2009 Mini Cooper Owners Manual

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 Battery, under the cover 124
2 Engine oil dipstick 104
3 Engine oil filler neck 105

4 Coolant expansion tank 105
5 Reservoir for washer fluid for the headlamp

and window washer system 44

6 Engine compartment fuse box 122

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.

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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 104.

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 bonnet 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.

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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.

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 52.

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 54; 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.

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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 sev- eral measuring or diagnostic modules or a device for recording or sending certain vehicle data or information.

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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 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 143
> If necessary: Fold in the outside mirrors

(page 33)

> 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.

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.

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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.<

Paintwork, care Regular care contributes greatly to driving safety and value retention.

110

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. The leather should therefore be regularly cleaned with a cloth or a vacuum cleaner. 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.

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.

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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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.

112

Replacing components

Onboard tool kit

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

before you open the bonnet.<

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* 117

> Tire change set with onboard tool kit for

space-saver spare tire 119

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.

When working on electrical systems, always begin by switching off the consumer in

question, otherwise short circuits could result. To avoid possible injury or equipment damage when

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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.

replacing bulbs, observe any instructions provided by the bulb manufacturer.< Caring for headlamps, refer to page 110.

For any bulb replacement not described below, contact a MINI Dealer or a work-

shop that has specially trained personnel work- ing in accordance with the specifications of the MINI manufacturer.<

For checking and adjusting headlamp aim, please contact your MINI Dealer.<

Light-emitting diodes LEDs Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu- cent lenses serve as the light sources for many of the controls and displays in your vehicle. These light-emitting diodes are related to conven- tional laser diodes, and legislation defines them as Class 1 light-emitting diodes.

Do not remove the covers or expose the eyes directly to the unfiltered light source for several hours, otherwise this could cause irri- tation to the retina.<

Bi-Xenon lamps* The service life of these bulbs is very long and the probability of failure very low, provided that they are not switched on and off an excessive number of times. If a xenon lamp fails neverthe- less, switch on the fog lamps and continue the journey with great care, provided that local leg- islation does not prohibit this.

Have any work on the xenon lamp system, including bulb replacement, carried out only by a MINI Dealer or a workshop that has specially trained personnel working in accor- dance with the specifications of the MINI manu- facturer. Due to high voltage, there is a risk of fatal injury if work on the xenon lamps is carried out improperly.<

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.<

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2. Push on the catch, arrow 1, and unplug the

3. Remove the inside cover.

connector, arrow 2.

To do so, turn the cover counterclockwise.

3. To insert the new bulb and replace the

4. Screw out the bulb counterclockwise.

cover, proceed in reverse order.

Turn signal indicators, parking lamps, roadside parking lamps and fog lamps

Accessing the lamps via the wheel well

1 Turn signal 2 Parking/roadside parking/fog lamps

Replacing a turn signal bulb 21 watt bulb, PY 21 W 1. Turn in the wheel. 2. Remove cover 1.

To do so, turn the cover counterclockwise.

5. To insert the new bulb and replace the cov-

ers, proceed in reverse order.

Replacing a parking/roadside parking lamp bulb 5 watt bulb, W 5 W 1. Turn in the wheel. 2. Remove cover 2.

To do so, turn the cover counterclockwise.

3. Screw out the upper bulb counterclockwise.

4. To insert the new bulb and replace the

cover, proceed in reverse order.

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Tail lamps

Replacing a fog lamp bulb H8 bulb, 35 watts 1. Turn in the wheel. 2. Remove cover 2.

To do so, turn the cover counterclockwise. 3. Screw out the lower bulb counterclockwise.

1 Brake lamp/tail lamp

21 watt/5 watt bulb, W 5 W

2 Turn signal lamp

21 watt bulb, P 21 W

3 Backup lamp

21 watt bulb, P 21 W

Changing 1. Remove the cover from the sidewall of the

cargo bay.

4. To insert the new bulb and replace the

cover, proceed in reverse order.

Side turn signal indicators 5 watt bulb, W 5 W 1. Push the lamp with the ventilation grate for-

ward and remove.

2. Screw out the desired bulb counterclock-

wise, arrows 1. Additional bulbs are located behind the sidewall of the cargo bay, arrow 2.

2. Screw out the bulb holder counterclockwise. 3. Pull out and replace the bulb. 4. To insert the new bulb and replace the

cover, proceed in reverse order.

3. To insert the new bulb and replace the

cover, proceed in reverse order.

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Rear fog lamp* 21 watt bulb, P 21 W Access to the lamp via the back or underside of the bumper. The illustration shows the fog lamp in the bumper of the MINI Cooper.

1. Screw out the bulb holder counterclockwise. 2. Screw out and replace the bulb. 3. To insert the new bulb and bulb holder, pro-

ceed in reverse order.

