Someone wrote to me today with the following question: I know some of them but don't them them all. So...I thought why not do the Web 2.0 thing and crowd source the question. After a period of time, say a week or so, compile the answers into an article for the Library. Lets take it beyond just the S too please. I've got a format in mind here too. --------- Differences between 1st and 2nd Generation MINIs Exterior 2nd Gen has taller hood (bonnet) to meet EU Pedestrian safety laws 2nd Gen Hood Scoop more ornamental than functional 2nd Gen Wipers are now under the cowl 2nd Gen Headlights are mounted in a Fixed position. 1st Gen are mounted in the Bonnet. 2nd Gen Sunroof, both panes open. 2nd Gen Scuttles in A Panel larger and easily changed (Full line of MINI and aftermarket versions available) 1st Gen Front Grill continues into the front bumper 2nd Gen front grille is fixed to the bumper, 1st Gen is fixed to the bonnet. 2nd Gen Chrome /Black Taillight surrounds are thicker 2nd gen C-pillar has a prominent vertical ridge, bottom to top,1st gen C-pillar is a smooth curve from the side window to the back. 1st Gen rear side glass wraps around to rear. 2nd Gen Belt Line Molding is wider 2nd Gen has turn signals in the headlight housing, 1st Gen has them in the bumper Interior 2nd Gen Speedometer even larger 2nd Gen Battery moved to under hood (bonnet) on S models from rear 2nd Gen right side upper dash contains a secret storage compartment. (left hand drive) 2nd Gen Door Pocket are smaller 2nd Gen seat-back release on top of seat-back, 1st Gen seat-back release on outside of lower seat Engine On S models 2nd Gen is turbocharged, 1st gen is supercharged On S models 2nd Gen has Direct Injection 2nd Gen Oil Pan is stamped steel, 1st Gen is cast Aluminium Oil Drain Plug moved to bottom of pan on 2nd Gen 2nd Gen Engine is a BMW/Peugeot design, 1st Gen is a Chrysler/BMW design 2nd Gen Engines are made in the Hams Hall plant, in England, 1st Gen engines in Brazil On S models 2nd Gen has a front mounted intercooler, 1st gen has a top mounter intercooler 2nd Gen has Intake manifold on back of engine, 1st gen has Intake manifold on front of engine 2nd Gen has Exhaust manifold on front of engine, 1st gen has Exhaust manifold on back of engine Suspension 2nd Gen Rear Control Arms changed to Aluminum Wheel Lugs changed to 14mm from 12mm on 2nd Gen (change was on 1st gen from July 06 builds on) Brakes 2nd Gen has larger front rotors (same diameter as 1st Gen optional JCW Brake Kit) Misc 2nd Gen uses a Fob and Start Button, 1st Gen has a key 2nd Gen has a Sport Button, 1st Gen does not. Oh and Dave.0, this is not how is the 1st Gen so much better than the 2nd Gen. Just the differences please. We all know how you feel. As an aside...I am starting to fear the upcoming 3rd Generation MINI and the verbal sparring on how much better the 2nd Gen is but the 1st Gen was even the bestest evar.
Exterior - 2nd Gen Headlights are mounted in a Fixed position. 1st Gen are mounted in the Bonnet. Interior - 2nd Gen right side upper dash contains a secret storage compartment.
1st gen has large door pockets, 2nd gen has smaller ones 1st gen has the battery in the boot, 2nd gen under the bonnet 1st gen uses a key, 2nd gen uses a flying saucer 1st gen uses an engine of Brazilian origin, 2nd gen gen uses an engine of French origin 1st gen has a large central speedometer, 2nd gen has a huge central speedometer That's all I can think of now. I like both generations. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=594WLzzb3JI]The Who - My Generation - YouTube[/ame]
exterior visual cues to tell them apart at a glance: 1st gen: front grill continues down the bumper 2nd gen: thicker chrome surrounds on the tail lights.
Exterior cues: 1st gen C-pillar is a smooth curve from the side window to the back. 2nd gen C-pillar has a prominent vertical ridge, bottom to top. 2nd gen skuttles are larger than 1st gen and extend at the front all the way to the front edge of ... whatever that panel is called.
1st gen has a functional hood scoop 2nd gen has a faux hood scoop 1st gen has a top mounter intercooler 2nd gen has a front mounted intercooler
1st gen seat-back release on outside of lower seat 2nd gen seat-back release on top of seat-back... Nice improvement...
All items listed up to this point have been worked into the first post. Lets keep them coming please.
Second generation MINI engines are not made in France, they are made in the Hams Hall plant, in England. MINI Plant Oxford - Home Dave
1st gen engines of American design built in Brazil 2nd gen engines of French design built in Hammy Hall UK Fixed it more better....
1st gen engine has intake on front & exhaust on the rear 2nd gen has exhaust on the front & intake on the rear 1st gen engine has a cast aluminium sump 2nd gen has a stamped steel sump