2005 MX5 'Launch Edition' BBR Super 200
Discussion
After an almost 2 year driving hiatus, I was feeling really bored with lockdown already way back in May 2020, and even more bored of not having a car. My mate talked me into a Mini, so I picked up this Mini Cooper S R53. It had a fair few modifications, and was a hoot to drive for what it was.
However, what I really wanted was a sports car; hot hatches are never as satisfying to drive. So when my pay increased at work last year, I thought I would treat myself by selling the Mini on and getting myself a sports car.
I set a budget of 10k to get a car that would be mostly a weekend toy, and could handle the occasional road trip or track day. I narrowed it down to either a 986/987 Boxster, or an MX5 NC BBR of some description. I made early enquiries on a BBR Turbo, but it sold very quickly. In the end though, the lure of getting my first Porsche was too strong to resist, so I ended up with this nice 986 Boxster S.
Unfortunately, after 6 short months, it was written off in a non-fault incident. I enjoyed the car but didn’t really spend as much time with it as I’d have liked. However, I formed the opinion that while it was a very capable car, it was also quite ‘serious’. It was so good it was almost dull, an opinion echoed by the same mate who suggested the Mini. I liked it but didn’t quite love it.
I was also starting to have concerns about the cost of running the Porsche, especially with the looming cost of living crisis on the horizon. I could still afford it, but it would become a significant expense, so in a way, the opportunity to get into a cheaper car was actually welcome, and this was how I ended up in “the other choice”..
This MX5 Launch Edition BBR Super 200 appeared on my FB feed, and was a good few grand less than the settlement I received for the Boxster, and it comes with cheaper running costs, so it is a very good fit for my life and priorities. It does have high miles (135k) but it seems to be in rude health, and has all the kit I would have fitted myself. 4 brand new Michelin PS4 tyres and a matching hardtop was the cherry on top.
The previous owner was a very nice chap who worked at Lotus Hethel, and he’d clearly looked after the car. A great guy to deal with, if only all transactions could be this pleasant.
The car is a fully specced NC, with heated red leather interior, climate control, Bose stereo etc, so is actually a nice place to be. The Porsche was a bit more spacious and comfortable, but this isn’t bad at all, and certainly less ‘sombre’ looking.
The modifications include the BBR Super 200 kit. For those that don’t know, it comprises an uprated manifold, cams, panel filter and a remap. It produces 197 bhp @ 7300 rpm and 161 lb ft @ 4150 rpm. This is nearly 40 bhp and over 20 lb ft more than standard. It still has the standard exhaust - an uprated one might liberate an extra 5 bhp, at the expense of extra noise, more on that later.
Handling modifications include the obligatory Eibach springs to lower the comedy ride height, and it has Rodisons upgraded pads and uprated fluid.
I guess what most people will be wanting to know is what it’s like to drive, particularly with these modifications. Unfortunately, I can’t compare it to another NC as this is the first I’ve driven, but I have owned an NA RS-Ltd, another NA MX5, and have test driven the NB, so I’ve a reasonable idea of how an MX5 should drive. I’m also a big MR2 Roadster fan so I have a fair bit of experience in little Roadsters. See “My Garage” for my history.
Let’s cut to the chase. I am a huge fan of this car. It feels alive even at modest speeds, and made me realise how boring the Boxster was to drive sedately. You can easily tootle around in this and still feel like you’re having fun. The car is lovely and responsive to your inputs and is a pleasure to pilot.
When you press on, it really comes alive. Despite the standard exhaust, the upgraded manifold and rev limit really help to liberate the sound of the engine. It has good torque from about 3K and really starts to pick up the pace at 4K. After that, it revs in a linear fashion all the way to almost 7500 rpm. The sound is like an old school twin cam, making a satisfying “fwarp” in the mid range raising to an angry howl as it closes in on the rev limit.
Also, 200 bhp and 160 lb ft is a really nice amount of power in a fairly light car like this. It’s not mega quick obviously (0-60 in approx 6s, with a ton arriving 10s later), but it should turn in similar figures to the latest ND2 with the 184 bhp engine. This BBR outdoes it on power and torque but the NC is heavier. As with most N/A engines, it does need winding up, so it’s not a drag racer, however, keep it on the boil on a bendy country road and suffice to say I’m not left wanting more at all, it feels plenty quick enough.
