[CrapS]

Hi all, I've been bitten by the Mini Bug and am looking at buying a MCS . Was just wondering if there were differences between the 2002/2003/2004 models? Stuff like facelifts or fault fixes? I know there's supposed to be a facelift for the end of this year when the Cabrio comes out but I've only just started looking for info and wanted to know if there are any reasons i for choosing a 2003 over a 2002 build for instance. Thanks in advance!

[Eric_Rowland]

For me, big change 02-03 is the seperation of the PS fan and radiator fan circuits. If the vulnerable PS fan goes out, I don't want to overheat. This was fixed in '03.
Lot's of little things - you can try a search.
Other than the later the build, the more process improvements, no particular differences I know of between 03-04. Maybe altered shock valving in the later '03s
No facelifts

[Martin L]

Suspension set up is the major change I think from Mar'03 you need to look out for.
The way the new MCS handles compared to the old setup is huge. The go kart feel is lost and the car doesn't feel so alive.
On the other hand you may prefer the "softer" more BMW like ride
Newer builds are far better built then earlier cars though

[CrapS]

Ah.. thanks both of you for that input. I need to go test drive a 2002 build and see how it feels. But i think i might go with a later model to avoid the problems that have been addressed. Hows the RX8 going Martin? Been wanting to try one but never got the chance. Not that i can afford one at the moment! Have heard reports that it feels 'slow'.

[gone_motoring]

Quote: Originally Posted by Martin L

Suspension set up is the major change I think from Mar'03 you need to look out for.
The way the new MCS handles compared to the old setup is huge. The go kart feel is lost and the car doesn't feel so alive.
On the other hand you may prefer the "softer" more BMW like ride
Newer builds are far better built then earlier cars though

I was just wondering about this earlier in the day as I had noticed that a undercarriage protector being sold at MossMINI was applicable only up to 2/2003 builds. Are the post 2/2003 MINIs better protected underneath, and what about that vunerable PS fan?

[Martin L]

Quote: Originally Posted by CrapS

Hows the RX8 going Martin? Been wanting to try one but never got the chance. Not that i can afford one at the moment! Have heard reports that it feels 'slow'.

It's going very well thanks, apart from the fuel consumption
Car's handling is the best part of the car. If you think the MINI's is fantastic just wait until you try one of these
As you say the RX8 does "feel" slow, but it's no worse then the MINI does. As it accelerates with no fuss or drama you don't realise how fast you're actaully going

The most important thing about this car though is that it feels very similar to the MINI, I didn't think I'd find a car which was as much fun to drive as the MINI, but I've managed to find a real corker