
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.<

78
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.

84
TIRE REPLACEMENT WHEEL AND TIRE COMBINATIONS Tire age The date on which the tire was manufac-
tured is indicated by the code on the side-
wall:
DOT ... 1202 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in Week 12 of the year 2002.
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends replacement of all tires Ð including
the space-saver spare tire, after no more
than 6 years. Safety (run-flat) tires*
For replacement, use only safety tires,
as in the event of a flat tire there is no
space-saver spare tire.
You will recognize safety tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the
side of the tire, see pages 110, 80.<
The right choiceThe factory-approved normal tires and
safety tires are matched to the vehicle and
have been selected to provide optimum
driving safety and the desired driving
comfort.
Never mount wheels and tires that
have not been specifically approved
by the manufacturer for use on your partic-
ular model. Although other wheels and
tires may theoretically have the same
dimensions, variations in factors such as
manufacturing tolerances can result in
contact between tire and bodywork, ulti-
mately leading to serious accidents. The
manufacturer cannot evaluate non-
approved wheels and tires to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of the
vehicle if they are fitted.<
The manufacturer has tested certain tire
brands in each size, categorized them as
safe for use on the road, and approved
them. Contact your MINI center for more
details.
The correct wheel and tire combina-
tion affects various systems that
would otherwise be impaired, e.g. ABS,
ASC+T and DSC.
For this reason, use only tires of the same
manufacture and tread configuration. In
the event of a flat tire, for example,
remount the approved wheel and tire
combination as soon as possible.<
StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place, protecting
them against light whenever possible.
Protect the tires against contact with oil,
grease and fuel.Tire changes between axlesDepending on individual operating condi-
tions, different wear patterns appear on
the front and rear axles. In the interests of
safety and optimized handling characteris-
tics, a change between the axles is not
recommended.

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.<

111
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
BATTERYLocation in the MINI COOPERThe battery is located in the engine
compartment.
Exact location, see page 87.Location in the MINI COOPER SThe battery is located in the luggage
compartment under the floor mat.
Battery careThe battery is absolutely maintenance-free,
that is, the original electrolyte will normally
last for the service life of the battery under
moderate climatic conditions.
For all questions regarding the
battery, please consult your MINI
center.
with the engine switched off, see "Jump-
starting" on page 113.
Whenever working on the electrical
system, disconnect the cable from
the negative terminal of the battery.
Failure to do this could result in fire hazards
or injury due to short circuits.<
Return used batteries to a recycling
point or your MINI center. Maintain
the battery in an upright position for trans-
port and storage. Secure the battery to
prevent it from tilting during transport.<

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
128A
ABS (Antilock Brake
System) 16,
17,
78
Activated-charcoal filter 69
Adjusting
backrest 33
seats 31
steering wheel 35
thigh support 33
Air conditioner operation 65
automatic climate
control 68
Air conditioner system 64
Air distribution
air conditioner system 65
automatic climate
control 68,
69
Air pressure 80
Air recirculation 65,
68
Air supply
air conditioner system 65
automatic climate
control 69
Air vents 66,
69
Air, dry 65, 68
Airbags 16, 31,
37
All-season tires 85
Antenna 94 Antifreeze 91
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 16,
17,
78
Aquaplaning 76
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus
Traction) 16, 17,
60
Ashtray 70
Automatic air distribution 68
Automatic air supply 68
Automatic car wash 94
Automatic cruise control 53
Automatic dimming of interior
rearview mirror 37
Automatic program, see
Automatic air
distribution 68
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction
(ASC+T) 16,
17,
60
Average fuel consumption 59
Average speed 59
Axle loads 122
B
Backrest, adjusting 33
Backup lamps 45
bulb replacement 103
Bar, towing 115
Battery 111,
113,
114,
124
capacity 124
charge current 15
charging 111
maintenance 111
Battery changing
remote control 22
Battery, remote control 22
Beverage holder 70
Blower 65,
69
BMW 6
Bore 120
Brake 16
Brake fluid change 57
Brake fluid level 15,
79,
92
Brake hydraulic system 15
Brake lamp
bulb replacement 103
Brake pads 76,
79
Brake rotors 76
Brake system 76, 79
brake fluid 92
Brakes 79 Break-in procedure 76
Breaking in the vehicle 76
Bridging 113,
114
Bulb replacement 101
backup lamps 103
brake lamp, third 104
footwell lamps 105
front fog lamps 102
front turn signal
indicators 102
glove compartment
lamp 105
high beams 101
interior lamps 104
license plate lamp 104
low beams 101
luggage compartment
lamps 105
parking lamps 102
rear lamps 103
side turn signal
indicators 102
standing lamps 102
tail lamps 103
vanity mirror 105
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