Timing chain replacement: Mini R60 only (N16B16A)

🧭 Before you start

Fits: platform codes COOPER, |, ONE

• Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job
• Special tools named: locking tool

Don't miss

• Both camshafts must point upwards at an angle
• Do not loosen the crankshaft gearwheel centre bolt
• Use the special tool to counterhold
• Do not touch the lip of the seal

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

📐 27 workshop diagrams for N16B16A

Real factory drawings for this job — timing marks, bolt locations and routing. Locked in the free view.

📋 Procedure

Preparation and removal

1. Clean off the old sealant
2. Remove the engine upper cover
3. Remove the ignition coils
4. Remove the wiring loom from the cylinder head
5. Disconnect the earth cable from the cylinder head

6. Disconnect the cylinder head breather hose
7. Remove the cylinder head cover
8. Remove the spark plugs
9. Remove the ancillary drive belt
10. Disconnect the oxygen sensor
11. Remove the belt tensioner
12. Remove the vibration damper
13. Remove the air inlet hose
14. Remove the throttle body
15. Disconnect the throttle body connection(s)
16. Remove the chain tensioner piston
17. Turn the crankshaft clockwise
18. Use a special tool to lock the crankshaft
19. Note: Using two metal rods of equal length, check that the pistons are at the mid-travel position
20. Turn the camshafts to check that the camshaft adjustment units can be locked
21. Use a wrench
22. Renew if necessary
23. Check the camshaft timing marks
24. Note: Both camshafts must point upwards at an angle
25. Exhaust:
26. Fit the exhaust camshaft locking tool
27. Inlet:
28. Fit the inlet camshaft locking tool
29. Remove the timing chain upper guide rail
30. Bearing pins for guide and tensioner rails:
31. Remove the bolt
32. Remove the inlet camshaft timing adjuster
33. Remove the exhaust camshaft timing adjuster
34. Crankshaft oil seal
35. Note: Do not loosen the crankshaft gearwheel centre bolt
36. Remove and discard the crankshaft oil seal
37. Use a screwdriver
38. Attach the engine to a hoist
39. Lift the engine slightly to relieve the engine supports
40. Remove the alternator upper bolts
41. Fit the special tool
42. Remove the right-hand engine support
43. Remove the bolt
44. Use the special tool to counterhold
45. Bearing pins for guide and tensioner rails:
46. Remove the bolts
47. Remove the crankshaft hub
48. Note: Check that the oil pump gearwheel and chain are in place
49. Remove the chain guide with the timing chain, guide rail and tensioner rail
50. Note: Check that the oil pump gearwheel and chain are in place

Installation and checks

51. Use new bolt(s)
52. Fit the chain tensioner guide
53. Note: Avoid bending, torsion or traction
54. Fit the crankshaft gearwheel to the timing chain
55. Fit the timing chain assembly from above the cylinder head
56. Renew the seal
57. Refit the crankshaft hub
58. Tighten the bolt
59. Use new bolt(s)
60. Stage 1:
61. Stage 2:
62. Use the special tool to counterhold
63. Check the marks
64. Refit the exhaust camshaft timing adjuster
65. Do not fully tighten
66. Refit the inlet camshaft timing adjuster
67. Do not fully tighten
68. Refit the timing chain upper guide rail
69. Bearing pins for guide and tensioner rails:
70. Tighten the bolt
71. Renew the seal
72. Stage 2:
73. Pre-tension the timing chain
74. Tighten the inlet camshaft gearwheel
75. Engine support (bolts):
76. Stage 1:
77. Ancillary drive belt tensioner:
78. Vibration damper:
79. Use new bolt(s)
80. Stage 1:
81. Stage 2:
82. Remove the dummy chain tensioner
83. Refit the chain tensioner piston
84. Renew the seal
85. Reconnect the throttle body electrical connections
86. Refit the throttle body
87. Refit the air inlet hose
88. Check the camshaft timing marks
89. Exhaust:
90. Inlet:
91. Note: Both camshafts must point upwards at an angle
92. Remove all the locking tools
93. Turn the engine 2 rotations clockwise
94. Check the timing again
95. Crankshaft oil seal
96. Note: Do not touch the lip of the seal
97. Fit the special tool, lightly greased
98. Fit the crankshaft seal over the special tool
99. Remove the ring
100. Fit the special tools
101. Tighten the special tool
102. Note: Until the crankshaft seal is level with the timing cover
103. Remove the special tools
104. Remove the special tool
105. Refit the right-hand engine support
106. Refit the alternator upper bolts
107. Remove the hoist
108. Fit the vibration damper
109. Refit the drive belt tensioner(s)
110. Reconnect the oxygen sensor
111. Refit the ancillary drive belt
112. Refit the spark plugs
113. Refit the cylinder head cover
114. Reconnect the cylinder head breather hose
115. Refit the wiring loom to the cylinder head
116. Reconnect the earth cable to the cylinder head
117. Refit and connect the ignition coils
118. Refit the engine upper cover
119. Refit the air inlet duct
120. Reconnect the battery

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