I notice there is not a lot of information on mcs engines. Do they have timing belts? If so how often are they to be changed? Will a broken belt cause engine damage? Supercharger belt lifespan? Valve adjustment? We really need shop manuals.

 

Well, if you do a search on MCO, you'll find that there is no shop manual per se, it's a CD rom, which is not available to the public... (standard BMW policy).. you might be able to find one on EBay, all at various prices and legality...

Rocketboy_X

 

I believe the MINI has a timing chain, not a belt.

Here is a link with some MINI engine info. MINI engine

A quote from the above site:
"The engine has an overhead camshaft with control chain and four valves per cylinder, with roller tip levers that control hydraulic valve balancing elements. The cast iron engine block ensures low levels of noise and vibration. The cylinder head is aluminum."

This site is talking about the MINI One and MINI Cooper, but I think the MCS shares the same basic engine block with some mods for the supercharger.