I’m new to the forum and am about to place my order for a 09 Clubman S for a spring delivery. I’ve spec’d it out more often than I’m willing to admit to, and would like to ask all of you knowledge-filled owners a question before building it for the final time.

The ‘09 is offering an Electronic Traction Control as an option. How does this compare to the Limited Slip Differential (which is what I originally had planned on getting). This is going to be a summer only car and use my Suby with snows for the ugly MN winters.

Thanks for any insight.

 

Congrats on your pending order! Whether you are into "spirited" driving or not, I suggest getting the ETC. Eventually your Mini will brainwash you into some spirited driving. My 07 MCS has the LSD and IMHO, it wouldn't be the same car without it.

 

Curious - do you think the ETC is better than the LSD? They are both the same option cost - and wanted to get the better of the two.

 

LSD is HIGHLY recommended - it's a MECHANICAL device that routes torque ("power") to the wheel WITH grip - much like Subie's AWD system. It helps in low traction situations, as well as performance driving - or "unintended" performance driving, like trying to maneuver out of the way of something bad.

ETC is an ELECTRONIC device that uses the ABS and engine computer to try to mimic a Limited Slip differential. DSC (dynamic stability control) is likewise an ELECTRONIC system that uses the brakes and electronic throttle to try to maximize whatever grip you've got and (in the case of DSC) stabilize the car under extreme maneuvering. Both are great once moving, but can be a hindrance on slippery roads from a stop - they limit wheelspin on a harder launch - which can include simply accelerating briskly from a stop, especially while turning. Sometimes you'd rather have a touch of wheelspin than the rather severe throttle cut that ESC/DSC can give.

This is an oft-discussed topic, do a search on "DSC" for more.

Oh - and GET THE LSD. Best dynamic option you can get.

 

i know what you're going through...configuring, reconfiguring, re-re-configuring...did the same thing myself. walked in w/ my "final" pre-configuration, which was done in early june 2008, so it was still 2008 model year options, found out 2008's were no longer available, so i had to order a 2009 (i got over it real quick), so a few things changed (sports package no longer available, just the individual options...blue/black interior no longer an option, etc.).

got home, realized we missed including the lsd option. stewed about it for a few days, started obsessing about it, called my ma and he talked me out of it. he said it was one of the least selected options, would not impact driving in snow or ice (which is what i was worried about), and unless i was going to race this thing in a motorcross league, it was a waste of money in his opinion. never had lsd on my car, nor do i believe i've driven one w/ lsd, so i doubt i would notice it or miss it myself.

 

LSD, absolutely. If you're going to do any spirited driving at all, it's a must have.

 

Thanks for the tip "DixonL2" - did the search on DSC and spent 30 minutes reading.

Thanks to all of the responses - This is a fantastic forum for info!

And - LSD is going on the order.

 

Cool! Shoot us a few pictures when you become a proud owner!