2003 MINI COOPER engine

95
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
ENGINE OILThe oil volume between the two notches –
MIN, MAX – on the dipstick corresponds to
approx. 1.1 quarts / 1 liter. Do not fill
beyond the upper notch on the dipstick.
Excess oil will damage the engine.
Adding engine oil
Only top up oil when the oil level has
dropped to just above the lower
notch of the dipstick. However, never allow
the level to drop below the lower notch.<
MINI engines are designed to operate
without oil additives; the use of addi-
tives could lead to damage in some cases.
That is also valid for the Continuously Vari-
able automatic Transmission (CVT), the
gear box and the power assisted steering.<
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends that you have the oil changed at
your MINI Dealer.
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.<
Specified 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 of your MINI
approves only certain grades of engine oil.
Use only approved MINI High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain MINI High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil, you can add small
amounts of synthetic oil in between oil
changes. Only use oils with the API SH spec-
ification or higher.
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ENGINE OIL COOLANT
Ask your authorized MINI Dealer for
details concerning the specific MINI
High Performance Synthetic Oil or syn-
thetic oils which have been approved.<
ViscositiesViscosity is the oilflow rating as established
in SAE classes.
The choice of the proper SAE class depends
on the climatic conditions in the area
where your MINI is used.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils can be used at all ambient tem-
peratures.
Do not add coolant to the cooling sys-
tem when the engine is hot. Escaping
coolant can cause burns.
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.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents are
flammable. Therefore, do not spill them
over hot engine parts; otherwise they may
ignite and cause burns. Always observe the
instructions for use provided on the con-
tainers.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal
of antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents.<
The illustration shows as an example the
coolant tank on the MINI COOPER.Checking coolant levelCorrect coolant level with cold engine –
approx. 68 7 / 20 6:
Up to the MAX mark 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, oth-
erwise there is a danger of scalding.<
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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
COOLANT BRAKE FLUIDTo add coolant

MINI COOPER:
1. Slowly open the cap by pulling at the tab
to allow accumulated pressure to
escape.
2. Pull open the cap completely.
3. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached – 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 and open the cap completely.
3. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached – do not
overfill.
The coolant is made up of water and an
antifreeze with corrosion resistance. The
mixture ratio of 50 to 50 must be kept the
entire year due to the required anti-corro-
sion property. No other additives are
required.
Replace the coolant every three years.
Warning 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 cor-
rect the cause of brake fluid loss, consult
your MINI Dealer. Your MINI Dealer is famil-
iar 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 84.
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 Dealer,
see also the Service and Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet for US models or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian
models. Brake fluid is toxic and also dam-
ages 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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98
MINI MAINTENANCE SYSTEMThe MINI Maintenance System has been
designed as a reliable means of providing
maximum driving and operating safety –
and as cost-effective for you as possible.
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 fixed distances
driven, the MINI Maintenance System takes
account of the operating conditions of the
vehicle, for distances can be driven in many
different ways:
60,000 miles / 100,000 km short distance
operation can not be equated with
60,000 miles / 100,000 km long distance
operation from a maintenance standpoint.
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 – much less
than 6,000 miles / 10,000 km per year –
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 inter-
val display, see page 60.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian
models For additional information on maintenance
intervals and procedures, please refer to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models or the Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for 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
Dealer. Be sure that all maintenance work
is confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models. These entries are your
proof that the vehicle has received regular
maintenance. They are also a requirement
for warranty claims.<
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102
OBD SOCKET The interface socket for onboard diagnos-
tics is located on the driver's side, behind a
cover located beneath the instrument
panel. The cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to ensure
proper operation of the emission control
system for the vehicle‘s lifetime. The sys-
tem monitors emission-related compo-
nents for deterioration and malfunction.
An illuminated lamp informs you of
the need for service, not of the
need to stop the vehicle.
However, the system should be checked by
your MINI Dealer at the earliest possible
opportunity.
Under certain conditions, the indicator will
blink or flash. This indicates a rather severe
level of engine misfire. When this occurs,
you should reduce speed and consult the
nearest MINI Dealer as soon as possible.
Severe engine misfire over only a short
period of time can seriously damage emis-
sion control components, especially the
catalytic converter.
Service Engine Soon warning lamp
for Canadian models.
When the filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can detect
the vapor leak and the indicator will light
up. If the filler cap is subsequently tight-
ened, the indicator lamp should go out
within a few days.<
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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
TECHNICAL MODIFICATIONS CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNINGAny MINI Dealer will be glad to inform you
of the advisability, legal regulations and
factory recommendations for technical
modifications to the vehicle.
To do so, they require the vehicle identifica-
tion number from your vehicle documents.California laws require us to state the fol-
lowing warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its constitu-
ents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects and reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and cer-
tain products of component wear contain
or emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
have caused cancer in laboratory animals.
Always protect your skin by washing thor-
oughly with soap and water.<
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107
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 Dealer.
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
similar material, or hold the bulb by its
metallic base.<
Replacement bulbs are available from your
MINI Dealer.
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.<
1Low beams H7 bulb, 55 Watts2High beamsH7 bulb, 55 Watts
The H7 bulb is pressurized. Therefore,
wear safety glasses and protective
gloves. If the lamp is damaged there is a
risk of injury. MINI engine bonnet.
1. Pull on the tab of the cover of the defec-
tive lamp and open it
2. Press the retaining wire lightly at the
eyelet and at the same time guide it out-
wards
3. Fold the retaining wire down
4. Remove the lamp holder and replace the
lamp
5. Reinsert the lamp holder in the correct
position
6. Fold the retaining wire back up and
catch in place. Ensure that it is placed in
the middle of the wire connector.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 cau-
tion 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.<
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REPAIRING A FLAT TIRE CHANGING TIRES – MINI WITH SPACE-SAVER SPARE TIRE
*
Safety measures in the event of a flat
tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Switch on the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead wheel position and engage the
steering lock. Engage the parking brake and
shift into 1st or reverse gear – selector lever
in P.
All passengers should be outside the vehi-
cle and well away from your immediate
working area – behind a guardrail, for
instance.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on the
roadside at an appropriate distance from
the rear of the vehicle. Comply with all
safety guidelines and regulations.<
In the event of a flat tire, different proce-
dures should be followed depending on the
equipment included in your MINI:
>Vehicles with space-saver spare tire, see
the next chapter
>Vehicles with Run Flat tires, see page 116
>Vehicles with MINI Mobility System, see
page 118.
Additional safety measures in the
event of a wheel change:
Change the wheel only on a level, firm sur-
face which is not slippery.
Avoid jacking the vehicle on a soft or slip-
pery support surface – on snow, ice, loose
gravel, etc. – as either the vehicle or the
jack could slip sideways.
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 capac-
ity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported by
the jack – risk of fatal injury.<
To change a space-saver tire, proceed as
follows:
>Remove the space-saver spare tire, see
page 113
>Prepare the vehicle, see page 114
>Jack up the vehicle, see page 114
>Fit the space-saver spare tire, see
page 115
>Tighten the lug bolts, see page 115
>Drive with space-saver spare tire, see
page 115.
Tire change setOn vehicles with a space-saver spare tire,
the tire change set is stored in the cargo
area under the floor mat.
1Chock, folding
2Hubcap remover
3Wheel stud wrench
4Jack
5Spanner
6Tow fitting
7Lifting handle
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