The previous owner, who had the BBR kit fitted, said it made a big difference to the car, stating the stock engine lacked character and felt flat, and the BBR kit resolves this entirely, transforming it into the car it should have been from the factory. I’ve watched videos on YouTube of standard NC1’s and it does seem to me that at the very least you can tell the engine sounds a bit ‘meh’ as standard.
The handling is typically amusing in the usual MX5 way. I love how mobile it feels on the throttle, the steering has a nice amount of feel, the gearshift is superb as usual, the brakes are strong and completely fade free, and along with the extra grunt, it’s a superb combination. I find it really encourages you to drive like a hooligan, and its main party trick is that doing 60 on a country road feels like you’re travelling quickly, and a chunk more than that feels like you’re travelling very quickly. This is the true benefit of lightweight cars for me. Always involving, always fun.
Some people dislike the NC, but I’ll stick my head out and say that with a few mods, it’s easily as fun to drive as the RS Ltd was, but in a more modern package and with a far better engine. With this kit, these cars are an absolute bargain given what cars are going for nowadays.
Some people may be interested to hear how it compares with the 986 Boxster S, so I’ll say right off the bat that I find the MX5 BBR 200 the more fun car, and is definitely the one I’d choose as a weekend car. It just feels more raw and exciting, more agile and just more up for mischief. The Porsche is a more serious car. Better for a long road trip, thanks to its refinement, but definitely not for blasting around on a British B-Road. The fact that it’s also a much cheaper ownership proposition makes it all the easier to enjoy too.
Future plans - First I will get it checked by the MX5 specialist later in the year for a health check, although no pressing need yet, as it's been boringly reliable in a typically Mazda way, and I’ll get a health check and rust treatment done well before the winter comes. The soft top could do with refurbishing but it doesn’t leak so no urgent need. I could maybe sell the hard top and get the soft top refurbed.
If the dampers are shot, then I could potentially get Meister coilovers, but if not then I’m fine with the way it handles for the most part. A slightly better ride would be nice, but not if it came at the expense of fun. Thicker ARBs are also an often touted upgrade, but again, I’m not sure there’s any need really.
Engine wise, I could get an exhaust, but I’m wary, as I really enjoy the induction sound the car makes now, and past experience has told me you can end up drowning this out and ending up with a bassy drone. It certainly spoiled my old ITR when I fitted a loud backbox. If it genuinely adds to the experience and does not detract from it, I’d consider it, but I’m yet to be totally convinced by anything I’ve seen yet.
If I wanted to go mad, I could spend 2k on ITBs, but then it would cease to be a cheap car! It would sound absolutely awesome but I’ve heard some say they can be a bit tiring. Alternatively I could super or turbo charge but I really want to leave it N/A, as it’s so satisfying to drive at the moment. Although she seems in good health, she does have a fair few miles on so reliability is likely going to be better with an N/A solution.
Ultimately though I’ll most likely just drive and enjoy it really. I made the mistake with the Mini of spending money on more modifications to try and improve it further, and ended up making it less fun, and losing a load of money in the process. I’m sure this car can be improved, but just not sure it's worth the return on investment and there’s a certain joy in a car that’s cheap and cheerful, especially when it’s as good as this car already is. However, never say never…
I can’t see myself getting rid of this car for quite a while. If I did, it’d have to be something uber special like a high-end Elise ( and less usable overall), or perhaps an ND MX5 with the BBR mods - but that would cost several times what I paid for this and it’s basically a very similar car. However, I’m not sure I will bother, because for what I paid for it, this car really does tick pretty much every box.
I’ll keep you posted on any updates
However, what I really wanted was a sports car; hot hatches are never as satisfying to drive. So when my pay increased at work last year, I thought I would treat myself by selling the Mini on and getting myself a sports car.
I set a budget of 10k to get a car that would be mostly a weekend toy, and could handle the occasional road trip or track day. I narrowed it down to either a 986/987 Boxster, or an MX5 NC BBR of some description. I made early enquiries on a BBR Turbo, but it sold very quickly. In the end though, the lure of getting my first Porsche was too strong to resist, so I ended up with this nice 986 Boxster S.
