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
: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!!
06/2006 should have 12mm. It was with 07/2006 and beyond that the 1st generation MINIs went to the 14mm.
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
I know it was already mentioned that 2nd gen has the optional "sport mode" button. Just wanted to point out that 1st gen is always in "sport mode" :wink:
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
While visually similar in appearance, the tailpipe assembly differs drastically between first and second generation Cooper S models.
1st gen headlights are in the bonnet. This is helpful when signaling black helicopters and UFOs. 2nd gen are not The 1st gen have personality, the 2nd gen...... On never mind I almost had a weak moment :smile5:
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?
I think that 06 is a good choice. The 1st gens and 2nd gens do have slightly different feels but I think you will be very happy with a 2006 JCW.