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Manually releasing the fuel filler door In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can manually unlock the fuel filler door: 1. Remove the cover from the left-hand side-
wall of the cargo bay.
MINI:
MINI Convertible:
2. Pull on the green knob with the fuel pump
symbol. The fuel filler door is released.
By way of example, the illustration shows the sidewall of the cargo compartment in the MINI.
Observe the following when refueling
Take all precautionary measures and observe all applicable regulations when
handling fuel, otherwise there is a danger of per- sonal injury and property damage.< When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com- pletely into the filler pipe. Avoid lifting the filler nozzle while filling the tank, as that would lead to > premature pump shutoff. > reduced efficiency of the fuel-vapor recov-
ery system.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks off the first time.
Fuel tank capacity
If the range displayed is less than 30 miles/50 km, be sure to refuel; other- wise engine functions are not guaranteed and damage could occur.<
MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S Approx. 13.2 US gallons/50 liters, including the reserve capacity of 2.1 US gallons/8 liters.
Fuel specifications
Do not fill the tank with leaded fuel, as this would cause damage to the catalytic con-
verter. Do not fill the tank with E85, i.e. fuel containing 85% ethanol, nor with FlexFuel. Otherwise the engine and fuel supply system will be dam- aged.<
Required fuel
Super Premium gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is highly recommended. However, you may also use gasoline with less AKI. The minimum AKI Rating is 87. If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI Rat- ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds when starting at high outside temperatures. This has no effect on the engine life.Use high-quality brands Field experience has indicated significant differ- ences in fuel quality: volatility, composition, additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain- ing up to and including 10% ethanol or other oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxygen by weight, that is, 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void the applicable warranties with respect to defects in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in drivability, starting and stalling problems especially under certain environmental condi- tions such as high ambient temperature and high altitude. Should you encounter drivability problems which you suspect could be related to the fuel you are using, we recommend that you respond by switching to a recognized high-quality brand such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier Detergent Gasoline. Failure to comply with these recommendations may also result in unscheduled maintenance.<
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Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressures
Information for your safety It is not merely the tires' service life, but also driv- ing comfort and, to a great extent, driving safety that depend on the condition of the tires and the maintenance of the specified tire pressure.
Checking pressure
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly and correct it, if necessary: at least twice a month and before starting long trips. If you fail to observe this precaution you may be driving on tires with incorrect tire pressures, a condition that can not only compromise your vehicle's driving stability, but also lead to tire damage and the risk of an accident. Do not drive with deflated, i.e. flat tires, except when using Run-Flat Tires. A flat tire will seriously impair your vehicle's handling and braking response. Attempts to drive on a flat tire can lead to loss of control over the vehicle.< Check the tire inflation pressures only on cold tires. This means after a maximum of 1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the vehicle has been parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are warm, the tire inflation pressure is higher.
After adjusting the tire inflation pressure, reinitialize the flat tire monitor, page 65,
or reset the tire pressure control, page 67.<
Checking the tire inflation pressure of the space-saver spare tire*
Inflation pressure specifications The tables below provide all the correct inflation pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient temperature.
The tire inflation pressures apply to the tire sizes approved and the tire brands recommended by the manufacturer of your MINI. Your MINI Dealer will be glad to advise you.< For correct identification of the right tire infla- tion pressures, observe the following: > Tire sizes for your vehicle > Load conditions > Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving up to 100 mph or 160 km/h For normal driving speeds of up to 100 mph or 160 km/h and to achieve optimum driving com- fort, adjust pressures to the respective tire infla- tion pressures listed on the following pages in the columns for traveling speeds up to a maxi- mum of 100 mph or 160 km/h. These tire inflation pressures can also be found on the driver's-side door post when the driver's door is open.
The maximum permissible speed for these tire pressures is 100 mph or 160 km/h. Do
not exceed this speed, otherwise tire damage and accidents could occur.<
A valve extension for checking the inflation pres- sure is located behind the bumper.
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Tire inflation pressures for driving above 100 mph or 160 km/h
In order to drive at maximum speeds in excess of 100 mph or 160 km/h, adjust pressures to the respective tire inflation pres- sures listed on the following pages in the col- umns for traveling speeds including those exceeding 100 mph or 160 km/h. Otherwise tire damage and accidents could occur.< Observe all national and local maximum speed limits, otherwise violations of the laws could occur.
