Official 2006 MINIUSA Pricing

Sections: MF Feature | Uncategorized Jul 22nd, 2005 90 Comments

We’ve got a load of 2006 pricing scoops for you today. Everything from base prices for the entire model range to info on the new 2006 options and even the highly anticipated factory JCW pricing.

First off it appears as if MINIUSA as held the line on price increases for the start of the 2006 model year on all models except the hardtop Cooper S (which only goes up $200) Let me be the first to say well done MINIUSA. Here are the official numbers for each model:

Cooper = $16,950
Cooper Convertible = $21,450
Cooper S = $20,600 (up $200)
Cooper S Convertible = $24,900

(not including $550 for destination)

That said a few options have increased in price:

Metallic paint goes up $30 to $450
Sport packages go from $1350 to $1400
Premium Packages go from $1350 to $1400
Body Colored Dash gets increased from $0 to $200

Then there’s the Checkmate Package (for 10/05 production). MINI has priced this at a reasonable $2,200 for what really are quite a number of options. No complaints there from us.

The English Leather Seats (Code LNPN) that we mentioned last week will be priced at a very reasonable $1700. Again, a little less that I expected.

With the weakness of the Dollar against the Pound and the Euro it must be hard for BMW AG and MINIUSA to justify not moving the pricing up even more. It’s nice to see that they’ve held their ground so well.

mini

Now for the news many of you have really been waiting for, factory JCW Package pricing. As we mentioned previously this package (code 3AL) will come with limited slip differential ($500), JCW Brake kit ($1056) and of course the JCW Engine Kit ($4775). Now add up those three and you get a surprisingly close idea of what the option costs. The factory JCW kit (including both options just mentioned) will retail for $6300.

MF Analysis: Yeah, a little more than many of us had hoped for. However it would seem MINI had to closely match the dealer installed JCW kits pricing so as to not immediately drop the value of those kits remaining in dealer inventory. They also have a good many customers who would be none too happy suddenly seeing something they paid $6,000+ for being offered for much less straight from the factory. So what MINIUSA has done is essentially cut out the labor costs previously tied to the JCW kit option. While I’m sure a number of you might not be happy with the price, I think it’s actually rather fair all things considered.

We’ll have further info on US specific 2006 model year options and pricing on Monday.

Written By: Gabe

petsounds

I imagine they’re holding the line in order to create as much interest as possible for the last production year of this generation. You can bet the 2007 MINIs will be significantly more, for many reasons.

Speaking of those nice English seats, I wish they would also come out with a premium leatherette seat. The leatherette they use is not very high quality and doesn’t breathe particularly well, compared to the leatherettte which used to be found in the A4 (and “premium” vegetarian shoes you can find).
Avitor

Will there ba any increase on the Cold Weather Package?
Minimotorin

Gabe, will the checkmate pkg price include the cost of the metalic paint?
KevinR

Just out of curiosity, is there any particular reason why the hardtop S was singled out for a price increase?
TooLShack

Very sad to hear how much they want for JCW.
Im1hapa

I was looking at the MINIUSA website, and it looks like the price of the base Cooper S hardtop is actually $20,950, which would mean the price increase is actually around $500. I feel lucky. I ordered my MCS in late April of this year, and looking at the sticker, the base price was $20,400. So in actuality, in a round about sort of way it looks as if the ’06 MCS hardtop has actually gone up in price by over $1,000! Boy, I’m glad I bought when I did!!
eVal

Very sneaky, saying the prices aren’t going up (or only a little for the S) but raising the price on just about everything else, even making previously no cost options like the dash cost $$. For most people it really is effectively an overall price increase. Bet as of 06 production it goes up more as it did in 05.

I wonder if they are waiting for factory JCW production to introduce the auto version?
minimotorin

The base price plus delivery fee equals the 20,950 (20,400 + 550). So only one price increase for the 06.
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

I was looking at the MINIUSA website, and it looks like the price of the base Cooper S hardtop is actually $20,950, which would mean the price increase is actually around $500.

