Anyone know if the new 4-banger has a timing belt or timing chain?

Thanks, Lloyd

 

Timing chain I believe.

 

Seeing as how MkI had a chain, as do most BMWs, I'd be quite surprised to find out that they moved "backwards" to a belt for MkII.

 

It's a chain.
check here:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.d...31&hg=11&fg=25

Motor on!

 

It's a chain.
check here:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.d...31&hg=11&fg=25

Motor on!

 

I swear! I tried to delete these myself.
It's a chain. Made out of some metalic looking stuff. Too heavy for a dress belt, but maybe would do for work clothes. I am sure you would be the belle of the ball if you wore this to the garage to get your oil changed.
Keep in mind you are gonna have to work out, or, beef up to get it to fit. They are a bear to adjust.
This can be deleted by the mods at any moment.

 

Does this mean I don't have to change my chain like my timing belt for $600.00 (Honda) after 100K miles. This cooper would cost at least double.

 

a timing belt must be changed at pre-set intervals while a timing chain must be checked at pre-set intervals and changed and/or adjusted accordingly.

Lloyd

 

Ok but here is my question. On a belt, it seems that you no what its going to cost and when you have to do it and kinda prepare for it Also, they recommend replacing the water pump becuase everything is torn apart but you still no what the price range you will pay. My fear is that a replacement chain or even adjusting the chain will be very expense in a Mini because no one will be able to do it except the dealer, or no?. Thanks

 

Chain should never need replacement for normal life of engine, 200k+.

 

Agreed

R56 Prince engine may have a flaw with the tensioner, so stay tuned for any news that arrives about a recall with it. My car has made rattly chain sound several times on startup, only to have it subside. At least one owner had a problem with it and had it changed out. Don't let my experience worry you. Just watch for future news in case.

Otherwise, you'll be good to go with chain for a long, long time. Generally chains are only checked when you're rebuilding an engine.

 

Timing chains are an engine rebuild kinda repair. Usually by the time a timing chain gets slack the cylinder walls are oval and your putting oil in it every time you gas up.
Belts were a mistake, and a really bad mistake for zero tolerance engines. Too many bent valves and busted pistons!
I'll take steel driving my valve train any day.

 

Agreed, Me Too.

 

Any word on the flaw with the "tensioner"? Do you think the problem will be identified/resolved prior to the Mini Clubman release?

 

Hello Lloyd; is there a inspection interval listed in the Mini manual? If the steel timing chain is good for 200K, I would definitely prefer that over a rubber belt.

I don't have a mini myself yet; waiting to see what the Clubman looks like. I'm also interested in the VW GTI MkV with the DSG... I'm researching how reliable that transmission is, but all my information confirms the 2.0T has a timing belt (bummer).

There is a BMW 1 Series coming for 2008 also... that should have a timing chain also!