Unfortunately, after 6 short months, it was written off in a non-fault incident. I enjoyed the car but didn’t really spend as much time with it as I’d have liked. However, I formed the opinion that while it was a very capable car, it was also quite ‘serious’. It was so good it was almost dull, an opinion echoed by the same mate who suggested the Mini. I liked it but didn’t quite love it.
I was also starting to have concerns about the cost of running the Porsche, especially with the looming cost of living crisis on the horizon. I could still afford it, but it would become a significant expense, so in a way, the opportunity to get into a cheaper car was actually welcome, and this was how I ended up in “the other choice”..
This MX5 Launch Edition BBR Super 200 appeared on my FB feed, and was a good few grand less than the settlement I received for the Boxster, and it comes with cheaper running costs, so it is a very good fit for my life and priorities. It does have high miles (135k) but it seems to be in rude health, and has all the kit I would have fitted myself. 4 brand new Michelin PS4 tyres and a matching hardtop was the cherry on top.
The previous owner was a very nice chap who worked at Lotus Hethel, and he’d clearly looked after the car. A great guy to deal with, if only all transactions could be this pleasant.
The car is a fully specced NC, with heated red leather interior, climate control, Bose stereo etc, so is actually a nice place to be. The Porsche was a bit more spacious and comfortable, but this isn’t bad at all, and certainly less ‘sombre’ looking.
The modifications include the BBR Super 200 kit. For those that don’t know, it comprises an uprated manifold, cams, panel filter and a remap. It produces 197 bhp @ 7300 rpm and 161 lb ft @ 4150 rpm. This is nearly 40 bhp and over 20 lb ft more than standard. It still has the standard exhaust - an uprated one might liberate an extra 5 bhp, at the expense of extra noise, more on that later.
Handling modifications include the obligatory Eibach springs to lower the comedy ride height, and it has Rodisons upgraded pads and uprated fluid.
I guess what most people will be wanting to know is what it’s like to drive, particularly with these modifications. Unfortunately, I can’t compare it to another NC as this is the first I’ve driven, but I have owned an NA RS-Ltd, another NA MX5, and have test driven the NB, so I’ve a reasonable idea of how an MX5 should drive. I’m also a big MR2 Roadster fan so I have a fair bit of experience in little Roadsters. See “My Garage” for my history.
Let’s cut to the chase. I am a huge fan of this car. It feels alive even at modest speeds, and made me realise how boring the Boxster was to drive sedately. You can easily tootle around in this and still feel like you’re having fun. The car is lovely and responsive to your inputs and is a pleasure to pilot.
When you press on, it really comes alive. Despite the standard exhaust, the upgraded manifold and rev limit really help to liberate the sound of the engine. It has good torque from about 3K and really starts to pick up the pace at 4K. After that, it revs in a linear fashion all the way to almost 7500 rpm. The sound is like an old school twin cam, making a satisfying “fwarp” in the mid range raising to an angry howl as it closes in on the rev limit.
Also, 200 bhp and 160 lb ft is a really nice amount of power in a fairly light car like this. It’s not mega quick obviously (0-60 in approx 6s, with a ton arriving 10s later), but it should turn in similar figures to the latest ND2 with the 184 bhp engine. This BBR outdoes it on power and torque but the NC is heavier. As with most N/A engines, it does need winding up, so it’s not a drag racer, however, keep it on the boil on a bendy country road and suffice to say I’m not left wanting more at all, it feels plenty quick enough.
The previous owner, who had the BBR kit fitted, said it made a big difference to the car, stating the stock engine lacked character and felt flat, and the BBR kit resolves this entirely, transforming it into the car it should have been from the factory. I’ve watched videos on YouTube of standard NC1’s and it does seem to me that at the very least you can tell the engine sounds a bit ‘meh’ as standard.
The handling is typically amusing in the usual MX5 way. I love how mobile it feels on the throttle, the steering has a nice amount of feel, the gearshift is superb as usual, the brakes are strong and completely fade free, and along with the extra grunt, it’s a superb combination. I find it really encourages you to drive like a hooligan, and its main party trick is that doing 60 on a country road feels like you’re travelling quickly, and a chunk more than that feels like you’re travelling very quickly. This is the true benefit of lightweight cars for me. Always involving, always fun.
