Hi everyone,

First, this forum has been lots of help already with finding out many little things about the Mini. Thanks for the great info.


The question is my wife is looking at getting a used 2008 Mini Cooper S and I was wondering if there is a way to tell if it has the LSD in the car? Second is it really needed?

Second, if there is anything I should look out for in buying a mini would be a great help too.

Thanks again,
Jim

 

Third? The options list should tell, or cut the wheel hard and punch it with no traction control and if the inside wheel goes nuts then you dont.

 

I just picked up a 2008 MCS two weeks ago, LOVE it!

No idea about the LSD, I would like to know as well if there is an easy way to tell...

I was told to generally drive it about and see how it feels, and have it checked out by a mechanic who knows MINIs. No one mentioned any serious chronic issues to look for, except maybe the engine rattle.

In my case, I am taking it into my local dealership tomorrow to get some issues taken care of (hopefully warranty work):

- Oil leak near turbo (small leak, found by the mechanic who looked it over before buying)
- Engine rattle, sounds like a diesel (apparently this is an issue with the timing chain tensioner and there is supposed to be a fix for it from the dealer)
- Sunroof does not open on hot days (many people report this, some seem to be cured by having them realigned)
- Excessive wind noise at speed (~70 mph and up), this may be a sunroof alignment issue as well, we shall see

 

If you guys give me your last 7 digits of the VIN I can tell you if it has it or not.

 

i just told you the solution


find an empty parking lot put it in 1st w no traction control and go in circles, floor it if the inside wheel spins more ... you dont. or vin it

 

Bigprfed22's way is alot more fun......

 

If you try this in no way am i responsible for :


Dead animals
Sign vandalism
etc etc...



But either way... just do an option search, but either way its simple.

 

Jack up 1 wheel, if you can spin it you don't. if you can't, you do.

 

That doesn't apply to all lsds, on my s2k the torsen type actually works that way.