Does the Cooper S need LSD?

[supa-dupa-cooper]

Do you think it does?

[msh441]

Yes.

Too much torque off idel NOT to have LSD. Go for the JCW kit, or get the overboost to kick in and fuggettabouddit!

[118]

go for it Jo

can't believe you haven't specced already

[supa-dupa-cooper]

Quote: Originally Posted by 118 (original)

go for it Jo

can't believe you haven't specced already

Its not for me Ian, its for....umm...a friend

[118]

oh I see, well you'd better tell them to spec it then

[TomUK23]

It's not essential.

I don't have it on my JCW and I don't have a problem putting the power down at any time, even coming out of corners! And my pleasure is always off the scale

[Nath316]

same here on MCS

suppose it depends on the driver and if they can handle it

[Paul]

It's not "if you can handle it", it makes quite a big difference to how it handles and pulls. An LSD can actually make the handling perhaps more challenging and less predictable if you're not used to it. Personally I'd not spec an S without one having owned various with and without configurations. Makes putting the power down exiting corners a more pleasurable experience in particular.

[kevkbuk]

Its not essential at all... but still you may want to spec it, I'd drive with with it before though. From what I've read they can pull at the wheel at times.

I have an early S and they were not available at that time so I didn't get one, can't say I miss it. If you can't get the power down in the S your either driving too hard for the road conditions, or you need to learn how to use the throttle progressively.

The Works kit actually made it easier to get the power down...

[adam_Randell]

yes difinatly!

[spiney]

I didn't get one, and I must confess to never having driven a FWD car with one. I drive fairly enthusiastically, staying on the sane side of maniacally, and I find I hardly ever get the traction control light to flash (which I assume would be showing me times when the LSD might have helped). It mostly happens when I hammer it too hard in a slow, sharp right-hand corner like at a green traffic light. As someone above said, if you are progressive with the throttle, at least in street driving you can probably go just as quickly as you would if you treat the throttle like it's digital (i.e. all on or all off).

As for torque steer, I usually only see that when I'm "demonstrating" just how quick this pocket rocket is. You can also get the traction control light to flash in the first couple of gear changes, which is always good for freaking out passengers! There's definitely more torque steer than the R53 S that this car replaced (that seemed to have none at all, one of the only things I miss actually), but if you are progressive you don't get arrested and you don't weave all over the road like a maniac.

I've not managed to do a track day with the car, so I can't comment there either. I don't think I miss an LSD, but next time I go for a replacement I'll try out both with and without. I didn't get chance to do that this time, as I ordered this car as soon as it was possible to order one, without test driving or even seeing a car in the flesh (talk about blind faith!) I had to have the car by March to avoid a balloon payment on the finance of the previous one (I won't make that mistake again!)

[DerekH]

Yes this was a mistake not specing as only £100 tick the box and don't make the mistake we did.

[kmpowell]

Without a shadow of a doubt, yes! I tested two MCS' back to back in the damp/rain and the difference was staggering. Worth EVERY penny IMO, and best of all it is cheap as chips! (until BMW realise how popular it is and then whack the price up!)

[neilobe]

Quote: Originally Posted by supa-dupa-cooper (original)

Its not for me Ian, its for....umm...a friend

Mmm. you sure your not thinking of a that S works now Jo...
That didnt have LSD on it, but it deff. needs it!!!! It would help with the tourqe, deff tick that option..

[popey]

Having owned an R56 S without and now owning one with LSD, Id say go for it. I have to say that it does take some geting used to at first, "challenging and less predictable " is a good way to put it.