Do I wait so I can get DTC?

[akim47]

I everybody. I am about to order my 2009 Mini S but have a dilemna. I can get a slot at the local dealer for Oct production. However, if I wait 2 months, I can get a Dec prod vehicle and can order the DTC option. Do you think it is worth waiting for this option? From what I know, DTC is only available on the JCW MCS. Has anyone driven one and can anyone comment on the value of this option? Besides the DTC, I am going to get the LSD, comfort package, xenons, white turn signals and anthracite headliner... thanks for your help

[MINIAC]

Starting with December builds the options will be either LSD (mechanical) or DTC with EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control).

Perhaps someone who has driven both will offer feedback.

[caesar]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC (original)

Starting with December builds the options will be either LSD (mechanical) or DTC with EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control).

Perhaps someone who has driven both will offer feedback.

My June 07 MCS has LSD and I get no wheel spin or torque steer when accelerating hard. The demo MCS that did not have LSD I used on a test drive was the opposite As regards EDLC I cannot comment

[akim47]

are you saying that DTC and LSD are mutually exclusive options? why can't you have both?

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by akim47 (original)

are you saying that DTC and LSD are mutually exclusive options? why can't you have both?

The 2009 Cooper Works model comes with DTC and no LSD, so I believe they are indeed mutually exclusive options.

[akim47]

does anybody have an opinion of LSD vs. DTC? I am just wondering if it's worth the wait....

My guess is that with the LSD, you will get more "natural feedback" from the road. However, since I am not a race car driver (I just like pretending) I am thinking that the DTC would be the better option. I also read that the DTC was chosen for the JCW because it faired better on the track vs. the LSD which caused torque oversteer.

[waterloo]

Yes it is ! For having talked to the French JCW Accessories Director (Mondial de Paris), although he might as well "lie", I saw in his eyes that the new system is by far more efficient, since it transfers 50% of torque, the lsd = only 30%, and is too dependant from the (bad) quality of roads, efficient on tracks... whereas the new system is more efficient "in the real life"

[brett.iom.r56]

I have ASC+T in my car with LSD and find it "just right" gives you neutral handling. I've had the traction control light come on twice since i've owned it (feb 08) once due to aqua plaining and the second due to standing water outside my house...i needed a quick exit and wheel span...hehe

Since DSC+T is now standard on MCS's I'm sure with the LSD option will be suffice. However the only way round to make up your mind is to test two cars with either fitted.

Personally the mechanical always outweighs electronic...as it's just another system to fail. What I found was DTC a waste of time in the JCW version I drove, but that was down to the driver

[waterloo]

Yes you are right about mechanical systems IN THEORY (and on tracks), but in the real life the DTC makes you go faster on everyday roads

Anyway if you plan to do the MINI CHALLENGE better buy a real Quaife differential (1000$), by far more efficient than the limited slip differential, which is "limited"...

[Rocco9999]

MotoringFile Archive Why the JCW Factory MINI will not get LSD.

"The reason for the EDLC over the LSD is due to the fact that with a mechanical LSD, the high amount of torque in the JCW MINI causes the LSD to engage too quickly causing what’s been referred to as “anti-torque steer”. Torque steer is something that usually causes the steering to pull to one side under hard acceleration.

What they found with LSD on the JCW MINI was that it caused the car to want to pull the steering back to center and go straight under hard acceleration - not a desirable, or safe, effect in a lot of situations. This is a simplistic, easy to understand explanation and I’m sure a dissertation could be written on the technical aspects of force and intertia involved but hopefully this will help answer the question as to why no LSD. In the end, both options were tested and the EDLC gave the JCW the best handling. "

Don't read the comments after the artical though as most are garbage and based on totally wrong assumptions - numpty's!

[caesar]

I have a June 07 MCS with LSD but the test car I drove prior to getting it did not have it. The test car suffered badly with torque steer........but is not a problem with mine

However I have occasionally noticed when accelerating hard at high speeds the steering requires a lot of effort to change direction i.e changing lanes on a motorway. This would appear to bear out the Motoring File article above on Electronic LSD. Apart from this LSD is great

[popey]

Quote: Originally Posted by caesar (original)

I have a June 07 MCS with LSD but the test car I drove prior to getting it did not have it. The test car suffered badly with torque steer........but is not a problem with mine

However I have occasionally noticed when accelerating hard at high speeds the steering requires a lot of effort to change direction i.e changing lanes on a motorway. This would appear to bear out the Motoring File article above on Electronic LSD. Apart from this LSD is great

LSD should no effect on torque steer. Ive owned 2 R56 S's, one with, one with out. Torque Steer was just the same. However I do notice a change depending on road surfaces.

[caesar]

Quote: Originally Posted by popey (original)

LSD should no effect on torque steer. Ive owned 2 R56 S's, one with, one with out. Torque Steer was just the same. However I do notice a change depending on road surfaces.

I am just explaining my experiences with having LSD while the demo MCS I used on a test run did not have. The road I used on the test run was a dual carriage way with roundabouts. Accelerating hard out of these using the test car which did not have LSD I experienced torque steer. On the same road using my new MCS with LSD there was no torque steer. To me the advantage of having LSD is quite clear.

[Rocco9999]

Quote: Originally Posted by caesar (original)

I have a June 07 MCS with LSD but the test car I drove prior to getting it did not have it. The test car suffered badly with torque steer........but is not a problem with mine

However I have occasionally noticed when accelerating hard at high speeds the steering requires a lot of effort to change direction i.e changing lanes on a motorway. This would appear to bear out the Motoring File article above on Electronic LSD. Apart from this LSD is great

more likely to be tramlining if your travelling in a straight line.