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MINI Cooper tire inflation pressures
Tire size
Pressure specifications in psi/kPa
Speeds up to a
max. of
100 mph /160 km/h
Speeds including those exceeding
100 mph / 160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the table are indicated in psi/kilopascal with cold tires. Cold = ambient temperature
175/65 R 15 84 T M+S 175/65 R 15 84 H M+S 175/65 R 15 84 H 175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC 195/55 R 16 87 H RSC 195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC 195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC 205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC 205/45 R 17 84 V RSC 205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC 205/40 R 18 82 W RSC
Emergency wheel: 115/70 R 15 90 M
33/230
33/230
33/230
33/230
38/260
38/260
60/420
60/420
–
–
60/420
60/420
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page 155.
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MINI Cooper S tire inflation pressures
Tire size
Pressure specifications in psi/kPa
Speeds up to a
max. of
100 mph /160 km/h
Speeds including those exceeding
100 mph / 160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the table are indicated in psi/kilopascal with cold tires. Cold = ambient tem- perature
195/55 R 16 87 V RSC 195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC 195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC 205/45 R 17 84 V RSC 205/40 R 18 82 W RSC 175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC
33/230
33/230
33/230
33/230
38/260
38/260
38/260
38/260
38/260
38/260
41/280
41/280
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page 155.
105
MINI John Cooper Works tire inflation pressures
Tire size
Pressure specifications in psi/kPa
Speeds up to a
max. of
100 mph /160 km/h
Speeds including those exceeding
100 mph / 160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the table are indicated in psi/kilopascal with cold tires. Cold = ambient temperature
185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC 205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC 205/45 R 17 84 W RSC
38/260
38/260
38/260
38/260
41/280
41/280
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC
41/280
41/280
41/280
41/280
44/300
44/300
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page 155.
106
MINI Cooper Convertible tire inflation pressures
Tire size
Pressure specifications in psi/kPa
Speeds up to a
max. of
100 mph /160 km/h
Speeds including those exceeding
100 mph / 160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the table are indicated in psi/kilopascal with cold tires. Cold = ambient temperature
175/65 R 15 84 T M+S 175/65 R 15 84 H 175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC 195/55 R 16 87 H RSC 195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC 205/45 R 17 84 V RSC 205/40 R 18 82 W RSC
Emergency wheel: 115/70 R 15 90 M
35/240
35/240
35/240
35/240
38/260
38/260
60/420
60/420
–
–
60/420
60/420
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page 155.
107
MINI Cooper S Convertible tire inflation pressures
Tire size
Pressure specifications in psi/kPa
Speeds up to a
max. of
100 mph /160 km/h
Speeds including those exceeding
100 mph / 160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the table are indicated in psi/kilopascal with cold tires. Cold = ambient temperature
195/55 R 16 87 V RSC 195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC 195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC 205/45 R 17 84 V RSC 205/40 R 18 82 W RSC 175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC
35/240
35/240
35/240
35/240
38/260
38/260
39/270
39/270
39/270
39/270
42/290
42/290
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page 155.
108
Tire coding Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire makes it easier to identify and choose the right tires.
225/45 R 17 91 V
Tire size e.g. Nominal width in mm Aspect ratio in Ξ Radial belt construction Rim diameter in inches Load rating, not on ZR tires Speed code letter, in front of the R on ZR tires
Speed code letter Q = up to 100 mph or 160 km/h T = up to 118 mph or 190 km/h H = up to 131 mph or 210 km/h V = up to 150 mph or 240 km/h W = up to 167 mph or 270 km/h Y = up to 186 mph or 300 km/h
Tire Identification Number Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the US Department of Transportation. DOT code:
DOT xxxx xxx 5008
e.g. Manufacturer's code for tire make Tire size and tire design Tire age
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: Tread wear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades Tread wear Traction AA A B C Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.<
Tread wear The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified gov- ernment test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1γ) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, how- ever, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test sur- faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, corner- ing, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteris- tics.<
Temperature The temperature grades are A, the highest, B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus- tained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must
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meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either sep- arately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.<
RSC – Run-Flat Tires You will recognize Run-Flat Tires by a circular symbol containing the letters RSC on the side of the tire, page 111.
M+S Winter and all-season tires. These have better winter properties than sum- mer tires.
