998cc mini - timing out?

Easy way to check valve timing:

Take rocker cover off, turn crankshaft to top dead position, start rotating engine by hand, if inlet valve on cylinder 1 starts to open, then your valve timing is correct. (take out spark plugs first!)

"The timing feels as if its 180 degrees out" has the engine had any work recently? Timing Chain rarely needs to come off since it's pushrods. if was driving ok before, I really doubt your valve timing is out.

More likely to be that the distributor has rotated. you'll need a strobe light to check the ignition timing - a handy investment for any mini owner! (or any older car I should say)

You could have carbon up/faulty spark plugs or leads. this would make it run rough as hell.

Next best place, would be for you to join a mini forum or contact an enthusiasts club

Take off the timing chain cover and turn the bottom sprocket until the dot is at the very top then take out the spark plug that goes to the 1st piston and see if its at the top, if it is, good. Then take off the harmonic balancer, timing chain and timing chain sprockets. Then put only the timing chain sprockets back on and then turn the top sprocket until the dot is at the bottom and the bottom sprocket is at the top, check again to make sure the piston is a the top (gently stick a screwdriver in there to feel or use a flashlight to look if you can see it) once that is done put everything back together and your timing should be right.