Does anyone know when I can ORDER a 2005 Mini with LSD? Will it help to order one now for January production? Or, do I have to wait until January to order?

I am getting conflicting details from my dealer, one salesman says I have to wait, the other says I need to order shortly if I want one Jan/feb.

Does anyone know the fact?

thanks for any input, I need one for SCCA solo II competition asap for February events.

 

well technically, or at least supposedly, the LSD option starts production Jan 1st, '05. This means you want to have the dealer put the order in to the factory on Jan 1st. This means you give the order to your dealership now and tell them that's when you want the order placed. They're big boys and girls, they should be able to figure it out from there.

 

Assuming your dealer has open slots to order right away, then wouldn't it actually be better to order about a week before Jan 1? Since it takes a little while for the car to actually go into production, of course.

Also, even if it is scheduled to be produced the week of Jan 1, there's still a chance you won't see it for quite some time. If you're lucky, it'll go out on a ship the second week of January, and could be on US shores the 3rd-4th week of January, then whatever time it takes to get to you which usually isn't too bad. But you're looking at end of January if you're pretty lucky, and later if you're not. Then you've got to drive 1250 miles to break it in before taking it to events (if you care about it), so it'll be tight to have it ready by February.

-mike

 

Details about the LSD are sketchy, but undoubtedly the LSD will be in short supply at first, and will only be offered in certain models. There is a good chance that it will only be available in the manual transmission MC/S. The Auto MC/S and the CVT Mini are probably out. The manual Mini may be available with the LSD, but is questionable. There is not a whole lot of advantage in LSD the lower the horsepower, or more manipulated the drive train.

 

I don't think the details about the LSD are as sketchy as you say, JoeDentist. MINI USA has made it quite clear that it will be available only on the manual MCS starting Jan 1. Now of course it's possible that they 'change their minds' on that date, but I don't think so.

-mike

 

You'll be able to use the MCS with LSD in Solo II G-stock class which should be a hoot. Good luck.

I think it would be wise to contract your Motoring advisor right away and talk about your needs to get this MINI in time for Feb. You'd have to get into the queue for ordering and make sure the order is placed in January ASAP. At my dealership there is a wait to get onto the ordering list so if I wanted an MCS I need to wait not 6 weeks but 4-6 months. Every dealership is different.

Another option if your dealership cannot get your MINI by that date is to talk to other dealerships and place an order plus allow shipping time to get your MINI.

One problem with such a tight schedule is you need to finish your break in period before February so if you do purchase out of state you might consider driving it back home to complete the break in early.

Some info on the LSD-
http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/...rential_update
Thanks Gabe

 

Dealers will get their allocations for January builds the latter part of November ... most likely Thanksgiving week.

 

It will? According to whom?

You should be able to put your order in with the dealer contingent on the LSD being available. In late 2002, dealers were taking orders for the very much delayed (5 months) rain sensing wipers/auto dipping mirror combination. Many (and possibly all) dealers were sitting on orders at the request of the customer until the combination finally entered production. Same with the HK sound system.

And when they entered production they weren't in short supply, once they entered production nobody experienced a delay because of short falls in the needed components. MINI uses a just in time ordering system that works extremely well, the parts they need are delivered to the specific cars they're needed on at the appropriate point on the line, they do not do batch runs, the car that's built next is the next car on the order list, regardless of the color, model, destination country, or options... I've seen it in action.

 

I just read this thread thu closely, but haven't figured out what LSD stands for....please?

 

LSD- Limited Slip Differential

I'll somebody with more knowledge of drivetrain parts to explain it.

 

Does anyone know if the LSD availibilty date in Canada will also be Jan 1st?

I am holding out for this option as well.

thanks

Amit