My MCS was built in 05/02 according to the sill plate. I've read something about MCS's being built before there was an "official" MCS. Is there such a thing? Is there a difference? Are there any design problems with a "pre spec" if there is such a thing?
After driving my '02 MCS with 9k miles for about a week I've noticed a rattle in the back, the coolant expansion bottle leaks, the windows don't go up automatically and it's an absolute BLAST to drive.
Happy days are here again!

 

I don't know about a "pre-spec MCS" but I do know about some of your problems.

1. Wow only 9k on your MCS. Good find
2. Rattles happen, could be something is loose
3. Windows in a MCS/MC don't go up auto unless you install something make it happen such as Ian's Auto-up Circuit
4. The Coolant expansion tank is a common problem that I believe found a permanent fix via dealers late in 2004.
5. You and the thousands of other MINI owners agree

 

I think that you more than likely have a pre-spec or factory spec MCS with a May '02 build date. Most of the pre-spec MCSs were either DS/W or EB/W.

My MCS was a June '02 build, and was one of the first customer-spec MINIs to arrive.

There should be no issues with a pre-spec MCS, but I would have the coolant bottle replaced, mine was, and the non-auto closing of the windows is standard...there are aftermarket fixes for this. The rattles..search the boards for solutions and good luck with your 'new' MCS.

What mdsbrain said too! ^^^

 

My 2002 MCS was custom spec'd and built the last week of May ... a week early

 

Thanks gang. It's going to Classic for it's health and happines check on Friday. I'll request them to r&r the bottle and perhaps suss out the rattle. Saturday the calipers get painted bright red and I'll be all set for July 4th with my red, white and blue Mini! Happy 4th gang and honor our troops by flying The Flag.
Happy days are here again.

 

where do you live more?

i'm in chardon and looking for motoring buddies!

 

It's a pre-spec.

Mine was built in mid May of '02 and they built pre-specs for a few weeks after that. All cars in that period were pre-specs.

 

Thanks...I didn't think it was a big deal....just trying to understand it's lineage.

 

Howdy......The Mini has completed it"s health and happiness checkup at Classic. They r&r'd the coolant tank, the deteriorating cowl inserts and they found the rattle (appears to be a common problem on early Minis, it was the hatchback latch) so they r&r'd that as well. Gave it a new program and the standard oil n' such. Very interesting oil filter setup. Painted the calipers this afternoon (bright red) so we're all set for the holiday!
Happy days are here again!