R56 Retrofitting
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4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
Retrofitting
Okay so here's the thing...
I have a 2008 MCS 2008 (specs listed below). Unfortunately, I didn't have enough cash to put all the options that I wanted so I'm thinking about retrofitting a few things. Any opinions are more than welcome as well as anything else that I should add.
-iPod adapter w/ possible premium audio (any suggestions???)
-Chrome Interior
-Mirrors and hoodscoop in CF
-JCW rims
-JCW Kit
-JCW Aerokit
-JCW wing
-JCW kit (my dealer said that there may be a new one coming out
)
-Climate Control
-Rally Lights
-LSD (if MINI won't put a stock one in I'll put an after market one)
Note: These fittings won't be installed all at once but throughout the years to come...
I have a 2008 MCS 2008 (specs listed below). Unfortunately, I didn't have enough cash to put all the options that I wanted so I'm thinking about retrofitting a few things. Any opinions are more than welcome as well as anything else that I should add.
-iPod adapter w/ possible premium audio (any suggestions???)
-Chrome Interior
-Mirrors and hoodscoop in CF
-JCW rims
-JCW Kit
-JCW Aerokit
-JCW wing
-JCW kit (my dealer said that there may be a new one coming out
)-Climate Control
-Rally Lights
-LSD (if MINI won't put a stock one in I'll put an after market one)
Note: These fittings won't be installed all at once but throughout the years to come...
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7,578
Likes: 4
From: Paradise
If you mean the Bluetooth/iPod Adaptor (USB) option, and you will be using a cel phone in the car, get it. If it can be added later (not sure it can) the labor would be expensive.
However, if you are not getting the Multi-function steering wheel (a must-have in my book), and I assume you are not getting the NAV, then the USB option is of little value. I just drove a loaner from MINI of Mountain View with the USB option, but no MFSW and no NAV. All the USB option did was display the current track. It wouldn't even charge my iPhone.
You can get a $25 charger and an Apple Universal Dock to charge your iPod/iPhone and play audio through the AUX in (all MINIs have AUX).
There is much debate as to whether the HIFI option is worth $500. Whichever option you pick, replacing speakers is a must for decent audio. There is supposed to be a better auido option coming in 2010, but the current HIFI doesn't have good speakers. I have the HIFI and replaced all speakers + added a sub. Some things about the HIFI make it easier to upgrade, but on a tight budget, probably not worth $500.
Retrofit.
Retrofit. You can do the labor yourself.
Retrofit. Lots of good after-market wheels to choose from as well.
Last I heard this happens at the VDC, not the factory. So, having the dealer do it later might not cost more. Check with your dealer.
Not sure which way is best
Retrofit.
Cannot be added later.
Retrofit.
The labor would be very expensive to add later, and there may not be any after market versions available. If you really want it, order it. I have it on my 2007 MCS. If I were ordering now, I'd probably go with DTC instead. That has to be factory installed and is supposed to perform better than the mechanical LSD.
The LSD causes an S to swerve like a drunken sailor under WOT. The DTC option allows you to turn off some of the electronic systems for special events. So, you can turn off DSC for AutoX, for example. The one thing it leaves on is the EDLC, which is an electronic substitute for LSD. MINI believes EDLC to be more effective than LSD and will be dropping LSD in the future.
However, if you are not getting the Multi-function steering wheel (a must-have in my book), and I assume you are not getting the NAV, then the USB option is of little value. I just drove a loaner from MINI of Mountain View with the USB option, but no MFSW and no NAV. All the USB option did was display the current track. It wouldn't even charge my iPhone.
You can get a $25 charger and an Apple Universal Dock to charge your iPod/iPhone and play audio through the AUX in (all MINIs have AUX).
There is much debate as to whether the HIFI option is worth $500. Whichever option you pick, replacing speakers is a must for decent audio. There is supposed to be a better auido option coming in 2010, but the current HIFI doesn't have good speakers. I have the HIFI and replaced all speakers + added a sub. Some things about the HIFI make it easier to upgrade, but on a tight budget, probably not worth $500.
-Chrome Interior
-Mirrors and hoodscoop in CF
-JCW rims
-JCW Aerokit
-JCW wing
-JCW kit (my dealer said that there may be a new one coming out )
)
-Climate Control
-Rally Lights
-LSD (if MINI won't put a stock one in I'll put an after market one)
The LSD causes an S to swerve like a drunken sailor under WOT. The DTC option allows you to turn off some of the electronic systems for special events. So, you can turn off DSC for AutoX, for example. The one thing it leaves on is the EDLC, which is an electronic substitute for LSD. MINI believes EDLC to be more effective than LSD and will be dropping LSD in the future.
Too bad MINI has decided to add yet another electro nanny to their cars & drop the LSD. Maybe they did it to boost their brake pad sales. 
If your MINI swerves like a drunken sailor maybe your alignment is out of wack. I don't get that behavior out of my mechanical LSD.
If your MINI swerves like a drunken sailor maybe your alignment is out of wack. I don't get that behavior out of my mechanical LSD.
It sounds like you're in Europe, so I'm not quite sure how everything works, but everything except the climate control sounds feasible. An aftermarket LSD is definitely a better choice than the factory one. The little stuff like the mirror caps, scoop, wheels and interior chrome can be done yourself easily.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7,578
Likes: 4
From: Paradise
If your MINI swerves like a drunken sailor maybe your alignment is out of wack. I don't get that behavior out of my mechanical LSD.
From MotoringFile:
"... with ELDC MINI claims to do more and weigh less than the LSD unit...
With DSC fully deactivated and the car’s Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) engaged, the system also has an impressive poise in putting this power down to the pavement. While a mechanical limited slip may have more feel, EDLC proved in testing to be incredibly capable in very aggressive driving (unfortunately we didn’t have a chance to test our press car on the track) and its ability to do its job almost transparently was impressive.
In our tests we found the ELDC to perform surprisingly well in most cases.
...
Think of EDLC as an F1 style traction control (before it was banned) in the way it manages power back and forth between the front wheels with such speed and intelligence that its almost mind boggling."
With DSC fully deactivated and the car’s Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) engaged, the system also has an impressive poise in putting this power down to the pavement. While a mechanical limited slip may have more feel, EDLC proved in testing to be incredibly capable in very aggressive driving (unfortunately we didn’t have a chance to test our press car on the track) and its ability to do its job almost transparently was impressive.
In our tests we found the ELDC to perform surprisingly well in most cases.
...
Think of EDLC as an F1 style traction control (before it was banned) in the way it manages power back and forth between the front wheels with such speed and intelligence that its almost mind boggling."
I've driven an R56 MCS with a LSD & found no drunken sailor behavior in the one I drove. Maybe one just has to hang on a bit tighter in an R56. More ponies = more fun... 
My guess is that MINI thought the LSD could not handle the power of the JCW & added an eletro bandaid rather than warranty a bunch of broken LSDs. They also beefed up the tranny for simular reasons.
If I buy a R56 LSD will be a not issue as I'd buy a Justa Cooper next time. Not enough power to require a LSD. Just loads of gas mileage.
As for now I'm very happy with my R53....
Back on topic... Retrofiting
My guess is that MINI thought the LSD could not handle the power of the JCW & added an eletro bandaid rather than warranty a bunch of broken LSDs. They also beefed up the tranny for simular reasons.
If I buy a R56 LSD will be a not issue as I'd buy a Justa Cooper next time. Not enough power to require a LSD. Just loads of gas mileage.
As for now I'm very happy with my R53....
Back on topic... Retrofiting
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