Some people dislike the NC, but I’ll stick my head out and say that with a few mods, it’s easily as fun to drive as the RS Ltd was, but in a more modern package and with a far better engine. With this kit, these cars are an absolute bargain given what cars are going for nowadays.
Some people may be interested to hear how it compares with the 986 Boxster S, so I’ll say right off the bat that I find the MX5 BBR 200 the more fun car, and is definitely the one I’d choose as a weekend car. It just feels more raw and exciting, more agile and just more up for mischief. The Porsche is a more serious car. Better for a long road trip, thanks to its refinement, but definitely not for blasting around on a British B-Road. The fact that it’s also a much cheaper ownership proposition makes it all the easier to enjoy too.
Future plans - First I will get it checked by the MX5 specialist later in the year for a health check, although no pressing need yet, as it's been boringly reliable in a typically Mazda way, and I’ll get a health check and rust treatment done well before the winter comes. The soft top could do with refurbishing but it doesn’t leak so no urgent need. I could maybe sell the hard top and get the soft top refurbed.
If the dampers are shot, then I could potentially get Meister coilovers, but if not then I’m fine with the way it handles for the most part. A slightly better ride would be nice, but not if it came at the expense of fun. Thicker ARBs are also an often touted upgrade, but again, I’m not sure there’s any need really.
Engine wise, I could get an exhaust, but I’m wary, as I really enjoy the induction sound the car makes now, and past experience has told me you can end up drowning this out and ending up with a bassy drone. It certainly spoiled my old ITR when I fitted a loud backbox. If it genuinely adds to the experience and does not detract from it, I’d consider it, but I’m yet to be totally convinced by anything I’ve seen yet.
If I wanted to go mad, I could spend 2k on ITBs, but then it would cease to be a cheap car! It would sound absolutely awesome but I’ve heard some say they can be a bit tiring. Alternatively I could super or turbo charge but I really want to leave it N/A, as it’s so satisfying to drive at the moment. Although she seems in good health, she does have a fair few miles on so reliability is likely going to be better with an N/A solution.
Ultimately though I’ll most likely just drive and enjoy it really. I made the mistake with the Mini of spending money on more modifications to try and improve it further, and ended up making it less fun, and losing a load of money in the process. I’m sure this car can be improved, but just not sure it's worth the return on investment and there’s a certain joy in a car that’s cheap and cheerful, especially when it’s as good as this car already is. However, never say never…
I can’t see myself getting rid of this car for quite a while. If I did, it’d have to be something uber special like a high-end Elise ( and less usable overall), or perhaps an ND MX5 with the BBR mods - but that would cost several times what I paid for this and it’s basically a very similar car. However, I’m not sure I will bother, because for what I paid for it, this car really does tick pretty much every box.
I’ll keep you posted on any updates
Edited by TameRacingDriver on Wednesday 25th May 21:54
We've owned lots of similar cars TRD and crossed paths on various forums.
I'll wholeheartedly agree with two things -
- The NC is way way more 'fun' and engaging than a Boxster.
- The NC is as good an MX-5 as the NA.
Great that, will be a lot to fun and painless to own. Superb on track too.
I moved on but still wonder about getting another.
I'll wholeheartedly agree with two things -
- The NC is way way more 'fun' and engaging than a Boxster.
- The NC is as good an MX-5 as the NA.
Great that, will be a lot to fun and painless to own. Superb on track too.
I moved on but still wonder about getting another.
Glad you got one in the end looks lovely, take it from me I've had a standard NC which was the only car I've owned that never once impressed me (lasted 3 months), I then test drove a BBR 185 version with rx8 roll bars and eibach springs and I couldn't believe the difference. Sold my standard one and bought that one. Still one of the best cars I've owned!
I love the stigma attached to them, helps keep them relatively cheap for me.
I love the stigma attached to them, helps keep them relatively cheap for me.
TameRacingDriver said:
Really nice looking MX5 and I can't say I've ever heard of the BBR Super 200, but it sounds like a worth while package to have. Out of interest, what's the with Lexus style rear lights and chrome strip above the windscreen? Everything else looks perfect, but these two things make the car look (imho) very Halfords.
Thats all standard fit on the Launch Edition - http://www.roadster.blog/2014/03/uk-mx-5-model-gui...
snotrag said:
Thats all standard fit on the Launch Edition - http://www.roadster.blog/2014/03/uk-mx-5-model-gui...
