Overview & Reviews

The big news for the 2005 Mini Cooper is the arrival of the convertible in both regular and S flavors. Stylish as ever, the drop-top Mini seats four and still has a trunk big enough for a few bags. Other changes include slightly revised front and rear fascias and some reworked option choices. The vanity mirrors are no longer illuminated, a universal remote transmitter is now available and a leather-wrapped steering wheel is now standard. The S version gains 5 horsepower and 7 pound-feet of torque, as well as an external temperature display. Both the five- and six-speed manual transmissions feature shorter gearing this year to improve acceleration. A six-speed automatic transmission will become available on the S versions later in the model year.

• Not enough horsepower in base model, questionable seat comfort, not much room for passengers and cargo, some low-grade interior materials.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 256.00

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  Auto transmission - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Ron - September 12 - 2:00 am

  This car was a gem when we first got it however in year 4 at 30,000 km the ac went and recently the CVT has developed a clunk when cold and put into drive. Have just sold it as the transmission is poor and have no intention of putting another 7k into the dealers pocket.

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  Great style, poor reliability - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By michaelben - August 11 - 9:56 pm

  I own two MINIs: both S, one hardtop and one convertible. Both are stylish and a hoot to drive. I am a gentle driver - the convertible averages only 4,000 mi/yr and the hardtop about 9,000 mi/yr. And yet... I have had to replace the transmission three times on the hardtop, the AC failed twice on the hardtop, the AC / heat system failed once on convertible, the ASC light comes on/stays on in both, they have various serious rattles - that MINI knows of - they have had to be serviced. MINI service has taken care of everything, but I am spending most of my highway driving just taking both cars in for service. I am regretting having two MINIs that have so many service issues. Hate to give up the style, but...

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  Poor Quality - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By riverbendmike - June 21 - 1:23 pm

  I have had nothing but trouble with my 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible. I have spent thousands of dollars in out of warranty repair bills. My problems have been. 1. Convertible mechanism cable replacement. 2. Oil gasket replacement. 3. Power steering failure (safety issue) 4. Trunk latch replacement. 5. Shift mechanism replacement. The car is at the dealer and the oil issue is being looked at again because Ive had to add oil too often. So that may need to get done again. Im seriously thinking of just leaving the car there. There is a reason it has go-cart handling. - Its built like a go-cart.

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  mini cooper aka bmw garbage - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By jon walke - January 16 - 11:53 am

  owned the car for 6 months,it was in the shop 8 times for problem with car almost stalling when air was on,bmw acknowledged there was a problem & didnt have any time when expected to have remedy,also had power steering replaced & the car had more rattles than a 1980s huyndai - bmw doesnt participate in the california arbitration for lemon law so traded it in on a new vw bettle before everyone figured out what a piece of crap the cars are.thank goodness they have a 3yr 36k mile warranty, youll need it

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  My mini....NOT so good! - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Michael Button - December 25 - 10:00 am

  My Mini has been in the shop more times than I can count! I have had problems with the computer since day 1! I have had many things replaced and its only 6 months old! I DO NOT recommend buying a MINI at all! My dealership has been great but the car....SUCKS! My locks have a mind of their own! It is in the shop as we speak waiting to see if it will be purchased back under the Oklahoma Lemon Law!

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  CVT Engine has flaws - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Not Satisfied - February 21 - 7:56 am

  I had to have a MINI! I purchased it one month ago, the S with the CVT engine. It has been in the shop twice in one month, still is at the time of this review. Both times Ive been told its the DEM/Computer. It had to be sent to New Jersey, Im in Dallas, to be reprogrammed. Not good! Its been a week since it stalled on my in traffic. Bad safety hazard! I would not have purchased the CVT engine if Id known of the problems with it! I have one more time to have this problem before I can file the Lemon Law paperwork in Texas. In addition, there are not enough certified MINI mechanics to keep up with the demand. Poor, Poor, Poor turnaround time on service!