XL Designation for specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition Inspect your tires regularly for tread wear, signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Tread depth The tread depth should not drop below 1/8 in/ 3 mm, although, for example, European legisla- tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of 1/16 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 1/8 in/ 3 mm there is an increased risk of high-speed hydroplaning, even when only small amounts of water are present on the road surface.
Winter tires When winter tires wear down past a tread depth of 1/6 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less suitable for winter conditions. In the interest of safety, new tires should be installed.
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Minimum tread depth
Wear indicators in the base of the tread groove are distributed around the tire's circumference; the letters TWI, for Tread Wear Indicator, on the tire's sidewalls identify tires that incorporate these wear indicators. When tire tread is worn down to the level of the wear indicators, the remaining tread depth is 1/16 in/1.6 mm.
Tire damage Please note that low-profile tires cause wheels, tires and suspension parts to be more suscepti- ble to road hazard and consequential damages. Unusual vibrations encountered during normal vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam- ple, be caused by driving over curbs. The same applies to any other abnormal road behavior, such as pulling severely to the right or left.
In these cases, reduce speed immediately and have wheels and tires thoroughly
checked. To do so, drive carefully to the nearest MINI Dealer or tire shop that works according to MINI repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel. If necessary, have the vehicle towed there. Otherwise tire damage can be extremely dan- gerous for vehicle occupants and other road users.<
Tire age The manufacturing date of tires is contained in the tire coding: DOT ... 5008 means that the tire was manufac- tured in week 50 of 2008.
For various reasons, such as the development of brittleness, the manufacturer of your MINI rec- ommends tire replacement after no more than 6 years, regardless of the actual wear of the tires.
Run-Flat Tires*
The symbol identifying Run-Flat Tires is a circle with the letters RSC on the sidewall. Run-Flat Tires comprise a conditionally self-sup- porting tire and a special rim. The reinforcement in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can con- tinue to be used subject to certain restrictions, even if depressurized. For information on continuing to drive with a flat tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page 66.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires mounted only by your MINI Dealer or a specialized tire shop that has specially trained personnel work- ing in accordance with the specifications of the MINI manufacturer. If this work is not carried out properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam- age and related safety hazards. Make sure that the new wheels are balanced.<
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom- mends that you avoid using retreaded tires, as this could impair driving safety. The causes for this include potentially different tire casing structures and often wide variations in tire age, which can result in a limited service life.<
Correct wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom- mends mounting only wheels and tires
that it has specifically approved for use on your particular model. Although other wheels and tires may theoretically have the same dimen- sions, variations in factors such as manufactur- ing tolerances can result in contact between tire and bodywork, ultimately leading to serious accidents. The manufacturer of your MINI can- not evaluate non-approved wheels and tires to determine if they are suited for use, and there- fore cannot ensure the operating safety of the vehicle if they are mounted.< Your MINI Dealer will be glad to inform you about the correct wheel and tire combination for your vehicle. The correct combination of wheels and tires is also necessary to ensure reliable operation of various vehicle systems such as ABS and DSC. To maintain good handling and vehicle response, use only tires of a single brand and tread configuration. After a tire has been dam- aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi- nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor TPM electronics When mounting new tires or changing over from summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only use wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise the Tire Pressure Monitor may not be able to detect a puncture, refer to page 67. Your MINI Dealer will be glad to advise you.
111
Storage Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with as little exposure to light as possible. Always protect tires against all contact with oil, grease and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres- sure indicated on the sidewall of the tire.
Swapping wheels among the axles Depending on the individual use, front and rear tires may exhibit different wear and tear. In order to maintain an even wear and tear, the wheels may be rotated between the axles. Your MINI Dealer will be glad to advise you. Always check the inflation pressure after the tire rotation, if necessary change the pressure.
Snow chains* Only certain types of fine-link snow chains have been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI, classified as road-safe and recommended. Con- tact your MINI Dealer for more details. Only attach snow chains in pairs to the front wheels with the following tires. > 175/65 R 15 M+S > 175/60 R 16 M+S MINI John Cooper Works: > 185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC Observe the manufacturer's instructions when mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or 50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if snow chains are mounted, otherwise the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading. When driving with snow chains, it can be useful to briefly deactivate the DSC or activate the DTC, refer to page 64.<
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your MINI recommends certain tire brands. They are marked with a clearly visible MINI designation on the sidewall of the tire. When properly used, these tires meet the high- est standards in terms of safety and handling characteristics.
