At least you don't need to get Xenon's - so you don't need to get the lights (unless you need to have Xenon lighting). Doesn't really help for the tail lights though.

Honestly, they are just 2 small changes, and it doesn't change the way the car drives or anything else major. Its just slightly what it looks like, which isn't what you'll deal with every day you drive - unlike the dash which you'll see every day.

At least you don't need to get Xenon's - so you don't need to get the lights (unless you need to have Xenon lighting). Doesn't really help for the tail lights though.

Honestly, they are just 2 small changes, and it doesn't change the way the car drives or anything else major. Its just slightly what it looks like, which isn't what you'll deal with every day you drive - unlike the dash which you'll see every day.

:eek: You are absolutely right stryder! I have to remember that it is soooo easy to get caught up in some of the small details, when really, it is the driving experience that I really want, and enjoy! I guess even if it looked like a box on wheels (and I have had several of those), if the driving experience was great then that's all that matters! My head is sitting back on my shoulders a little better now! :D

Hi Paul M,

Im from Australia & my MINI cooper was built the 7th of Feb 04, i was curious will my MINI cooper come with a 2 spoke or 3 spoke steering wheel ?

People are saying that July 04 onwards all MINI's will be made with the 3 spoke.

Im really hoping i get the 2 spoke.

Daniel

Hi Paul M,

Im from Australia & my MINI cooper was built the 7th of Feb 04, i was curious will my MINI cooper come with a 2 spoke or 3 spoke steering wheel ?

People are saying that July 04 onwards all MINI's will be made with the 3 spoke.

Im really hoping i get the 2 spoke.

Daniel

They are already shipping new minis with the three spoke

Having checked them out at the dealer I think the 3 spoke looks much better, a bit less toy town..... although maybe a little BMW!

Based on the date you quote I think you could well be borderline as to which you get!

just a though...will the "face lift" models get the new engines in a couple of years time, or will the MINI be re-released with a new design, engine etc?

My bet is that the 2005 changes will be introduced when the 2005 production begins, that's usually around the last 1/3 of the year in BMW terms.

The rear lights seem to be causing a stur amongst us, so I'll have to check them out. The headlights look pretty cool!

My MINI not having arrived yet, I can't really judge the little interior bits like the larger armrests, but I do think that the little cubby holes have to be nice. :p
I don't really like the new gauge cluster, but I honstly can't think of a way to better put a bunch of gauges into a circle like that, so if you reallywant 'em it seems like a good deal.
The new headlights are nice, but i'll have to see them in person before I can decide weather or not they're nicer than the current ones.
The change I don't like is the rear lights. I think it was a very stand-out feature with the reverse light in the middle leaving the tail lights red, and think the car will lose some of its identity when they are moved up to the normal-car position. :mad:
Even though i'm not a huge fan of the changes, I think they are small enough not to dramaticly impact the car so they are largly inconsequential.

Here is the best guess we have on what Hyper Blue will look like..............:)
If you check the News section, you will see Pauls scoop photos of Blackeye Purple on a convertible...........;)
http://www.mini2.com/news/news199.html

Has this one passed here yet?
http://www.mini2.nl/forum/viewtopic.php?t=847

http://www.mini2.nl/forum/files/hyperblueforum.jpg

> 23rd April 2004:
> 170 BHP Cooper S Convertible Official Announcement (http://www.mini2.com/news/news228.html)


> 23rd April 2004:
> Updated MINI in Showrooms From July - Official Pictures & Information (http://www.mini2.com/news/news229.html)

Ow, ok :) Can't have enough of 'm, can you?

Gah..............so the S is now 170 bhp...........typical ! :p

It will just be an ECU update, maybe others could get it retrofitted, maybe while getting other updates/fixes?

;)

Will the S have modified gear ratios and change to a 5 speed as mentioned in article:confused:

It will just be an ECU update, maybe others could get it retrofitted, maybe while getting other updates/fixes?

;)

;)

<-------------Walks away looking innocent...............:D

:cool:

It will just be an ECU update, maybe others could get it retrofitted, maybe while getting other updates/fixes?

;)
Is that a hint? :)

What about us that forked out for a Works? :( we've just lost 7bhp.:(

So I realize the UK crowd only cares about registration #s, but since all the US cares about is model years, any idea on if the July (Aug delivery overe here I assume, even though it hasn't been announced by MINI USA yet) models will be '05s or '04s?

