I'm in the process of ordering a new 08 S and I've specified the Sport Suspension, Dynamic Stability Control, and the Limited Slip Differential. Are these options worth the cost? I just sold my 06 non S without any of these options. Is there a considerable difference in handling? I do a bit of winter driving so hence the LSD. Thanks for any input. Peter

 

Definitely get the LSD. The car can pull all over the place under hard acceleration off the line. I don't have one but I want one! You want the sport suspension too.

 

Thanks for your input.

 

Sports suspension is standard on the MCS -- so that's easy.

LSD - get it. When I bought used I found a car that had all I wanted but the LSD. . . not looking further for one with LSD is my only regret (expensive to add aftermarket, so do it now if you're ever going to want it)

 

Actually, it is NOT standard on MCS. At least, not the 2008 MCS. I just took delivery three days ago and I *do* have the SS but it was ordered.

The SS *is* included in the "Sports" Package, which also includes DSC, 17 inch wheels and bonnet stripes. I did not want the larger wheels so I ordered SS and DSC "a la carte". But the sports package is NOT standard on the MCS.

I also got LSD. I can't say yet whether any of these options are "worth it" since I don't have another MCS with which I can compare mine.

Tony

 

I'm ordering mine ala carte too as I didn't want the 17" inch wheels, or the stripes. I'm 3 for 3 on the LSD opinion poll so I'll get that as well. 16" inch wheels with non run flats, sport suspension, DSC. Thank you all for your input.

 

interesting 'cause the MINI USA configurator shows sports suspension as STD on the MCSc and does not show it as a feature of the sports package.
I agree with you that the sports package is not standard on the MCS (I never claimed that it was), but unlike the DSC, the sports suspension is shown as standard and does not need to be ordered separately.

EDIT - sfomini, I just saw what you're driving. Yes, the sports suspension would have been optional on your second generation hardtop MINI -- but comparing your R56 options to the R52 is like comparing turbo apples to supercharged oranges.

 

I'll chirp in for the DSC. I have had it "go active" a few times.

During the winter it's a PITA, but it saves my a$$ too. I can go through snow (in the MINI) that I'd rather not be in our Trailblazer in.. The DSC will keep the car in a fairly straight and predictable line.

I've also had it kick in during some "aggressive" driving when the back end slid out about 2 feet. The DSC kicked the car back into it's assumed path just the "pucker factor" was kicking in...

Where DSC sucks is pulling out onto traffic if the tires spin or loose traction at all, it will kick in and rob power just when you want it most. It's kind of unnerving to pull out in front of a truck, spin the tires, have DSC kick in and feel no power no matter how far you push your foot to the floor.

All in all, I'm glad I got it...

 

Yep - standard on the 2008 MCSC, optional on the 2008 MCS hardtop.Yep. Actually, that's not DSC that is annoying you when pulling into traffic... that's the All Season Traction Control (ASTC), formerly just called ASC (Automatic Stability Control) or ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction). Every new MINI comes with this option now, standard. MCSes have always come with it, standard.

DSC adds "extra" features to ATSC - good stuff... The same ones you like that save you from a spin or slide... by being able to brake individual wheels to keep you on track.

Unfortunately, when you order the "good stuff" DSC, they don't give you a separate switch to allow you to leave DSC on and turn ATSC off. It's all or nothing. A shame really.

My advice - get DSC, it's phenomenally good at helping you out when you put yourself into a bad situation (although no technology can change the laws of physics)... and get into the habit of briefly turning it off when you're about to aggressively accelerate from a stop, where you might spin a wheel... such as turning left through an intersection, with traffic approaching.

 

You guys are good. Thanks for the advice!

 

My apologies, eager2own! I didn't realize:
a: this was a post in the cabrio talk section (I got to it from "new posts")
and
b: that the cabrio was any different from the hardtop on options such as this.

Tony

 

really depends on how you intend to drive the mini!!

my 2 cents: i have bc coilovers, 19mm adj. rear sway, omp front brace...so if i didn't have a sidewalk, i would have opted out of "sport suspension." dsc: i almost always drive with it off. it's very helpful in winter/slippery conditions/unfamiliar territory. i have ultra high performance summer tires (non run flats) and i suspect that this also affects my dsc use (or non use). ian f makes dsc "off" the default mode on one of his toggle switch mods! at the end of the day, i think the safety factor makes it worth getting dsc. limited slip....there's one i wish i got! i'll probably be plunking down a grand on a quaife sometime soon...i believe oem is about $500....i missed the boat on that one.

i track and autocross the mini a couple of times a year. i am a "spirited" to "wannabe racer" driver....so these greatly affect my opinions. telling us how you'll use her will help us to give more relevant responses....so, what are your plans for the mini?

 

Even if you end up turning off the DSC all the time, I would recommend the DSC if for no other reasons than: 1) as noted, it's good to have available for those wintery and slippery days, and 2) if you ever want to sell the MINI, I think you'll find that many buyers will be looking for cars with DSC . . . so for resale, it's better to have than not to.

 

LSD is definitely worth it, the cost aftermarket is $1100 without installation.

 

Thank you to everyone that has responed to my post. Last week I ordered a new 08 S with DSC and LSD. Dark Silver, Black Roof, Sun Roof, Leather Seats, the whole nine yards. I sold my 06 w/15K miles on it, very clean. I should have ordered first and sold the 06 closer to my arrival date. I'm having withdrawls! Peter