months now.

Gabe Jun 21st, 2004 Link

Chris – here's a good thread for more LSD information: Limited Slip = limited traction?.

tony Jun 21st, 2004 Link

does anyone know what the “Chrome Line Interior” package consists of? any pics? thanks

Gabe Jun 21st, 2004 Link

Tony – there are lots of pics in the various cabrio galleries around the site.

foolsdragon Jun 21st, 2004 Link

“Mini dealers cannot take your order without the prices coming out first!!”

I guess I've got a whole list of upset customers, because I've been doing it for over a month now. We had no choice once we ran out of 2004 production in May.

For those of you who have been told July production by your MA, GET A PRODUCTION NUMBER!!! We've had them since May, for crying out loud. Call them every day, go in and stand on their desk, do whatever you've gotta do to get your production number.