I plan on ordering an '05 CR/CR MCS quite soon. I don't race or drive a car very hard--most of the time. Is LSD worthwhile on a car that is mostly used in urban daily driving with an occaisional spin in the country?

The tentative list:
CR/CR; Beige leather; Navigation; all 4 packages; web spoke wheels; LSD; chrome inside and out; rear fog light.

LSD and maybe HK are the only questions left. Any thoughts from the NAM gurus?

Thanks,
Jim

 

I am about to take delivery of a new '05 MCS in a couple of weeks, but I did not order the factory LSD. Main reasons is that I have no plans to race or autocross the car. I figured that adding LSD on a car that will be driven 100% of the time on public roads it was going to be hard to justify.

4 weeks after placing the order, I changed my mind and said, "heck, let me get the LSD, after all it is only $500", but by the time I had decided to add it, it was already too late as my MCS was already scheduled for production. At that point I decided that if I didn't order it from the beginning, in the end I will be OK without it. Also, adding the LSD to my spec implied re-ordering the car and waiting an additional 5 weeks for delivery. Again not really worth it being MINI less for another month and a half.

The LSD has many advantages and folks into autocrossing and racing should consider it as a must have item. But for the rest of us city street drivers, it may be a bit overkill.

Of course there is always the Quaife LSD if I ever decide to take my MCS to the close track, albeit at a much higher cost.


Other points to consider: The LSD is likely to increase your resale value and make your MCS that much more desirable to a second owner.

 

On the other hand... get the Harmon Kardon stereo by all means! I used to have it in my 2004 MCS and have re-order it in my new '05 MCS along with the new MINI/iPod adaptor.

Here is my spec:

CR/W
Chrome line exterior
16" Silver V-spoke wheels
Anthracite dash
Harmon Kardon
Black leatherette seats
Union Jack roof flag decal
Front and rear fog lights
Convenience package
6-speed Manual transmission
Trip Computer (OBC)
MINI Rubber floor mats with "S" logo
Manual A/C
3-spoke Multifunction steering wheel
MINI/iPod adaptor

Total $22,850 MSRP. You can't beat that!

 

$500 for a LSD is a very good deal. Fitting an aftermarket LSD will set you back at least three times that cost. For me, it was an easy decision - I ordered the LSD.

 

Odds are you won't use it, if you don't miss one now.
I've only had my MCS a few weeks, but haven't noticed lack of an LSD as a glaring issue.

The only time I've ever felt the need for an LSD was in a Miata after I supercharged it, and then really only noticeable in an autocross or tight turns on curvy mountain roads.


That said, were I to buy a new MCS, I'd get it. :-) The price is right, and I'd rather have something and not need it than need something and not have it, assuming money is not an issue.

 

I'd get it. I just got a new '05. At the time I placed my order, the LSD was unavailable. I could have waited, but didn't think it would be a big deal. Now that I see how easily the front wheels break loose with the few added HP and the new gear ratios, I wish I'd waited and got it.

 

I'd say it's more of a daily-driver than a MINI without LSD.....and I drive my MCS year-round! DO IT

 

IMO, it's $500, which when your buying a $23,000 car it's kinda just a drop in the bucket. plus there's the added resale value as mentioned before, and the security it provides by letting you know if you need to go quick, u can put the power down no problem

 

Thanks for the advice. The consensus seems to be to order the LSD. I now agree. Since my first test drive in an '05 MCS when I chirped the tires shifting into 3rd, I thought that LSD could be useful. (The sales guy suggested a "drag race" type of start to demo the new gearing and HP.)

LSD seems like a nice addition for a reasonable cost that yields added safety and performance. Done.

Still mulling over the HK.

Thanks,
Jim

 

I just picked up my '05 Monday. One of the major reasons I traded my '04 was the affordability of the LSD. I already notice the difference especially coming out of right hand turns. I'm with most others, get it.
As for the HK, my '04 didn't and my '05 does and I'm lovin' it. If you do not plan on major aftermarket sound upgrades I'd say go for it. If you listen to it and think you may still want to upgrade you're probably better off to go with the standard stereo as it is more difficult to upgrade the HK. As for me, the HK's sound quality is great and the volume is adequate for me.