Run-Flat Tires* When mounting new tires or changing over from summer to winter tires and vice versa, mount Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. Keep in mind that no space-saver spare tire is available in the event of a flat. Your MINI Dealer will be glad to advise you.
Special characteristics of winter tires The manufacturer of MINI recommends the use of winter tires on snowy roads or if temperatures drop below 457/ +76. Although all-season M+S tires provide better winter traction than summer tires, they generally fail to provide the same levels of cold-weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci- dents.< If the car is capable of speeds higher than that permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the maximum permitted speed for the mounted tires must be displayed in your field of view. Spe- cialist tire dealers and your MINI Dealer can sup- ply these labels.
112
Under the bonnet
Do not work on the car unless you possess the necessary technical knowledge. If you
are not familiar with the regulations to be observed, have the necessary work on your vehicle carried out only by a MINI Dealer or a workshop that has specially trained personnel working in accordance with the specifications of the MINI manufacturer. If this work is not carried out properly, there is a danger of subsequent damage and related safety hazards.<
Closing
Bonnet
Releasing
Close the bonnet from a height of approx. 16 in/40 cm with momentum. It must be clearly heard to engage.
If you notice any signs while driving your vehicle that the bonnet is not completely
closed, stop at once and close it securely. Make sure that the closing path of the bonnet is clear, otherwise injuries may result.<
Pull the lever.
Do not clean the windshield and head- lamps if the bonnet is unlocked as this
may damage the headlamp washer system*.<
Opening
To avoid damage, make sure that the wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the bonnet.< Press the release handle and open the bonnet.
113
Important parts of the engine compartment
1 Battery, under the cover 135
2 Engine oil dipstick 114
3 Engine oil filler neck 1154 Coolant expansion tank 115
5 Reservoir for washer fluid for the headlampand window washer system 50
6 Engine compartment fuse box 133
Engine oil The engine oil consumption is dependent on driving style and driving conditions.
Checking engine oil level 1. With the vehicle's engine at normal operat-
ing temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted driving for at least 6 miles/10 km, park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Switch off the engine. 3. Pull the dipstick out after approx. 5 minutes and wipe it off with a lint-free cloth, paper towel or similar material.
The oil quantity corresponding to the difference between the two marks on the dipstick is 1 US quart/1 liter.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess oil will damage the
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the way into
engine.<
the guide tube and pull it out again. The oil level should be between the two marks on the dipstick.
114
Adding engine oil
Do not add the maximum quantity of 1 US quart/1 liter of engine oil until the oil level has dropped to just above the lower mark on the dipstick, page 114.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km, otherwise the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Keep oils, greases, etc. out of the reach of children and comply with the warnings on the containers. Otherwise, health hazards may result.<
Oil change Have the oil changed only by a MINI Dealer or a workshop that has specially trained personnel working in accordance with the specifications of the MINI manufacturer.
Approved engine oils The quality of the engine oil selected has critical significance for the operation and service life of an engine. Based on extensive testing, the man- ufacturer of your MINI approves only certain grades of engine oil on a regular basis. Only use High Performance Synthetic Oil approved by the manufacturer of your MINI. If MINI High Performance Synthetic Oil is not available, you can add small quantities of another synthetic oil in between oil changes. Only use oils with the API SM specification or higher.
If you have any further questions regard- ing MINI High Performance Synthetic Oil or approved synthetic oils, your MINI Dealer will be glad to advise you.<
You can also call MINI USA at 1-800-831-1117 or visit the website www.miniusa.com to obtain this information.
Viscosity grades Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and is categorized in SAE classes. The correct SAE grade for your MINI is deter- mined by the climatic conditions of the region in which you normally drive your MINI.
The approved oils are SAE 0W-40, 0W-30, 5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils can be used for driving at all outside temperatures.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.< Coolant consists of half water and half additive. Not all commercially available additives are suit- able for your MINI. Your MINI Dealer knows which additives are suitable and will be glad to advise you.
Only use suitable additives, otherwise engine damage may result. Because addi- tives are harmful to your health, it is important to follow the instructions on the containers.<
Comply with the appropriate environmen- tal protection regulations when disposing
of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level 1. Do not open the hood until the engine has
cooled down.
2. Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated pressure to escape, then continue turning to open.
3. The coolant level is correct if it is between
the Min and Max markings.
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4.
If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to the specified level; do not overfill.
5. Turn the cap until there is an audible click. 6. Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
116
Maintenance
MINI Maintenance System
The MINI Maintenance System supports the preservation of the traffic and operating safety of your MINI. The objective is to optimize efforts with respect to minimal vehicle maintenance costs. If and when you come to sell your MINI, a comprehensive record of servicing will prove a significant benefit.
Condition Based Service CBS Sensors and special algorithms take the different driving conditions of your MINI into account. Condition Based Service uses this to determine the current and future service requirements. By letting you define a service and maintenance regimen that reflects your own individual requirements, the system builds the basis for trouble-free driving. In the tachometer, you can have the remaining times or distances for selected maintenance tasks and any legally prescribed dates displayed, page 57.
Service data in the remote control Your vehicle continuously stores service- requirement information in the remote control while you are driving. Your MINI Dealer can read out this data from the remote control unit, and propose an optimized maintenance approach. Whenever you take your car in for servicing you should therefore hand your MINI Dealer the remote control unit that you last used.
Make sure that the date in the tachometer is always set correctly, page 59; otherwise the effectiveness of Condition Based Service CBS is not assured.<
Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models and Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor- mation Booklet for US models and Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models for additional information on service requirements.
The manufacturer of the MINI recom- mends that you have service and repair
operations performed at your MINI Dealer. Take the time to ensure that these service pro- cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi- cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models and Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models. These entries ver- ify that your vehicle has received the specified regular maintenance.<
Socket for Onboard Diagnosis OBD
Primary components that make up exhaust emissions can be checked by a device via the OBD socket. This socket is located to the left of the driver's side, on the bottom of the instrument panel.
117
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Exhaust emission values
The warning lamps come on. The exhaust emission values have turned poor and there is a danger of engine damage. You can continue your jour-
ney, but moderate your speed and exercise due caution. Have the car checked as soon as possi- ble. Under certain circumstances, one of the lamps will flash or light up continuously. This indicates excessive misfiring or a malfunction in the engine. If this happens, reduce your speed and visit the nearest MINI Dealer as soon as possible. Severe misfiring can quickly lead to serious dam- age of emissions-related components, espe- cially the catalytic converter. In addition, mechanical engine components can become damaged. If the fuel filler cap is not properly tightened, the OBD system may conclude that fuel vapors are escaping, causing an indicator to light up. If the filler cap is then tightened, the indicator should go out within a few days.
Event data recorders Your vehicle may be equipped with one or several measuring or diagnostic modules or a device for recording or sending certain vehicle data or information.
118
Care
Car-care products Regular cleaning and care helps to maintain the value of your MINI. The manufacturer of your MINI recommends using manufacturer-approved products to clean and care for your vehicle. MINI Service would be pleased to advise you on cleaning and care products and services for your MINI.
The ingredients of original MINI CareProd- ucts have been tested, and the products have been tested in the laboratory and in prac- tice. They offer optimum care and protection for your vehicle.<
Do not use any cleansers containing alco- hol or solvents as these may cause dam-
age.<
Cleaning agents may contain hazardous or health-damaging substances. Follow
the warning and hazard instructions on the packaging. For interior cleaning, always open the doors or windows of the vehicle. Do not use any products that are not intended for cleaning the vehicle.<
External care
Washing your vehicle
Especially during the winter months the vehicle should be frequently washed. Dirt
and road salt can damage the vehicle.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the brakes briefly to dry them, otherwise
water can reduce braking efficiency over the short term and the brake rotors can corrode.<
Car washes
Avoid car washes with tracks higher than 4 in/10 cm, otherwise the chassis could be
damaged.< Preference should be given to cloth car washes.
Do not use high-pressure car washes because drops of water can penetrate
around the windows.< Before driving into the car wash, check if the sys- tem is suitable for your MINI. Observe the fol- lowing points: > Dimensions of the vehicle, page 153. > If necessary: Fold in the outside mirrors,
page 38.
> Maximum permissible tire width. Preparations for driving into the car wash: > Unscrew the rod antenna. > Deactivate the rain sensor* to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
> Deactivate the rear windshield wiper and protect it from damage. Ask the car wash operator about measures that can be taken to protect the wipers.
