MINI2

dupercuper · Mar 29th, 2005, 06:33 PM

I put a deposit down on a 2005 MCS. It has manual with LSD. I have to travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles to pick it up and drive it back.
A local deal just informed me that I can get a MCS (someone ordered one but changed his mind) locally. This one only has a regular manual (no LSD).
they both have very similar options: premium, sport, leather, plus a few extras. The cost is $300 apart.

This will be my second car.
I like taking twisty drives in the mountains. I chose the Mini for its fun factor (over lexus, infiniti, and honda). At this time, based on what I read on this board, LSD is the way to go. However, if I get the Los Angeles car,
1. the break-in miles will be 400 miles of continuous driving. may not be the best thing for the car.
2. service will not be at the dealer I purchase the car at so they may not be as happy with me.
3. would it make that much of a difference?

Kodak · Mar 29th, 2005, 06:50 PM

IMHO, anyway......

The information you have based on what you read is the correct one...
1) Break-in of 400 miles continuous is no problem as long as you vary speed and gears every now and then (just slow down, change to 5th or 4th, and speed up every 10-20 mins) Will do no harm at all, and you will be 400 miles less to go till you can give it some stick...! The MCS really gets going after 4500rpm and you cannot use this till broken in.

2) They shouldnt be too bothered as you are coming in for service, and all the other bits and pieces you will need

once you get the car. Trust me, it is like an addiction.

3) No!!!

Depends if you are tight, but if the far one is cheaper, at least you will have gas money for free, and a little for 2) above.

For what it is worth, I believe it is better to have LSD and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Imagine if you got the one without and then drove one with and loved it..... It also helps resale (a little) as LSD is worth £100 extra in UK (not sure what the difference is in the US)

RedUn · Mar 29th, 2005, 07:18 PM

LSD nuff sed

shazam · Mar 29th, 2005, 07:25 PM

I would walk over hot coals for the LSD.

onimizu · Mar 29th, 2005, 10:20 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Kodak

IMHO, anyway......

The information you have based on what you read is the correct one...
1) Break-in of 400 miles continuous is no problem as long as you vary speed and gears every now and then (just slow down, change to 5th or 4th, and speed up every 10-20 mins) Will do no harm at all, and you will be 400 miles less to go till you can give it some stick...! The MCS really gets going after 4500rpm and you cannot use this till broken in.

2) They shouldnt be too bothered as you are coming in for service, and all the other bits and pieces you will need

once you get the car. Trust me, it is like an addiction.

3) No!!!

Depends if you are tight, but if the far one is cheaper, at least you will have gas money for free, and a little for 2) above.

For what it is worth, I believe it is better to have LSD and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Imagine if you got the one without and then drove one with and loved it..... It also helps resale (a little) as LSD is worth £100 extra in UK (not sure what the difference is in the US)

its a $500 option in the states and its worth every dollar

Kaelaria · Mar 29th, 2005, 10:48 PM

If you take it on a track (road or drag), yes you will definitely want it. If you are just using it on the street - you will never know it's there or not. It's not some magical device like some people make it out to be. It's only a benefit under some circumstances. I have no interest in or easy access to tracks, so it makes zero difference to me. I saved the money. No regrets!

dupercuper · Mar 29th, 2005, 11:19 PM

Thanks for the advices. Looks like a lil road trip this weekend for me. I'm excited. Picking up the car on Sunday. Saturday night will probably feels like Christmas Eve.

GrFa · Mar 30th, 2005, 06:36 PM

I think you will be happy going with the LSD. My 2003 S (no LSD) would burn through the inside tire if you accelerate aggresively out of a corner. Yes it is fun to leave the people behind you in tire smoke, but it isn't the most effective way of driving. The LSD should solve this issue, and if I order another, it will definitely be LSD equipped.

Kaelaria · Mar 30th, 2005, 06:41 PM

Drive that aggressively on the street around here and it's called reckless driving. Save it for the track.

Andromcs · Mar 30th, 2005, 06:41 PM

Think you already decided, but definitely get the LDS...I waited an extra 5 months to have it!

Zero G · Apr 1st, 2005, 12:52 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Kaelaria

Drive that aggressively on the street around here and it's called reckless driving. Save it for the track.

You might see me doing that around Oldsmar in a couple months

northandy · Apr 1st, 2005, 01:50 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Kaelaria

If you take it on a track (road or drag), yes you will definitely want it. If you are just using it on the street - you will never know it's there or not. It's not some magical device like some people make it out to be. It's only a benefit under some circumstances. I have no interest in or easy access to tracks, so it makes zero difference to me. I saved the money. No regrets!

I beg to differ, the LSD makes a big improvemnet, and you dont need to be thrashing round a track to feel its benefit.... out driving down a country lane and come accross an area of road that has different surfaces on each driven wheel, say gravel one side and asphalt the other the LSD reduces the effect on the wheel on the slippy surface, meaning the wheel on good ground doesnt lose power and drive....

On twistys, you are pressing on and not neccasarily speeding or driving dangerously into a corner, accelerate, instead of the inside wheel scrabbing for grip, the outside wheel keeps the same speed and pulls you throough the corner...