License plate lamps 5 watt bulb, C 5 W

Repairing a flat tire

Safety measures in the event of a break- down:

Park the vehicle as far as possible from moving traffic and switch on the hazard warning flash- ers. Turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position and engage the steering wheel lock. Engage the parking brake and shift into 1st or reverse gear or place the selector lever in position P. All passengers should be outside the vehicle and in a safe place, e.g. behind a guardrail. Erect a warning triangle or warning flasher at the appropriate distance if necessary. Comply with all safety guidelines and regulations.< In the event of a flat tire, different procedures should be followed depending on the equip- ment included in your vehicle: > MINI Mobility System, refer to the following

section

> Run-Flat Tires, page 101
> Tire change with space-saver spare tire,

page 119

MINI Mobility System with onboard tool kit and tire change set* The MINI Mobility System with onboard tool kit and tire change set* is located under the floor mat in the cargo bay.

1. Using a screwdriver, push the lamp to the left in the tab of the lamp housing, arrow 1.

2. Remove the lamp, arrow 2. 3. Replace the bulb. 4.

Insert the lamp.

Center brake lamp This lamp uses LED technology for operation. In the event of a malfunction, contact your MINI Dealer or a workshop that has specially trained personnel working in accordance with the spec- ifications of your MINI manufacturer.

1 Filling canister 2 Hexagon socket* 3 Vehicle jack* 4 Wheel stud wrench

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5 Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver, towing

eyelet

6 Compressor, hose with manometer and plug

for cigarette lighter socket

7 Package with filling hose, valve remover and

valve core

Use of the MINI Mobility System may be ineffective if the tire puncture measures approx. 1/8 in/4 mm or more. Contact the near- est MINI Dealer if the tire cannot be made driv- able with the MINI Mobility System.<

Liquid sealant

In the event of a lost or dirty valve core you will find another valve core in the

package with the filling hose. Remember that the liquid canister must be replaced every four years if the equipment has not been used.<

Compressor

1 Hose with manometer 2 Compressor 3 Connector for power supply

Reinflating the tire 1. Screw hose 1 with manometer onto the tire

2.

valve. Insert connector 3 into the lighter socket in the interior of the vehicle, page 81.

3. Switch on compressor 2. 4.

Inflate the tire to at least 26 psi/180 kPa and at most 36 psi/250 kPa. To check the air pressure, shut off the device for a short time.

Do not run the compressor for longer than 6 minutes, otherwise the device

will overheat and possibly be damaged.<

If an air pressure of 26 psi/180 kPa is not reached: 1. Unscrew hose 1 and drive the vehicle for-

ward and backward about 33 ft/10 m to dis- tribute the liquid sealant in the tires evenly.

2. Repeat the procedure.

If an air pressure of 26 psi/180 kPa still cannot be reached, the tire is too severely

damaged. Please contact the nearest MINI Dealer.<

1 Filling hose 2 Filling canister

Filling 1. Shake the filling canister. 2. Screw the filling hose onto the filling canis-

ter.

3. Unscrew the dust cap from the valve of the

defective tire.

4. Screw out the valve core with the valve

remover. The valve remover is located in a package with the filling hose.

5. Remove the cap from the filling hose. 6. Push the filling hose onto the tire valve. 7. Hold the filling canister with the cap down

and squeeze.

8. Squeeze the entire contents of the canister

into the tire.

9. Remove the filling hose. 10. Screw the valve core into the tire valve with

the valve remover.

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Distributing liquid sealant Immediately drive for approx. 10 minutes, so that the liquid sealant is uniformly distributed.

Do not exceed speeds of 40 mph/ 60 km/h.

If possible, do not drop below 10 mph/ 20 km/h.<

Checking tire inflation pressure 1. After driving for approx. 10 minutes, pull

over at a suitable location.

2. Screw the hose with manometer back onto

the tire valve.

3. Check the tire inflation pressure.

The tire pressure must be at least 18 psi/130 kPa. If it is not, do not con-

tinue driving.<

If a tire pressure of at least 18 psi/130 kPa is dis- played: 1. Switch on the compressor. Correct the tire

inflation pressure to the specified value, page 94.

2. Replace the tire as soon as possible.

Driving on

Do not exceed the permitted maximum speed of 50 mph/80 km/h; doing so may

result in an accident.< Replace the defective tire as soon as possible and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal- anced. Have the MINI Mobility System refilled.

Tire change set When changing a tire, always observe the safety measures and the procedure for changing tires described below.

In case of a flat tire the tire change set is not needed due to the availability of the

MINI Mobility System.<

Changing wheels

Space-saver spare tire* To change a space-saver spare tire, proceed as follows: > Remove space-saver spare tire, page 120
> Prepare for tire change, page 121
> Jack up vehicle, page 121
> Mount space-saver spare tire, page 121
> Tighten lug bolts, page 121
> Drive with space-saver spare tire, page 120

Tire change set for a space-saver spare tire*

On vehicles with a space-saver spare tire, the tire change set with onboard tools is stored under the floor mat in the cargo bay. 1 Chock, folding 2 Hub cover remover 3 Wheel stud wrench 4 Vehicle jack 5 Special wrench for removing the space-

saver spare tire

6 Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver 7 Towing eyelet 8 Lifting handle The onboard tool kit includes a pouch with a plastic bag in which you can place the damaged wheel.

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9. Pull the space-saver spare tire underneath

the vehicle out towards the rear.