Oh okay, can't say I've ever paid attention to MX5s, so didn't know that. The rear lights remind me of a friend who put Lexus lights on his Fiesta, circa 2005/2006. We both worked at Halfords at the time and I remember the discount he got, didn't cover the amount of mocking everyone gave him. Good times!
Thanks all for the nice comments, good to see these cars get some love, they are bargains for what they are. Even if I'd not found this one, I'd have been tempted to get a tidy standard one and send it straight to BBR to get the work done, as I reckon it transforms them.
To answer a few of the queries...
As snotrag has pointed out, these are standard features on this car - though I'm not 100% sure on the rear lights. I also used to take the piss out of Lexus style lights, but you don't really see them a lot now and because the car has chrome everywhere, I don't actually mind too much
He also reviewed the BBR Super 200 here. His review of the car was partially responsible for me buying one.
I did actually consider an S2000 as well. I've had a couple of Type R Honda's (DC2 and FN2), so I do love a fast Honda.
I actually missed out on a bargain, a real minty example went for 8k recently on eBay, but I didn't have the settlement money at the time, and it was gone the following morning
That said, I did have some concerns about the S2000:
Although as said above, a remap can help with that as it lowers the VTEC engagement, I had a similar setup on my FN2 and it does transform the car. Additionally I feel the MX5 probably handles better - or at least - more friendly than the S2000 which will be less forgiving.
Thanks again for the comments, if anyone has any other questions feel free to fire away
To answer a few of the queries...
Networkgeek said:
Really nice looking MX5 and I can't say I've ever heard of the BBR Super 200, but it sounds like a worth while package to have.
Out of interest, what's the with Lexus style rear lights and chrome strip above the windscreen? Everything else looks perfect, but these two things make the car look (imho) very Halfords.
For more information on the Super 200 (I was meant to link to it in the original article), see here: https://bbrgti.com/products/bbr-mx-5-nc-super-200Out of interest, what's the with Lexus style rear lights and chrome strip above the windscreen? Everything else looks perfect, but these two things make the car look (imho) very Halfords.
As snotrag has pointed out, these are standard features on this car - though I'm not 100% sure on the rear lights. I also used to take the piss out of Lexus style lights, but you don't really see them a lot now and because the car has chrome everywhere, I don't actually mind too much
Shappers24 said:
Nice! I do like a launch edition.
I had a 2008 NC in the gorgeous deep red colour, sold it for a GT86.
I’m back in the market for another 2 seater but I’ve been spoilt by turbo cars and would miss the low down torque… I guess that’s where the BBR turbo kits come in…
Yep, in fact, Jayemm reviewed the BBR Turbo here...I had a 2008 NC in the gorgeous deep red colour, sold it for a GT86.
I’m back in the market for another 2 seater but I’ve been spoilt by turbo cars and would miss the low down torque… I guess that’s where the BBR turbo kits come in…
He also reviewed the BBR Super 200 here. His review of the car was partially responsible for me buying one.
Countdown said:
Good write-up OP (and nice car).
Ever considered a Honda S2000?
Thanks.Ever considered a Honda S2000?
I did actually consider an S2000 as well. I've had a couple of Type R Honda's (DC2 and FN2), so I do love a fast Honda.
I actually missed out on a bargain, a real minty example went for 8k recently on eBay, but I didn't have the settlement money at the time, and it was gone the following morning
That said, I did have some concerns about the S2000:
- They rust almost as bad as an MX5
- The rusting can prevent getting alignment done - expensive fix
- The engine is gutless at normal road speeds - solved with a remap but more
- The engine is bespoke, and some of them have gone bang (possibly user error), but they're Boxster money to fix if that happens
- The handling is said to be a bit edgy, and a few people have written these off, commonly because VTEC kicks in mid-corner
Although as said above, a remap can help with that as it lowers the VTEC engagement, I had a similar setup on my FN2 and it does transform the car. Additionally I feel the MX5 probably handles better - or at least - more friendly than the S2000 which will be less forgiving.Thanks again for the comments, if anyone has any other questions feel free to fire away
Shappers24 said:
I had a 2008 NC...
