R53 Cooper S Limited Slip Diff add value?

R53 Cooper S Limited Slip Diff add value?

Author
Discussion

Matt UK

Original Poster:

17,649 posts

199 months

Tuesday 11th August 2015
quotequote all
Hi, how rare / common was the factory fit LSD option?

When looking in the classifieds or using search terms very few, if any, cars come up.

So either it's so common people don't bother writing it in the ad, or its very rare. Selling our 2005 R53 and trying to gauge value.

Thanks.

0llie

3,006 posts

195 months

Tuesday 11th August 2015
quotequote all
I think it was a no-cost option on all Chili Pack equipped Cooper S' from about mid-2005 until they ceased production in October/November 2006. I'd guess around 50% have the option, but unless you were a keen driver or had ever seen the original spec list, you probably wouldn't know you had it.

I don't think it will add value as such, but it will definitely make it more desirable to someone who wants to tune it.

Matt UK

Original Poster:

17,649 posts

199 months

Wednesday 12th August 2015
quotequote all
Cheers Ollie, much appreciated.

mon the fish

1,412 posts

147 months

Thursday 13th August 2015
quotequote all
I think Jan 05 build dates on - it was when they got the low washer fluid light on the indicator stalk. As said, part of the chilli pack so no value in the LSD itself as such, obviously the chilli adds £500 or whatever to the value

I specced mine from new, Dec 04 build and I just missed out on the LSD

Matt UK

Original Poster:

17,649 posts

199 months

Thursday 13th August 2015
quotequote all
Makes sense, mine is a Jan 2005 car with the low washer light and chilli pack.

Dave.

7,324 posts

252 months

Thursday 20th August 2015
quotequote all
You can use bmwvin.com to check the build spec for if one was fitted at the time of build.

You can find the vin by entering the reg on miniwarranty.co.uk

wink

Matt UK

Original Poster:

17,649 posts

199 months

Thursday 20th August 2015
quotequote all
Dave. said:
You can use bmwvin.com to check the build spec for if one was fitted at the time of build.

You can find the vin by entering the reg on miniwarranty.co.uk

wink
Thanks Dave, I actually got my local BMW dealer to print me the specs - not sure what was std Chilli spec and what was an option.

0228 Sports suspension settings Plus - does this Plus mean anything to anyone?
02TA Differential lock 25%

I like playing with Caterhams and have had with/without LSD - never had an LSD equipped front-driver before, but I have to say you can feel it, really makes a difference when conditions are damp on the skinny winter tyres smile

mon the fish

1,412 posts

147 months

Friday 21st August 2015
quotequote all
On the R50/53 you got standard suspension, Sport and Sport+. Just stiffer IIRC, not any lower (or not much) than Sport.

Came as part of the Chilli pack - stock R53s had Sport

Matt UK

Original Poster:

17,649 posts

199 months

Friday 21st August 2015
quotequote all
Great, thanks.

Next thing is trying to realistically price it - I've seen 2005 MCS on AT which are in similar condition / miles / history but with about a 50% spread between top / bottom prices! Most odd. I guess with these cars they are very colour / spec sensitive.

It's a popular car with youngsters I think, especially as they get older / cheaper - are bright colours / stripes preferred? Mine is rather plain in comparison with metallic grey paint / white roof.

mon the fish

1,412 posts

147 months

Friday 21st August 2015
quotequote all
Grey/white is far rarer than grey/black (the most common Cooper S colours) - might affect pricing. But you're right, they're all over the place.

I'm not in the market, I've had mine nearly 11 years, but it's hard to judge what it's worth when you look at what's for sale

Dicky Knee

1,026 posts

130 months

Saturday 22nd August 2015
quotequote all
I've been browsing for a while and the pricing is all over the place. I was originally only searching private sales but then realised that they are often more expensive than traders-I guess it is because people get attached to them and think their car is the best. There are loads for sale and some hang around for months and months. The thing that consistently knocks the price down is mileage. Anything close to or over 100k miles seems to be between £500 and £1000 cheaper than a lower mileage one (50 to 60 k). Recaro seats add around £500. Auto Trader also seems to be more expensive than Ebay-not sure why.

At this age, I am focusing on a more basic spec as the cost of fixing electrical failures on accessories may be high compared to the purchase cost but maybe I'm being over cautious.

My guess would be that a 2005 MCS in good condition with around 60k miles is somewhere between £4250 and £4750 (sale price and not advertised price). I havent pulled the trigger yet but just my feeling on price.I'd say that advertised price will be between £3500 (high mileage) to £6000.



