2008 Mini Cooper Owners Manual

Battery care The battery is 100% maintenance-free, the electrolyte will last for the life of the battery when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli- mate.

Charging the battery Only charge the battery in the vehicle when the engine is off. Connections, refer to Jump starting on page 128.

Disposal

After replacing old batteries, return the used batteries to your MINI Dealer or to a

recycling point. Maintain the battery in an upright position for transport and storage.

Opening the cover Press the latch.

125

In the vehicle interior

On the right side of the footwell.

Opening the cover Press out at the recess.

126

Giving and receiving assistance

Roadside Assistance The Roadside Assistance service is there to assist you around the clock in the event of a break- down, including on weekends and public holi- days. The phone numbers of the Roadside Assistance in your home country can be found in the Con- tact brochure.

First aid pouch* Some of the articles contained in the first aid pouch have a limited service life. Therefore, check the expiration dates of the contents regu- larly and replace any items in good time, if nec- essary.

MINI

MINI Clubman

The first aid pouch is located on the cargo bay floor by the left side trim panel or under the level load floor.

Warning triangle*

MINI

The first aid pouch is located on the cargo bay floor by the left side trim panel.

On the inside of the tailgate. Press the tab to take it out.

MINI Clubman

In the cargo bay under the loading sill. Open the center lock to take it out.

127

3. Attach the second terminal clamp of the

plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of the vehicle to be started.

4. Attach one terminal clamp of the minus/–

jumper cable to the negative terminal of the battery or to an engine or body ground of the assisting vehicle.

Body ground in MINI:

5. Attach the second terminal clamp of the

minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi- nal of the battery or to the engine or body ground of the vehicle to be started.

Starting the engine 1. Start the engine of the donor vehicle and allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly increased idle speed.

2. Start the engine of the other vehicle in the

usual manner. If the first start attempt is not successful, wait a few minutes before another attempt in order to allow the discharged battery to recharge.

3. Let the engines run for a few minutes. 4. Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing

the above connecting sequence.

If necessary, have the battery checked and recharged.

Never use spray fluids to start the engine.<

Jump starting If the car's own battery is flat, your MINI's engine can be started by connecting two jumper cables to another vehicle's battery. You can also use the same method to help start another vehicle. Only use jumper cables with fully-insulated clamp handles.

Do not touch any electrically live parts when the engine is running, or a fatal acci- dent may occur. Carefully adhere to the follow- ing sequence, both to prevent damage to one or both vehicles, and to guard against possible per- sonal injuries.<

Preparation 1. Check whether the battery of the other vehi-

cle has a voltage of 12 volts and approxi- mately the same capacitance in Ah. This information can be found on the battery.

2. Switch off the engine of the support vehicle. 3. Switch off any consumers in both vehicles. There must not be any contact between the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise

there is a danger of shorting.<

Connecting jumper cables

Connect the jumper cables in the correct order, so that no sparks which could cause

injury occur.< 1. Open the battery cover in the engine com- partment to access the positive terminal of your MINI.

2. Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+

jumper cable to the positive terminal of the battery or to a starting-aid terminal of the vehicle providing assistance.

128

Tow-starting, towing away

Front

Observe the applicable laws and regula- tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-

cles.<

Do not transport any passengers other than the driver in a vehicle that is being

towed.<

Using a tow fitting The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or rear of the MINI. It is stored in the onboard tool kit in the cargo bay underneath the cover on the right-hand side, page 114.

Use only the tow fitting provided with the vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise the tow fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<

Access to screw thread Push out the rectangular cover panel in the bumper at the recesses.

Rear

Being towed

Make sure that the ignition is switched on, refer to page 39, otherwise the low

beams, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and windshield wipers may be unavailable. Do not tow the vehicle with just the rear axle raised, as this would allow the steering to turn. There is no power assist while the engine is off. Thus, brak- ing and steering will require increased effort.< Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend- ing on local regulations.

Manual transmission Gearshift lever in neutral position.

Automatic transmission

Tow vehicles with automatic transmission only with a tow truck or with the front

wheels lifted; otherwise the transmission can be damaged.<

Towing with a tow bar

The towing vehicle must not be lighter than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may

be impossible to maintain control.<

129

1. Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply

with local regulations.

