Is there any way to check and adjust cam timing on these engines? Mini has no procedure to do a quick timing check When replacing timing chain you align arrows in sprockets to copper link in chain that is it put it back together. I notice that while I crank the engine the arrows walk way from the copper links. I wish they use the cam holding tool as a cam alignment like BMW engines. The cam holding tool could probably be use to check cam timing but not sure how maybe with a tdc indicator for number one cylinder and remove crank sensor to look at reluctor wheel or chain tensioner .

 

If you continue to rotate the engine, the timing marks will eventually line up again.
The cam holding tool is necessary in the BMW engines because of the VANOS. It's not needed in the W11.

 

I turn the engine like 20 times and actually the distance of the arrows and copper links got worse . Actually the cam blocks are for timing the cams and reference to tdc(M50 and M60 have no vanos). Mini should be the same way either use blocks or timing marks in the head and block it is also makes it easy to check for diagnosis purposes.

 

There is no official way to check cam timing. The copper links and arrow on the cam sprocket have no meaning to timing(also in the TIS manual states it) are only there when installing a new timing chain. They will not align once you turn engine. A tip: the dowels of the cam holding tool will align when #1 cylinder is intake stroke crank engine to compression #1 there is a line on cam sprocket should be level to edge of head it will give you an idea if you are in time. I wish the french engineers should have done this for us mechanics

 

20 times isn't enough. Keep going and they'll eventually line up again.
The W11 was designed in conjunction with Chrysler. So, you can thank your fellow Americans. The French didn't get their hands into the mix until the R56 came along.