I've been through the other threads. I understand what DTC is and how it works. Really, what I'm looking for (and I'm hoping those who have driven the JCW's with DTC can chime in) is is it worth waiting until December?

If I were to order today, I'd go (obviously since its now standard) DSC and LSD. I'm going to assume that in December once DTC is available that LSD will no longer be an option, simply based on 1) JCW has no LSD and 2) I'm quite sure all recent BMWs equipped with DTC have not had LSD available either.

One hand, car is likely to be nearly all street driven (which makes me question even getting the LSD...though would like to have a car that can autoX or track if I ever get the itch someday), meaning full DSC on all the time in pretty much every instance. DTC would really do me no good. I pretty much never see myself needing DTC in gravel or snow. I've been through enough midwest and Idaho winters to feel totally comfortable turning the whole system off and blasting through the deep stuff without any worry of losing control. However, if a rookie like me were to end up on the track or an autoX, maybe DTC would be the perfect way to let me throw the car around without being totally left on my own.

However, if LSD is going away, is the EDLC a suitable substitute? If all systems are completely turned off, which one is better?

Guess there really is no answer. I'm not dying to get the car immediately, but I think it would be really stupid to wait until December to get a car that a) is inferior EDLC/LSD wise and/or 2) has a feature that provides me no benefit. Just really looking for opinions, hopefully from anyone who can comment on driving a LSD equipped car to one with EDLC. That's the real kicker for me.

And hopefully others can reference this thread as I'm sure other folks are in my same boat.

 

I'm trying to decide between LSD now and DTC later, myself.
But my thinking centers aroun: "do I want an 'off' button?" The LSD, while "better" (as I see it), would not have one of those.

 

I have a 2007 MCS with LSD. I have no experience with DTC, but LSD without DTC comes with ASC. I don't see why you couldn't have LSD and DTC. On mine, ASC only kicks in when LSD cannot handle the wheel spin. Then it reduces engine output.

One thing about LSD is that it seems to cause the torque steer to alternate right to left (or vise versa) causing the car to want to weave. Makes acceleration rather exciting.

 

As you probably knew from one of the other threads, I'm in the same boat. I had specced my new car with LSD, with an intended order date of early spring, 2009.

I haven't been able to find any hard testing evidence between the two, or even many first hand reviews of EDLC + DTC vs LSD.

I can't guarantee as to the accuracy of the statement, but my MA insisted that LSD will be discontinued as a factory installed option as of December 2008. It seems to me to be fairly likely, given BMW's history with their other model lines.

I myself decided to up my timetable and ordered a new R56 (with LSD) last Friday.

I don't think you can go too wrong either way here. It's still going to be a Mini =).

 

True.

I also opted to order an R56 with LSD rather than wait for the DTC option. Just seemed like the right thing to do.

 

I've been through the DTC and LSD threads too, and I'm waiting for DTC. It sounds to me like BMW knows what they're doing and DTC represents a substantial improvement over previous traction solutions, including torque steer behavior.

I'm migrating from an STi to a R56, the wait just means I keep my (16 MPG!) STi for a couple more months

 

Thanks for the replies. I'm continuing to search for reviews of the new DTC system vs LSD. Unfortunately its basically going to be impossible to do an apples to apples comparo since we can't get a DTC S vs LSD S or a JCW DTC vs JCW LSD.

Still, I really would like to find some serious Mini freak who drives his car hard to tell the world what he/she thinks of this new system vs the LSD.

I'm very stuck. I'm generally of the keep it simple stupid mindset, so to me, LSD has a big plus. But then I also really dislike the torque steer on the Minis (I have a Miata now) and if DTC can work just as effectively as the LSD as far as limiting wheel spin but also reduce torque steer, then maybe I need to get over my reluctance to electronics doing it and just wait for the DTC.

If anyone finds some reviews specifically mentioning the DTC/EDLC vs LSD, please let me know.

 

I'm with you, I got our current MINI pretty stripped out and made sure to get the LSD. I prefer the LSD over DTC simply because of what ever prejudices I have against the electronic stuff. That being said, I'm gonna order a JCW Works soon and I'm sure I won't mind the DTC one bit. I just like knowing the LSD is there. Maybe you should test a MINI with the LSD and see if it suits you. I personally think it needs a little more lock, but it's certainly better than nothing.