CONTENTS
2
© 2003 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the
written consent of BMW AG, Munich.
Order No. 01 41 0 157 644
US English VIII/03
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper,
bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling.
NOTES
About this Owner's Manual6
Symbols used6
Your individual vehicle6
Editorial notice7
For your own safety7
Symbol on vehicle parts8
Service and warranty8
Reporting safety defects9
OVERVIEW
Cockpit12
Display elements13
Display elements with navigation
system14
Indicator and warning lamps15
Multifunction steering wheels18
CONTROLS
Opening and closing:
Keys22
Central locking system23
Opening and closing: from outside23
Opening and closing: from inside26
Tailgate27
Electric power windows28
Glass sunroof, electric29
Roller sun blind30
Adjustments:
Safe seating position31
Seat adjustment32
Head restraints33
Entry to the rear34
Safety belts35
Seat heating35
Steering wheel36
Mirrors36
Vehicle Memory37
Transporting children safely38
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15
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPS
Technology that monitors itself
The system runs a check on the indicator
and warning lamps marked by
+
each time
you switch on the ignition. They each light
up once for different periods of time.
If a malfunction should occur in one of
these systems, the corresponding lamp
does not go out after the engine is started
or it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see below the correct way to react
to this.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current
+
The battery is no longer being
charged. Indicates a defective alter-
nator drive belt or a problem with the
charge circuit. Please contact the nearest
MINI Dealer.
If this lamp lights up, the power-assist for
steering can be deactivated.
If the drive belt is defective, do not
continue driving. The engine could be
damaged due to overheating. When the
power-assist is deactivated, increased
steering effort is required.
<
Engine oil pressure
+
Stop immediately. Switch off
engine. Check the engine oil and fill
as needed. Please contact the nearest MINI
Dealer.
Do not continue driving; otherwise,
the engine could be damaged
because of inadequate lubrication.
<
Brake warning lamp
+
Lights up although parking brake is
released: check the brake fluid
level. Before driving further, be sure to
comply with the information on pages 86
and 101.
Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models.
With navigation system option:
Coolant temperature warning
lamp in the speedometer
+
Lights up while driving:
Engine is too hot. Switch off the engine
immediately and allow to cool down, also
refer to page 55.
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99
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.
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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129
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
TOWINGTow-startingIt is not possible to start the engine of a
vehicle equipped with an automatic trans-
mission by towing or pushing.
For instructions on jump starting, refer to
page 126.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to push
another car, since damage to the energy-
absorbing bumpers could result.Towing a vehicle
Only tow vehicles with Continuously
Variable automatic Transmission
(CVT) with the front wheels raised or on a
special transport vehicle, otherwise the
transmission can be damaged.<
1. Place gear selector lever in neutral or idle
2. Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph / 70 km/h
3. Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles / 150 km
4. Leave the ignition key at position 1 to
ensure that the brake lamps, turn sig-
nals, horn and windshield wipers remain
operative, and to prevent the steering
lock detent from engaging
5. Switch on the hazard-warning system,
observe country-specific regulations.
Find some means of identifying the vehicle
in tow, for instance, by turning on the haz-
ard warning flashers.
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even when the
electrical system has failed to prevent the
steering lock from engaging.
