ok so I'm trying to set up timing on 2011 countryman s. I am trying to use the tool to stick in the flywheel but I can't tell which hole is correct. I know the pistons need to all be lined up, but that happens twice on rotation and both times the tool fits in the alignment slot. I am guessing one is a balancing hole but how can I tell?
Which ipiston is on the compression stroke when the hole is lined up? Thanks for any help

 

Pistons will be in correct position when pin is in. Cams rotate at half speed of crank to make the cycles. You can verfy with drinking straws stuffed down the spark plugs holes. All pistons at half stroke. Unless as your post makes it seem that you actually have two holes which after replacing my engine wouldn't surprise me. In which case I can post a pic of my recently replaced 11CMS flywheel maybe that could help.

 

A picture might help. I double checked and I have alignment holes on both sides of flywheel. I understand there might be lightening holes but what are the chances of being exactly 180 of the timing hole. I compared when the valves open and close and determined which was correct, and I was off 180. So now off to fix the bent valves...

 

The hole at the bottom with the marker line on it is the alignment hole. It is closer to the center than the three indentations and is an actual hole. You can see where the keyway indent is near the center bolt holes on the upper left side to get an idea of alignment.

 

That helps. Thanks