is there a timing belt?

[KAMAKAZI]

does anyone know if there MINIs have rubber/fiberglass timing belt which needs periodic (expensive) replacement like may japanese cars?

And while we're at it, are there any other unusual maintence items on the Cooper/ Cooper S? Any related to the supercharger?

[Pamlico]

At the time of delivery I was told our S had a timing chain, not a belt that needs periodic replacement.

[Ady]

Yep, the engine has a timing chain to drive the cam, usually a long lived piece of engineering.

Ady (R50)

[Yui]

Hi mates!
These chain exists in alll models (one, cooper and S) or only in turbo engines? .
I have a Cooper with 50k km, when I need test the chain tension?
Thanks in advance.

Yui

[kapps]

While were on the topic of timing/cams, does anybody know if the MINI's engine is of the interference design or not?

[RobHardyUK]

Is chain driven. Lots of cars are going this way now. Mondeos and Vectras are all now Chain driven. And others are following.

[Wobert]

Quote: Originally Posted by kapps

While were on the topic of timing/cams, does anybody know if the MINI's engine is of the interference design or not?

I take it you mean free-wheeling, as in the valves do not contact the pistons should the chain snap?

Not sure.......but I would guess not.......most engines these days use compact combustion chambers, due to emissions control.....this doesn't leave any "space" for allowing the valves to free-wheel relative to the pistons.

Robert