Monday 2nd March 2009

Aftermarket LSD for all MINIs

AC Schnitzer helps owners get a grip

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If you find your Mini gets a bit squirrelly under power through wet roundabouts, you might want to talk to the chaps at AC Schnitzer.

The German performance parts maker is now offering an aftermarket limited slip differential that fits Mini models as well as the BMW 1-series and 3-series.

Designed to improve progress out of corners, especially in the wet or on loose surfaces like ice, snow or dirt, the AC Schnitzer LSD transfers up to 75 percent of ‘surplus’ power to the opposite wheel if one begins to slip.

According to the company, the modification also improves steering behaviour on Mini models, which becomes even more direct. As a result, they say, you’ll achieve faster cornering speeds and a reduced tendency to understeer allowing you to utilise power reserves and enjoy optimum driving dynamics – as owners of factory LSD-equipped Mini Cooper variants will surely attest.

[MrTappets]

Brilliant. Now all i need is a Mini.

[Shropshiremike]

Got the factory LSD on our s/c Cooper S and I'd recommend it

[btdk5]

Is this for r53 & r56??

[GFWilliams]

the title says "all MINIs"

HTH

[JJCW]

Could be great, but all depends on the price i guess!

[willcrookz]

the 130i needs it IMO, though Quaife already make one!

[Mr Whippy]

Could also use some RevoKnuckle suspension

[mister.t]

Thank Lord for that - Exactly what the R56 S needs fitted as standard, let alone after its been fitted with the stage 1 kit!! Wouldn't like the bill mind you!

[MINIrocket]

Loved the factory one on my old R53. Not many other manufacturers offer a proper LSD for £150!

[PaulTypeR]

willcrookz said:

the 130i needs it IMO, though Quaife already make one!

Don't the 130 series and 330 get an LSD as part (or as an option) of the M Sport pack? I've been looking at 130 M Sport for my next car, but i deffo want an LSD.

[NormanD]

willcrookz said:

the 130i needs it IMO, though Quaife already make one!

That's what I was thinking.

[bobby_vimto]

LSD for MINI's? Yip, I'd probably need take something like that before I'd be seen driving one.

[Rags]

bobby_vimto said:

LSD for MINI's? Yip, I'd probably need take something like that before I'd be seen driving one.

LOL, don't knock it until you have tried one!

[btdk5]

bobby_vimto said:

LSD for MINI's? Yip, I'd probably need take something like that before I'd be seen driving one.

Another hilarious comment from someone who wont list their car in their profile.

[UncappedTag]

Rags said:

bobby_vimto said:

LSD for MINI's? Yip, I'd probably need take something like that before I'd be seen driving one.

LOL, don't knock it until you have tried one!

I kept my CS 6mths. Worst car I've had for reliability. Never goto the stage to lose the RFT's because these hamper the handling somewhat too.

[OllieWinchester]

PaulTypeR said:

willcrookz said:

the 130i needs it IMO, though Quaife already make one!

Don't the 130 series and 330 get an LSD as part (or as an option) of the M Sport pack? I've been looking at 130 M Sport for my next car, but i deffo want an LSD.

I thought you just got some ballbag of a traction control system? Quite how a TCS is supposed to mimic a proper mechanical LSD I have no idea....

[loomx]

Recently all the higher powered BMWs 123d onward have an EDL (Electronic Diff Lock) but it does that by braking the spinning wheel to transfer the power to the other wheel.

[OllieWinchester]

I for one don't want an elaborate TCS replacing a proper LSD. I suppose it is another case of catering for the lowest common denominator, as people must be protected from themselves. I reckon if manufacturers started cutting back on TCS and all the associated gubbins then the standard of driving would improve...

[zcacogp]

OllieWinchester said:

I reckon if manufacturers started cutting back on TCS and all the associated gubbins then the standard of driving would improve...

... as all the idiots got killed off, you mean?

Sounds good to me!


Oli.

[OperationAlfa]

So how much is this LSD?

The alfa Q2 is only £260.