MINI Cabrio In Person… Again

Sections: Uncategorized Jun 29th, 2004 31 Comments

The MINI Convertible is here. Instead of the usual write-up everyone seems to be doing (and we already did back in early April) we're going to instead focus on some of the changes and additions that are less talked about.

Everyone seems to take photos of the convertible with the top up or down. Here are a few in “sunroof” mode: 1 / 2 / 3
According to the initial MINI PR release about the new convertible there was to be rear LED lights. Well I've seen quite a few convertibles in the past 3 months and all of them including the US spec one I saw today did not have rear LED lights. I'm not sure why the spec changed but there certainly seems to have been a change. You can read an excerpt of the original PR release here.

Sure the view out both the front or back seats is great with the top down – but what about with the top up? [Photo]
The new key! MINI has taken care of my biggest complaint with the key – it now feels as well made as the BMW key. But it's still as big as it's always been. You can see a photo comparing it to the BMW key here [Photo]
New seats! MINI has made some subtle but welcome changes to the sport seats. First off the stitching pattern has changes. Secondly the seat and the leather appear to be a bit more taut than before. The seat seems to hug better as the bolsters seems better defined. Overall the quality just seems higher than before. [Photo]
Convience lighting under the door. [Photo]
As promised LED lighting in the door handle! [Photo]
The rear power socket is still there. However it's been moved from the left side to the left rear of the boot.
While attempting to see if a rear brake mod could still be accomplished I noticed that there's no easy way to change rear bulbs. In fact it looks to be quite a lot of work just to get back to that area.
Plastic plate that takes the place of the rear foglight on US spec cars. For those of you in the US don't worry – you can always opt for the dealer installed rear foglight package. [Photo]. By the way, as noted previously the reason the US isn't getting the rear foglight as standard is that California and Oregon have laws that somehow interfere with either the light or the placement of the light.l
Is the center storage container something that can be retrofitted to earlier cars? Well – according to what I saw tonight and these photos, it certainly looks that way. It seems that it's only held in place by one screw – which occupies the same spot as a screw in the previous cars. [Photo 1 / 2]

In this one photo you can see the three biggest changes to the Convertible's engine compartment. On the left side you can see the newly redesigned air intake which now appears smaller. Moving from left to right we see the new engine mount. Then on the right side you can clearly see the new structural bracing seemingly to give the convertible more rigidity. [Photo]

There are some great additions here that I for one welcome. However I think the biggest dissapointment is the installation of a ridiculous black plate on US spec cars that almost takes on the appearance of some kind of faux central defuser. It's hard to imagine but it actually looks worse in person than in the photo.

One of the biggest improvements for have to be the seats. They finally look a little bit closer to the class leading BMW sport seats.

I'm even finally warming up to the 5-spoke “rocket” 15″ wheels. While they wouldn't be my choice I think they fit the car. I am, however, dissapointed that the convertible sport package in the US doesn't come with the 7 Fin-Spoke 16″ wheels new for 2005. Having seen them in person in quite a few convertibles while in the UK I can say I definitely prefer tham over the 5-star wheels that were introduced in 2001 and are on the current car. It would seem that in the US they will be dealer installed option. And that of course means you get stuck with another set of wheels if you order them.

Written By: MF Staff

Raymond

I actually went to see that particular MINI convertible and I didn't notice half the things you have noticed. Good job and thanks for the info. I must say that it does look stunning and the operation of the top is amazingly quick and fun to watch.
http://www.minidryvr.textamerica.com Phil

Nice color combo ! Great improvments . Great car . Cant wait to get a hardtop S '05

MINIDryvr.Textamerica.Com
http://cooperchronicle.com Steven Diver

Great write up Gabe! Is this Cabrio at Patrick MINI? A few of the pictures looked like the Patrick showroom…
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

No – Knauz. Last I heard the other two Chicago dealers hadn't set-up their events yet.
http://www.gbmini.net Ian Cull

Very Nice Gabe. Did you sit in it with the roof closed? I would like to know if it feels any more closed in than the “normal” MINIs
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Ian – I had previously sat in both front seats of a convertible and yesterday finally got into the rear seat. In fact that's where this photo comes from.

From the front it's just a little darker that a hardtop MINI. It is kinda nice to not have that b-pilar right behind your ear though. In fact the car is quite nice looking with all four windows down – the lines make the car look a little more sleek and sporty.

From the rear it's more narrow and the armrest in technically eliminated. However I actually found that the top of the plastic next to the seats was quite a comfortable spot for an arm. Also something I found nice was that you're sitting above the people in the front of the car. So you really have a commanding view of the car and the road ahead. That being said getting in and out of the convertible is a bit of a chore for someone 6'2″. And as you can imagine it's not the brightest place.
Nick Nichols

Interior chrome–nice bling-bling! (-:
Anna

Actually Gabe… I received a post card this morning from Bill Jacobs MINI. They are having a cabrio viewing event on July 7th between 4-8pm :)

This will be the FIRST viewing in chicago.
RB

Gabe, I think MINI should hire you for PR, Spin, it's a match made in MINI Heaven.

It's gotta have major blind spots roof up and 4 people?..RB
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Anna – the event at Knauz last night was the official Cabrio introduction in Chicago.

When I spoke to the person at MINIUSA who sets these things up last week he said he hadn't heard back from the other dealers. Apparently he did just after we talked :)
HJ

Hi:

In your photo of the new seats, the color design looks a bit different. There was an oval shape design (sport seat) in the contrasting leather color near the knee bolster area of the seat botom, is the design changed?

