About to buy - is this 2005 model??

[Benfrain]

Done a search but couldn't find the relevant info, hopefully somebody can answer the question.

I am about to trade my 2002 Mini Cooper for a new Cooper S. I remembered this site and thought I would come and check in case there is anything I should know.

When I get here I see there is a 2005 model Cooper coming out - is the model I am about to buy likely to be the new spec or the older one? The VIN Prefix listed on the quote thing I have from the dealer is WMWRE32010.

Anyone know which sort it will be? Production week is listed as 25-06-2004.

Hope you can help as I don't want to go for this car if the new ones are just around the corner.

Thanks in advance - Ben

[lukebuzzy]

You should be able to tell right away by looking at the grill, The new surround on the 2005's is smooth like this:


The 2005 model changes officially came in on July 1st 2004, but June 25th might be a new one.

The other changes that would be most noticable would be:

New Xenon headlights, rear lights, 3 piece dash rather than 5, bigger arm rests in the doors, and newly designed center console with some storage between the downtubes and below the handbrake.

You should check the sticker on the engine to make sure that it has 170BHP/PS rather than 163.

That's all i can remember for now.

Luke

[AmRov]

My guess is it's not the facelifted '05, as I thought June producton were still all '04s.

The headlights will be a sure give away. The new ones look very different.

Do a search in this forum for "facelift," and you will see pics of the '05 design changes. If they aren't on the car you're lookin' at, it's an '04.

[lukebuzzy]

Quote: Originally Posted by AmRov

My guess is it's not the facelifted '05, as I thought June producton were still all '04s.

The headlights will be a sure give away. The new ones look very different.

Do a search in this forum for "facelift," and you will see pics of the '05 design changes. If they aren't on the car you're lookin' at, it's an '04.

Some of the first 2005's that were shipped to the states were built in early June, so you never know...

[Benfrain]

Thanks for the replies chaps. I haven't physically seen this car yet (it's in storage at the dealer) so I suppose the easiest thing to do is ask the dealer. I just womdered if there was any way of telling from the engine number, chassis code etc which I have on the spec print out the dealer gave me.

[Benfrain]

It was a 2004 Think I'll hang on for a 2005 model...