I was wondering now that so many of us have a pulley installed have you experienced any sort of problem with the service department?? I have heard so many different stories and was wondering if this has become a problem.

 

None at Rasmussen MINI in Portland OR. :smile:

R

 

Since I am in your area too Nobul, I'd be curious what you here on this one as well.........................

 

Should not be a problem... but you never know.

 

Good question. I asked my service dealer (MINI of Peabody in MA) about this since THEY do a pulley upgrade themselves. I asked what would happen if a car that they did pulley work on ended up needing engine work.

The response wasn't too reassuring. Basically, they indicated that they really didn't think that there would be any damage to the engine (or supercharger) caused by the pulley, BUT IF THERE WAS it wouldn't be covered...even if they themselves did the pulley work! Essentially, this is the same issue that covers all modifications...i.e., parts directly connected to the modification are now devoid of warranty, but things that aren't practically related are still fine. For example, if you get a pulley and you end up with a blown head gasket, then there's good reason for the dealer to void your warranty on the head gasket. But, if you get a pulley and your windshield has a stress crack, then the windshield is still covered.

I did ask how MINI could rationalize the pulley part of the JCW package (that's obviously still warrantied) vs. the Randy/Helix/MINI of Peabody etc. pulley upgrade and I was told (sorry if this is repetitive) that the JCW component is a smaller pulley and an otherwise modified supercharger...so MINI feels that it's somehow safer than the other upgrades. But the service mgr also noted that at $5000 for the JCW, you could save money by simply buying a whole new MINI engine in the unlikely event that your "unauthorized" pulley damaged something engine-wise.

 

Bruce,
What pulley?

 

That will be my answer Mike.

 

Remember..."Paint it Black" by the Rolling Stones????

 

Excellent song and a great idea. And who said that monkey's aren't as smart as MINI owners??