Getting myself geared up to trade the 'ol R53 for an R56... My price-point puts me in the '07-'09 window, and I'm trying to remember how the LSD was sold in those years - Obviously it was an individual option, but I can't remember if the "electronic LSD-emulator" / whatever system that the JCW has was an optional substitute for a traditional LSD on the S. Either way, straight-up LSD would be the choice for track driving, no? Any way to tell, via VIN or some other codes / labels on the car, if it's got an LSD for sure? I usually end up telling the dealer more about the car than they tell me, so they're obviously not a good source of info...

 

Not sure that is entirely a good move since the r56 has somewhat be less reliable than the r53 for track oriented folks. Make sure the chain tensioner has been changed and also the HPFP is not a problem.

Yes 07-09 MCS R56 can come with the factory mechanical LSD as an option. Not exactly sure when they went eLSD.

Yes mechanical LSD are better for track. Unfortunately the OEM ones are not too good but it is better than not having one.

Which dealer are you working with. Fairfield or New Country?

 

I'm talking more generic used-car dealers, who in fairness probably shouldn't be expected to know every car inside and out. I just find somewhat ironic when I'm explaining the car to the salesman on the test-drive...

I don't want to take my own thread horribly off topic, but you do bring up an interesting point... My one and only hesitation about getting into another MINI vs something else is the niggling issue of reliability when driven hard. I don't track my cars on a regular basis - maybe 1-2x a year - but I do autocross a lot and generally drive harder than the average individual. My R53 is starting to fray around the edges @73K, and the only thing I hate more than working on German cars is paying someone else to do it for me... So if you're suggesting the R56 is going to be WORSE, I might have to worry about more than just an LSD...

I guess I have some more homework to do...

 

As you know, it is dependent on the car and your luck. Generally, the r56 has its fair share of challenges especially if it is heavily track oriented like mine is. Just past my 37 track day yesterday.

 

Yes LSD was an option, you will have to run the VIN to find out if it had it, or see the original window sticker, it would be listed as a seperate option.

For the Electronic LSD that was only on the factory JCW cars, you won't find it on a non JCW car, but it was standard on them.

 

My '09 has the mechanical LSD.

 

The electronic LSD is included with the optional Dynamic Traction Control on cars other than the JCW model. The e-diff can not be turned off. The optional mechanical LSD on the S model was discontinued in March of 2010.

 

seriously look at another option then a R56, especially used these cars are not designed to be driven a lot of miles ask anyone that has over 80k on there cars. Everyone of these R56 have carbon problems and there is nothing you can do but wait and have it cleaned or wait until the exhaust valves burn up then clean it while the head is being re-worked, then there is the HPFP you will have to replace it they dont last and there has been no improvements from mini or BMW. the R56 is a cute, fun car until its not cute and fun anymore then it is a money pit. I would not recomend a USED mini to my worst enemy they are terrible long mileage cars.

 

Won't running something like Shell V-Power or whatever help clear up some of these carbon build ups? Or at the very least, redlining/revving the motor every once in a while?

Can't imagine there's not an aftermarket solution from someone regarding the fuel pumps.. be it walbro, deatschworks, whatever