IMO all powerful front drive cars should have an LSD..... it also helps reduce torque steer on quick getaways....

GrFa · Apr 3rd, 2005, 07:48 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Kaelaria

Drive that aggressively on the street around here and it's called reckless driving. Save it for the track.

I will agree that driving recklessly on the street is a no no, however, with the DCS off you hardly need to drive aggressively to do that. I should have mentioned that I meant taking a corner from a stop. For example, stopped at a stop sign and taking a left. With the weak pickup down low in my old 03 it didn't even appear that I was driving aggresively. It was just that once the supercharger kicked in, all the weight was on the outside wheel. So the inside wheel just spins. Lifting and spinning the inside tire while already moving can be a bit dicey. I think that only happened once or twice, in fact I cannot remember it happening at all but I'm guessing it did. I became a fanactic DCS switcher offer for the first few months I had the car. After I learned how to drive the car, I always left it on, with it hardly activating ever. My next MINI will DEFINITELY see a track, and be LSD equipped. Good luck with the new MINI!!!

Kaelaria · Apr 3rd, 2005, 11:44 AM

I definitely agree these cars get inside-tire spin happy turning a corner aggressively from a stop. I too turned off DSC until I figured out how the clutch likes to be feathered.

Grimbo · Apr 6th, 2005, 12:48 AM

Well, this being my first MINI, I have nothing to compare it to cept my previous car which was a tuned 200hp Golf Mk4 1.8T..
On a tight corner at speed the Golf was left scrabbling for power and the inside wheel would spin, the MINI just pulls you round the bend, you can feel it kick in.

In saying that, you can feel it at normal relaxed driving speeds round a corner, pulling away or just on loose surfaces. Its always on and gives the car incredible traction! You're gonna love it, the DSC hardly ever feels the need to kick in!

Mar 29th, 2005, 06:33 PM	#1
dupercuper MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2005 Local Time: 09:14 AM Posts: 9 Offline	LSD vs regular manual I put a deposit down on a 2005 MCS. It has manual with LSD. I have to travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles to pick it up and drive it back. A local deal just informed me that I can get a MCS (someone ordered one but changed his mind) locally. This one only has a regular manual (no LSD). they both have very similar options: premium, sport, leather, plus a few extras. The cost is $300 apart. This will be my second car. I like taking twisty drives in the mountains. I chose the Mini for its fun factor (over lexus, infiniti, and honda). At this time, based on what I read on this board, LSD is the way to go. However, if I get the Los Angeles car, 1. the break-in miles will be 400 miles of continuous driving. may not be the best thing for the car. 2. service will not be at the dealer I purchase the car at so they may not be as happy with me. 3. would it make that much of a difference?

Mar 29th, 2005, 06:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
Kodak MINI Fan (atic) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: London Local Time: 10:14 AM Posts: 263 Offline	Get the one with LSD.... IMHO, anyway...... The information you have based on what you read is the correct one... 1) Break-in of 400 miles continuous is no problem as long as you vary speed and gears every now and then (just slow down, change to 5th or 4th, and speed up every 10-20 mins) Will do no harm at all, and you will be 400 miles less to go till you can give it some stick...! The MCS really gets going after 4500rpm and you cannot use this till broken in. 2) They shouldnt be too bothered as you are coming in for service, and all the other bits and pieces you will need once you get the car. Trust me, it is like an addiction. 3) No!!! Depends if you are tight, but if the far one is cheaper, at least you will have gas money for free, and a little for 2) above. For what it is worth, I believe it is better to have LSD and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Imagine if you got the one without and then drove one with and loved it..... It also helps resale (a little) as LSD is worth £100 extra in UK (not sure what the difference is in the US)

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Mar 29th, 2005, 07:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
RedUn MUGEN POWER Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: s2ki.com Local Time: 10:14 AM Posts: 11,395 Offline	LSD nuff sed

Mar 29th, 2005, 07:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
shazam MINI2 Senior My Classifieds Join Date: Feb 2004 Local Time: 10:14 AM Posts: 344 Offline	I would walk over hot coals for the LSD.

Mar 29th, 2005, 10:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
onimizu MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2005 Local Time: 09:14 AM Posts: 6 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Kodak IMHO, anyway...... The information you have based on what you read is the correct one... 1) Break-in of 400 miles continuous is no problem as long as you vary speed and gears every now and then (just slow down, change to 5th or 4th, and speed up every 10-20 mins) Will do no harm at all, and you will be 400 miles less to go till you can give it some stick...! The MCS really gets going after 4500rpm and you cannot use this till broken in. 2) They shouldnt be too bothered as you are coming in for service, and all the other bits and pieces you will need once you get the car. Trust me, it is like an addiction. 3) No!!! Depends if you are tight, but if the far one is cheaper, at least you will have gas money for free, and a little for 2) above. For what it is worth, I believe it is better to have LSD and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Imagine if you got the one without and then drove one with and loved it..... It also helps resale (a little) as LSD is worth £100 extra in UK (not sure what the difference is in the US) its a $500 option in the states and its worth every dollar

Mar 29th, 2005, 10:48 PM	#6 (permalink)
Kaelaria MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oldsmar, FL Local Time: 05:14 AM Posts: 243 Offline	If you take it on a track (road or drag), yes you will definitely want it. If you are just using it on the street - you will never know it's there or not. It's not some magical device like some people make it out to be. It's only a benefit under some circumstances. I have no interest in or easy access to tracks, so it makes zero difference to me. I saved the money. No regrets!

