I've read the threads about how to tell if you actually got the LSD or not when ordering a new Cooper S, but for some reason, I'm thinking there ought to be an easy way to know. Say, part of the VIN, or maybe a marking on the transmission, etc? Something concrete that you could ask the dealership over the phone to look for before driving 100 miles or so to find out for myself?

I've even tried calling private sellers who were the original owner for less than a year and they didn't even know what it was. Granted, on these cars, I'm sure it's pretty safe to assume if the original owner doesn't know what it is, or if they ordered it, they didn't order it. But then, I've known countless individuals to order this and that and these options, etc just because the salesman, or their friend that knows about cars told them to when the actual buyer only wants transportation.

So am I expecting/asking for something too easy and just not possible, or have I missed the answer to my question in another thread?

I made sure to mention it in the ad when selling Quentin. Part of the reason for getting the LSD was to make resale easier, it helped. If an ad didn't mention it I'd assume it doesn't have it. If an ad says it does you might want to check it really exists. Supposedly you can ask the dealer to check the build by VIN. I showed the buyer the window sticker where it was listed. You can also try jacking up the front and turning one wheel, the other spins one way or the other depending on the presence or absence of the LSD (in theory).

Probably if the original (1st) owner doesn't know what it is, then you can presume it doesn't have it.

However, if you find a specimen you like then you can bring the VIN to a dealer. I wouldn't do this too much as it's probably a nuisance (for you and the dealer) and might look suspicious (say, if you brought in 15 VINs to be looked up).

Even if you find a seller that says they have it--like Btwyx did, get them to prove it. I wouldn't even take a window sticker, given the proliferation of Photoshop these days. Look up the VIN with the dealer... they should more than oblige. If you wanted to grease the wheels a bit you could ask about "Spa packages" for your new used MINI in the same visit...

Ask a MA or maintenance tech at Mini, maybe there's a plate or stamp on the transmission housing. They should know how tell

In the case of mine I would pull out the window sticker and show you where I paid extra for it...

Although mine is only sorta for sale - as in make me an offer

Sport package means 17" wheels, right? Do you have a set of 16" wheels for it? Better yet, 15 that fit?

I probably won't have the cash together even for a used one for a bit, but It's getting to the point that by the time I do, used R56's will actually have a sign of depreciation to them, making a used one worth buying used. Right now, just trying to get a head start on the one option I really want included.

Tranny Part Numbers.
23007573119 = No LSD.
23007573131 = LSD.

Now, where the numbers are stamped on the tranny... that's up to you to find.

i easy way to tell turn off your traction control do a burnout if you leave to tire marks you got lsd if theere is one you dont

Problem is, that this is not always so. Even an open differential is capable of laying down two patches of tire. I can tell if I'm driving the car around a corner or two, but I want a way to actually check from 100 miles away over the phone or internet. You know?

i think you should be able to jack up the front have a buddy hold one of the tires and give it a lil gas the free tire should spin

Are you still shopping for a MINI? The easiest way would be to either give the car a drive with cold tires in the rain or to look at the actual window sticker.

Mine's has the factory clutch-pack LSD, and is up for sale, click my signature!

OK, so I took delivery recently of a February build R56 MCS with the factory option code of 2TA limited slip differential. The sticker on the underside of the gearbox has the part number 23007568719-04.
Looking up this part number (first eleven digits) yields only German results with the word "sperrdifferential" which translates to limited slip differential.
RealOEM.com does not list this part number, however, they have not yet caught up to February production...

I just had Shawn with his front end jacked up, so I tried to see what would happen if I turned one wheel. The result was the other wheel didn't turn. I think this might mean he really does have LSD, as with a regular diff the theory is the other wheel will turn in the opposite direction. I'll have to try that sometime with Tristan.

I didn't see any part numbers under there, just a sticker about the gearbox oil.

the factory limited slip is NOT a clutch pack type, nor is it really a "limited" slip diff, there's no lockup, just up to 30% transfer of torque. it also behaves like an open diff when you have the wheels up in the air.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...93-post18.html

Sport package does mean it has 17 inchers...

No worries - but when I ordered the LSD in mine...resale was one of the reasons...

Check it the old fashioned way. A simple test drive will give you the answer.

3 easy steps:
1. With the car in low gear increase engine rpm to aprox. 6000

2. Side step the clutch pedal.

3. Stop the car and inspect the road surface behind the car.

If there are 2 marks on the road it has LSD.

This will also provide a good indicator of the condition of the drive train.