2. Switch on the ignition, page 39. 3. Shift into 3rd gear. 4. Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch

completely depressed and then slowly release the clutch. After the engine starts, immediately depress the clutch completely again.

5. Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn- ing flashers.

6. Have the vehicle checked.

The tow fittings used should be on the same side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossible to avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, please observe the following: > Clearance and maneuvering capability will

be sharply limited during cornering.

> The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is

attached offset.

Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only, as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle

could result in damage.<

Towing with a tow rope When starting off in the towing vehicle, make sure that the tow rope is taut.

To avoid jerking and the associated stresses on vehicle components when

towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps. Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could result in damage.<

Towing with a tow truck

Have the MINI transported with a tow truck with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.

Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or body and chassis parts, otherwise damage

may result.<

Tow-starting Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi- ble; instead, jump-start the engine, page 128. Vehicles with a catalytic converter should only be tow-started when the engine is cold, vehicles with an automatic transmission cannot be tow- started at all.

130

Indicator and warning lamps

or 2. See the table for information on causes and how to react. Note whether a lamp comes on alone or in combination with another. Some lamps can light up in different colors. Corre- sponding distinctions are made in the text.

Indicator and warning lamps can light up in var- ious combinations and colors in indicator area 1

Cause

What to do

Turn signals

High beams/headlamp flasher switched on

Fog lamps switched on

Rear fog lamp switched on

Fasten safety belts

Indication in US models

Fasten your safety belt, refer also to page 33.

Parking brake applied

Release the parking brake.

Indication in Canadian models

Parking brake applied

Release the parking brake.

Danger of icy roads

Drive cautiously, refer also to page 48.

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Cause

What to do

Lights up briefly:

Approx. 2.1 US gallons/8 l of fuel remain in the tank

Remains on:

Cruising range is no more than 30 miles/50 km, page 49

Engine refuses to start

Depress the brake or clutch in order to start the engine, page 39.

Ignition switched on and driver's door open

Switch off the ignition, page 39, or close the driver's door.

Lamps still on

Roadside parking lamps on

Door open

Clubdoor open

Splitdoor open

Bonnet open

Tailgate open

Gas cap missing or loose

Make sure that the gas cap is correctly positioned and close it until it audibly clicks. Do not jam the strap between the gas cap and the vehicle.

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1

Cause

What to do

Window washer fluid level too low

Add washer fluid as soon as possible, page 46.

Lights up in yellow:

The engine will start the next time the start/stop button is touched, possibly without the brake or clutch being depressed

Remote control malfunctioning or, in cars with convenient access, not detected

The engine cannot be started. Have the remote control checked, if neces- sary.

Battery in remote control discharged

Use the remote control for a longer journey or, in cars with convenient access, replace the battery.

Belt tensioners and/or airbag system failed

Have the system checked immedi- ately. Fasten the safety belts anyway.

Power steering failed

Lights up:

You can continue your journey, but moderate your speed and exercise due caution. Steering response will be markedly different. Have the system checked without delay.

Emergency calling system failed or malfunctioning

Have the system checked as soon as possible.

Lights up in red:

Engine malfunction

Lights up in yellow:

Full engine power no longer available

Stop the car and switch off the engine. You cannot continue your journey. Contact your MINI Dealer.

You can continue your journey, but moderate your speed and exercise due caution. Have the engine checked as soon as possible.

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i

Cause

What to do

Indicator lamp 1 flashes:

Engine malfunction under high load. High engine load will result in dam- age to the catalytic converter

Indicator lamp 1 comes on:

Engine malfunction with adverse effect on exhaust emissions

Lights up in red:

Engine overheating

Lights up in yellow:

Engine too hot

Lights up in red:

Battery is no longer being charged. Alternator malfunction

Lights up in yellow:

You can continue your journey, but moderate your speed and exercise due caution. Have the vehicle checked without delay.

You can continue your journey, but moderate your speed and exercise due caution. Have the car checked as soon as possible.

Carefully bring the car to a stop, switch off the engine and allow it to cool down. Do not open the bonnet, otherwise there would be a risk of injury by scalding. Contact your MINI Dealer.