You may want to look again. The base price without destination charge is 20,400 for 2005. For 2006 it is going to 20,600 or 21,150 with destination charge.
Brendan

Any word from miniusa when we’ll be able to configure these new options on the official web page?
lulu

Please excuse me, if this is a stupid question. I have an ’06 ‘on order’, gave the deposit to the dealer with the specs based on the ’05 model. I am told I will get it in Sept (on east coast) so when do ’06 orders officially go in at the dealer?
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

Very sneaky, saying the prices aren’t going up (or only a little for the S) but raising the price on just about everything else, even making previously no cost options like the dash cost $$

Which would you rather have… MINI increasing the base price of the cars effectively taking them slowly out of reach for some. Or increase prices on a few options for those that want a little extra – effectively keeping base prices low. Seems to me that their solution is quite fair considering the current economic pressures they’re under.
DaveZ

Gabe – After looking at the miniusa website, the base price on the MCS is $20,400, that would make the 2006 MCS $1,050 more. ????
DaveZ

I need to type faster.
Marc

WOW the JCW kit sounds like a steal considering it includes the brakes AND LSD. So maybe a trade in is in order…
Im1hapa

Oops…mah bad! Sorry for the mis-info and poor reading skills! = )
Pocket Rocket

Throw us some Hi-Res bones Gabe..

I want to see this stuff every day as my wallpaper! Love the top pic!

Craig
eVal

“Which would you rather have…”

I just said it was a sneaky way to present price increases; it seems to be the majority of options/pkgs not just a few.

Also, just raising the price on the MCS hardtop, which is likely the bestseller (at least seems most in demand in the US) well, frankly would appear to be gouging…
http://www.jonodove.com Jono

Oh yeah, because 500 bucks is really gouging… no offense or anything but 500 bucks is not a whole lot in the big picture…. why it’s just 2.5% (based on a nice round 20k price)

Additionally, the JCW direct from the factory is super cool… Whereas the kit might cost about 5k, some dealers are adding on as much as 2k to do the intstall. As well the install price varies DRAMATICALLY from dealer to dealer, at least here in California. I’ve took my MCS to Long Beach Mini and they took care of me for $2500 less, in regards to the whole package of add ons that I had done, when compared to the next lowest priced dealer in either the San Francisco or LA area…

cheers all and remember… Motor On…
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

Oh yeah, because 500 bucks is really gouging… no offense or anything but 500 bucks is not a whole lot in the big picture…. why it’s just 2.5% (based on a nice round 20k price)

The increase for the 2006 MCS is actually $200 not $500 (as noted above).
Mini2Go

Also, just raising the price on the MCS hardtop, which is likely the bestseller (at least seems most in demand in the US) well, frankly would appear to be gouging…

$200 is gouging? Given the current exchange rates, as Gabe alluded to earlier, it seems to be – at most – a market correction.

…And there is still time to order an ’05 if you don’t want to pay the additional $200 for an ’06 MCS. ;)

And $50 for the pakcages is exactly the same increase as in previous years. Yet, interestingly, the individual options did not increase, just the packages. — Which means it isn’t so sneaky after all. :0
Chris

Well, I wouldn’t buy the Works kit at that price, but I love the English Leather – I hope it feels as nice as it looks. With that, my Cooper S would price out at a quite reasonable $25k.

So unless BMW announces a 2 series for 2006 at the Frankfurt show, I maybe get a fall Mini. :)
KevinR

My 2004 MCS went out the door at $22,999 with metallic paint, leather and Premium package. A similarly equipped 2006 would cost me $24,600. To me, a $1,600 increase over two years is a bit steep.

It looks like the cheapest factory works cars will be just under $30k:

2006 MINI Cooper S $21,450 mandatory sport package $1,400 JCW package $6,300

Total $29,150
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

2006 MINI Cooper S $21,450 mandatory sport package $1,400 JCW package $6,300

Total $29,150

Actually that would be: 28,300 for a factory JCW MCS. The pricing for the MCS was switched withe MCc originally.
http://www.alldigitalnyc.com drew

geez guys… such complainers! i have spent nearly 40k on my 2005 mcsa by adding in all of the packages, jcw intake, exhaust, brakes, wheels and suspension. these cars aren’t free! if anything i think we all need to remember that the mini is probably the greatest sports car bargain of all time. a stock mcs outperforms ferraris through the cones and the quality of the detail throughout outshine many cars costing twice as much. try to remember that inflation and a weak dollar aren’t mini-proof and enjoy ; )

cheers – drew
RB

Which would you rather have… MINI increasing the base price of the cars effectively taking them slowly out of reach for some. Or increase prices on a few options for those that want a little extra – effectively keeping base prices low. Seems to me that their solution is quite fair considering the current economic pressures they’re under.

