I am looking over the internet at a used 05 MCS. In the photo of the engine compartment, i see the S Works decal on the air cleaner box but the supercharger looks stock. Is this possible as a factory option? thanks.

 

The JCW air intake was a dealer installed option that did not require the full JCW package. It's a different air box with a round paper air filter and a door at the back that opens above 4500 rpm.

 

A full JCW should have a silver intercooler cover

 

Virtualy any part you can think of can be purchased on E-Bay. Given this it would seem ulikely one could distinguish a real JCW from an imitation. Having said this and having parused E-Bay's Mini site for a while I can say you are unlikely to find a JCW valve cover with a kit No# inscribed on it.This No# should also be inscribed on the JCW head. Oh, and a final bit, I baught a real silver IC Cover with the JCW emblem on it. IC cover was real and was put on E-Bay when the owner of a JCW changed out his IC for another.

 

E-bay...the Mini owner's best friend.

 

Thanks for the help. I am flying in to St. Louis next weekend to look at it. I have put a deposit down on the car. Is there anything else mini-specific I should look for when inspecting a used MINI MCS?

 

If I was doing that, I would try to enlist a St. Louis MCS owner to join me for the test ride. Preferably someone with a 2005.

Does your name relate to the flavor of Abita Beer (our local brewery)?

 

it does. I am a Tulane alum '91. My wife's family is from the West Bank, still lives there, however, we moved to Boise.