How could I find out? Maybe a code in the vin? I bought it used from carmax it's an 06 mcs with a manual transmission.

Anyone know where to look?

 

a dealer should be able to pull up the records by VIN or if you just take them a key - they put it in a factory reader and access records that way too

 

That ^, or just call a MINI dealer and give them your VIN. Generally if you ask nicely they will do that for you.

 

Could always just whip it around a turn and hit the gas

 

Well I do do that often but can't tell if it's one or two wheels spinning

 

Phone them with the last 7 characters of your vin, they can tell you. They told me and I had it! Woot.

 

Another possible way to tell:
1st gen MCS with LSD would have a build date of 1/2005 to 9/2006 and will have MTF94 gear oil in it.
The transmission may have no sticker or a sticker indicating MTF94.
1st Gen MCS without LDS up to 7/2004 will take MTF94 (none of these had LSD) again with no sticker or one indicating MTF94,
1st gen MCS without LDS from 7/2004 to 9/2006 will take MTF-LT-3 gear oil - these should have a blue sticker on the transmission
indicating LT3 is to be used in it.