Edited by Dicky Knee on Saturday 22 August 11:48

mon the fish

1,412 posts

147 months

Sunday 23rd August 2015
quotequote all
Can't recall too many electrical issues on them, the BC module in the footwell can go wonky if it gets wet (think this is more common on pre-facelift R53s), they're not actually that complex cars as Rover had a bigger hand in the design than BMW.

If you go for a 54 plate and on, they're pretty sorted cars with few issues IMO

bigee

1,485 posts

237 months

Sunday 23rd August 2015
quotequote all
Recently purchased an 05 Cooper s JCW, genuine car with all papers,all the jcw bits (brakes,suspension,exhaust,tuning kit etc ) has all the bells and whistles,nav,heated full leather,chilli pack,pan roof,auto lights/wipe,cruise,harmon Kardon,centre rest etc etc.. also has some nice well known mods,airtech intercooler etc,full history and invoices from specialists like 1320 (even a dyno plot showing 238bhp,which is nice ! ) we paid mid £3k's.
Mileage is just over 100k though. Prices are everywhere as stated but definately a buyers market as there are so many about.

Edited by bigee on Sunday 23 August 16:55

mon the fish

1,412 posts

147 months

Sunday 23rd August 2015
quotequote all
bigee said:
Recently purchased an 05 Cooper s JCW, genuine car with all papers,all the jcw bits (brakes,suspension,exhaust,tuning kit etc ) has all the bells and whistles,nav,heated full leather,chilli pack,pan roof,auto lights/wipe,cruise,harmon Kardon,centre rest etc etc.. also has some nice well known mods,airtech intercooler etc,full history and invoices from specialists like 1320 (even a dyno plot showing 238bhp,which is nice ! ) we paid mid £3k's.
Mileage is just over 100k though. Prices are everywhere as stated but definately a buyers market as there are so many about.

Edited by bigee on Sunday 23 August 16:55
Sounds like an absolute steal - good spec, and good performance

bigee

1,485 posts

237 months

Sunday 23rd August 2015
quotequote all
It was basically a crap advert,awful pictures etc, but a good car.I very nearly didnt bother phoning about it to be fair. I have owned and driven far quicker and more powerful cars but this is just really good fun/enjoyable to drive,recommended !

mon the fish

1,412 posts

147 months

Monday 24th August 2015
quotequote all
I've got a Ferrari 550, but my JCW puts just as big a smile on my face on the right roads, I'm never going to sell it.

These little cars get right under your skin, in a way the newer R56/F56 don't IMO

bigee

1,485 posts

237 months

Monday 24th August 2015
quotequote all
Fully understand where you are coming from, i'm told by swmbo that this is a keeper and (for a man who changes cars a LOT ..) i'm quite happy with that !
Just means i'll have to add another car to the fleet instead of changing one !
Great little motor.

red_slr

17,123 posts

188 months

Monday 21st September 2015
quotequote all
I am also looking, found the same thing re e-bay and auto trader.

looking for something around 2005 with <70k on the clock.

CarsOrBikes

1,135 posts

183 months

Monday 21st September 2015
quotequote all
It's not that common, some potential owners wouldn't know what it was, and if they had heard of it, some wouldn't know what it does or recognise the effects while driving. It should definitely add value to a good car, well any really.

The Mini unfortunately has S values talked down by those who managed to find one cheap, which may sometimes be a pig, everybody looks for the cheapest not the best, and when perceived as the best, one wonders why, because it's shiny? Or silly lowering springs and a big intercooler? Always a cynic me, but sure people part exchange them for a reason, not always because they want a newer car, often due to problems they don't want to deal with, the dealers just polish them and resell doing little or nothing, and still they can be under 5k, and you know why.

The LSD makes them quite a different car, and with some other well chosen options, they can be great cars to own. I was lucky finding mine with 27k just over 2 years ago, and now just over 40k. I wanted to sell it along with other cars and bikes, for the boat fund, but want too much compared to others people are happy to buy.

Also it has some other alterations which are subtle, but make it 250chp, so it would have to be put back to sell, as everyone has their own idea of modification, and don't always recognise the value in them. I never fitted the coilovers I have, but would offer them, the car on the road is nice already. And looks original.

Matt UK

Original Poster:

17,649 posts

199 months

Monday 21st September 2015
quotequote all
red_slr said:
I am also looking, found the same thing re e-bay and auto trader.

looking for something around 2005 with <70k on the clock.
My LSD equipped 2005 just clicked over 90k. Such a nice little car that I haven't got round to advertising it yet.
Not sure where you are but you can PM me if you'd like to have a chat, I need to get an estate as the family circumstances are changing.