How to tell if you have a aftermarket pulley?

[pardonator]

Had my S just under a week now. I know it has an aftermarket exhaust and GRS intercooler but it certainly feels a huge amount quicker then the standard S i drove at a dealership. I had a JCW mini a few years ago and it only feels a bit slower then that. I'm wondering if a previous owner put a pulley on, how can i tell?

Also does the engine have to come out to fit a new pulley?

Thanks in advance

[dukesantos]

You can almost always tell by looking. It's the upper pulley and aftermarket ones usually have the name of the company, like Alta, Helix, Mini Mania, WMC, etc on the front side. They could be various colors. There may be some that have been made to try and look like stock, but that would be a rare exception.

No, the engine does not have to come out to fit a pulley, but it helps to jack it up a bit to get access. I've watched the process several times. It's not too difficult and people who have done it can repeat the process in probably an hour when they have the tools and parts at hand. If you are doing it the first time it could be an ordeal depending on your ability.

[Tonyt3]

Mini pulley wheels are black - most others are aluminium coloured...

If in doubt as your bmw garage they will be able to tell you in a few seconds

[Capsaisin]

Most after-market pulleys are bolt on, most are silver but GTT pulley is black. So look for a circle of bolts or other fixings around the pulley. Original BMW/MINI pulley is heat shrunk on so has NO fixings.