53 LSD/Chili spec

[E-bmw]

I am on the lookout for a 2004/06 R53 (hopefully with the 125kw engine) with CC/LSD and air con, my question is around the chili/LSD spec of the cars.

I see many advertised as having the chili pack and assuming they have LSd fitted, but on checking on vin-checker I see that the spec may just say chili equipment but neither mention LSD or 25% locking diff as some others say.

Does the mention of "S872A chili equipment" in the spec list automatically mean it has a locking diff?

Edited to add: Car is 2004 if that makes a difference.

Edited by E-bmw on Thursday 22 December 16:17

[Elliot2000]

Limited slip diff is a completely separate option to the chilli pack iirc

[timbo999]

LSD is option 2TA and Chilli pack is option 872 and they are shown separately on the output of the VIN checker for my car...

However, I think I am right in saying that late model R53s came with the LSD as 'standard' even though its listed as an option... towards the end of the Gen 1 run the cars were spec'ed up as run out models often are.

[mon the fish]

LSD became standard as part of the chilli pack for early 2005 builds - not sure of the exact date. It was part of the pack, although you could de-select it as an option.

Mine is a Dec 2004 build and just missed out on the LSD

[E-bmw]

OK, thanks for that.

Do I take it that even if that was just a run-out spec change it would still appear on the vin checker output then?

[timbo999]

That is my understanding, yes. Mine was registered in July '05.

[CarsOrBikes]

Mine is May 05 with Chilli, and LSD listed separately in the options, took ages to find, and got visibility pack, chrono pack too, full leather, black/black sport plus suspension also standard with chilli, split rims and 27k.

3.5 years later 44k, 17% pulley change (interference fit) BytetroniK ecu software, 550cc injectors, JCW 210 airbox kit, JCW exhaust, GP intercooler, DDM Works diverter, Kent cam, Vibra technics engine and gearbox mounts, Black series front control arm rear bushes, steering rack bush and front arb bushes, R56S front brakes, soon to be R56S JCW front and rear brakes, Goodridge hoses to fit, Hotchkis 25mm rear arb, STD coilovers, Innovate wideband kit, Quaife ATB differential to fit, 'Shed' cylinder head, plus Lohen big valve head to try still, ARP head and rod bolts to fit, Alloy flywheel and Helix plate, R112 wheels soon to fit, and around 270bhp heehee. Car looks completely standard as suspension is set within 5mm of standard.

The trouble is, that it is a slippery slope I found. Can't sell the car unless I take all of this off even though only been on the car a few hundred miles, not a track mule either, as it was meant to be a deceptive fast road car, but I now have a company 435d.

Before you know it, big money can be spent haha, values on these vary hugely standard or not. Just be careful where you get advice on modification if planning to, so many are done cheaply, and have some hidden nightmares I believe. I'm fortunate enough to work in garages, now at BMW, and have seen and read all sorts.

Really hope you find a good car. So few left. Pic before coilovers, tyres Federal 595RSR 215/45R17W. Quaife diff could be an option for you maybe?

[E-bmw]

Thanks for that, some good infor for all there, I am looking to do something similar, but not to the extent that you have.

Something on the lines of:
15/17% pulley/belt
Airtec
CAI
Milltec
Remap
Polybushes
Possibly coilovers
R56 calipers/discs/hoses
Better seats

With a view to have an occasional track car but still very useable on the road.

My ideal base car would be:

05/06 Chili with LSD
Sports plus
Chrono
Cruise

Obviously a Quaiffe diff is an option if I find everything else on a car suitable.

Is there much difference between them & the tandard LSD?

[CarsOrBikes]

I haven't fitted my Quaife yet, but the reviews are significant. My only hesitation is in selling the car, it's just a bigger thing to remove. Most want a car in standard form, to then spend £££'s on. Seems daft but buyers think they'll get a better finished item I guess. I kept every standard part with a view to refitting.

[E-bmw]

I do know what you mean on the mods front, personally as I am looking to do the above anyway I would see added value in finding one at least part completed assuming the price was right (not just every part added to clean example pricing, but somewhere in the middle) and I was able to confirm myself that the work looked to a good standard.

[mon the fish]

I would imagine 99% of buyers wouldn't go looking to see if an aftermarket LSD was on the car. A bit like a pulley - bit of a faff to remove, and most folk wouldn't notice it, visually anyway