We have an '04 Cooper S JCW which the clutch release bearing exploded on. Since the trans came out, I also replaced the pretty worn OEM clutch and DM flywheel with the Valeo single mass flywheel and clutch conversion kit. Just bolted the trans back in today, and should have it all back together tomorrow to drive.

Then I started to wonder about the differential. I've read mixed info regarding LSD on these cars, and was looking for some clarification.

Would an '04 MCS JCW have LSD? Was it available in '04? If so was it an option or something standard that came with the S JCW package?

This is the wifes car that she recently purchased second hand, and I have no idea if it is LSD or not.

 

LSD was a factory option starting in 2005 (facelift cars). Not sure of start production date.

 

what mixed reviews have you heard? I just installed a factory LSD in my track car, gigantic difference, now I get a chrip coming out of corners, before I had to unload the wheel and throttle and turn in again and again using every inch of track working with the grip it had vs smoking the inside tire.

 

Mini had LSD in different markets at different times. I read that the Aussie S models had LSD as stock in 04 while US did not have as an option until 2005 and I believe it was a January 05 build date (and later).

As far as LSD, I had a R53 without and a R52 with. You will hear lots of none-LSD folks say that the LSD is no big difference but for me, it is night and day difference. Unless you go with some high HP mods, the torque steer is basically gone. In the corners it is also great when you can step on the gas coming out without the inner wheel spinning.

 

The OP never say anything about mixed reviews.

 

Most people are flat out wrong when they say it's not a big difference. It's massive, even in normal road driving. It may not "matter" all that much for normal road driving, but as soon as I try to drive even semi-sprited I'm happy that I have an LSD. I didn't have one in my 3 series and it was awful.

 

No the LSD wasn't an option till the 05 models.

But in 05 if you got a factory built JCW they all had LSD, but ONLY on factory built JCW. Dealer or port installed didn't have the LSD unless the option was ordered and it was a $500 option.