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There's a great thread at North American Motoring going on right now about dislikes and likes of the 2005 changes. I thought it would be an interesting topic to hear other people's opinions on. And with the first deliveries going on this weekend I thought it would be a good as time as ever to discuss this topic.
So from the vantage point of someone who owns an early 2002 MINI here are a few on my list:
Misses:
- The clock integrated into the speedometer – presumable hard to read.
- Limited use of the door storage space due to the new armrests.
- rear blank plate in place of the rear foglight (US only) – I have a feeling that dealer optional rear foglight kit will be popular!
Neither a hit or a miss:
- New facia on the Cooper – while I don't mind it I thought the original was a cheeky nod to the past. I'll miss it.
Hits:
- New interior lighting near the rearview mirror. And that's plus the current lights in the middle of the car!
- additional sunvisors.
- Real armrests integrated into the doors.
- New Getrag 5-speed in the Cooper.
- 7HP extra in the MCS/better gearing on the Getrag manual.
- Limited Slip Differential available on the MCS.
- Interior chrome pack.
- Exterior chrome pack on the MCS.
- R99s!
I imagine this will change somewhat as I see more of the 2005s on the road and get to experience some of the new features first hand.
So… What's on your list?
<p>Hey Gabe, thanks for the awesome site! I check Motoringfile several times a day to see what new and exciting MINI news comes out.</p>
<p>I have a quick question, and maybe you or someone out there might know…can those overhead map reading lights be installed on earlier MINI's? I would much rather have those lights than that pod that houses JUST a clock :)</p>
<p>Thanks!
Kevin</p>
<p>Bingo on the additional sun visors! My seat is racked back so far that the one in my '04 MCS offers zero help.
I would say the larger rearview is a great move, as is integrating a garage door opener into it(can't leave the Mini out in the rain!)
MP3 capability is also a great step forward.
I also like the storage cubby forward of the cupholders…</p>
<p>Gabe, have to agree on the rear foglight comment you made. We thought the block-off plate looked horrid. Rear fogs are around $150 installed. A worthwhile option in our opinion.</p>
<p>I'm not so crazy about the smooth chrome piece around the grill. No doubt it will be easier to keep clean but I like the current (pre '05) version.</p>
<p>I did not really notice the rear fog blanking plate – I don't think it will be the issue that we are hyping it to be.
The new door pockets <em>might</em> be easier, if you can now reach behind the armrest.
The new maplights are not a plus for me, because it is they that dumped the clock and I would choose the clock.
I also don't need or like the larger rearview mirror.</p>
<p>We keep hearing that the clock may be “moving” back up to near the rearview. Does anyone have any idea how this will be accomplished with the new map light setup? Are they to be integrated together somehow. I also remember hearing that “other info” maybe following the clock back to the roof liner. Any help?</p>
<p>There's really no specifics on when that might happen yet. </p>
<p>Also to my knowledge know one has attempted any retro-fit of a 2005 part beyond the “utility box” that we reported on a few days ago.</p>
<p>Thanks Gabe. By the way I've never mentioned, thanks for the amazing work you do for us MINIACS out there. My MA checks on your site as much as I do. In regards to the clock, keeping with the lighthearted spirit of MINI and assuming that we probably all drive them a little faster than we should, what do we care what time it is anyway?</p>
<p>It would be good to have better sun visor. The existing item is about as useless as the 2002 cup holders or Afro Sheen for MJ.</p>
<p>I have a question about that item that mirrors the sun roof switch. Is there any purpose other than cosmetic for it? Is there some option that uses that area?</p>
<p>Not a fan of the new look front end either. Gabe I thought you suggested, a long time ago in an distant discussion, that you liked the new Cooper front? Maybe I'm mistaken as I am OLD & feeble.</p>
<p>Really don't understand why they are F'n with the car so early in it's existence? Not even 5 years old. </p>
<p>My Wants…</p>
<p>Gear shift Indicator like JCW is offering but with numbers instead of LEDs. That way I can pretend I'm a WRC stud!</p>
<p>…RB</p>
<p>It's not that I don't like the new one – I'll just miss the '01-'04 look. It was/is less modern looking but there's something about it that worked with the car.</p>
<p>Ugly rear blanking plate = excellent aftermarket opportunity! Maybe a nice little aluminum or brushed steel grill doodad.</p>
<p>the cooper rear bumper looks lame with the chrome…..much better without it! :)</p>
<p>My wants… Gear Shift Indicator…</p>
<p>Just got a email from a Paul Cooper at JCW's. He tells me I can't buy the Gear Change Indicator unless I go to the JCW shop and only if they install it? Strange…I wonder why? Seems a very consumer-ish item.</p>
<p>…RB</p>
<p>RB – </p>
<p>The grille is a cover for the microphone that is installed when you opt for a handsfree phone system. (Either the bluetooth system avaialable in the US or one of the wired ones from Europe.) There's nothing back there until you add the handsfree.</p>
<p>RB –</p>
<p>Most of the items listed on JCW's website say very specifically that they must be fitted at their shop. Leaves those of us in the US out in the cold. :(</p>