I've waited this long, I might as well wait and get the '05 so it holds its value a hair better and I can save up a bit more for options... PDC looks not bad on hyper blue :D

The new model will be made as the '05 model year.

Thanks for the info, but oh crud I need to get my order in :D

It will just be an ECU update, maybe others could get it retrofitted, maybe while getting other updates/fixes?

;)
If true I expect the techs will be pulling in some nice tips for a while :D

I wonder just how many of these changes will be easy (if $£$£) upgrades to those with older models? things like the deeper arm rests in the doors for example... could you just buy a new tube and pad and swap it in or has the rest of the door inner liner changed as well

I just called up the local dealer to order officially, and they're totally clueless on when '05s will actually appear. We all know who I trust in this discussion though, so I'll be putting a deposit down on Monday or Tuesday, regardless of what they say for an '05, since if I wait, they'll start giving '05 order slots to people that are just on the normal list, and that'd be no fun.

I'll sit back and wait for M2 to prove the dealers wrong yet again :) Besides, that means less waiting for my car, and I won't need to put snow tires on it the moment I get it.

It will just be an ECU update, maybe others could get it retrofitted, maybe while getting other updates/fixes?

;)

Paul, sorry if this has been answered before, but what does that mean for the works ?, will that still be only 200bhp ?.... me thinks i'm going to have a trip to my dealer !!!....

I've been told the S upgrade also includes improved "breathing", as well as the ECU upgrade.

I just called up the local dealer to order officially, and they're totally clueless on when '05s will actually appear. We all know who I trust in this discussion though, so I'll be putting a deposit down on Monday or Tuesday, regardless of what they say for an '05, since if I wait, they'll start giving '05 order slots to people that are just on the normal list, and that'd be no fun.

I'll sit back and wait for M2 to prove the dealers wrong yet again :) Besides, that means less waiting for my car, and I won't need to put snow tires on it the moment I get it.

cutting it close are ya? :p

Are you specifically requesting to be put on a '05 waiting list? ...not worried about getting a earlier june slot and still winding up with an '04?

Well I was thinking the '05s wouldn't be out quite as early as they are now (or will be, in theory) so I had been waiting a bit, but I'd already spoken to the salesguy about my intentions a few months ago, I just need to act on it. I should be fine, and if I miss the first '05s by a week, its not the end of the world. I'll just shed a tear and wait :D

I'm specifically putting down a deposit for an '05 model. I don't know if its much of a waiting list, when I spoke with him on Saturday he said I'd be the first one. But yeah, so I'll be covered if 05s indeed to end up as July builds, or if someone lied to Paul and they're Sept builds, I'll get one of those. I (and the salesguy) don't see it as an issue to make sure I get an '05.

When they get build slots assigned from MINI, they know when the build date is, and what model year and the options available. So they'll just call me to spec my car when they get an '05 build date. I guess in that respect it is a waiting list, since until then, they'll just give '04 build dates to people who want to order.

I've made my intentions very clear, and the salespeople and the dealer realize I know more then they do, but they want my business, so they're willing to work with me. Even though Classic is the only dealer in Cleveland, I could easily drive to Detroit, Buffalo, Columbus or Cincy if I had to.

I've been told the S upgrade also includes improved "breathing", as well as the ECU upgrade.
Does that mean a slightly smaller SC wheel? or a change to the air filter or intercooler?

I have also heard that the Cooper S will have an optional LSD soon (from a VERY good source)

I've been told the S upgrade also includes improved "breathing", as well as the ECU upgrade.

Cheers Paul !

I have also heard that the Cooper S will have an optional LSD soon (from a VERY good source)
Yeah, I posted that on October 17th last year...

Another rumour from the mill, LSD for Cooper S... (http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42923&highlight=LSD)

Hope this isn't old news... has everyone seen the mini international web page with all of the updates -- inlcuding a photo of BLACK-EYED PURPLE. My 2cents: it's a shame to have TWO blacks and to say goodbye to INDI... INDI is such a great color. Welcome blackeyed...

http://www.mini.com/COM/en/themini/model_refreshing/index.jsp