Timing chain replacement: Mini except R60 (N18B16A)

🧭 Before you start

Fits: platform codes COOPER, S

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

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

📐 26 workshop diagrams for N18B16A

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

📋 Procedure

Preparation and removal

1. Unless otherwise advised by the manufacturer, the following procedures are recommended:
2. Disconnect the earth cable from the cylinder head
3. Remove the cylinder head cover
4. Remove the spark plugs
5. Remove the ancillary drive belt

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

Installation and checks

46. Apply sealant
47. Fit the chain guide
48. Chain guide:
49. Fit the crankshaft gearwheel to the timing chain
50. Renew the seal
51. Refit the timing chain rail bolts
52. Note: Check that the oil pump gearwheel and chain are in place
53. Refit the crankshaft hub
54. Tighten the bolt
55. Use new bolt(s)
56. Stage 1:
57. Stage 2:
58. Use the special tool to counterhold
59. Check the marks
60. Refit the exhaust camshaft timing adjuster
61. Tighten the bolt by hand
62. Loosen the bolt
63. Refit the inlet camshaft timing adjuster
64. Tighten the bolt by hand
65. Loosen the bolt
66. Stage 1:
67. Tighten the bolt
68. Renew the seal
69. Fit the dummy chain tensioner
70. Stage 1:
71. Stage 2:
72. Tighten the exhaust camshaft gearwheel
73. Use new bolt(s)
74. Stage 1:
75. Stage 2:
76. Remove the dummy chain tensioner
77. Refit the chain tensioner piston
78. Renew the seal
79. Inlet:
80. Exhaust:
81. Check the camshaft timing marks
82. Note: Both camshafts must point upwards at an angle
83. Remove all the locking tools
84. Turn the engine 2 rotations clockwise
85. Check the timing again
86. Note: Do not touch the lip of the seal
87. Crankshaft oil seal
88. Fit the special tool, lightly greased
89. Fit the crankshaft seal over the special tool
90. Remove the ring
91. Fit the special tools
92. Tighten the special tool
93. Note: Until the crankshaft seal is level with the timing cover
94. Remove the special tools
95. Reconnect the air-conditioning line(s)
96. Remove the special tool
97. Refit the alternator upper bolts
98. Refit the right-hand engine support
99. Remove the hoist
100. Refit the front panel
101. Refit the coolant pump friction wheel
102. Refit the coolant pump pulley
103. Ancillary drive belt tensioner:
104. Refit the drive belt tensioner(s)
105. Reconnect the oxygen sensor
106. Refit the intercooler air duct
107. Refit the right-hand headlight
108. Vibration damper:
109. Fit the vibration damper
110. Refit the ancillary drive belt
111. Spark plugs:
112. Refit the spark plugs
113. Refit the cylinder head cover
114. Reconnect the earth cable to the cylinder head
115. Refit the wiring loom to the cylinder head
116. Refit the air inlet duct
117. Refit and connect the ignition coils
118. Reconnect the battery

Other MINI procedures

• Mini R60 only N18B16A timing chain replacement
• Mini N12, N14, N16, N18 ancil auxiliary belt replacement
• Mini 1.4 diesel W17D14 timing chain replacement
• Mini N12B14A/N12B16A timing chain replacement
• Mini except R60 N16B16A timing chain replacement
• Mini 1.6 N14B16A/N14B16C timing chain replacement
• Mini N47C16A/N47C20A timing chain replacement
• R60 N47 GS6-53DG gearbox
• R60 N47 GS6-53DG gearbox 4WD
• Mini ancil 1.6 W10B14A/W10B16A auxiliary belt replacement