Hi, Mini S r56 N18 engine, 80k miles
So after changing the timing chain and guides but not the sprockets since the engine was running well and I only did this as preventine maintenance I am experiencing some problems
I am using a good quality timing kit with new tensioner. I am using amazon locking tools.
I also changed the clutch and flywheel using SPec cluth with an aluminum SpEc flywheel. I also put a LSD diff from MFactory. There was an interference between the diff and tje transmission case but I ground it.

When I tried starting the engine, it was running bad. I thought it was the battery so bought brand new AGM and coded it.
I tried again. It was harder and harder to start.
so I removed the engine and transmission together.
when I was trying to turn by hand, the engine was locked.
I then removed the transmission because the spec flywheel does not have the locking hole so I needed to put the old flywheel to verify the timing. With the transmission removed the engine was easy to turn.
-I don't believe that the problem is with the transmission because it was in neutral all the time
- I can also turn the transmission shaft by hand.
- There are no rubbing marks anywhere brtween the trans and engine.

when I check the timing again after spinning several times, I lock the flywheel with the pin, install the locking tools on the camshaft and as per the picture, you can see a gap. But If I take a wrench on the intake camshaft hexagon and turn the camshaft, the gap closes.
So when turning both camashafts, there is a slight rotation.
Also the sprockets seem a little at an angle relative to each other ( when you compare an imaginary line going through 2 of the 4 smaller bolts on each sprocket, they are not exactly parallel.
is the slight play of the camshafts as well as the slight angle between sprockets normal?
Again, right now the engine spins easy.
thanks