Most liked posts in thread: Differences between 1st and 2nd Generation MINIs

1st gen seat-back release on outside of lower seat

2nd gen seat-back release on top of seat-back... Nice improvement...

 

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 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

 

2nd gen cars are lighter, and have aluminum trailing arms in the rear.

2nd gen standard front brakes are the same as 1st gen optional JCW brakes

Far more body styles available in 2nd gen, Clubman, Coupe, Countryman, Roadster, Paceman in addition to Hatch and Convertible

 

Are you sure? :confused5:

 

:cornut: 1st Gen Hydraulic assist power steering

:cornut:2nd Gen Electric assist rack and pinion power steering which tightens when Sport Button engaged

(If this has already been said well, it's good enough to say twice)

Jason

 

My "new" 2006 R53 has a build date of 06/2006... do I have 12 or 14mm lugs? I guess I could just go look!!

 

1st gen has molded plastic wheel well liners.
2nd gen has the BMW style sound deadening wheel well liners.

1st gen has bonnet release on the passenger side (LHD)
2nd gen has bonnet release on drivers side

1st gen has center interior dome light
2nd gen does not have one

1st gen has power assist steering
2nd gen has electronic assist steering

@Monica - yes, 2nd gen is lighter

 

:yesnod::yesnod::yesnod:

 

1st Generation manual has different transmission than 2nd generation (much improved)
1st Generation has engine temperature gauge - 2nd doesn't (!!!)
1st Generation convertible has two buttons on top of windshield - 2nd has a bunch of toggle switches
1st Generation had gigantic cup holder mounted to verticle post - 2nd are integrated into console
1st Generation had mirror controls in front of parking brake - 2nd they're in the driver's door
1st Gen you had to choose what showed on the digital display on the Tach - 2nd dedicates a second spot, one primarily speedo, the other with trip computer info
1st Gen had a gas gauge that was totally logical - 2nd gen makes no sense at all
1st Gen had a glove box that vomited it's contents as soon as you opened it (especially fun in a convertible at speed), 2nd gen (hopefully) fixed that.

Just some inital views.

Mark

 

My Clubman does.....

2nd gens have adjustable LED "mood" lighting, 1st gen does not

 

Our 2nd gens are newer then our 1st gens:lol:

 

First gen has a POS glove box latch.

 

While visually similar in appearance, the tailpipe assembly differs drastically between first and second generation Cooper S models.

 

1st gens have smaller brakes than 2nd gens
1st gens have wrap around rear glass, 2nd gen have black pillers
1st gen have a fixed rear sunroof, 2nd gen opens
1st gen don't have telescoping steering wheel, 2nd gens do

 

Newbie here looking to buy his first mini...
Most of the differences I read on here are non performance related.
I have found a great looking 06 model with many cosmetic upgrades and a 210hp jcw engine. Is there any improvements on the 2nd Gen as far as handling goes? I'm thinking a good looking 1st Gen with all that power would not be a bad move, what do you all think?