Continue driving at more moderate speed so that the engine can cool down. Have the engine checked with- out delay if the situation reoccurs.

Switch off all unnecessary electrical consumers. Have the battery checked without delay.

Battery charge level very low, battery aged or not securely connected

Have the battery checked as soon as possible.

Indication in US models

Parking brake applied

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1

Cause

What to do

Indication in Canadian models

Parking brake applied

Indication in US models

Lights up in red:

Brake fluid level too low

Lights up in yellow:

Hill Start Assist failed. The car will not be held in place after the brake is released

Indication in Canadian models

Lights up in red:

Brake fluid level too low

Lights up in yellow:

Brake pedal travel may be markedly longer. Stop immediately. Contact the nearest MINI Dealer.

Have the system checked as soon as possible.

Brake pedal travel may be markedly longer. Stop immediately. Contact the nearest MINI Dealer.

Hill Start Assist failed. The car will not be held in place after the brake is released

Have the system checked as soon as possible.

Indication in US models

Brake pads worn

Indication in Canadian models

Brake pads worn

Have the condition of the brake pads checked without delay.

Have the condition of the brake pads checked without delay.

135

i

Cause

What to do

You cannot continue your journey. Contact your MINI Dealer.

You cannot continue your journey. Contact your MINI Dealer.

You cannot continue your journey. Contact your MINI Dealer.

Have the system in question checked without delay.

The engine cannot be restarted.

Indication in US models

Vehicle electronics failed

Indication* in Canadian models

Vehicle electronics failed

Indication* in Canadian models

Vehicle electronics failed

Lights up in red:

> Starter failed or > ignition malfunctioning. Engine restart only possible when brake is depressed or

> lighting system failed. Low beams/tail lamps and brake lamps still operational. All other lamps failed

Lights up in yellow:

> Control of the brake lamps failed

or

> fuel supply malfunctioning

You can continue your journey, but moderate your speed and exercise due caution. Have the system in ques- tion checked without delay.

Flashing: Automatic Stability Control ASC or Dynamic Stability Control DSC is con- trolling drive and braking forces, refer also to page 57

Automatic Stability Control ASC or Dynamic Stability Control DSC deacti- vated, refer also to page 57

Driving stability limited during accel- eration and cornering. Driving style must be adjusted.

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Cause

What to do

Suspension control system failed, refer also to page 59

Driving stability limited during accel- eration and cornering. You can continue your journey, but moderate your speed and exercise due caution. Have the system checked as soon as possible.

Indication in US models

The driving stability control systems, including ABS and the Tire Pressure Monitor, have failed, refer also to page 59

Indication* in Canadian models

The driving stability control systems, including ABS and the Flat Tire Moni- tor or the Tire Pressure Monitor*, have failed, refer also to page 59

Indication* in Canadian models

The driving stability control systems, including ABS and the Flat Tire Moni- tor or Tire Pressure Monitor*, have failed, refer also to page 59

You can continue your journey. Reduced braking and driving stability. Drive cautiously and think well ahead. Avoid braking with full force, driving on rough tracks, and depressing the accelerator pedal to full throttle or kick-down position. Have the system checked immediately.

You can continue your journey. Reduced braking and driving stability. Drive cautiously and think well ahead. Avoid braking with full force, driving on rough tracks, and depressing the accelerator pedal to full throttle or kick-down position. Have the system checked immediately.

You can continue your journey. Drive cautiously and think well ahead. Avoid braking with full force, driving on rough tracks, and depressing the accelerator pedal to full throttle or kick-down position. Have the system checked immediately.

137

i

Cause

What to do

Vehicles with Flat Tire Monitor*

Light up in yellow and red:

> Tire damage

Carefully bring the car to a stop. Observe the information starting on page 59.

> Flat Tire Monitor not initialized

Initialize Flat Tire Monitor, page 60.

Light up in yellow:

Flat Tire Monitor failed. Punctures are not indicated

Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor*

Light up in yellow and red:

Have the system checked.

> There is a flat tire or substantial

loss in tire pressure

Carefully bring the car to a stop. Observe the information starting on page 61.

