I just passed 51000 miles and I was wondering if the engine has a timing chain or a belt, and if it is a belt, when should it be replaced. Also, what type of adjustment system is there on the valves and do they have to be adjusted periodically?

 

It's a chain

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe there are several (and probably many more not on NAM) MINI owners who have driven more than 100,000 miles in their MINIs and have not had any issues with the timing chain. I think it will last... a looooooooong time. Probably would be a bear to replace...in terms of hours required to take apart the engine, remove the chain, replace with new chain, re-assemble everything...ugh.

If you're thinking of the serpentine belt, that lasts a long time too, and can be visually inspected for signs of wear. I'm going to have the one on my 06 MCS replaced at ~60,000 or so, just as preventive maintenance.

Anyone know the cost of replacing the belt on the MCS, or how many hours it takes, typically, to do so?

-boognish

 

Thanks cmdrvimes and boognish. Your right, chains last forever, I just didnt know which theMINI has. How about the valves, do they have hydraulic lifters, or shims, or what, and how often do they need adjusting?

 

wicked easy . just a 16mm socket and a long pry bar and a leather awl . about 15 min.

 

I don't know the answer to that one, but one site you might want to check out is RealOEM. It has all the parts for the MINI listed by systems so you could get a good idea of how everything is put together.