> Remove additional detachable body com-
ponents such as spoilers or telephone antennas that could be damaged.
Automatic transmission Before driving into the car wash, make sure that the vehicle can roll: 1. Place the remote control, even with conve-
nient access, in the ignition lock.
2. Move the selector lever to position N. 3. Release the parking brake. 4. Switch off the engine. 5.
Insert the remote control in the ignition lock so that the vehicle can roll.
119
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Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure washers, ensure that you maintain a suffi- cient distance to the vehicle and do not exceed a maximum temperature of 1407/606. If the distance is too close, the pressure too high, or the temperature too high, parts of the vehicle can be damaged, or water can penetrate. Observe the operating instructions for high- pressure washers.<
Do not spray sensors such as Park Dis- tance Control with high-pressure washers
for a long time or at a distance of less than 1 ft/30 cm.<
Manual washing Use a great deal of water and, if necessary, car shampoo when washing your car by hand. Clean the vehicle with a sponge or a washing brush applying a slight amount of pressure.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti- vate the rain sensor or turn off the ignition
to prevent unintentional wiping.<
Observe local regulations regarding wash- ing vehicles by hand.<
Headlamps Do not wipe dry and do not use abrasive or cor- rosive cleaning agents. Remove dirt and con- tamination, such as insects, by soaking with shampoo and then washing with plenty of water. Do not remove accumulated ice and snow with an ice scraper; use window de-icers instead.
Windows Clean the outside and inside of the windows and mirrors with a window cleaner.
Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners containing quartz.<
Wiper blades Clean with soapy water and change regularly to prevent the formation of streaks
Wax, preservatives and dirt on the win- dows cause streaks when the windshield wipers are on, and can cause premature wear of the wiper blades and interfere with the rain sen- sor.<
Care of the convertible top The appearance and service life of the convert- ible top largely depends on its proper care and operation. Please follow these instructions: > Never attempt to fold and stow the convert-
ible top in the convertible compartment when the top is wet or frozen. Otherwise water stains, mildew, and chafe marks may occur.
> Should water stains still appear on the head-
lining, use a microfibre cloth and interior cleaning solution to remove them.
> If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area for a longer period of time, make sure that there is sufficient ventilation.
> Remove any bird droppings immediately, since they have corrosive properties which will corrode the convertible top and damage the rubber seals.
When attempting to remove stains from the convertible top, do not use spot
removers, paint thinners, solvents, gasoline, or similar fluids. These cleaners may damage the rubber seals. The improper care or cleaning methods may cause the convertible top and its seams to leak.< Use special convertible top cleaning agents if attempting to remove heavy stains. Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Use an impregnating agent to treat the convert- ible top once a year.
Paintwork, care Regular care maintains the vehicle's value and protects the paint from the long-term effects of paint-damaging substances.
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In some regions, environmental factors can affect the vehicle paintwork and damage it. It is therefore important to adjust the frequency and extent of vehicle care correspondingly. Immediately remove aggressive materials such as spilled fuel, oil, grease, brake fluid, tree sap or bird droppings to prevent damage to the paint- work.
Removing paintwork damage
Depending on the severity of the damage, immediately repair stone damage or
scratches to prevent rusting.< The manufacturer of the MINI recommends repairing paint damage professionally according to factory specifications with original MINI paints.
Preservation Preservation is necessary when water no longer beads on the clean paint surface. To preserve the paint, only use preservatives that contain carnauba or synthetic waxes.
Rubber seals Only treat with water or rubber care products. Do not use silicon sprays or other silicon- containing care products on rubber seals,
otherwise noise and damage could occur.<
Chrome parts* Carefully clean vehicle parts such as the radiator grill and door handles with copious quantities of water and, if necessary, a shampoo additive, especially when contaminated with road salt. For additional treatment, use chrome polish.
Light-alloy wheels* The system produces brake dust that collects on the light alloy wheels. Clean them regularly with acid-free wheel cleaner.
Do not use aggressive, acid-containing highly alkaline or abrasive cleansers or steam jets above 1407/606 as they may cause damage.<
External sensors
Keep the outside sensors on the vehicle such as the Park Distance Control clean and ice-free to ensure that they function prop- erly.<
Internal care
Upholstery/fabrics Regularly use a vacuum cleaner to remove sur- face dirt. In case of serious spots such as liquid stains, use a soft sponge or lint-free microfiber cloth and suitable interior cleaners. Observe the instruc- tions on the packaging.
