11 31 051 Replacing timing chain (N18)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 MINI Cooper Paceman, 2015 MINI Cooper Paceman, 2014 MINI Cooper Paceman, and 2013 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

IMPORTANT: Modified procedure for timing adjustment.
The timing is not determined at firing TDC of cylinder no. 1.
All pistons are in the 90° position.
Observe direction of rotation (direction of rotation always clockwise when viewed towards timing drive side).

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove CYLINDER HEAD COVER .
Remove all SPARK PLUGS .
Remove VIBRATION DAMPER .
Remove CHAIN TENSIONER .
Remove VANOS UNIT .
Remove PTFE RING at front.
Remove BELT TENSIONER .
Remove FRICTION GEAR .

Crankshaft is positioned with special tool 11 9 590 .

Do not remove special tool 11 9 590 during repair work.

Fig 1: Locking Flywheel With Special Tool (11 9 590)

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Attach the engine lifter (1) to the engine mounting bracket (2).

Slightly raise the engine with the engine lifter.

Fig 2: Attaching Engine Crane To Engine Mounting Bracket

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Release upper alternator screws (1). Do not remove alternator.

Secure special tool 11 9 630 with standard bolts (1).

Lower the engine lifter and make sure that the ground support point (2) is not damaged.

Place the special tool 11 9 630 onto the side member.

Fig 3: Securing Special Tool (11 9 630) With Standard Bolts

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Remove ADAPTER PLATE .

Remove right ENGINE MOUNT .

Fig 4: Identifying Adapter Plate Bolts

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Do not remove special tool 11 7 440 .

Fig 5: Positioning Special Tool (11 7 440) On Intake And Exhaust Camshaft

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IMPORTANT: Employ a second person for gripping when releasing central bolt (1).

Fit special tool 11 9 280 on hub for vibration absorber with screws (2).

Release central bolt (1).

Fig 6: Fitting Special Tool (11 9 280) On Vibration Absorber Hub

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Release central bolt in direction of arrow.

Fig 7: Releasing Central Bolt

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Release bearing journal (1 and 2).

Tightening torque: 11 31 1AZ .

Fig 8: Identifying Bearing Journals Of Chain Module

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IMPORTANT: The camshaft sprocket (2) must remain positioned on journal of crankshaft.

Sprocket (1) of timing chain.

Sprocket (2) of oil pump.

Fig 9: Identifying Timing Chain And Oil Pump Sprockets

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Secure chain module (1) with rubber part (3) to facilitate assembly.

Pull timing chain (2) upwards until sprocket (4) rests against chain guide (1).

Install timing chain (2) and sprocket (4) in this position.

Installation note:

Always keep timing chain (2) tensioned; it is possible for timing chain (2) to jam on chain module (1).

Fig 10: Identifying Chain Module, Timing Chain, Rubber Part And Sprocket

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Installation position of both sprockets.

Sprocket (1) of oil pump.

Guide rail (2) of timing chain.

Hub (3) on crankshaft.

Sprocket (4) of timing chain.

Fig 11: Installation Position For Oil Pump And Timing Chain Sprockets

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Check oil pump sprocket (2) is in correct installation position.

Insert chain module with timing chain and secure.

Attach crankshaft hub.

Screw in central bolt.

Fig 12: Checking Oil Pump Sprocket

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Remove special tool 11 9 280 from hub.

Secure central bolt with special tool 00 9 120 .

Tightening torque: 11 21 1AZ .

Fig 13: Securing Central Bolt With Special Tool (00 9 120)

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Install VANOS UNIT .

Crank engine twice.

Check TIMING .

Install PTFE RING .

Assemble engine.