So I'm new here and trying to figure out if a factory LSD is a must have for a R56. I've been lurking on NAM for quite some time narrowing down what I want in a R56. I know the factory is only 30% from 2007-2009 models (2010+ got eLSD), and aftermarket ones are better but they cost a lot of $$$$$ (seems to be about 1500-2000 for parts and install if you're lucky). Because of the after market cost, I need some advice about getting a r56 (or R55) with the Factory LSD.

I found a R56 2009 in my price range that has the factory LSD and Aero kit. I could find one without the LSD for less. I plan on using the car for an occasional track visits throughout the year but not as a dedicated track car. Is it a must have option for me? Is DTC just fine? Or is a car with neither going to suite me?

Somebody point me in the right direction

 

eLSD only came with the optional DTC. Factory LSD was a must on S models for autocrossing in stock category. Others will have to comment on track driving.

 

Finding a used MINI with the factory LSD is kinda rare as most dealers didn't push it, and mostly enthusiasts would be the one to special order it.

If you are going to use it for track use the LSD will be nice to have even if it isn't as good as a quaife or Giken. We found the stock LSD to drop our lap time about 1.5 sec a lap. So it won't hurt.
Another bonus to getting one with it is that if you upgrade later you often can sell the OE one for about $500 when you take it out.

With either car have it inspected before you buy.

 

Way, have you noticed any difference in track times with the stock LSD vs DTC?

 

The DTC (and eLSD) like what is on our 2010 fJCW is really only good for heating up brake pads. It's not quick enough to react to changes in direction in an auto-x environment and it will just heat up the front brakes really bad at the track. Putting a quaife in really transformed the car. I'd highly recommend it. However, since it's only an occasional track toy I'm not sure I'd kill myself trying to find one with an OEM LSD. I'd be more worried about getting something newer with less miles on it.

 

A mechanical LSD, or even better Torque Biasing Differential (like a Quaife) will be much faster on the track than a eDiff. DSC is good for street driving, especially for novice drivers, but if you're serious about going fast, there's no substitute for mechanical.

 

depends what you're using it for, what kind of classing you're going for etc. aftermarket diffs may push you in a class you don't want to be in. i'd find one with a stock mechanical if you can. if you're looking for elsd over mechanical from the factory, i'd say it's still better than not having it

 

In an used car how do you know what you have?

 

I used the vin and pulled the bmwarchive.org option list. It has a limited slip option listed as well as the factory Aero. I understand somebody could have pulled it out, but I doubt it was.

 

Bear in mind that the Factory Aero Kit and JCW Aero Kit are two different animals

 

cool ,thanks for the tip,,, how does the LS diff code show up? There are some things listed in German that I cannot read.

 

It's the Sperrdifferenzial option. Shopping for a mini helped me realize that google translate is good for something besides stalking hot foreign girls on the internet

 

damn I aint got it I got S5DTA DSC and S4AUA,, S5AAA, S5DDA ,S6FDA

 

I don't believe the mechanical lsd option was ever available for factory JCW models.

 

that rings a bell

 

The factory LSD was a $500 option up to 3/2010. It's a mechanical 25% lsd.


I foolishly didn't order it, and then paid $2000 to have a Quaife installed...lol (still worth it...)