2004 MINI COOPER engine

84
REFUELING
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 gas cap counterclockwise
3. Put the gas 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.<
Unlocking manually In the event of an electrical malfunction,
the gas cap can be unlocked manually.
1. Remove the side trim panel on the left-
hand side of the cargo area.
Remove the first aid pouch
2. Pull the white lever toward the rear.
The central locking system releases the
gas cap
3. Open the fuel filler door.
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
>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.
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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
REFUELING FUEL SPECIFICATIONS Close the tank1. Put on gas cap
2. Turn gas cap clockwise until it clicks
3. Close fuel filler door.
Fuel tank capacity:
Approx. 13.2 gallons / 50 liters, of which
approx. 2.1 gallons / 8 liters are reserve
capacity.
Close the gas cap carefully after refu-
elling until a click is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze the
strap which is fastened to the cap.
US models only:
A loose or missing cap will activate the
message CHECK GAS CAP in the Check Con-
trol
* or the Check Gas Cap lamp
*.<
Do not drive until the fuel tank is
totally empty. Otherwise engine
operations are not guaranteed and damage
could occur.<
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 con-
verter.<
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86
BRAKE SYSTEMBrake fluid levelIf the brake fluid level is too low and brake
pedal travel has become longer, there may
be a defect in one of the brake system's
hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest MINI Dealer.
Higher brake application pressure
may be necessary under these conditions,
there may be a slight pull to one side, and
brake pedal travel may be longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly. ally, during extended periods when the
vehicle is not used at all, and in operating
conditions where brake applications are
less frequent, there is an increased ten-
dency for corrosion of the brake rotors and
accumulation of contamination on the
brake pads. This occurs because the mini-
mal pressure that must be exerted by the
pads to clean the rotors by brake applica-
tions is not reached.
Corrosion on brake rotors is signaled by a
running or pulsation during braking; even
extended subsequent braking will not cure
this phenomenon.
It is a good idea to periodically dry the
brakes with a gentle application when driv-
ing in rain and on wet roads. Monitor traffic
conditions to ensure that this maneuver
does not endanger other road users. The
resulting heat dries the brake rotor and the
brake pads. Then if braking effect is
needed, it is immediately available.
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear or in the driv-
ing position in which only minimal periodic
brake application is required. This helps
avoid placing excessive loads on the brake
system. Stay within the allowable speed
range, refer to page 54.
Do not coast with the clutch pressed
or with the transmission or selector
lever in Neutral. Do not coast with the
engine switched off. The engine provides
no braking effect when the transmission is
in Neutral, and there is no power-assist for
braking when the engine is switched off.<
Brake padsBrake pad sensors in the left brake pads of
the front axle and in the right brake pads of
the rear axle monitor the brake pad condi-
tion. When the brake pads reach the wear
limit, the brake wear warning lights up,
refer to page 16.
For your own safety: use brake pads
which the manufacturer of your MINI
has approved for your particular vehicle
model. The manufacturer of your MINI can-
not evaluate non-approved brake pads to
determine if they are suitable for use, and
therefore cannot ensure the operating
safety of the vehicle in the event of their
use.<
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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
BONNET
Do not attempt to service your vehi-
cle 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. If you are not
familiar with the guidelines, the manufac-
turer of your MINI recommends that you
have the service work performed by your
MINI Dealer. Otherwise, work improperly
carried out on the parts and components
can pose a safety hazard for vehicle occu-
pants and other road users.<
To unlockPull the lever in the right door area beneath
the instrument panel.
To open1. Reach under the bonnet
2. Pull the release lever
3. Open the bonnet.To closeAllow the bonnet to fall from a height of
approx. 1 ft / 30 cm.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the bonnet is clear
when it is closed, as with all closing proce-
dures.
If it is determined that the bonnet is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely, also refer
to page 16.<
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96
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: MINI COOPER1Reservoir for windshield washer
system98
2Coolant expansion tank1003Engine oil filler neck99
4Battery124
5Brake fluid reservoir1016Reservoir for headlamp cleaning
system98
7Engine oil dipstick98
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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: MINI COOPER S1Reservoir for windshield washer
system98
2Coolant expansion tank1003Engine oil filler neck99
4Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting126
5Brake fluid reservoir1016Reservoir for headlamp cleaning
system98
7Engine oil dipstick98
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98
WASHER FLUID ENGINE OILHeadlamp* and windshield washer
system The capacity of the headlamp washer sys-
tem is approx. 2.6 quarts / 2.5 liters, that of
the windshield washer system approx.
2.1 quarts / 2.0 liters.
Fill with water and, if required, 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 sys-
tems 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 instruc-
tions for use provided on the container.<
The illustration shows as an example the
dipstick of the MINI COOPER.Measuring the oil level1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating temperature
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 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.
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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
ENGINE OILAdding 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. 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.
Ask your authorized MINI Dealer for
details concerning the specific MINI
High Performance Synthetic Oil or syn-
thetic oils which have been approved.<
Viscosities Viscosity 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.
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