... I’ve been spoilt by turbo cars and would miss the low down torque… I guess that’s where the BBR turbo kits come in…
On the assumption that your NC was standard - dont automatically think the turbo is needed. When you do the manifold change and get the ECU unlocked the 2.0 litre NC is a much, much more tractable engine, from low down, and you also get full power in the lower gears (Full throttle in a standard car is not actually full throttle in 1st, 2nd and 3rd). ... I’ve been spoilt by turbo cars and would miss the low down torque… I guess that’s where the BBR turbo kits come in…
snotrag said:
Shappers24 said:
I had a 2008 NC...
... I’ve been spoilt by turbo cars and would miss the low down torque… I guess that’s where the BBR turbo kits come in…
On the assumption that your NC was standard - dont automatically think the turbo is needed. When you do the manifold change and get the ECU unlocked the 2.0 litre NC is a much, much more tractable engine, from low down, and you also get full power in the lower gears (Full throttle in a standard car is not actually full throttle in 1st, 2nd and 3rd). ... I’ve been spoilt by turbo cars and would miss the low down torque… I guess that’s where the BBR turbo kits come in…
That said, it still doesn't have the sheer wallop of a Turbo. However, you can get the BBR Super 200 kit and then add a super or turbo charger if it's not enough performance for you. Personally I'd go for S/C for the noise and response (one thing I really enjoyed about the R53). 300 bhp is quite achievable with these cars, but I'm not entirely convinced it would be as reliable as leaving it N/A, and would then become a different animal. You can still drive hard in this BBR 200 without the speeds becoming too silly, but it'll still be a licence loser if you want it to be. I think the Turbo would just be an exercise in restraint
Congrats OP, that looks lovely.
Some 7 years ago I narrowed my choice down to S2000, Boxster & BBR MX-5. The S2000's engine is lovely but lacks low down pull and I don't trust the handling. The Boxster doesn't become a sports car until it's doing silly speeds and any little odd noise would get my credit card worried. So I ended up with a BBR that's got 135,000 on the clock. At any speed it's fun, I just moved it 5 yards to get the bins out & even that gave me a thrill. It's never missed a beat and it's perfect for car club activities. Wonderful cars.
Some 7 years ago I narrowed my choice down to S2000, Boxster & BBR MX-5. The S2000's engine is lovely but lacks low down pull and I don't trust the handling. The Boxster doesn't become a sports car until it's doing silly speeds and any little odd noise would get my credit card worried. So I ended up with a BBR that's got 135,000 on the clock. At any speed it's fun, I just moved it 5 yards to get the bins out & even that gave me a thrill. It's never missed a beat and it's perfect for car club activities. Wonderful cars.
threespires said:
Congrats OP, that looks lovely.
Some 7 years ago I narrowed my choice down to S2000, Boxster & BBR MX-5. The S2000's engine is lovely but lacks low down pull and I don't trust the handling. The Boxster doesn't become a sports car until it's doing silly speeds and any little odd noise would get my credit card worried. So I ended up with a BBR that's got 135,000 on the clock. At any speed it's fun, I just moved it 5 yards to get the bins out & even that gave me a thrill. It's never missed a beat and it's perfect for car club activities. Wonderful cars.
Another high miler Some 7 years ago I narrowed my choice down to S2000, Boxster & BBR MX-5. The S2000's engine is lovely but lacks low down pull and I don't trust the handling. The Boxster doesn't become a sports car until it's doing silly speeds and any little odd noise would get my credit card worried. So I ended up with a BBR that's got 135,000 on the clock. At any speed it's fun, I just moved it 5 yards to get the bins out & even that gave me a thrill. It's never missed a beat and it's perfect for car club activities. Wonderful cars.
Amazing how smooth the engine is for the age / mileage / state of tune.It does use a little oil when driven hard - maybe 0.5 ltr / 1000 miles but I just keep a close eye on it. I'm going to start keeping records of that just in case there's a problem but I've read elsewhere these early NC's do tend to use a bit.
Sounds like we have similar tastes and opinions on cars. I know exactly what you mean about the Porsche and that feeling that financial doom might be around the corner. As a naturally paranoid person, this weighed heavier on my mind than I anticipated. In 6 months I had a £700 bill for a suspension / top mounts refresh and alignment and then it wouldn't start, thought it was the battery, changed it, still didn't start, had to get breakdown out who got it going, but hardly inspired confidence.
Which BBR package do you have on yours?
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