> Tire Pressure Monitor not initial-

ized

Initialize the Tire Pressure Monitor, page 62.

Light up in yellow:

Tire Pressure Monitor failed. Punc- tures are not indicated

Have the system checked. Observe the information starting on page 63.

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1

Cause

What to do

Lights up in red:

> Transmission limp-home pro-

gram active with restricted range of gears, possibly with reduced acceleration

You can continue your journey, but moderate your speed and exercise due caution. Have the system checked without delay.

> Gears can be engaged without

depressing the brake

Always depress the brake to engage a gear.

> Automatic selector lever locked

Lights up in yellow:

> Automatic selector lever locked: Selector lever locked in position P with engine running and brake depressed or

> brake signal malfunctioning: gear can be engaged without depress- ing the brake

Lights up in red:

Transmission overheating

Lights up in yellow:

Transmission too hot

Selector lever position P not engaged. Vehicle not prevented from rolling

Overriding the selector lever lock, page 43.

Have the system checked as soon as possible.

Overriding the selector lever lock, page 43.

To engage a gear while the vehicle is at a standstill, always depress the brake. Before leaving the vehicle, move the selector lever to position P and switch off the engine.

Bring the car to a stop and move the selector lever to position P. Allow the transmission to cool down. You can continue your journey, but moderate your speed and exercise due caution. Have the system checked if the situa- tion reoccurs.

Avoid high engine loads. You can con- tinue your journey, but moderate your speed and exercise due caution.

139

i

Cause

What to do

Selector lever position P not engaged. Ignition cannot be switched off

Engage selector lever position P when you wish to switch off the ignition, page 39.

Lights up in red:

Electric steering wheel lock malfunc- tioning

Lights up in yellow:

The engine can no longer be started. If applicable, do not switch off the engine. Contact your MINI Dealer.

Electric steering wheel lock engaged

Move the steering wheel before start- ing the engine.

Cruise control system failed

Have the system checked.

Park Distance Control failed

Have the system checked.

Bulb of exterior lighting system failed

Have the exterior lighting checked as soon as possible.

Low-beam headlamp or fog lamp failed

Have the lamps checked as soon as possible.

High-beam headlamp failed

Have the high-beam headlamps checked.

Rear fog lamp failed

Have the rear fog lamp checked.

Headlamp beam throw adjustment system failed

Have the headlamp beam throw adjustment system checked.

Coolant level too low

Add coolant immediately, page 108.

Engine oil pressure too low

Stop immediately and switch off the engine. You cannot continue your journey. Contact your MINI Dealer.

140

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Cause

What to do

Lights up in red:

Service appointment overdue

Lights up in yellow:

Service due

No service due

Set speed limit exceeded

Arrange a service appointment. Check service requirements, page 53.

Arrange a service appointment. Check service requirements, page 53.

Time and date no longer correct

Set the time and date, page 54.

141

At a glance

Controls

Driving tips

Mobility

Reference

Reference

a

Technical data

Engine data

MINI/MINI Clubman

Displacement

cu in/cmμ

Number of cylinders

Maximum power output

hp

At engine speed

Maximum torque with overboost

At engine speed with overboost

rpm

lb ft/Nm

rpm

Cooper

97.5/1,598

118

6,000

114/155
–

4,250
–

Cooper S

97.5/1,598

172

5,500

177/240
192/260

1,600-5,000
1,700-4,500

Overboost briefly raises the maximum torque at high rates of acceleration, e.g. when passing.

144

Dimensions

MINI

All dimensions given in inches/mm. Smallest turning circle diam.: 35 ft 2 in/10.7 m.

Figures following the semicolons: values that differ for the MINI Cooper S.

145

MINI Clubman

All dimensions given in inches/mm. Smallest turning circle diam.: 36 ft/11 m.

Figures following the semicolon: values that differ for the MINI Clubman Cooper S.

