Does anyone know when and if the timing belt needs changing. My sales man said it didn't but he didn't really know. Is it like most engines today needing chageing around 50 to 60k miles?

 

I believe our engines use a timing chain rather than a belt. Advantage, they seldom (as in I've never seen it) break. Disadvantage, as they age, they stretch, causing small valve timing errors and slight loss in power. Also, they can be noisier.

 

>>I believe our engines use a timing chain rather than a belt.

I wish! According to my dealer it's a regular old belt, but then again again my dealer can't be trusted.

Seeing as the MINI has the antiquated canister-style oil filter, a timing chain would seem... out of place.

 

It's a chain. Here's an article that has a pretty thorough discussion of most of the mechanics of the MINI (text was written by BMW, so it's probably pretty accurate).

Chris, you know better than to trust anything HC says!

 

The engine comes with one overhead camshaft, incorporating a maintenance-free timing chain and four valves per cylinder as well as roller-type rocker arms acting on hydraulic valve-play compensation units. The transmission, the air compressor and-if fitted-the air conditioning compressor are flange-mounted to the engine block, made of gray-cast iron, and the oil sump. The water pump is directly driven by the air compressor via a reduction gear. Drive power for the ancillary components is provided by a Poly V-belt. The reduction in noise emitted by the drive unit is the basis for the production of a sporting engine sound. A vibration absorber makes sure the belt drive is running quietly, and the use of a two-mass flywheel reduces the unwanted "toothing" noises. This technology is normally offered only in cars in higher segments of the market.

 

exactly what wwwebb said :smile:

 

>>Chris, you know better than to trust anything HC says!

Fair enough... They also told me that Al Sharpton would win the presidency in 2004.

Thanks for the link!

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2003 Red/White Cooper - Brookline, MA