I live in a part of the US that has a definite winter where there is a liberal use of salt during that time of year. While our pending S will undoubtedly be driven during the winter, the air drawn through the scoop and subsequently through the intercooler will contain varying amounts of salt. Are there any ideas as to how this will affect the intercooler (not it's operation, but will it corrode)?
And, yes I can drive the other car on bad days , but I'm wondering if the effects of salt were considered.
I would think they've taken this into consideration as they put tonnes of salt on the roads in the UK too! Although the Scottish winter salt killed the electrics on my Alfa 155 a couple of winters ago...
I saw a thread on this once, but it was about the Subaru WRX intercooler. No worries - the intercooler is made of alumin(i)um and should not be affected by salt. When the metal is exposed to air, it creates a small layer of oxidation (that chalky substance) which seals it from the elements. Salt shouldn't penetrate.
Believe me, I've got the same concerns. Take a look at my location.
PS/B MCS, bonnet stripes, everything but the satnav, 17" S-Lites
Are you buying in Buffalo? I'm sure all the NY dealers will be slammed with customers if the intercooler/salt combo is a problem.
But, I'm not too concerned. This is hardly the first vehicle in salty conditions with an intercooler. If I'm not mistaken, it has similar materials and construction to that of a standard radiator. I'm more worried about a chunk of snow/ice getting sucked into my car's snout! OUCH!
PS/B MCS, bonnet stripes, everything but the satnav, 17" S-Lites
Shouldn't be a problem. I've had a supercharged GM engine since 1997 with no problems. They use the sand and salt readily here on the Cape and the rest of Mass. Blower manufactured by Eaton, same Co. as the MINI blower. Not much except air gets by the K&N filter. Interesting to find what does get into the box just before the air filter though: cigarette butts with lip stick seem to get readily sucked up, moths, sand, packing peanuts, etc
Missing my buddies Dan, Ed, and Diane but glad I have three angel buddies, And on a quest to Right Secco's Wrongs
As was mentioned, I'm sure the intercooler fins are the same material as those in the radiator and AC evaporator. They can corrode over an extended period of time, and an accumulation of road grime accelerates it, especially build-up in the lower edges of the radiator and evaporator housings. But this is usually far past the expiration of the warranty, is more age than mileage related, and is considered normal wear and tear. As these same parts on the MINI are getting a lot of bug splatter this time of year, I open the hood and flush them off whenever it gets washed. I also spend time in Wisconsin during the winter, and will do the same to rinse off salt and road grime. Don't use a high pressure nozzle like those in car washes, and in winter run the engine afterward to dry out the water and prevent it freezing in the fins, possibly distorting them.
Steve
Cooper S: Pure silver/black, Premium, Sport, Black leatherette, 17" R90, 4/19 build, 5/24 delivery.
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, but I'm wondering if the effects of salt were considered. 
