2002 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Owner's Manual

87
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
ENGINE COMPARTMENT Ð MINI COOPER1 Reservoir for windshield washer
system 89
2 Coolant expansion tank 913 Engine oil filler neck 90
4 Battery 111
5 Brake fluid reservoir 926 Reservoir for headlamp cleaning
system 89
7 Engine oil dipstick 89

88
ENGINE COMPARTMENT Ð MINI COOPER S1 Reservoir for windshield washer
system 89
2 Coolant expansion tank 913 Engine oil filler neck 90
4 Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting 113
5 Brake fluid reservoir 926 Reservoir for headlamp cleaning
system 89
7 Engine oil dipstick 89

89
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
WASHER FLUID ENGINE OILHeadlamp* and
windshield washer systemCapacity approx. 2.6 quarts (2.5 liters) per
reservoir.
Fill with water and Ð if required Ð with anti-
freeze (according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations).
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to the
reservoir.<
Antifreeze agent for the washer
systems is flammable. Always keep it
well away from sparks and open flames,
and store it in tightly closed containers well
out of the reach of children. Always observe
the instructions for use provided on the
container.<
Measuring the oil level 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch off the warmed-up engine
3. Pull the dipstick out after approx.
5 minutes and wipe it off with a lint-free
cloth, paper towel, or similar material
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out again.
The oil level must be between the two
marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption is
directly influenced by your driving style and
vehicle operating conditions.
The oil volume between the two marks on
the dipstick ("MIN", "MAX") corresponds to
approx. 1.1 quarts (1 liter). Do not fill
beyond the upper notch on the dipstick.
Excess oil will damage the engine.

90
ENGINE OILAdding engine oil Only top up oil when the oil level has
dropped to just above the lower notch of
the dipstick, but before it goes below this
mark.
MINI engines are designed to operate
without oil additives; the use of addi-
tives could lead to damage in some cases.
This also applies to the CVT, the manual
transmission, and the differential.<
The manufacturer recommends that you
have the oil changed only at your MINI
center.
Continuous exposure to used oil has
caused cancer in laboratory testing.
For this reason, any skin areas that come
into contact with oil should be thoroughly
washed with soap and water.
Always store oil, grease, etc., out of reach of
children. Comply with all warning labels
and information on lubricant containers.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal
of used oil.<
Approved engine oilsThe quality of the engine oil selected has
critical significance for the operation and
service life of an engine. Based on extensive
testing, the manufacturer approves only
certain grades of engine oil.
You can find out from your MINI
center which individual oils have
been approved by the manufacturer. you may use small volumes of other oils
between oil changes in exceptional cases.
One of the following oil specifications must
be on the oil package:
>Preferred: BMW Longlife-01
>Alternative: BMW Longlife-98,
BMW Longlife or ACEA A3.

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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
COOLANT
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot.
Escaping coolant can cause burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later on,
never use anything other than factory-
approved, nitrite and amino-free extended-
duty antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor.
Every MINI center is aware of these.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents are
hazardous to health. Always store these
agents in tightly-closed original containers
kept well away from the reach of children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor contains the flammable
substance ethylene-glycol. For this reason,
do not spill extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor on hot engine parts. It
could catch fire and cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal
of extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor.<
The illustration shows an example of the
coolant tank on the MINI COOPER.Checking coolant level Correct coolant level for cold engine
(approx. 68 7/20 6):
Up to the mark "MAX" of the transparent
expansion tank.
Only open the cap of the expansion
tank when the engine has cooled
down. The needle on the coolant tempera-
ture gauge in the instrument cluster must
be no higher than in the first quarter,
otherwise there is a danger of scalding.<
To add coolantMINI COOPER:
1. Slowly open the cap by turning it with
the tab to allow accumulated pressure
toescape.
2. Pull open the cap completely.
3. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached Ð do not
overfill.
MINI COOPER S:
1. Open the cap by turning it slightly coun-
terclockwise to allow accumulated pres-
sure to escape.
2. Unscrew the cap completely and open.
3. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached Ð do not
overfill.
The coolant consists of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. The mixing ratio of 50 to 50 must
be maintained all the year round due to the
required corrosion resistance. No other
additives are required.
Replace the coolant every 4 years.

