2002 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Owner's Manual

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OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT COVER FOLDABLE REAR BACKRESTWhen the tailgate is opened, the luggage
compartment cover is also raised.
Never place heavy or hard objects on
the luggage compartment cover, as
otherwise occupants could be injured
during braking maneuvers.<
The warning triangle
* is located
beneath the luggage compartment
cover, see page 113.
Comply with legal requirements requiring
you to carry a hazard warning triangle in
the vehicle.<
RemovalTo load bulky luggage, the compartment
cover can be removed.
1. Remove the retaining straps on the
tailgate
2. Pull the luggage compartment cover out
towards the rear.
Unlock and fold1. Pull lever
2. Fold the rear backrest forwards.
When folding the backrest back into
its original position always ensure
that the detent engages securely. A loose
backrest might fail to prevent cargo from
entering the passenger compartment
during sudden braking or evasive maneu-
vers, posing a potential hazard to occu-
pants.<

72
LOADING CARGOStowing cargo >Load heavy cargo as far forward as
possible Ð directly behind the backrests Ð
and as low as possible
>Cover sharp edges and corners
>Do not pile objects higher than the top
edge of the backrest
>For very heavy loads when the rear seat
is not occupied, secure each safety belt in
the opposite buckle. This provides addi-
tional stabilization for the rear backrests.
Securing the load >For small, light items, secure using the
luggage compartment net
* or elastic
straps
>For large, heavy items, see your MINI
center for load-securing devices
*.
Lashing eyes are provided at the inner
corners of the luggage compartment for
attaching these load-securing devices
>Comply with the information enclosed
with the load-securing devices.

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OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
LOADING CARGO ROOF-MOUNTED LUGGAGE RACK
*
Always position and secure the load
carefully. If you do not, it can
endanger the passengers during braking
or evasive maneuvers.
Do not exceed the permissible gross weight
and axle load, see page 122, otherwise the
vehicle's operating safety is no longer
assured and you are in violation of the law.
Do not stow heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment without first
securing them. Otherwise they would be
thrown around during braking and evasive
maneuvers and endanger the occupants.<
When loading a roof-mounted
luggage rack, ensure that there is
sufficient space for the movement of the
sliding/tilt sunroof and that no objects
protrude into the swiveling area of the tail-
gate, as otherwise damage can occur.<
Do not secure the roof-mounted
luggage rack to the trim panels/
strips: the lack of a secure hold could lead
to damage or accidents.<
Special roof-mounted luggage racks
for your MINI are available as acces-
sories from your MINI center.<

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OVERVIEW
CONTROLS
OPERATION, CARE, MAINTENANCE
OWNER SERVICE PROCEDURES
INDEX TECHNICAL DATA
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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
Operation

76
BREAK-IN PROCEDURES GENERAL DRIVING NOTES To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you comply
with the following information: EngineUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Attempt to constantly vary both vehicle
and engine speed during these initial miles
while remembering to avoid engine speeds
in excess of 4,500 rpm and/or vehicle
speeds of over 95 mph (150 km/h).
Absolutely avoid using the full-throttle or
kickdown position for the accelerator.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles
(2,000 km), both the engine and vehicle
speed can be gradually increased.
You should also comply with these break-in
procedures if the engine has to be replaced
at a later point.
TiresDue to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve
their full traction potential until after an
initial break-in period. We therefore ask
you to drive with extra care during the first
200 miles (300 km).Brake systemApprox. 300 miles (500 km) must be driven
before the brake pads and rotors achieve
the optimum pad-surface and wear
patterns required for trouble-free opera-
tion and an extended service life.ClutchRoughly 300 miles (500 km) must be driven
before the clutch starts to operate at
optimum efficiency. Remember to engage
the clutch carefully during this initial
period.
Parking the vehicleCondensation forms in the air conditioner
system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed
water under the vehicle are therefore
normal.Brakes
Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. Even light but
consistent pedal pressure can lead to high
temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water can form between tires and
road surface. This phenomenon is charac-
terized by a partial or complete loss of
contact between the tires and the road
surface. The ultimate results are loss of
steering and braking control.<

77
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
GENERAL DRIVING NOTES REFUELING Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is 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.<
Clothes hooks
When suspending clothing from the
hooks, ensure that they will not
obstruct the driver's vision. Do not hang
heavy objects on the hooks. If you do so,
they could cause personal injury during
braking or evasive maneuvers.<
High temperatures
High temperatures occur in any
vehicle equipped with a catalytic
converter. Do not remove the heat protec-
tion plates fitted in the area of the exhaust
system and do not apply body-cavity
protectant to this area. When driving,
standing at idle or when parking, take
precautions to avoid contact between the
hot exhaust system and easily flammable
materials (grass, hay or leaves, for
example). Such contact could lead to a fire,
resulting in serious personal injury and
property damage.<
Always switch off the engine before
refueling. If you do not, fuel cannot
be filled into the tank and the "Service
Engine Soon" lamp may come on.<
1. Open the fuel filler door
2. Turn the filler cap counterclockwise
3. Put the filler cap in the bracket attached
to the fuel filler door.
Always observe all applicable precau-
tions and regulations when handling
fuels. Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full, these
containers can leak, cause an explosion,
and lead to fire in the event of a collision.<
Simple and environmentally friendly
Always observe all safety precautions
posted at the service station when
handling fuel.<
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling the
nozzle out of the pipe during refueling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the fuel
vapor recovery system on the pump.
As long as the filler nozzle is used properly,
the fuel tank is full whenever the nozzle
shuts off the first time.
Tank capacity: approx. 13.2 gallons
(50 liters).
Close the fuel cap carefully after
refuelling until a "click" is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze the
strap which is fastened to the filler cap.
A loose or missing cap will activate the
"Service Engine Soon" warning lamp.<
Refill early to avoid damaging the
catalytic converter; never attempt to
drive to the last drop of fuel in the tank.<

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FUEL SPECIFICATIONS ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)The engine uses lead-free gasoline only.
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI.
AKI = Anti Knock Index.
Do not use leaded fuels. The use of
leaded fuels will cause permanent
damage to the emissions-control system's
oxygen sensor and the catalytic
converter.<
The concept The ABS keeps the wheels from locking
while braking, thereby enhancing active
driving safety.
ABS also includes Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBV).Braking with ABSTo achieve optimal performance from ABS
when reacting to critical situations you
should apply maximum pressure to the
brake pedal ("panic stop").
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can nevertheless avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of
steering effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal in conjunction
with the sound of hydraulic regulation indi-
cates to you that you are driving at the limit
and reminds you to readapt your vehicle's
speed to road surface conditions.