<p>here is a great place to store your new 205 or earlier Mini – thought you would al get a kick out of it. <a href="http://www.travelsupreme.com/products/me2.asp" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.travelsupreme.com/products/me2.asp</a></p>
<p>I will be putting my order in for 2005 Mini in another month as I will have to sell my Audi A4</p>
<p>yeah I've been meaning to do a write-up on that. They are actually just down the road from where I grew up.</p>
<p>I didn't know you were a Hoosier, Gabe! Did you go to school in IN too?</p>
<p>Used to be… Yeah I went to school there too.</p>
<p>I love my anthracite headliner! 🙂 Interior chrome pack and half cloth/leather is just icing on the cake!</p>
<p>FOOLSDRAGON…</p>
<ol>
<li><p>thanx for the info on the microphone thingy.</p></li>
<li><p>I did notice that JCW's did say that they only sold and installed them at their plant. I queried Paul Cooper as to why they would only allow, basically England, to buy such a cool item. No answer as of yet.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Maybe they feel us Colonist' are only able to handle tea parties?</p>
<p>…RB</p>
<p>RB –</p>
<p>I agree that it sucks, as I would love to have several of those accessories for my new '05 MCS which will be here pretty soon!</p>
<p>Hi Gabe, so the rear blank plate substituted the rear fog, is it only applied to MC or both MCS? So far, I have seen pic's from the rear of 05'MC, not from the MCS, just wonder?!</p>
<p>Not sure if it really counts, but I'm really looking forward to the iPod adapter.</p>
<p>It's on all US spec MINIs. The reason that MINI couldn't make rear foglights standard (like the rest of the world) is due to state laws in California and Oregon.</p>
<p>Misses: new MC design–seems too “feminish” to me. Clock location is confusing to read.
Do not like the 3 spoke MFSW–should be an option.
Wasted area of the “Chrono Pack”</p>
<p>Hits: Agreed to all. My addition is the new “auto” tranny on MCS.</p>
<p>Hi guys.</p>
<p>I find it sad that they changed the sun visors. :(. I dont think you guys realise that the initial visors were like that by design. They weren't supposed to be practical, but orignal. I guess they hey too many complaints from people that just didnt get it.
What i do when the sun gets in my eyes is wear a Mini Cap. Works great. (I have an 04 with the “small” visors.)</p>
<p>Gabe
I thought the MY05 sunroof came with a solid shade to block out the sun…
oh my, the bride is goin' to kill me?! :[</p>
<p>No – same shade. There have been rumors but they weren't started here 🙂 </p>
<p>Personally I think the shade blocks out the sun very well – and it creates a cool cabana effect in the process.</p>
<p>RB asked:</p>
<p>“Really don't understand why they are F'n with the car so early in it's existence? Not even 5 years old.”</p>
<p>I have a couple theories. One is that they might be increasing the air intake with the new front grille, although it's hard to tell in the pictures if that's really the case or the new opening just <strong>seems</strong> bigger. It's within the realm of possibility, since more horsepower could in theory require more cooling. Mostly I'm just talking out my tailpipe.</p>
<p>The other theory is, well, why not? It's the minor changes that make obsessive owners point out “That's a 2005” to their co-pilots when another car drives past. I grew up being able to tell early Mustangs apart on sight, and after driving a Honda del Sol for seven years I still note which ones are which year (and which ones are factory VTEC models, for that matter) based on minor details. It's fun.</p>
<p>Looking at the pictures again, I have two more theories: lower costs to manufacture, or some sort of structural change underneath. They could have changed something for the Cabrio that required things to be reworked a bit for either reason, and streamlined manufacturing would impel them to have as many common elements as possible.</p>
<p>I actually think I like the new grille better, anyway. I think it's truer to the current car's style. I'm down a bit on the rear bumper, though, so I guess overall it's a wash.</p>
<p>RB asked:</p>
<p>“Really don't understand why they are F'n with the car so early in it's existence? Not even 5 years old.”</p>
<p>It's standard BMW protocol. After the first 4 years of a product cycle (2001 to 2005) there is a refresh. In the 7th year there is a new model altogether.</p>
<p>fedward: I think your second to last paragraph could be spot on in some cases.</p>
<p>I would much rather have MINI continuously tweak and perfect the Cooper than the leave it stale like the New Beetle and PT Cruiser have become. The fact that they are pursuing design updates signals that the MINI is not just a hip, trendy car and brand; it's here to stay. (Something which I think all MINI admirers would be pulling for.)</p>
<p>CamelPilot:
Glad the Mini cap works for you to keep the sun out of your eyes. I would look pretty silly with a cap on sideways and the bill over the left side of my face. The sunlight that blinds me in coming in from the driver's window. guess i could go 'gangsta Mini' and tint the crap out of it…..</p>
<p>When will we be able to build our own 2005 MINIs on the MINI website?</p>
<p>Bob131310 –</p>
<p>MINI is telling us that the configurator and new '05 brochures should hit these shores toward the end of August.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Best: LSD in MCS,
Getrag 5speed transmission in MC.</p>
<p>MP3 in stereo head, iPod link, all that.</p>
<p>Worst:
moving clock to down low where
sun glare will make it unreadable in
daylight, like the temperature setting readout on
the automatic climate control.</p>
<p>Is the rear fog light dealer package legal in CA?</p>