Actually it can.... If installed improperly.... Most of the stuff collected is water.... If there is a low spot in the hose connection water will collect and with temperatures like we are having today at 8 degrees F, that water will freeze and plug the line.... At which point you can expect high crankcase pressures.... That's one of the reasons the 2nd gen has a built in heater in the PCV hose that runs to the turbo...
Darn Scott just drill those holes & that terrible gunk will leak out. My MINI ran fine for 123,000 miles with no catchumup can. I believe it is still running fine for its current owner. Heck if you want a can go for it, but I don't think it is needed.
Mmm, not really. My catch can increased crankcase pressure/oil consumption both before and after a new valve cover. The ball valve in my original valve cover still moved freely so I don't think it needed to be replaced but I did it anyway. When the ass can was sold my consumption magically decreased. I also think that most of the stuff that collects in there is water/ condensation..
At first I would have been leaning towards the catch can but after reading all information that was presented I agree with MCS02's thought of the occasional cleaning.
The IC itself becomes a very effective catch can.... The IC cooling channels offer tremendous surface area and the lower temperature created by the IC help with the condensation onto those internal channels. And the IC is exposed to 100% of the incoming air charge.... You couldn't ask for a more efficient catch can if you tried.... Pull it off at the beginning of the season and do a solvent flush.... Look at it as a little Spring Cleaning.... Your "S" will thank you..