92
BRAKE FLUIDWarning lamp
If the brake warning lamp comes
on with the parking brake released:
The brake fluid level is too low, see
page 15.
Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Adding brake fluidTo add brake fluid or to determine and
correct the cause of brake fluid loss, consult
your MINI center. Your MINI center is
familiar with the specifications for factory-
approved brake fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. If this occurs, refer to
the information on page 79.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is, it
absorbs moisture from the air over
time.
In order to ensure the brake system's
safety and reliability, have the brake fluid
changed every two years by a MINI center,
see also page 57 and the Service and
Warranty Information Booklet (US models)/
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Cana-
dian models). Brake fluid is toxic and also
damages vehicle paintwork. Always store
brake fluid in tightly-closed original
containers kept well away from the reach
of children.
Do not spill the brake fluid and do not fill
the brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and cause
serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal
of brake fluid.<

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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
MINI MAINTENANCE SYSTEMThe MINI Maintenance System has been
designed as a reliable means of providing
maximum driving and operating safety Ð
and as cost-effectively as possible for you.
Please bear in mind that regular mainte-
nance is not only necessary for the safety
of your vehicle, but also plays a significant
role in maintaining the resale value of the
vehicle.
Service Interval DisplayWhile conventional systems specify main-
tenance according to rigid distances driven,
the MINI Maintenance System takes
account of the operating conditions of the
vehicle, for distances can be driven in many
different ways:
From the point of view of maintenance,
60.000 miles (100 .000 km) of short-
distance driving cannot be regarded in the
same way as 60.000 miles (100 .000 km) of
long-distance highway travel.
The condition-based MINI Maintenance
System includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual use of the vehicle
covers every kind of operating situation.
People who drive very little Ð much less
than 6 .000 miles (10.000 km) per year Ð
should have the engine oil changed at least
every 2 years since oil deteriorates over
time, regardless of use.
For more information on the Service
Interval Display, see page 57.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models) For additional information on maintenance
intervals and procedures, please refer to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
As a precaution against rust, it is advisable
to have the body checked for damage from
rocks or gravel at the same time, depending
upon operating conditions.
Have your vehicle's maintenance
and repairs performed at your MINI
center.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Cana-
dian models). These entries are your proof
that the vehicle has received regular main-
tenance. They are also a requirement for
warranty claims.<

94
CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLESuitable car-care products
Use the cleaning and car-care prod-
ucts available at your MINI center.<
Washing your vehicle You can wash your new MINI from the
outset in automatic car washes, though
you should use brushless car washes.
When using steam jets or high-pres-
sure washers, ensure that you keep
the jets sufficiently far away from the
vehicle. If the jet is too close or the pressure
is too high, this can lead to damage or
initial damage that can develop into more
serious damage. Water that enters vehicle
components 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, see page 51. Failure to do so could
result in damage caused by undesired
wiper activation.<
Rod antenna
If necessary, before entering a car
wash or garage with elevator ramp
for example, remove the rod antenna. To
do so, grip the rod antenna at the base and
unscrew it from the antenna foot by
turning it to the left.<
Headlamps
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following: do not
clean by wiping with a dry cloth (scratches).
Never use abrasives or strong solvents to
clean the covers. Remove dirt and contami-
nation (such as insects) by soaking with
shampoo and then rinsing with plenty of
water. Always use a deicer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow Ð never use a
scraper.<
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
paintwork. Please base the frequency and
scope of car care on these various influ-
ences.
Care of upholstery Depressions that come about on the uphol-
stery 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 in
the case of home textiles or clothing mate-
rials.
In the case of strong sunlight and longer
parking periods, cover the seats or all
windows to prevent discoloration.Care of special parts >Light-alloy wheels:
Use wheel cleaner especially during the
winter months, but do not use any
aggressive, acidic, strong alkali or rough
cleansers or steam jets above 140 7
(60 6) (observe the manufacturer's
operating instructions)
>Chrome parts
* such as cooler grille, door
handles, etc.:
Especially if exposed to road salt, care-
fully clean these parts with plenty of
water and possibly with a shampoo addi-
tive. For additional treatment, use
chrome polish