Is there a way to visually tell between an early (non-coated) and later or JCW coated vane supercharger for the Mini? Based on pics, some have a grey/black finish on the vanes that is slightly rough while some are light grey and more smooth.

In addition; assume that any of these would be interchangeable across production years - any insight?


Thanks in advance!

 

They are all interchangeable across all the supercharged years.

Coated vanes are have the grey/black finish.

Coating started on the JCW S/C's and from 05 on was extended to all.

 

All facelift 'S have a teflon cated supercharger, but i thought the JCW changed at the same time as well?
The way to tell is it's black and not quite as smooth, if it's grey it's pre-facelift.

 

The SC rotors are aluminum. If it is coated it will be grey or dark grey or almost black. This is what a SC looks like with coating coming off and going through the engine. This is off an 05.

I have never noticed a difference in smooth or not? I have seen both in the same year mini? what made the difference?

+ 1 on the interchangeability.

 

So, if it's dark grey or black, it's a coated unit (regardless of manufacture date)? Does this appear to be a coated model?

 

Id say Yes.

 

I guess color is in the eyes of... But yes that is an uncoated SC

 

This one looks darker than some other early builds I'd seen - is the consensus then that this one is uncoated? What are some things to be aware of / look for (other than the obvious leaks, free spinning, no clear evidence of rotor damage? Anything look awry on this one - here's another image:

 

2005 model year or 2005 build date? I have a 2005 MCS with a late 2004 build date. Thanks

 

bump - wanted check other perspectives prior to making a purchase decision on this used unit

 

While I don't have any direct experience with the Mini-iteration of the M45, all other Eaton blowers I've had my grubby little fingers on have had smooth, machine-finished aluminum rotors... not slightly textured black rotors. I'd put my money on coated.

 

I just replaced my supercharger on my 2004 with a post facelift unit. Both have coatings. The old supercharger had a medium to light grey coating that looks exactly like teflon on a frying pan, maybe a tad smoother. The coating was coming off and getting stuck in my intake. I got a good deal on a post-facelift supercharger so I replaced for that.
The post-facelift coating is almost completely black and has a rougher feel to it, almost fuzzy. I understand that this wears down as needed to reach essentially zero tolerance.
The coating has almost an anodized look to it, so I suspect it will be more durable than the pre-facelift coating which almost looks like a thick coat of paint on top of the aluminum.