Curious if Mini's have interference engines, and engine that depends on the timing belt to avoid costly damage to valves. Generally the timing belts are replaced more conservatively than interference engines.

My prior car had an interference engine and it was prudent to replace the timing belt when the water pump went (versus waiting until the timing belt failed).

It's a long way off for my 2014 CM All4, and I'm curious about this now.

 

I can't say for sure but I would assume not because they have had so many timing chain issues without total engine failures.

 

The N series of engines from Peugeot are interference engines. Not sure about the new BMW engines in the 3rd gens.

 

They are very much so interference engines. They also have a timing chain and not a timing belt.