Clean upholstery up to the seams. Do not rub forcefully.< Velcro fasteners on pants or other items of clothing can damage seat covers. Make
sure that all Velcro fasteners are closed.<
Leather/leather coverings*
The leather processed by the manufac- turer of your MINI is a high-quality natural
product. Light variations in the grain is one of the typical properties of natural leather.< Dust and road grit in the pores and folds of the leather have an abrasive effect, leading to increased wear and causing the leather surface to become brittle prematurely. Use a cloth or vacuum cleaner to remove dust on a regular basis. Especially when the leather has a light color, it should be cleaned regularly since it tends to get heavily soiled. Treat the leather twice a year using a leather lotion since dirt and grease will gradually attack the leather's protective layer.
Carpets/floor mats* You can use a vacuum cleaner on carpets and floor mats, or clean them with interior cleaners when they are very dirty.
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Floor mats can be removed to be cleaned. When putting the floor mats, back in, make sure that the seat rails do not extend over the floor mats as this may damage them. Lint on floor mats arises from manufacturing and can be removed by repeated vacuuming.
Vehicle storage If you are not going to drive your car for more than three months, please ask for advice from your MINI dealer or a workshop that works according to MINI manufacturer specifications.
Interior plastic parts These include: > Plastic surfaces > Lamp glass > Display panes > Matte parts Only clean with water and, if necessary, solvent- free plastic cleaners.
Do not use solvents such as alcohol, lac- quer thinner, cold cleaners, fuel, or similar,
as these will damage the surfaces.<
Decorative strips* Only clean decorative strips with moist cloths. Wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Safety belts
Do not use cleansers since they can destroy the fabric.<
Displays To clean displays such as radios or display ele- ments, use a display cleaning cloth or a soft, non-scratching, lint-free cloth.
Avoid pressing too hard when cleaning the display as this can cause damage.< Do not use chemical or abrasive house- hold cleaning agents. Keep fluids of any
kind away from the device. Surfaces or electrical components may otherwise become corroded or damaged.<
CD/DVD drives
Do not use cleaning CDs as this could damage parts of the drive.<
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Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
To avoid damage, make sure that the wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the bonnet.<
MINI: Changing the rear wiper blade
Your vehicle comes with an onboard tool kit that varies with the equipment version; it is stored underneath the level load floor. > Mobility System with onboard tool kit and
tire change set* 128
> Tire change set with onboard tool kit for
space-saver spare tire 130
Wiper blades
Changing the front wiper blades 1. Fold up the wiper arm.
2. Position the wiper blade horizontally. 3. Press the securing spring, arrow. 4. Unhook the wiper blade toward the wind-
shield.
5. Pull the wiper blade past the wiper arm
toward the top. Insert the new wiper blade.
6. 7. Press into position until you hear it engage.
1. Fold up the wiper arm. 2. Rotate the wiper blade toward the back as
far as it will go, arrow.
3. Press the wiper blade against the limit and
thus out of the mounting.
4. Press the new wiper blade into the fixture
until it engages audibly.
Lamps and bulbs Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribution to vehicle safety. They should, therefore, be handled carefully. The manufacturer of your MINI recommends having your MINI Dealer per- form any work that you do not feel competent to perform yourself or that is not described here. Never touch the glass of new bulbs with your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contamination will burn into the bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a clean tissue, cloth or something similar, or hold the bulb by its base.< You can obtain a selection of replacement bulbs at your MINI Dealer.
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Halogen low beams and high beams H13 bulb, 60/55 watts
The H13 bulb is pressurized. Therefore, wear safety glasses and protective gloves.
Otherwise there is a risk of injury if the bulb is damaged.<
Be careful when installing the cover, oth- erwise leaks could occur and cause dam-
age to the headlamp system.<
Accessing the lamp from the engine compartment The low-beam/high-beam bulb can be changed from the engine compartment.
Removing the cover: 1. Press the tab. 2. Flip open the cover and take it out of the
holder.
Follow the same steps in reverse order to reat- tach the cover.
Be careful when installing the cover, oth- erwise leaks could occur and cause dam-
age to the headlamp system.<
Replacing the bulb 1. Turn the lamp counterclockwise, arrow 1,
and remove it, arrow 2.