HERE, HERE!!! I agree.
http://www.jonodove.com Jono

Drew, I’m right along with you. I’ve plunked down a fair share of change for my MCS too… I’ve nearing the 40k point for my car too… AND I FREAKING LOVE IT!!! There’s nothing I’d change about it… so to all those who like to complain about $200 and $50 there…deal.

cheers
TooLShack

I hope that they improve the quality of the painted interiors if they are gonna charge 200 for it, I find it a bit too easy to scratch the paint off.
eVal

Wow, I’m not going to speak to every post responding to my opinion (and yes, like you I am allowed to have one) but as someone else pointed out over on NAM, the real model year increase is $700 as it went up midyear in January.

And I find it funny that people don’t think $200 pre tax is much, but try to take that out of their wallets in other circumstances and see how the attitude would be different :) Anyway, I didn’t say it was much people, just that it seemed like gouging – since gouging is simply charging more for something just because it is in higher demand I said it appeared to be just that.

Again,all I said it was sneaky the way it was presented, take it or leave it like anyone’s .02. Heck, I’m not complaining, I have my car already.

I feel bad for the people who want the previously free body colored dash, that increase would have been tough to anticipate.
http://www.alldigitalnyc.com drew

no hard feelings eval ; ) i hear ya!

cheers – drew
Gregory

Looks like all of us with an 05 JCW MCS need to make sure we have the brake kit to ensure we have similar resale compared with the newer factory Works cars…
KevinR

I’ll go ahead and correct the first part of my post.

12/2003 – 2004 MCS with metallic paint, Premium package and leather: $22,999

12/2005 – 2006 MCW with metallic paint, Premium package and leather: $24,300

Obviously everyone has an opinion, but $1,301 in price increases over 2 model years seems excessive to me.

I had originally thought about trading my car for an ’06 model with the factory Works parts. However, if I simply kept the same level of equipment I currently have and added the packages required for the Works treatment, I’d be looking at $32,000. Factor in that there are some other options I wish I had, and you start looking at one very expensive MINI. Too expensive for me.

Unless I win the lottery, I probably won’t be buying an ’06. It’s a good thing I’m very happy with the one I have.
gmini

reading y’all’s posts i wonder if MINIUSA wantst keep the factory moving at all – -or are they planning on finally offering discounts…

I understand the dollar to be quite the weakling these days, might that have just a bit to do with the ups in cost?
Jeffro

Having worked in the auto industry, I can say that the factory is probably paying less than $500 for the JCW parts. Most of the MINI competitors ($20k compact cars) offer their high performance variants for ~$2-3k price premium. Needless to say, I am very disappointed in the $6300 price for the JCW option. Guess they’re trying to protect the previous buyers and make some cash too. I should hurry up and order a ’05.

Cheers, Jeffro
nrkist

So what MINIUSA has done is essentially cut out the labor costs previously tied to the JCW kit option. While I’m sure a number of you might not be happy with the price, I think it’s actually rather fair all things considered.

You would think so, Gabe. Why do you seem compelled to be such a coporate BMW/Mini apologist?
Kevin

In the 2006 Options for the US Market piece, it was stated that the MC will be available with the current 15″ Holey wheels, the 5-Star Rockets from the MC Convertible or the new 15″ wheels shown on the Mini One Seven. Who knows which will be the standard wheel and which will be optional? Are they going to cost more? Thanks
Dave

Regarding Gabe being a BMW/MINI apologist. I agree, he certainly is one, but he has to be in order to get the info he gets when he gets it, and some of the perks (test driving Minis for a week, a free ride in a JCW at King’s Point).

I like the site for the facts that it provides, but I write off most every opinion Gabe has on the car because it is tainted.

Gabe’s harshest words for MINI is, “Well, let’s just wait and see.” I have yet to see any real critical thinking on his part regarding BMW/MINI.

Having said all that, I love the site because he does get the scoops faster than anyone else. But that does cost in objectivity.
Greg W

Those leather seats look nice – do they come in red leather with say white or black body colour? JCW pricing – remember you also get the factory warranty backing with this kit and that adds up to a whole heap when needed. And yes the Long Beach MINI guys – I recommend contacting Charles the Parts Manager for a good deal to all MINI club owners – he can sniff a deal.
Dillon

…I agree with Gabe. When one looks at the big picture(inflation,dollar to euro,etc.),the ’06 pricing isn’t that bad. Besides,the money I saved with the complete warantee(bought my mc in ’03) has allow me to have my baby paid off by the end of ’05. Therefore,I’ll have a nice,juicy down payment in the form of a ’03(in mint condition). Thanks,Clark Howard…
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

I like the site for the facts that it provides, but I write off most every opinion Gabe has on the car because it is tainted.

Wow – that’s pretty laughable. You may want to read a bit more of the site then, especially the archives.

