BMW stopped using truly limited-slip differentials with the advent of the E9X and E60 platforms. The advantages between an open and limited-slip differential are seconds on the track and a massive increase in corner exit grip. Tuner motorsports offer many different types of LSDs' to suit your driving style and budget.
If your MINI is only for competition use - autocross, time trial, or racing - this OS Giken LSD may be a better option than the standard 1.5-way unit. This race-spec LSD was developed over several seasons of competitive autocross. It uses a new high pressure ring for quicker response time and faster lockup. This makes it ideal for quick transitions and rapid on/off throttle motions typically encountered on the track. It's a one-way lockup so the car stays predictable under braking and gives the driver more feedback. For street use we prefer the normal 1.5-way setup because it's more progressive during lockup.
The biggest shortcoming of any MINI is not the lack of power - it's being able to put all of its useable power to the ground! The Cooper S is basically a one-wheel drive car and sending 200+ hp through that one tire does not live up to its full potential. A limited-slip differential is essential to any highly-tuned FWD car. The OS Giken Super-Lock is one of the most advanced clutch-type differentials on the market, and a favorite of autocrossers and road racers. The OS LSD for the MINI features ten clutch discs for a smooth and progressive lockup. By putting all of your available power to the ground you're at an instant advantage over the stock open-type differential. You'll be able to power through corners and on rough surfaces instead of uselessly spinning a wheel. Understeer is reduced by giving more bite to the tire that has the most traction. With an LSD in your MINI Cooper S you'll wonder why it wasn't first on your list to begin with (or why MINI/BMW left it out in the first place...).
The MNI OS Giken LSD uses a special 80W250 fluid that must be purchased separately.
This item fits the following BMWs: 2002-2006 R53 MINI MINI Cooper S (6MT manual transmission only) 2007-2013 R56 MINI MINI Cooper S (6MT manual transmission only) Show More Show Less
The M Dynamic limited slip unit on the M3 is designed to be a pure street car differential. It's simply not up to the rigors of professional or amateur racing. The OS Giken Super Lock LSD is giant step up in from a stock M3 lsd unit. It's ready for the extreme conditions of racing, offers 100% progressive locking capability, and is able to do this while operating smoothly and quietly. It's use of advanced technologies that make it perfect for both street cars AND pro race cars... and everything in between. We're excited to be carrying the OS Giken LSD unit in our performance catalog, as we've been using them in our own Championship winning M3 race cars.
OS Giken incorporated revolutionary new ideas when developing the their own limited slip diff, utilizing their accumulated racing knowledge and experience and over 4 years of development. Their design uses an unprecedented number of friction plates (up to 28 total!) for better locking force, better engagement/disengagement, and less generated heat. The end result of their efforts is the OS Giken's OS Super Lock LSD which offers incredible durability and reliability on street and track driven BMWs. The use of highest quality materials, precise machining, forged gears and sound engineering makes this LSD durable and reliable enough for road racing performance (which we can personally vouch for!). This is such a great design, in that it can be used in any situation -- whether it's for a street car, or a 100% Professional race car. Zero break-in required. Super smooth and quiet engagement, and 100% progressive locking capability. Professional installation is recommended.
This Limited Slip Differential Unit fits the following BMWs: 2001-2006 E46 M3 coupe & convertible 2008-2013 E9X M3 coupe & convertible 1991-1995 E34 M5 sedan 1999-2003 E39 M5 sedan 2006-2008 E85 Z4M Z4 M Coupe, Z4 M Roadster
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