I'm looking at Minis and am wondering if there is a way to identify whether or not the car has LSD. I'd prefer not to have to rely on the word of the salesman or previous owner.

Thanks,

David

 

Call or shoot MINIUSA an Email. 1-866-275-6464 and make sure you have the VIN #.

 

or spin the wheels.

 

One point - the factory LSD was only ever offered on builds from January 2005 onwards. So that means that all 2002-2004 and early 2005 builds automatically don't have LSD.

Another point - if it has the factory JCW kit (only available from the factory on 2006 models... and 2007 convertibles of course), then it definitely has the LSD. Another note - factory JCW MCSes included the JCW brakes as standard, so if it is a 2006 JCW MCS, and has the standard MCS brakes, then it isn't a factory JCW, therefore probably* no LSD, even though it has the JCW Tuning Kit.

* Theoretically someone could have ordered a standard 2006 MCS with the LSD, and added the JCW TK to that, but not the brakes. Unlikely overall scenario, but possible.

 

2006 MCS, late 2005 build. We have the LSD with no JCW stuff at all--we just selected it when we built the car. There is no visual cue as to whether a car has LSD or not.

Just get in the car and drive it at a normal speed in a tight circle. If you hear a funny noise at wheel lock, then you have the LSD.

Naturally, it'd be prudent to see the build sheet or ask MINI to verify.

 

This is still the best way to know -- plus you can get other info about the car.

 

Not necessarily. That was attributed to the use of a "wrong" fluid in the LSD, after you have the fluid replaced (there's a TSB on it), the funny sound goes away. Note that the "wrong" fluid doesn't do any harm. I had the TSB done, my LSD is very quiet now.

 

E-mail MINIUSA they'll usually reply in the next buisness day or a few days afterwards, they are very helpful send the VIN to them and they'll give you a reply with the information.

 

Thanks for all of the responses. If I find one I like, I'll be sure to contact Mini to confirm the presence of the LSD.

David