model year changes?

[Ridgeway]

Anyone have a link that notes the changes between model years? I have only found info piecemeal thus far.

Or can anyone highlight the major changes on the pre-facelift models, '02-'06.
I'm leaning towards a '04 atm, from what I've found and considering residual value.


Specifically:

1) When did the 3 spoke wheel replace the 2 spoke wheel?
1A) Are all steering wheels leather or was it optional?

2) Some pics I've seen have the speedo next to the tach and other gauges in the center column. When was this done?

3) DSC standard or optional on non-S?

[ScottinBend]

Anyone have a link that notes the changes between model years? I have only found info piecemeal thus far.

Or can anyone highlight the major changes on the pre-facelift models, '02-'06.
I'm leaning towards a '04 atm, from what I've found and considering residual value.


Specifically:

1) When did the 3 spoke wheel replace the 2 spoke wheel?
1A) Are all steering wheels leather or was it optional?

2) Some pics I've seen have the speedo next to the tach and other gauges in the center column. When was this done?

3) DSC standard or optional on non-S?

You can see if this helps with the differences.....
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

The '04's were the last yr to have the 2 spoke wheels.
Only the cars with the sport option or ones that optioned the leather wheel got one.

The optional center dash cluster was available starting with the '05's I believe.

DSC was standard on the S and optional on the Cooper.

[Ridgeway]

thx

[ScottinBend]

NP.

[SilverBeam]

One thing to consider is that in 2005 they gave the MINI a better, stronger automatic transmissions. The 02-04s are prone to failure. I think it would be worth it to get a newer one with the better tranny.

[Ridgeway]

Ill be getting a manual so not a problem. Wouldn't mind the new getrag unit though.

[CB1988]

They changed the gearing in the manual trans for '05-06. the supercharger was also revised, new taillights, headlights, grille, coolant tank, a small bump in HP. Also some other stuff that I can't think of off the top of my head. If you want a mini 05-06 is certainly the best of the breed. FYI, DSC (dynamic stability control) was not standard. it came with the sport package though.

[SilverBeam]

Here is a really good breakdown of the pros and cons of each car year-to-year

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/