Removing the space-saver spare tire The screw connection of the space-saver spare tire is under the floor mat in the cargo bay, on the base of the storage compartment for the tire change set. 1. Unscrew the screw connection with the spe-

cial wrench.

2. Take out the cover panel.

10. Position the space-saver spare tire with the

valve facing upward.

11. Unscrew the valve extension from the valve

of the space-saver spare tire.

12. Unscrew the dust cap from the extension

and place it on the valve of the space-saver spare tire.

Due to its different dimensions, the dam- aged wheel cannot be placed in the recess

for the space-saver spare tire.<

Towing eyeDriving with the space-saver spare tire

Drive cautiously and do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. Changes may occur in vehicle handling such as lower track sta- bility during braking, longer braking distances and changes in self-steering properties when close to the handling limit. These properties are more noticeable with winter tires.<

Only one space-saver spare tire may be mounted at one time. Mount a wheel and

tire of the original size as soon as possible, to avoid any safety risks.<

Check the tire inflation pressure at the ear- liest opportunity and correct it if neces-

sary. Replace the defective tire as soon as possi- ble and have the new wheel/tire assembly balanced.<

3. Screw the lifting handle from the onboard

tool kit onto the thread.

4. Raise the lifting handle slightly. 5. Squeeze the securing spring.

6. The space-saver spare tire is released and

must be held by the lifting handle.

7. Lower the space-saver spare tire with the

lifting handle.

8. Unscrew the lifting handle.

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Preparing for a tire change

Observe the safety precautions regarding flat tires on page 117.< Additional safety measures when chang- ing tires:

Only change the tire when parked on a surface that is level, firm and not slippery. The vehicle or the jack could slip sideways on soft or slippery support surfaces, such as snow, ice, flagstones, etc. Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a support base for the jack, as this would prevent it from extending to its full support height and reduce its load-carrying capacity. Do not lie under the vehicle or start the engine when the vehicle is supported by the jack; other- wise there is a risk of fatal injury.< 1. Place the foldable chock* behind the front wheel on the other side of the vehicle or in front of the wheel if the vehicle is on an incline. If the wheel is changed on a surface with a more severe slope, take additional precautions to secure the vehicle from roll- ing.

2. Uncover the lug bolts if necessary.

If the wheel is equipped with a hub cover, pry it off using the screwdriver from the tire change kit.

3. Loosen the lug bolts by a half turn.

Jacking up the vehicle

The vehicle jack is designed for changing wheels only. Do not attempt to raise

another vehicle model with it or to raise any load of any kind. To do so could cause accidents and personal injury.<

1. Place the jack at the jacking point closest to

the wheel. The jack base must be perpendicular to the surface beneath the jacking point.

2. During jacking up, insert the jack head in the

3.

square recess of the jacking point. Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are changing is raised off the ground.

Mounting the space-saver spare tire 1. Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the

wheel.

2. Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from

the mounting surfaces of the wheel and hub. Clean the lug bolts.

3. Lift the new wheel into place. 4. Screw at least two lug bolts finger-tight into

opposite bolt holes.

5. Screw in the remaining bolts. 6. Tighten all the lug bolts firmly in a diagonal

pattern.

7. Lower the vehicle. 8. Remove the jack.

Tightening the lug bolts Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.

Immediately have the wheels checked with a calibrated torque wrench to ensure that the lug bolts are firmly seated. Otherwise, incorrectly tightened lug bolts can present a safety hazard.< Tightening torque: 103.3 lb ft or 140 Nm. Replace the defective tire as soon as possible and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal- anced.

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Vehicle battery

Fuses

Have any work on the battery, including battery replacement, 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.<

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 123.

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. Always secure the battery against tipping over during transport.<

Power failure After a temporary power loss, some equipment may not be fully functional and may require ini- tialization. Individual settings are also lost and must be reprogrammed: > Time and date

These values must be updated, page 53.

> Radio

Stations must be stored again, refer to the separate Owner's Manual for Radio.

> Glass sunroof, electric

Do not attempt to repair a blown fuse or replace it with a fuse of a different color or

Ampere rating. To do this could cause a fire in the vehicle resulting from a circuit overload. Have the fuse changed only by a MINI Dealer or a workshop that has specially trained personnel working in accordance with the specifications of the MINI manufacturer.< A fuse allocation diagram is located on the inside of the fuse box cover panels.

In the engine compartment

Opening the cover Press the latch.

In the vehicle interior

On the right side of the footwell.

It may only be possible to raise the sunroof, if applicable. The system must be initialized. Contact your nearest MINI Dealer.

Opening the cover Press out at the recess.

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Giving and receiving assistance

Roadside Assistance The Roadside Assistance service is there to assist you around the clock in the event of a breakdown, including on weekends and public holidays. 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.

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

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*

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

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

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.<

123

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.

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.

124

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.<

Tow-starting, towing away

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 113.

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 cover of the towing eye out of the recess in the bumper.

Front

Rear

Being towed

Make sure that the ignition is switched on, refer to page 37, 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, braking and steering will require increased effort. Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend- ing on local regulations.

Manual transmission Gearshift lever in neutral position.

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