2004 vs 2005 cooper S

[supark]

Looking at the buyers guides it looks like between the 04 and 05, the most notable change is the new getrag manual gearbox in the 05. Otherwise though, it seems like the rest of the car had not received any major changes.

Would you guys say that the getrag in the 05 is worth buying it over the 04?

[JBgotM]

Looking at the buyers guides it looks like between the 04 and 05, the most notable change is the new getrag manual gearbox in the 05. Otherwise though, it seems like the rest of the car had not received any major changes.

Would you guys say that the getrag in the 05 is worth buying it over the 04?

When I was looking for a base model, I thought of going for a '05. I ended up coming across a '04 for a good deal and haven't had any gearbox problems.

If you find a newer one for a good deal, go for it, but buying a '04 doesn't mean you will have problems.

[rhogg]

Check out the motoringfile.com buyers guide. I've got a 2004 and am very happy with it. The 2005s got a little more 2-4 HP and shorter gearing so are quicker off the line, The 2004 are very nicely geared for the highway

[supark]

yeah I went through the motorfile buyer's guide - they were recommending the 05 based on general feedback on reliability of the older rover? gearbox.. Seems like there's enough rumbling over on the mini2.com forum regarding gearbox noise on the 2004 models to be somewhat concerned.. I mean if it's a design "trait" that the older gearboxes are a little noisy, then I'm kinda fine with that as long as it doesn't impact reliability.

[MINIGURU]

The biggest diffrence is the 05 is a little quicker with the different gearing. Also if you can find a car with LSD your golden. But the older gearboxs are pretty good unless abused. One of my race cars has an 04 box and the other race car has an 05 box. Both have been raced and worked fine.

[supark]

thanks guys - advice is appreciated. I'm eyeing an 04 S with JCW package that's going for a decent price - hoping to get it for $16k or less. Has every option package including navigation. Only thing is that it has 70k miles on it, but honestly I'm good working on cars so higher mileage isn't a big deal for me.

[catseye]

thanks guys - advice is appreciated. I'm eyeing an 04 S with JCW package that's going for a decent price - hoping to get it for $16k or less. Has every option package including navigation. Only thing is that it has 70k miles on it, but honestly I'm good working on cars so higher mileage isn't a big deal for me.
Sounds like a winner there. I wouldn't worry about 70K miles as long as it's been taken care of.

[supark]

Got the guy down to $15.9k. Main thing I'm worried about otherwise is strut tower mushrooming.. is this something that I would be able to tell with a closeup photo? (the car is a ways away from me).

[rhogg]

Yes you should be able to tell from a picture if its severe. There are a number of pictures on the web of what it looks like. I run 16 inch rims whcih pretty much elimiate the concern. The mushrooming comes from low profile tires, stiffer suspension and big hits.

Presumabley a strut tower brace is enough to re-enforce the site and avoid the problem. Of course it is also a good way to cover up the problem. As I am on stock 16s and S suspension i havent seen it first hand.

There is nothing wrong with the 2004 six speed gearboxes - more 2004s are accumulating off warranty miles and thus there are more stories. My understandign was the only thing that changed was the internals there was no design manufacturing change. They are both Getrags ie excellent manual boxes.

[supark]

just talked to the mechanic that did the most recent service and the strut towers check out fine - they actually replaced the struts so they paid a fair amount of attention to them (no issues with alignment). Clutch, motor mounts and tires are all also new... sounds like a good buy