Thanks!
Garrett

I'm here at the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference where several Mini Cabrios are on display. (They are here to promote the new iPod connector available on all Minis!) The Cabrios have definately been a hit at the conference as lines of people are surround the cars. The new orange color is beautiful, especially with the body color interior panels (much better than then faux aluminun or patina).
Kirk

Any idea if the tray below the parking brake handle is retrofitable?

Any pics of the rear view from the driver position with top up?
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Yes I would imagine that it is. However you'd have to replace the entire plastic console from the rear seats forward as it's all one unit.
ejkd

Good info. Gabe. Thanks. BTW, you mentioned you are dissapointed on the the so called “black plate”—do you mean the rear fog light cover or the front license plate carrier? soor for my ignorance.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

rear foglight cover…
B

All of the convertibles that are traveling across the US for pre-views at MINI dealerships,are pre-production cars. As official production has just begun, they are not true to what US spec will be. Official US spec cars have not been released yet.
RB

Garrett,

Can you believe the 30″ display… OMG…end of year I'm getting a new G5 with that display…talk about display envy! My poor 20″ Cinema display now feels small…RB
Joe

good work!

is it me or does the leather (with the beige trim) look a bit green?
http://www.hubertus.net Philip

I wonder if those new sport seats are coming for all the MY05 models. I have so say I really liked the design of the old sport seats – those oval shapes appealed to me more than standard straight lined standard seats.
Damon

I have to say that I don't like the convertible at all. The roof line really detracts from the classic MINI shape. It doesn't look like a MINI any more. It looks like a MINI that went to a bad chop shop to be made into a convertible. That large piece on top of the windshield looks like an afterthought.

The new changes to the front and rear bumper are not as good as the current cars. The fat pieces of chrome are nice carry overs from the original MINIs. The MINI is going to suffer the same fate as the Miata, The first few years were pure classics and then they start messing with things and it becomes a hodge-podge of little redesigns not relating to the whole original picture. They shouldn't mess with such a good thing so early.
http://XQZUMWA@webTV.NET Jan

Thanks Gabe for the updates. Can the switch for the rear foglight be put on a toggle with the other switches?
Dan

Thanks for the updates- I just ordered the 05 cabrio due 3 week of Septemver and your pictures and the uk web site gave me the info I needed. I just wish Mini would let you take delivery at the factory like BMW. Do you think they ever will?
Stuart

“Dan / July 19, 2004 10:45 PM” It would be a nice touch to offer customers, actually collecting the car from the place where its built seems to have a limited appeal though. Those that want to do so are very enthusiastic about such a feature, but the vast majority would rather take all the hassle away and leave it to the dealer. I'd also like to see a “bespoke” service offered, you name the colour, material, extras, gadgets , no limits if you are happy to pay the price. But it seems that aftermarket tuners and custom shops get all the business they need and MINI just do the simple things with the standard cars.
Ryephile

I want to know if that front strut-tower brace will be on the hatches too! In any case, you can expect I'll be looking into this little tidbit!
Dan

Stuart, The Cabrio I odered is silver with black top and the silver black fabric seats. The sport, cold packages, Harmon Kardon radio, on board computer and antharacite interior. I wanted the leather seats but the quality of the leather did not seem worth it. The xenon lights look good but seem very complicated. The S was very fast but the suspencion was just too stiff for an every day driver. I have to lock in the final options by 7-31 so any suggestions would be appreciated since we have not seen one in Seattle yet.

Thanks for the great site.

Dan Seattle
EDWIN YEE

i am interesting to import the mini cooper cabrio in red 2005 to panama via Miami….to whom i have to contact to make me an offer…

please, do you know…because here in Panama, i dont see any dealer..

best regards Edwin Yee
Peter Crowl

Pickup at the factory would be awesome…but..being able to order a MCSC with RHD for U.S. delivery would be better IMHO. Your review is terrific. I've been waiting since initial introduction for a convertible and have been on the list forever. Can't wait! Peter
http://www.tickets.fm Ticketgeorge

Has anyone seen the other roof colours? ordered a hyper blue/ black roof would blue roof be better? thanks geo
Tom Edelman

I paid $595 over MSRP for my '05 Mini Convertible (Buffalo,NY). MSRP$29,670.At 56 I've Never payed sticker before :o( But I plan on enjoying this vehicle more than any before :o) vrooom!
Michael Roth

From what I've been hearing, Tom did well by paying only $595 over MSRP. I've heard of some customers paying over $1000 or more over sticker. I did see a listing on eBay for 'the right to purchase a MINI convertible'. Starting bid was something like $895!! Yikes. I think I'll wait for the dust to settle. This summer's driving season is rapidly fading out. Maybe by next summer some of the hysteria will have died down. Anyway, Tom, enjoy your new MINI-hope it doesn't snow in Buffalo in September!

← Next Gen MINI to Have Clip On Roof? New Color Configuator at MINI.com →

Sort by MINI model

Recent BimmerFile Stories

MINI Model Cheat Sheet

1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Hatch
R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
R53: MCS Hatch
2nd Gen MINI
R55: Clubman
R56: Hatch
R57: Convertible
R58: Coupe
R59: Roadster
R60: MINI Crossover
R61: MINI Crossover Coupe
3rd Gen MINI
F55: Clubman
F56: Hatch
F57: Convertible
F60: MINI Crossover
F62: Traveller

Advertise with MotoringFile

If you or your company are interested in advertising on the most influential MINI website in the world, please visit our Advertising section. If you have further questions about becoming a sponsor or would like to see our rate sheet please feel free to contact us directly.