2007 Mini Cooper Owners Manual

Hills

When driving on wet or slushy roads, reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge

of water can form between tires and road sur- face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can cause partial or complete loss of tire contact with the road surface, so that the car cannot be steered or braked properly.< The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread depth on page 91.

Driving through water

Drive through water on the road only if it is not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only

at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the transmission may be damaged.<

Parking brake on inclines

On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-

wise greater clutch wear will result.< For information on driving off using Hill Start Assist*, refer to page 55.

Braking safely Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a situation which requires full braking, it is best to brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini- mum of steering effort. The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that ABS is actively taking effect.

Driving in wet conditions When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that this maneuver does not endanger other road users. The heat generated in this process

To prevent overheating and the resulting reduced efficiency of the brake system, drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear in which the least braking is required. Even light but consistent brake pressure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly even brake failure.< You can increase the engine's braking effect by shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces- sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift- ing in manual mode of the automatic transmis- sion, page 38.

Never drive with the clutch held down, with the transmission in idle or with the

engine switched off; otherwise, engine braking action will not be present or there will be no power assistance to the brakes or steering. Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other objects to protrude into the area around the pedals, otherwise pedal function could be impaired.<

Corrosion on brake rotors When the vehicle is driven only occasionally, during extended periods when the vehicle is not used at all, and in operating conditions where brake applications are less frequent, there is an increased tendency for corrosion to form on rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the brake pads. This occurs because the minimum pressure which must be exerted by the pads during brake applications to clean the rotors is not reached. Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating effect that even extended application will fail to cure.

When the vehicle is parked Condensation forms while the automatic climate control is in operation, and then exits under the

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vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the vehicle are therefore normal. In the Cooper S, the coolant pump may continue to run for some time after the engine is switched off. This will generate noise in the engine com- partment.

Before driving into a car wash For general information about vehicle care for your MINI, refer to the chapter beginning on page 100.

With convenient access and automatic transmission Insert the key into the ignition lock. The engine can be switched off when the selec- tor lever is in position N. Refer also to page 25.

Cargo loading

To avoid loading the tires beyond their approved carrying capacity, never over- load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over- heating and increases the rate at which damage develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<

Cargo area cover When the tailgate is opened, the cargo area cover is raised.

Do not place any objects on the cover, otherwise they could endanger the car's occupants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden swerving.<

Removing To load bulky luggage, the cargo area cover can be removed.

1. Unhook the lift straps from the tailgate. 2. Pull the cover out of the holders toward the

rear.

Expanding the cargo area The rear seat backrest is split and can be folded. Both sides can be folded separately to expand the cargo area.

1. Pull the lever. 2. Fold rear seat backrests forward.

When folding the backrest back up, make sure that the seat's locking mechanisms

engage properly. Otherwise, cargo could be thrown around in the event of sharp braking or swerving and endanger the occupants.<

Adjusting rear seat backrest* To expand the cargo area without keeping the rear seat backrests folded forward.

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1,400 lbs. and there will be four 150-lb. pas- sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail- able cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs: 1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.

5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of the load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult the manual for transporting a trailer to determine how this may reduce the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

6.

Load

1. Pull the lever, arrow 1, and fold the rear seat

backrest forward.

2. Fold up the lever of the backrest lock until it

audibly engages, arrow 2.

3. Fold back the backrest until it engages.

If the cargo area has been expanded, do not install child-restraint systems in the rear of the vehicle as their protective features may be ineffective.<

Determining cargo limit

1. Locate the following statement on your

vehicle's placard*:

The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed

XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, overloading can result in damage to the vehicle and unstable driving conditions.<

2. Determine the combined weight of the

driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.

3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY pounds.

4. The resulting figure equals the available

amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the XXX amount equals

The permissible load is the sum of the occu- pants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The greater the weight of the occupants, the less cargo/luggage can be transported.

Stowing cargo

> Position heavy objects as low and as far for- ward as possible, ideally directly behind the respective seat backrests.

> Cover sharp edges and corners.

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> For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is not occupied, secure each safety belt in the respective opposite buckle.

Mounting points

Securing cargo

Remove the cover panel

Loading roof-mounted luggage rack Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on vehicle handling and steering response. You should therefore always remember not to exceed the approved roof load capacity, the approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads when loading the rack. You can find the applicable data under Weights on page 132. The roof load must be distributed uniformly and should not be too large in area. Heavy items should always be placed at the bottom. When loading, make sure that there is sufficient space for the movement of the glass sunroof and that no objects protrude into the swiveling area of the tailgate; otherwise damage can occur. Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off during the trip. Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.

> Secure smaller and lighter items using

retaining or draw straps*.

> Heavy-duty cargo straps* for securing larger

and heavier objects are available at your MINI Dealer. Four lashing eyes are provided for attaching the cargo straps. Two of them are located on the sidewalls of the cargo area. Comply with the information enclosed with the load-securing devices.

