So, I was at the dealer yesterday to get some service and looked at the new Minis. I have an '07 Cooper S, 6 speed, that is somewhat oddly equipped it seems as I look at other new and used Minis. It's BRG with a black roof, mirrors, bonnet stripes, black leatherette interior (I think). It has the chrome package, with the interior led lighting in the front panel, doors and b pillars. It has 10 air bags including one in each c pillar! Has 2 rear fog lights with the appropriate panel switch and Xenons w/washers. The auxilary sun visor is moved to the passenger side. But the big thing is the service manager says, "you know, this car is irreplaceable." ? What? What do you mean? The he says "it is one of not many '07s with a very aggressive manual locking differential and, effectively, a racing transmission. You can't get this anymore." I bought this on a whim from a Mazda dealer a year ago after returning from a European vacation. Just new it was a Mini S and it was very clean, ran like it was stolen and sounds great. Did I luck up here? It had 58k miles on it and now 65k, has new coils, plugs, timing chain assembly (recall item along with heat shield, electric water pump for the turbo.)
Manual locking differential? The only option I'm aware of was the 2TA Limited Slip Differential which was a $500 item. After a cursory inspection of my car, it seems the aux sun visor uses the same mounting points as the "Oh Crap handle" so they should be easily changeable if you want to swap them. I would like to see pictures of your car though.
Congrats on the car!! In all honesty, I think the dealer was trying to make you feel good about your "rare" car, but heck...they say my r53 (gen1) is rare.... What counts is you love your car!! Sounds like it has a good owner!! Post some pictures!! Color combo sounds cool!!
The rarety What supposedly was "rare" is the mechanical limited slip diff and tranny. He had them listed on a printout subsequent to running codes on the car. I had told him that I was looking at new S hard tops with the sales folks while mine was being serviced. His response was "your car is irreplaceable", etc. I don't want to jamb him up, but he's a principal in the Hendricks Mini racing team. Oh, "Mr. Green" is in my "garage". Link to My Gallery: http://www.motoringalliance.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/9122/sort/1/ppuser/9863#axzz3H0szm3FP
Pop the last 7 characters of the VIN into the form here... http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/mini-stuff/19242-how-your-mini-equipped-factory-tutorial.html#axzz3H0txR5qk You can get the setup as it left the factory. The mechanical LSD on the 07's is rare as hen's teeth.
Rare huh? I have the S2TAA Sperrdifferenzial on mine, but figured it was a commonly ordered option. It's an option block I always opt for if it's available. Very nice looking car Jim.
Oops! Guess spell check got me. He said it was a "very aggressive mechanical locking diff. Not "manual". Sorry 'bout that. The only photos (no interior) are in My Gallery - Mr. Green - Motoring Alliance Gallery
Just checked the VIN and mine also has S2TAA Sperrdifferenzial. Another poster said "rare as hen's teeth"
The diff is not rare at all you just had to order your car with it. I have one and it's not that good either, but it's better then no diff at all. Don't let the dealership blow smoke up your a$$. I will be replacing mine with a OS Giken, Cusco, or a Ford SVT diff.
Ummm Dave... It's a 2007, a second generation car. Wasn't long before they dropped the mechanical one and went to that e-diff that applies brakes.