You would think so, Gabe. Why do you seem compelled to be such a coporate BMW/Mini apologist?

Wow, aren’t you a bundle of sunshine. nrkist – why are you compelled to be the most negative person in the world about everything that requires an opinion?. Reading your posts, one would think you are on a crusade to attack the car and the company that sells it every chance you get. Why? Did something happen with your car? It’s fine to be critic of the company and car but to call me an apologist is honestly quite misguided. Frankly, if you knew me it would be kinda laughable.

Well anyway, back to more civilized conversaion…

Those leather seats look nice – do they come in red leather with say white or black body colour?

They only come in back with grey piping unfortunately.

I’m not going to speak to every post responding to my opinion (and yes, like you I am allowed to have one) but as someone else pointed out over on NAM, the real model year increase is $700 as it went up midyear in January.

When you bring that into the equation, it makes the whole price increase look a bit different. $700 in eight months is a bit tough to swallow. I would guess a lot of that has to be related to the beating they’re taking on exchange rates.

BTW – If you really want to feel good about what we pay for our MINI here in the US, just take a look at prices in the UK or in Europe.
Brian

Most of you guys are looking at the price of the JCW all wrong! When you factor the kit into the lease – it is much much cheaper. If the MCS with JCW was leased in NJ in 2006, the total payments after taxes will now be $520.73.

In 2005, this figure was somewhere in the neighborhood of $595.49 for the exact same car!

This is a saving of almost $2,700 over the cost of the lease. This is because the JCW package was only partially factored into the residual of the lease. Now that the entire car will be assembled in Oxford with the Works kit, the residual of the car is much higher, and therefore, the lease is much better.

If anybody is curious I calculated a 30k lease with a 60% residual at 36 months with an interest rate of 7.89 – which is very close to retail Mini leases in NJ and NY.
http://jamesday.net/mini James

I thought charging more due to a higher demand was called Capitalism, not gouging.
KLF23

Gabe, I think that the majority of long term readers would disagree with the MINI apologist comment. We know you’re no sell out.

To keep this partially on topic, the prices in the US are much cheaper than those here in AUS. Though while yours have been going up, ours have come down a few times. KLF23.
Alan

My July ’04 05 MCS cost 25569, since I got several options that now will have extra cost (headliner, and body colored dash). The cost of an ’06 would be 26,850 or an increase of 1281. That’s a 5% increase in like 14 months. The question is is that bad or good?

It certainly increases my residual value, and since I’m looking at an ’07 in theory that helps. But I do think that its a bit more then inflation, and with interest rates going up, it makes it harder for people to buy. Of course with all the production BMW has in SC, and the theory that cars get cheaper to make as they go along (the improved reiliability has to add to the bottom line…) I’m not so sure this ooh they’ve done excellent holding the price down is such a great deal.

So some people will be forced to get a car with less options – especially those people who sit on the forums for months while they save up to buy their car, not you people who spend $40k because you’d probably buy a 50K car if you didn’t buy a MINI.
vaper

Is it known whether the other JCW options, i.e., the air box, suspension etc. will be only available as dealer installed options or will they too be factory installed?
Chris

One thing I’d still love to see is a factory aero kit, cause without the cost of painting, it would be quite reasonable.
Chris

Regarding selling out, there are plenty of people who wouldn’t be satisfied til the Mini is sold for $9000, then when BMW stops making Minis cause it’s not profitable, they’ll complain that BMW sold out.

Americans don’t care that their currency is turning into toilet paper – well here’s your reason, Minis are just gonna keep getting more expensive.
JFS

I was really looking forward to getting a ’06 MCS/JCW, but for $30+K, I am not so sure anymore.

I am now considering a ’06 Mazda MX-5 (170-hp, 140-lb-ft; RWD; 2473lbs)
Wraith

ok, just my .02, but the MX-5 and MINI are two totally different cars. the MX-5 is a great little car, but it has nothing even close to approaching the character of the MINI. and a stock MINI will still out handle a stock MX-5 ;)
KevinR

I have to disagree with the comments about Gabe. Although I’ve never met him personally, I think he’s pretty objective when it comes down to reporting. The fact that he is an enthusiast for the marque shouldn’t be confused with being an apologist.

I’ve never bought a new BMW, but I’ve owned several used ones. To me, BMW has made excellent, but overpriced automobiles. So, I buy them used, when they reach the point that I think they are worth the price. It appears that MINI is headed down the same path for me.

← Kenwood iPod Interface Reader Review Heel and Toe Shifting Made Simple →

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.