Always position and secure the cargo as described above, so that it cannot endan- ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden braking or swerves are necessary. Do not exceed the approved gross weight and axle loads, page 132; otherwise the vehicle's operating safety is no longer assured and it will not be in compliance with the certification regu- lations. Heavy or hard objects should not be carried loose inside the car, since they could be thrown around, for example as a result of heavy braking, sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu- pants.<

Roof-mounted luggage rack* A special rack system is available as an option for your MINI. Your MINI Dealer will be glad to advise you. Comply with the installation instruc- tions supplied with the rack system.

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e

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At a glance

Controls

Driving tips

Mobility

Mobility

Reference

g

Refueling

Switch off the engine before refueling, otherwise fuel cannot be added to the

tank and a message will be displayed.<

Take all precautionary measures and observe all applicable regulations when handling fuel. Do not carry any spare fuel con- tainers in your vehicle. They can develop a leak and cause an explosion or cause a fire in the event of an accident.<

1. Remove the cover from the right-hand side-

wall of the cargo area.

Gas cap

Opening

2. Pull on the green knob with the fuel pump

symbol. The fuel filler door is released.

1. Open fuel filler door. 2. Turn the gas cap counterclockwise. 3. Place the gas cap in the bracket attached to

the fuel filler door.

Closing Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until you clearly hear a click.

Do not jam the strap between the gas cap and the vehicle. A message will be dis-

played if the gas cap is loose or missing.<

Manually releasing the fuel filler door In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can manually unlock the fuel filler door:

Observe the following when refueling

When handling fuels always observe any safety guidelines posted at the service sta-

tion.< 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 > a 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

MINI Cooper Approx. 10.6 US gallons/40 liters, including the reserve capacity of 2.1 US gallons/8 liters.

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MINI Cooper S Approx. 13.2 US gallons/50 liters, including the reserve capacity of 2.1 US gallons/8 liters.

Do not continue driving to the point where the fuel tank is totally empty. Otherwise

engine performance is not guaranteed and damage could occur.<

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.

Do not use any gasoline below the speci- fied minimum fuel grade. Otherwise the

engine could be damaged.<

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 driveability 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 driving comfort and, to a great extent, driving safety that depend on the condition of the tires and the maintenance of the specified tire pres- sure.

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.

Checking the inflation pressure on the space-saver spare tire*

After correcting the tire inflation pressure, reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor,

page 55.<

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 up to 100 mph or 160 km/h and to achieve optimum driving comfort, adjust pressures to the respective tire inflation pres- sures listed on the following pages in the col- umns for traveling speeds up to a maximum 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.

A valve extension for checking the inflation pres- sure is located behind the bumper.

The maximum permissible speed for these tire pressures is 100 mph or 160 km/h. Do

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not exceed this speed, otherwise tire damage and accidents could occur.<

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 tem- perature

175/65 R 15 84 T M+S 175/65 R 15 84 H M+S 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 205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC 205/40 R 18 82 V RSC

Emergency wheel: 115/70 R 15 90 M

33/230

33/230

33/230

33/230

36/250

36/250

61/420

61/420

–

–

61/420

61/420

More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page 132.

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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

36/250

36/250

36/250

36/250

36/250

36/250

41/280

41/280

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 132.

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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 4706

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

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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

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 92.

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.

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. Tire damage can be extremely dangerous for vehicle occupants and other road users.<

Tire age The manufacturing date of tires is contained in the tire coding: DOT ... 4706 means that the tire was manufac- tured in week 47 of 2006. For various reasons, such as the development of brittleness, the manufacturer of your MINI rec- ommends tire replacement after no more than

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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 56.

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.

New wheels and tires

Recommended tire brands

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.<

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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.

For safety reasons, the manufacturer of your MINI recommends having Run-Flat

Tires replaced, not repaired, if they are dam- aged.<

Special characteristics of winter tires The manufacturer of your MINI recommends winter tires for driving in adverse winter road conditions. Although all-season M+S tires pro- vide 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.

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 The manufacturer of your MINI recommends that you swap the front wheels with the rear wheels and vice-versa at intervals of 3,000 to 4,000 miles/5,000 to 7,000 km. This will counter the varying rates of tire wear at the front and rear axles, which will have a positive effect on

the handling characteristics of your MINI. The direction in which the tires rotate should be kept the same.

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 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.<

93

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.

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Important parts of the engine compartment

1 Vehicle identification number 2 Battery, under the cover 112
3 Engine oil dipstick 95
4 Engine oil filler neck 96

5 Coolant expansion tank 96
6 Reservoir for washer fluid for the headlamp

and window washer system 42

7 Fuses 111

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 at a level between the two marks on the dipstick is approx. 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.

