Newb Questions

[wilddave]

i looked through the faq's and didn't really find an answer........

i am considering buying an "S", should i go with a used '03, a new '04, or order an '05?

from what i kave read the 03 and 04 have a different tranny, that's basically the only difference, and the 05's have a lsd and some interior upgrades.

Is an 03 going to be inferior to to an 04? Is an 05 worth it?

I know the new ones have the free service agreement, but my closest dealer is 1.5 hours away and like to do my own maintainace anyway!

Thanks!

Dave

[ALD0]

No MINI is Inferior-If you can afford an 04 (new), go for that, I personally went for an 03 with TONS of Spec instead of getting a new 04 with less Spec.
All down to Personal Preference.

[MINIAC]

Welcome to MINI2

Please update your profile to specifiy a country flag and location, so we may better answer your questions.

The transmission used in the MCS is a Getrag unit. The gear ratios have been changed for the 2005 model year:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...741#post831741

The MCS engine will also have a little more horsepower (+7) and torque (+7) starting with July builds.

[wilddave]

Ok, updated my profile. Sorry about that. I reqistered hastily this morning.

So all Mini S models have the Getrag unit? Is there any difference between 2003-2004 models?

I have been looking at a used 2003 with low miles for a great price.

i have been reading that the mini responds well to mod's, ie. intake, exhaust, pulley. Do any of these have any effect on reliabilty. Will running 15lbs. of boost damage the engine over time?

i am coming from the subaru world and don't have any experience with euro cars.

Great Board btw!

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by wilddave

So all Mini S models have the Getrag unit? Is there any difference between 2003-2004 models?

No major differences between 2003 and 2004 models that I can recall.

More on 6-speed Getrag:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f...ansmission_faq

Quote: Originally Posted by wilddave

i have been reading that the mini responds well to mod's, ie. intake, exhaust, pulley. Do any of these have any effect on reliabilty. Will running 15lbs. of boost damage the engine over time?

Besides John Cooper Works Kit, lots of aftermarket goodies to bump horsepower in 200 range:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f...cs_tuning_kits

The 'S' engine has been extensively modified to meet the high demands in terms of power and torque:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f...q_tech_details

A reduction pulley may shorten the life of the supercharger but nobody knows by how much.

[wilddave]

thanks for the info! I really appreciate the help!

[wilddave]

Quote: Originally Posted by interceptor

No MINI is Inferior-If you can afford an 04 (new), go for that, I personally went for an 03 with TONS of Spec instead of getting a new 04 with less Spec.
All down to Personal Preference.

this is what i am thinking, a low mileage used mini s ! plus add on some more goodies!

[ScottyB]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC

A reduction pulley may shorten the life of the supercharger but nobody knows by how much.

Time will tell??

I will no doubt consider a 15-17% when the car is out of the warranty period. Interesting to see if people are having problems by then.