I bought my first 2 MCS (2003 and 2005) brand new and knew exactly what options were on the car. I recently had to buy my third MCS (2006) and can't find out if it has LSD or any other options the car came with. I have been to 2 dealers to run the VIN as suggested in the forum and no luck. The Second Delaer gave me a list of the repairs that have been done on the car but said couldnt tell me what options are on the car even with the VIN, only the delivering dealership can do that. Interesting the first delaer said he couldn't give me any info on the car, only later to find out from the second that the first had done warrenty repairs. I have documentation in the car that it was purchased by a person in USAF in germany (US spec) 2006 MCS Checkmate and shipped back here to the sates. I have all the service paperwork from the dealer in Germany and now the repair info since the car arrived in the USA, but no one can tell me what options are on the car or if it has LSD.
I have read on the forum that raising the car and spinning a wheel will tell you and also read that that doesnt work.
Is there a way to tell what options came on a used MCS and if the car has LSD.?

 

I tried jacking up the front and turning one wheel. The other wheel didn't move on a MINI either with an LSD or without. I don't thinks it works that way.

 

Well if you're in the snow belt go take it out for a spin turn off the dsc and see if the whole front slides around or if only one tire spins. I did that in the rain when I first got mine and was sad when only one tire spun.

 

OP, there's a NAM thread named "find out all the options your MINI has" (maybe in the General section?) where you can get the list of options, build date, all that good stuff. Just provide your VIN, and you're good to go.

HTH, and Merry Christmas!

 

Thanks for the info. That thread is over 2 years old. I sent the OP in that tread a PM yesterday with my VIN and email address and have not received a reply as of yet.

 

Find a nice clean parking lot and after you've let out the clutch, floor it, turn, and make the tires squeal. The go back and see if you left one or two black stripes.

 

It is amazing to me that MINI, being so accommodating when ordering a vehicle, wouldn't be willing to research the build data for someone who has purchased a used one. Have you tried the direct approach by contacting MINI-USA Customer Relations?

 

No, they will not supply information like that, or service records on a used vehicle. But you will get plenty of junk mail and rah-rah Mini marketing that will make you want to barf if you request it.