LSD on R52 Cooper S - desireable option?

[NiceCupOfTea]

Hi folks,

Restarting the hunt for a decent R52 Cooper S fairly shortly, and have happened on a nice looking one which wasn't quite the spec I was looking for, but it does have the Recaros which look nice (standard seats always look so baggy) and an LSD. Was this a factory option or is it likely to be aftermarket? Is it worth having? I remember the viscous diffs on MX-5s were useless and effectively an open diff after about 60k miles. But the aftermarket Quaife diffs on old Saab turbos are absolutely fantastic. So I'm interested in knowing!

[itsnotarace]

I understand a mechanical LSD was part of the Chilli Pack from 2005 onwards, dropped in 2010 in favour of an electronic version (boo)

No experience with R52 here but generally mechanical LSD is a desirable option in a front wheel drive car, had a Quaife in my EP3 Civic for 15 years and it was the best mod I did

Will be fitting a Quaife to my CooperS as soon as my clutch needs doing (90k now so wont be too long)

[R53rider]

The LSD is worth having, yes. It is only a 25%-er, but a lot better than not having it. My 2005 R53 has it and it works - drags you out of corners when you boot it. As said, wasn't an option until later FL cars so looks like someone has retro-fitted the later BKL box with the dif.

Edited by R53rider on Sunday 5th July 09:24

[R53rider]

The LSD is worth having, yes. It is only a 25%-er, but a lot better than not having it. My 2005 R53 has it and it works - drags you out of corners when you boot it. As said, wasn't an option until later FL cars so looks like someone has retro-fitted the later BKL box with the dif.

Edited by R53rider on Sunday 5th July 09:25