95

Adding engine oil

Add no more than 1 US quart/1 liter of oil after the following message appears in the tachome- ter or when the oil level has fallen to near the bottom mark on the dipstick, page 95.

Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 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.

96

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 SH 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.<

Do not use any oil additives, as they could cause engine damage under some cir-

cumstances.<

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.

Approved oils belong to the 5W-40 and 5W-30 classes.<

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 is a mixture of water and an 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. The additives

are hazardous to your health.<

Comply with the appropriate environmen- tal protection regulations when disposing

of coolant additives.<

Checking coolant level 1. Let the engine cool 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

4.

the Min and Max markings. 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.

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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 com- prehensive record of servicing will prove a signif- icant benefit.

CBS Condition Based Service 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 49:

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.

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Make sure that the date in the tachometer is always set correctly, page 51; 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 Diag- nosis 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.

Exhaust emission values

The warning lamps light up. The exhaust emission values have turned poor and there is a danger of engine damage. You can continue your journey, but moder- ate your speed and exercise due caution. Have the car checked as soon as possible.

Canadian models display these warning lamps.

Under certain conditions one of the lamps flashes or stays lit 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 sev- eral measuring or diagnostic modules or a device for recording or sending certain vehicle data or information.

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Care

Suitable car-care products

Use the cleaning and car-care products available at your MINI Dealer.< 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.<

Washing your vehicle You can wash your new MINI in an automatic car wash from the first day. Preference should be given to cloth car washes. If, due to lack of avail- ability, brush car washes must be used, modern systems with soft brushes should be given pref- erence.

When using steam jets or high-pressure washers, ensure that you maintain a suffi- cient distance to the vehicle. If the jet is too close or the pressure is too high, this can lead to dam- age or initial damage that can develop into more serious damage. Water that enters vehicle com- ponents can lead to damage over the long term. 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. Switch the rain sensor off when passing through an automatic car wash, page 40. Failure to do so could result in damage caused by undesired wiper activation.<

Rod antenna If necessary, for example before entering a car wash or a garage with an elevator ramp, remove the rod antenna.

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 rinsing with plenty of water.

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Always use a deicer spray to remove accumu- lated ice and snow; never use a scraper. Use window de-icers.

Vehicle paintwork Regular care contributes greatly to driving safety and value retention. Environmental influences varying from one region to the next can affect the vehicle paint- work. Base the frequency and scope of car care on these various influences.

Care of upholstery Depressions that come about on the upholstery material of the seats in daily use can be brushed out using a slightly damp brush against the grain. The fact that velour lays down is not a quality defect but rather is inevitable, as it is with home textiles or clothing. In the case of strong sunlight and longer parking periods, cover the seats or all windows to pre- vent discoloration.

Care of special parts

Light-alloy wheels* Especially in the winter months, care for the wheel rims with wheel rim cleaner. Do not use acidic, strongly alkaline and abrasive cleaning agents or steam jets. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

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.

Rubber parts Treat only 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.<

Fine wood parts* Clean fine wood trim and fine wood parts with a damp cloth only. Wipe dry with a soft cloth.

Plastic parts These include: > Plastic surfaces > Headliner > Lamp glass > Display panes > Parts with matt black coating Clean using water and plastic cleaning agents if necessary. Do not dampen seats or the head- liner.

Do not use solvents such as lacquer thin- ner, cold cleaners, fuel, or similar, as these

will damage the surfaces.<

CDs/DVDs Clean the reflective signal side as needed by wiping it with a commercially available cleaning tissue in straight lines from the center of the disc outwards.

Safety belts Dirty safety belts resist being reeled in and thus compromise safety.

Do not dry clean, as the fabric can be destroyed.<

Only clean using mild soap, leaving the belts installed. Allow safety belts to be reeled in only when they are dry.

Floor carpets and mats* Floor mats can be removed to allow the vehicle interior to be cleaned. Clean with interior cleaner if very soiled.

Wiper blades Clean with soapy water. Replace wiper blades twice a year, before and after the cold season. This is particularly important on vehicles fitted with a rain sensor.

Leather care The leather* used by the manufacturer of your MINI is a high quality natural product processed according to the latest methods in leather prep- aration. 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. Frequently clean the leather of dust using a cloth or vacuum cleaner. Treat the leather twice a year using a leather care product as dirt and grease will gradually attack the leather's protective layer. This pre- serves the quality of the leather and prevents electrostatic charges.

Vehicle storage Your MINI Dealer will be glad to advise you on what is important if the vehicle is to be decom- missioned for longer than three months.

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Replacing components

Onboard tool kit

Changing rear wiper blade

The onboard tool kit is stored in a compartment underneath the cargo area floor panel.

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.

To avoid damage, make sure that the wiper arms are against the windshield

before you open the bonnet.<

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1. Fold up the wiper arm. 2. Rotate the wiper blade toward the back as

far as it will go, arrow.