Mar 29th, 2005, 11:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
dupercuper MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2005 Local Time: 09:14 AM Posts: 9 Offline	Thanks for the advices. Looks like a lil road trip this weekend for me. I'm excited. Picking up the car on Sunday. Saturday night will probably feels like Christmas Eve.

Mar 30th, 2005, 06:36 PM	#8 (permalink)
GrFa MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: outside NYC/BOS Local Time: 04:14 AM Posts: 44 Offline	I think you will be happy going with the LSD. My 2003 S (no LSD) would burn through the inside tire if you accelerate aggresively out of a corner. Yes it is fun to leave the people behind you in tire smoke, but it isn't the most effective way of driving. The LSD should solve this issue, and if I order another, it will definitely be LSD equipped.

Mar 30th, 2005, 06:41 PM	#9 (permalink)
Kaelaria MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oldsmar, FL Local Time: 05:14 AM Posts: 243 Offline	Drive that aggressively on the street around here and it's called reckless driving. Save it for the track.

Mar 30th, 2005, 06:41 PM	#10 (permalink)
Andromcs MINI2 Regular Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ojai, CA USA Local Time: 02:14 AM Posts: 269 Offline	Think you already decided, but definitely get the LDS...I waited an extra 5 months to have it!

Apr 1st, 2005, 12:52 AM	#11 (permalink)
Zero G Motorer Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Endicott, NY Local Time: 05:14 AM Posts: 41 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Kaelaria Drive that aggressively on the street around here and it's called reckless driving. Save it for the track. You might see me doing that around Oldsmar in a couple months

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Apr 1st, 2005, 01:50 PM	#12 (permalink)
northandy AWOL My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2003 Local Time: 10:14 AM Posts: 14,508 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Kaelaria If you take it on a track (road or drag), yes you will definitely want it. If you are just using it on the street - you will never know it's there or not. It's not some magical device like some people make it out to be. It's only a benefit under some circumstances. I have no interest in or easy access to tracks, so it makes zero difference to me. I saved the money. No regrets! I beg to differ, the LSD makes a big improvemnet, and you dont need to be thrashing round a track to feel its benefit.... out driving down a country lane and come accross an area of road that has different surfaces on each driven wheel, say gravel one side and asphalt the other the LSD reduces the effect on the wheel on the slippy surface, meaning the wheel on good ground doesnt lose power and drive.... On twistys, you are pressing on and not neccasarily speeding or driving dangerously into a corner, accelerate, instead of the inside wheel scrabbing for grip, the outside wheel keeps the same speed and pulls you throough the corner... IMO all powerful front drive cars should have an LSD..... it also helps reduce torque steer on quick getaways....

Apr 3rd, 2005, 07:48 AM	#13 (permalink)
GrFa MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: outside NYC/BOS Local Time: 04:14 AM Posts: 44 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Kaelaria Drive that aggressively on the street around here and it's called reckless driving. Save it for the track. I will agree that driving recklessly on the street is a no no, however, with the DCS off you hardly need to drive aggressively to do that. I should have mentioned that I meant taking a corner from a stop. For example, stopped at a stop sign and taking a left. With the weak pickup down low in my old 03 it didn't even appear that I was driving aggresively. It was just that once the supercharger kicked in, all the weight was on the outside wheel. So the inside wheel just spins. Lifting and spinning the inside tire while already moving can be a bit dicey. I think that only happened once or twice, in fact I cannot remember it happening at all but I'm guessing it did. I became a fanactic DCS switcher offer for the first few months I had the car. After I learned how to drive the car, I always left it on, with it hardly activating ever. My next MINI will DEFINITELY see a track, and be LSD equipped. Good luck with the new MINI!!!

Apr 3rd, 2005, 11:44 AM	#14 (permalink)
Kaelaria MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oldsmar, FL Local Time: 05:14 AM Posts: 243 Offline	I definitely agree these cars get inside-tire spin happy turning a corner aggressively from a stop. I too turned off DSC until I figured out how the clutch likes to be feathered.

Apr 6th, 2005, 12:48 AM	#15 (permalink)
Grimbo MINI2 Senior Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Derby Local Time: 10:14 AM Posts: 455 Offline	Well, this being my first MINI, I have nothing to compare it to cept my previous car which was a tuned 200hp Golf Mk4 1.8T.. On a tight corner at speed the Golf was left scrabbling for power and the inside wheel would spin, the MINI just pulls you round the bend, you can feel it kick in. In saying that, you can feel it at normal relaxed driving speeds round a corner, pulling away or just on loose surfaces. Its always on and gives the car incredible traction! You're gonna love it, the DSC hardly ever feels the need to kick in!