The steering and brakes are without power
assist when the engine is off. This means
that increased effort is required for steer-
ing and braking.<
Towing with a commercial tow truck>Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use a wheel-lift or flatbed carrier
>Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in a
towed vehicle for any reason.<
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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
140
Control elements, refer to
Cockpit 12
Convenience operation
from outside 24, 25
glass sunroof, electric 29
window 28
Coolant 100
indicator lamp 15
level 100
temperature 55
Coolant temperature gauge 55
Cooling system, refer to
Capacities 135
Cooling, refer to Air
conditioning 68, 71
Copyright 2
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 61
warning lamp 16
Cosmetic mirror, refer to
Illuminated vanity mirror 36
Cruise control 52
indicator lamp 17
multifunction steering
wheel 18
sports steering wheel 18
Cup holders, refer to Beverage
holders 74
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 134 Current fuel consumption
setting units 58
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 132
D
Daily odometer, refer to Trip
odometer 54
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 49
Data, technical
dimensions 133
engine data 132
weights 134
Date of the Owner's Manual 7
Daytime driving lamps 48
Deep water, refer to Water on
roadways 83
Defrost setting, refer to
Defrosting and demisting
windows 69, 72
Defrosting and demisting
windows
air conditioning system 69
automatic climate control 72
Defrosting windows 69, 72
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 71
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting and demisting
windows 69, 72 Demisting windows 69, 72
Digital clock 56
Dimensions 133
Dimming interior rearview
mirror 37
Dipstick, engine oil 98
Directional turn signal,
refer to Turn signal
indicators 49
Disc brakes 86
Displacement, refer to Engine
data 132
Display elements 13
with navigation system 14
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 49
Disposal
oil 99
remote control battery 22
vehicle battery 124
Distance covered, refer to
Odometer 54
Door keys 24
Door lock 25
Doors, locking and unlocking
from inside 26
from outside 24
DOT quality grades 89
Draft-free ventilation 69, 72
Drink holders, refer to Beverage
holders 74 Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 48
Driving notes 83
break-in procedures 82
Driving stability control 59, 60
Dry air, refer to Air
conditioning 68, 71
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 60
indicator lamp 16
DVD changer, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 60
indicator lamp 16
Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 60
E
Easy entry to the rear 34
EBD Electronic Brake Force
Distribution 61
indicator lamp 16
Electric glass sunroof 29
Electric power windows 28
initializing 28
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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
144
Multifunction sports steering
wheel 19
Multifunction steering
wheel 18
Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/
headlamp flasher 49
washer/wiper system 50
N
Navigation system, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Neck restraints, refer to Head
restraints 33
New tires 92
Non-smoker's equipment
package, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket 74
Nylon rope 128
O
OBD interface socket 106
Octane number, refer to Fuel
quality 85
Odometer 54
Oil 56
Oil change intervals, refer to
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil consumption 99
Oil filter change 135
Oil level 98
indicator/warning lamp 15
Oil level, measuring 98
Oil pressure
indicator/warning lamp 15
Oil, refer to Engine oil
alternative oils 99
capacity 135
dipstick 98
indicator/warning lamp 15
recommended oils 99
Onboard computer 57
Onboard tool kit 110
MINI Mobility System 121
space-saver spare tire 117
Opening and closing
from inside 26
from outside 23
via remote control 23
via the door lock 25
Outlets, refer to
Ventilation 67, 70
Outside temperature
display 57
changing units 57
in the onboard computer 57 P
Paintwork care, refer to Vehicle
paintwork 103
Park Distance Control (PDC) 64
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control (PDC) 64
Parking brake 43
warning lamp 16
Parking lamps 48
bulb replacement 112
Parking lamps/Low beams 48
Parking lock, refer to
Transmission lock 46
Parking the vehicle 83
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle 6
PDC Park Distance Control 64
Pinch protection
glass sunroof, electric 30
Plastic 104
Pollen, refer to
Microfilter 69
Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter 72
Power output, refer to Engine
data 132
Power supply, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket 74
Power windows 28
Pressure monitor, tires
Flat Tire Monitor 62 Pressure, tires 87
production using MINI
Mobility System 122
Pumping in liquid sealant 122
Q
Quality grades, refer to
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 89
R
Radiator, refer to Coolant 100
Radio, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Rain sensor 50
Range 58
Reading lamps 50
bulb replacement 115
Rear backrests
folding 75
Rear fog lamp 49
bulb replacement 113
indicator lamp 49
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps 113
bulb replacement 113, 114
Rear seats
adjusting head restraints 33
Rear shelf, refer to Cargo area
cover 75
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