2002 MINI Hardtop 2 Door service

83
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
TIRE REPLACEMENT To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread
configuration from a single manufacturer.
The manufacturer of your MINI tests and
approves wheel and tire combinations.
Do not use retreaded tires, since
driving safety may be impaired. This
is due to the possible variations in casing
structures and, in some cases, to their
extreme age, which can lead to a decrease
in their durability. Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.< Tread wearThe tread wear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear
one and one-half (1 g) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.TractionThe traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
The traction grade assigned to this
tire is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.< TemperatureThe temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C, representing the tire's resistance
to the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature
can lead to a sudden flat tire. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Car Safety Stan-
dard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the labora-
tory test wheel than the minimum required
by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading,
either separately or in combination, can
cause heat buildup and possible tire
failure.< Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Tread wear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A

85
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
WINTER TIRESSNOW CHAINS
*
Choosing the right tire
The manufacturer recommends winter
tires (M+S radial tires) for driving in adverse
winter road conditions. While so-called all-
season tires (M+S designation) provide
better winter traction than summer tires
with the load ratings S, T, H, V, W, they do
not achieve the performance of winter
tires.
In the interest of safe tracking and steering
response, install winter tires made by the
same manufacturer having the same tread
configuration on all four wheels.
Before purchasing winter tires, check
whether your MINI is fitted with safety
tires. You will recognize safety tires by a
circular symbol containing the letters RSC
on the side of the tire, see page 110. In this
case, use only safety tires, as in the event of
a flat tire there is no space-saver spare tire.
Only winter tires recommended by the
manufacturer of your MINI should be
fitted. Any MINI center will be glad to
advise you on the selection of the right
winter tires for the relevant operating
conditions.
Observing speeds
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and acci-
dents.
Have this work performed by skilled profes-
sionals only. Your MINI center will be glad
to assist you with both their expertise and
the proper equipment for your vehicle.<
Tire condition, tire inflation pressure
Once the tire wears to below 0.16 in
(4 mm), winter tires display a percep-
tible decrease in their ability to cope with
winter driving conditions, and should be
replaced in the interest of safety.<
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures and be sure to have the wheel
and tire assemblies balanced every time
you change the tires.
The use of narrow-link snow chains is
permitted in pairs only and only on
the front wheels with the following tires:
175/65 R 15
175/60 R 16
When fitting, comply with the manufac-
turer's instructions.<
With chains, do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph (50 km/h).<
After fitting the snow chains, do not
activate the Flat Tire Monitor.
When driving with snow chains, it can be
helpful to switch off the ASC+T or DSC for
a brief period, see pages 60, 61.<

86
HOOD
Do not attempt to service your
vehicle if you do not have the
required technical background. Before
working in the engine compartment,
switch off the engine and allow it to cool
down. Before working on the electrical
system, always disconnect the battery first.
For all work on the vehicle, comply with the
appropriate information and instructions.
Failure to work in an informed, professional
manner when servicing components and
materials constitutes a safety hazard
for vehicle occupants and other road users.
If you are not familiar with the guidelines,
please have the operations performed by
your MINI center.<
To unlock Pull the lever in the right door area beneath
the instrument panel.
To open1. Reach under the hood
2. Pull the release lever
3. Open the hood.To closeAllow the hood to fall from a height of
about 12 in (30 cm).
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the hood is clear when
it is closed, as with all closing procedures.
If it is determined that the hood is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely, see also
page 16.<

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.

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.<

93
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.<

OVERVIEW
CONTROLS
OPERATION, CARE, MAINTENANCE
OWNER SERVICE PROCEDURES
INDEX TECHNICAL DATA
99
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Repairs

101
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
LAMPS AND BULBSProceed carefully when handling lamps and
bulbs. If you are not familiar with any of
the procedures, consult your MINI center.
Do not touch the glass portion of
a new bulb with your bare hands
since even small amounts of impurities
burn into the surface and reduce the
service life of the bulb. Use a clean cloth,
paper napkin, or a similar material, or hold
the bulb by its metallic base.<
Replacement bulbs are available from your
MINI center.
Whenever working on the electrical
system, switch off the electrical
accessory you are working on or disconnect
the cable from the negative terminal of the
battery. Failure to do this could result in
short circuits.
To prevent injuries and damage, comply
with any instructions provided by the bulb
manufacturer.<
1 Low beams H7 bulb, 55 Watts2 High beamsH7 bulb, 55 Watts
The H7 bulb is pressurized. Therefore,
wear safety glasses and protective
gloves. Failure to observe these precautions
can result in physical injury if the bulb
breaks.<
1. Pull off the cover panel of the corre-
sponding lamp
2. Press the securing wire outwards
3. Fold the securing wire downwards
4. Remove and replace the bulb.
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.<
Xenon lamps* The service life of these bulbs is very long
and the probability of a failure is very low,
provided that they are not switched on and
off an unusual number of times. If one of
these bulbs should nevertheless fail, it is
possible to continue driving with great
caution using the fog lamps, provided
traffic laws in your area do not prohibit
this.
Because of the extremely high volt-
ages involved, any work on the xenon
lighting system should be carried out by
technically-qualified personnel only. Other-
wise, there is a risk of fatal injury.<