146

Weights

MINI

Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras

MINI COOPER

MINI COOPER S

> Manual transmission

lbs/kg

> Automatic transmission

lbs/kg

Approved gross weight

> Manual transmission

lbs/kg

> Automatic transmission

lbs/kg

Approved front axle load

Approved rear axle load

lbs/kg

lbs/kg

Approved roof load capacity

lbs/kg

2,546/1,155

2,634/1,195

3,362/1,525

3,450/1,565

1,929/875

1,653/750

165/75

2,668/1,210

2,723/1,235

3,483/1,580

3,538/1,605

1,984/900

1,664/755

165/75

Cargo bay capacity

cu ft/l

5.7/160 - 24.0/680

5.7/160 - 24.0/680

147

a

MINI Clubman

Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras

MINI COOPER

MINI COOPER S

> Manual transmission

lbs/kg

> Automatic transmission

lbs/kg

Approved gross weight

> Manual transmission

lbs/kg

> Automatic transmission

lbs/kg

Approved front axle load

> Manual transmission

lbs/kg

> Automatic transmission

lbs/kg

Approved rear axle load

lbs/kg

Approved roof load capacity

lbs/kg

2,723/1,235

2,800/1,270

3,539/1,605

3,616/1,640

1,830/830

1,907/865

1,830/830

165/75

2,855/1,295

2,900/1,315

3,671/1,665

3,715/1,685

1,918/870

1,962/890

1,841/835

165/75

Cargo bay capacity

cu ft/l

9.2/260-32.8/930

9.2/260-32.8/930

Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the gross vehicle weight.

Capacities

MINI/MINI Clubman

Fuel tank

MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S

including reserve of

Window washer system incl. headlamp washer system

148

US gal/US quarts

Liters

Notes

Fuel grade: page 95

13.2/–

2.1/–

approx. 50

approx. 8

–/4.8

approx. 4.5

For more details: page 46

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149

From A to Z

Index

AKI, refer to Fuel specifications 95

Accessories, refer to Your

individual vehicle 4

Activated-charcoal filter for

Alarm system 24
All-season tires, refer to Winter

tires 105

Automatic climate control 71
– automatic air distribution 74
Automatic recirculated-air

control AUC 74

Automatic transmission with

automatic climate control 75

All-Season Traction Control

Steptronic 41

Additives – coolant 108
– engine oil 108
Adjusting temperature inside

ASC 58

Ambient air, refer to

Recirculated-air mode 72, 74

– interlock 41
– overriding selector lever

lock 43

– shiftlock 41
– sport program 42
AUTO program for automatic

climate control 74

AUX-In, refer to External audio

device 78

Average fuel consumption 49
– setting the units 51
Average speed 50
Axle loads, refer to Weights 146, 147

Background lighting, refer to

Ambient lighting 70

Backrests, refer to Seats 30
Backup lamps – replacing bulb 117
– replacing bulbs in MINI 118
– replacing bulbs in MINI

Clubman 118

Band-aids, refer to First aid

pouch 127

Ambient lighting 70
Antenna, care 112
Antifreeze – coolant 108
– washer fluid 46
Antilock Brake System ABS 58
Anti-theft alarm system, refer

to Alarm system 24
Anti-theft system 19
Approved axle loads, refer to

Weights 146, 147

Approved engine oils 108
Approved gross vehicle

weight, refer to Weights 146, 147

Armrest, refer to Center

armrest 78
Arrival time – computer 50
Ashtray 80
Assistant systems, refer to – All-Season Traction Control

ASC 58

– Dynamic Stability Control

Bar, refer to Tow-starting,

DSC 58

AUC Automatic recirculated-

air control 74

Audio device, external 78
Automatic – air distribution 74
– air flow rate 74
– cruise control 46
– headlamp control 66

towing away 129

Battery 125
– charging 125
– disposal 27, 125
– jump starting 128
– temporary power failure 125
Battery renewal – remote control 27
Being towed 129

the car, refer to Air conditioner 72

Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic climate control 73

Airbags 64
– sitting safely 30
– warning lamp 65
Air conditioner 71
Air conditioning mode – air conditioner 72
– automatic climate control 73
– ventilation 75
Air distribution – automatic 74
– individual 73
– manual 73
Air flow rate 72, 73
– air conditioning system 72
– automatic climate control 73
– heating, ventilation 72
Airing, refer to Ventilation 75
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 71
Air pressure, checking, refer to

Tire inflation pressure 96

Air recirculation, refer to