I'm in the process of buying a Clubman S. I thought I wanted a mechanical LSD, but those are limited to the 2008s. I get an electronic version in 2009.

I understand the advantages of a mechanical LSD. I have an old 911 and the LSD is important accelerating our of tight turns and important in hard decels,..keeps it somewhat stable.

I understand that the eLSD in the mini does NOT apply brakes, but rather uses sensors to transfer power from one side to the other, locking up to 50%. This is appealling to me, but I'd really like to hear from someone who really knows how it works. My understanding that it is not traction control and doesn't apply brakes or reduce throttle,...but can anyone confirm this?

THANKS!!!

Rich

 

The mechanical LSD was availble up until March, 2010. The electronic diff which comes with DTC does apply the brake on the wheel that is spinning faster.

The complaint on the ediff is that it fades and wears out the brakes on the track. Whether or not it is a help in autocross I can not say although I do have it and it can not be turned off.

 

We ordered our clubman in april 2010 I was so annoyed when the factory refunded the price of the LSD. I've found the ELSD to be a nuances.

 

thanks for the reply. I have just purchased an 09 jcw clubman. After reading more about the EDL, I'm sure I'll find it frustrating as well. I really don't like the current crop of electronic "aids." I was hoping that once the initial electronic aids were disabled that the electronic differential lock would actually act like a "differential lock." Unfortunately, that's not the case. Some have said that it is not as much of a momentum killer as I suspect. I get the car this afternoon,....and it's raining,....sooooo.

 

False, the electronic differential locking control (EDLC) does use the brakes appropriately to apply pressure and lock-up power through the differential.
It does that instead of the ECU backing out the drive-by-wire throttle when DSC / DTC is active [on].

- Erik