Well, it turns out that a true mechanical LSD was an available option for earlier 2nd gen cars. But only on the S models. Not the JCW. More info in this thread:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...8-r56-lsd.html

 

Hey wow this thread has really grown since I last checked! (shouldn't I be getting notifications or something?)

I've test driven about 12 more minis since this one and I keep coming back to it. Is the consensus that $12 is a reasonable offer if I get a PPI? Maybe more if I ask for some other preventative maintenance? eg coolant system overhaul?

JAB 67: I asked for a name of the previous owner. Sadly, they bought this car at auction so there's no way to know.

Martinb: Thanks for the note on transaxle lube! I'll be sure to keep that in mind.

guywhomaybuyamini: (looks like you did buy a mini) My local mini dealer tells me the 2nd gen minis only have EDLC. They couldn't find a second gen on the lot with LSD. Sounds like a strong reason for me to go R53.

ViperNL and 05r50: The guy said it was a factory installed Bluetooth system. If it is, I'm really disappointed with mini because it looks awful! you can even see the cable running into the console. Have either of you seen this in other minis?

Old-fashioned girl: I did drive that mini! (and all the other ones at carmax's in the area for that matter) I can tell you that cosmetically it looked find. No obvious dings or scratches. Inside, I couldn't smell any smoke residue but then again it was a very cold day when I drove it. The only thing to note was that someone did a bad job detailing the inside of the car. There were still crumbs in the shift boot for example. The drive was great; as smooth and agile as any other mini I've driven.

Pure87: Nice try Scandinavian Imports! I saw the NAM logo on one of the computer screens in your office! Just kidding (maybe).

minicooper1985: Good point. I'm am totally committed to doing a lot of the work myself. That's part of the reason i'm looking at the R53 over the R56. I'm still not sure what kinds of things I'm going to find myself fixing in the early weeks with this car. Anyone know?

 

I believe it might have been a dealer installed option, as far as I know it has never been a factory option, but I could be wrong. However, of you can see the cable, it is very amateurishly done and I'm not sure if the dealer would have done it like that, IMHO.

Maybe someone with that option can chime in

 

It's also worth noting that there's an official mini instruction manual for the bluetooth system in the pictures

 

I just ran the vin number and it does have a limited slip diff
Option 2TA

 

Ahh, so it probably was the dealer installed option.

 

can u elaborate? im getting 1 woth around the same mileage 07 model

 

Sean5294: h-how did you do that??

 

I'm a Mini parts adviser here in Cincinnati

 

Oh cool! (may as well be a wizard)

PS I grew up outside Cincinnati!

 

Hey Eric, thanks for the belated reply. I wound up going with a red one closer to me, still with the chrono package and even lower miles. FWIW, the detailing at the Greenville, SC, Carmax was crap too! Sort of weirdly reassuring in a way, though: they definitely hadn't steamed away the signs of any problems.

Good luck with your purchase!

 

i bought my 2008 mini cooper clubman s last year i have 65,000 miles on it now (put 10,000 on it myself
i have had steering problems (and fixed)
multiple oil leaks
now carbon buildup and possible valve issues
i would never buy a 2005 without some sort of warranty
am told about the tension chain issues