65
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
AIRBAGS1Side airbags in seatback on the driver
and passenger side: front
2Head airbags on the driver and passenger
sides for both rows of seats: front/rear
3Front airbags on the driver and passen-
ger sidesProtective effectThe front airbags supplement the safety belts
by providing additional protection for the
driver and front passenger in the event of a
frontal collision in which the protection
afforded by the belts alone may no longer be
sufficient.
When needed, the head and side airbags help
to furnish protection in the event of side
impact.
Each of the side airbags is designed to help
support the seat occupant's upper body.
The airbags are designed to not be trig-
gered in certain types of collisions, e.g. in
minor accidents, certain kinds of vehicle
rollover and rear impact.
For information on the ideal seating position,
refer to page 31.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them
or modify them in any other way. Do not fit
covers, cushions or other items to the front
seats that have not been specially approved
for seats with side airbags. Do not hang cloth-
ing, e. g. jackets, over the backrests.
Do not attempt to remove the airbag
restraint system from the vehicle. Do not
make any changes yourself to the individual
components and wiring. This includes the
padded covers of the steering wheel, instru-
ment panel and roof supports, as well as the
sides of the roofliner and the original back-
rest covers on the front seats. Do not attempt
to remove or dismantle the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components
directly after the system has been triggered,
as otherwise there is a danger of burns. In the
event of malfunctions, immobilization or use,
i.e. triggering, of the airbag restraint system
in accordance with its intended function,
please commission a MINI Dealer with the
inspection, repair or disassembly. Unprofes-
sional attempts to service the system could
lead to failure in an emergency or undesired
airbag activation, either of which could result
in personal injury. In view of the applicable
safety regulations, please arrange for your
MINI Dealer to dispose of the airbag genera-
tors.<
Airbag warning information is also pro-
vided on the sun visors.Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the display
elements shows the status of the
entire airbag system and the seat
belt tensioners starting from ignition key
position 1.
System operational:
>The indicator lamp comes on briefly.
System malfunction:
>The indicator lamp does not come on
starting from ignition key position 1
>The indicator lamp stays lit
>The indicator lamp lights up while driving.
77
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
LOADING CARGOStowing cargo >Place heavy cargo as far forward as possi-
ble, directly behind the backrests, and as
low as possible
>Cover sharp edges and corners
>Do not pile objects higher than the top
edge of the backrest
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat
is unoccupied, fasten each safety belt in
the opposite buckle. This provides addi-
tional stabilization for the rear backrests.
Securing the load >Secure smaller and lighter items using
the cargo area net
* or elastic straps
>For large, heavy items, see your MINI
Dealer for load-securing devices
*. Lash-
ing eyes are provided at the inner corners
of the cargo area for attaching these
load-securing devices.
Comply with the information enclosed
with the load-securing devices.
89
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
TIRE CODINGKnowing the tire code on the tire's sidewall
makes it easier for you to choose and iden-
tify the correct tires.Tire sizee.g. 205/45 R 17 84 V
Nominal width in mm
Cross-sectional
ratio in %
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load index,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter,
in front of the R on ZR tires
Speed code letters:
Q= bis 105 mph / 160 km/h
T= up to 118 mph / 190 km/h
H= up to 131 mph / 210 km/h
V= up to 150 mph / 240 km/h
W= up to 167 mph / 270 km/hTire Identification NumberTires with DOT codes meet the guidelines
of the U.S. Department of Transportation. DOT code:
e.g. DOT xxxx xxx 3603
Manufacturer's code
for tire make
Tire size and
tire version
Tire age
Tire ageThe manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends replacing all tires, including the
space-saver spare tire, regardless of actual
wear, after 6 years at the latest.
The date on which the tire was manufac-
tured is indicated by the code on the side-
wall:
DOT … 3603 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in Week 36 of the year 2003.Uniform Tire Quality GradingQuality grades can be found where applica-
ble on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width.
For example:
DOT quality grades Treadwear 200
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 rat-
ing 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 γ 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.
104
CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLECare of special parts>Light-alloy wheels
*:
Use wheel cleaner especially during the
winter months, but do not use any ag-
gressive, acidic, strong alkali or rough
cleansers or steam jets above 1407/
606 . Observe the manufacturer's in-
structions
>Chrome parts
* such as bonnet grill, door
handles, etc.:
Especially if exposed to road salt, care-
fully clean these parts with plenty of
water and possibly with a shampoo addi-
tive.
For additional treatment, use chrome
polish
>Rubber parts:
Treat only with water or rubber care
products
Do not use silicon sprays or other
silicon-containing care products,
otherwise noise and damage could
occur.<
>Plastic parts, imitation leather surfaces,
headliner, lamp glass, covering glass for
the display elements, as well as matt
black molded parts:
Clean with water and, if necessary, plas-
tic care products. Do not dampen seats
and the headliner.
Never use solvents such as lacquer thin-
ner, heavy-duty grease remover, fuel or
similar
>Wood paneling
*:
Please clean wood paneling and other
wood parts only with a damp cloth. Dry
off with a soft cloth
>Safety belts:
Only clean using mild soap, leaving the
belts fitted.
Do not dry clean, as the fabric can be
destroyed.
Always roll up safety belts only when dry.
Dirty safety belts prevent unrolling and
thus negatively affect safety>Floor carpets and floor mats
*:
If heavily soiled, clean using interior
cleaner. Floor mats can be removed to
allow the interior to be cleaned
>Wiper blades:
Clean with soapy water. Replace wiper
blades twice a year, before and after the
cold season. This is particularly impor-
tant on vehicles fitted with a rain sensor.
EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
138
A
ABS Antilock Brake System 61
indicator lamp 16, 17
Accessories, refer to
For your own safety 7
Your individual vehicle 6
Activated-charcoal filter 72
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated air mode 68, 71
Air conditioning
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 71
Air conditioning system 67
Air distribution
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 71
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation 69, 72
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 87
Air supply
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 72
Air, drying, refer to Air
conditioning 68, 71
Airbags 65
indicator lamp 16
safe seating position 31
AKI, refer to Fuel quality 85 All Season traction Control
(ASC) 59
indicator lamp 16, 17
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires 92
Antenna 103
Antifreeze
coolant 100
washer fluid 98
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 61
indicator lamp 16, 17
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights 134
Approved engine oils 99
Approved gross vehicle weight,
refer to Weights 134
ASC All Season traction
Control 59
indicator lamp 16, 17
Ashtray 74
Assistant systems, refer to
All Season traction Control
(ASC) 59
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 60
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution 71
Automatic
air distribution 71
air supply 71
cruise control 52 Automatic car washes 103
Automatic climate control 70
Automatic headlamp range
control for xenon lamps,
refer to Daytime driving
lamps 48
Average consumption
setting units 58
Average speed
setting units 58
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 134
B
Backrests, refer to
Adjusting seats 33
Backup lamp 44
bulb replacement 114
Bar, towing 128
Battery 124
disposal 22, 124
indicator lamp 15
jump-starting 126
remote control 22
Belts, refer to Safety belts 35
Beverage holders 74
Blower
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 72
Blower, refer to Air flow 68, 72 Blowers, refer to Draft-free
ventilation 69, 72
BMW 6
Bonnet 95
indicator lamp 16
Bore, refer to Engine data 132
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders 74
Brake discs
brake system 86
break-in procedures 82
Brake fluid 101
adding 101
level 86
warning lamp 15
Brake lamps
bulb replacement 114
Brake pads 86
break-in procedures 82
warning lamp 16
Brake system 86
brake fluid level 86
brake pads 86
disc brakes 86
warning lamp 16
Brake wear warning
brake pads 86
warning lamp 16
EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
141
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Electrical malfunction
door lock 25
driver's door 25
glass sunroof, electric 30
tailgate 27
transmission lock for
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 47
Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD) 61
indicator lamp 16
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP), refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 60
Electronic transmission control
module 47
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
driver's door 25
glass sunroof, electric 30
tailgate 27
Engine
break-in procedures 82
data 132
electronics 17
indicator lamp 17
speed 54
starting 41
switching off 43 Engine compartment
MINI COOPER 96
MINI COOPER S 97
Engine coolant 100
Engine data 132
Engine oil 98
alternative oils 99
capacity 135
indicator/warning lamp 15
recommended oils 99
Engine oil level 98
indicator/warning lamp 15
Engine oil pressure
indicator/warning lamp 15
Engine output, refer to Engine
data 132
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data 132
Entry to the rear 34
EP electronic transmission
control module
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 47
Equipment and features, refer
to Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 60
Exhaust system, refer to
High temperatures 83
Exterior mirrors 36
Eyelet, towing 128
F
Failure of an electrical
consumer 125
Fasten safety belts 35
indicator lamp 16
Filling canister, refer to MINI
Mobility System 122
Filling hose, refer to MINI
Mobility System 122
Filter, refer to
Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter 72
Flat tire
Flat Tire Monitor 62, 63
indicator/warning lamp 16
MINI Mobility System 121
Run Flat tires 93
space-saver spare tire 117
tire condition 91
Flat Tire Monitor 62
indicator lamp 16, 17
initializing 62 Floor coverings and carpets 104
Floor mat 104
Fog lamps 49
bulb replacement 113
indicator lamp 49
Foldable rear backrest 75
'Follow me home' lamps 48
Foot brake, refer to Driving
notes 83
Footwell lamps 50
bulb replacement 116
Front airbags 65
Fuel
average consumption 58
gauge 54, 55
mixture preparation, refer to
Engine data 132
quality 85
volume, refer to
Capacities 135
Fuel filler cap
unlocking in the event of
electrical malfunction 84
Fuel tank capacity, refer to
Capacities 135
Fuses 125
G
Gas cap 84
Gasoline gauge, refer to Fuel
gauge 54, 55
EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
142
Gasoline, refer to Fuel
quality 85
Gear indicator 47
Gearshift lever
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 45
manual transmission 44
General driving notes 83
Glass sunroof, electric 29
convenience
operation 24, 25
pinch protection 30
Glove compartment 73
Glove compartment lamp
bulb replacement 116
Gross weight, refer to
Weights 134
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 43
Hazard warning flashers 12
Head airbags 65
Head restraints 33
Headlamp flasher 49
indicator lamp 17
Headlamp washer
cleaning headlamps 51
washer fluid 98 Headlamp washer reservoir 98
capacity, refer to
Capacities 135
Headlamps
bulb replacement 112
care 103
cleaning 51
Heated mirrors 36
Heated rear window
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 71
Heating 67
exterior mirrors 36
rear window 68, 71
seats 35
windshield 68, 71
Heavy load, refer to Loading
cargo 77
Height adjustment
seats 32
steering wheel 36
Height, refer to
Dimensions 133
Hex wrench 121
High beams 49
bulb replacement 112
headlamp flasher 49
indicator lamp 17 High Performance Synthetic
Oil, refer to Engine oil 99
alternative oils 99
capacity 135
recommended oils 99
specified oils 99
High temperatures 83
Holders for beverages 74
Horn 12
Hydroplaning 83
I
Ice warning 57
Identification mark
Run Flat tires 93
Ignition 41
Ignition key 22
Ignition lock 41
Illuminated vanity mirror 36
Illumination
of instruments 49
Imitation leather 104
Imprint 2
Index 138
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview 15 Indicator/warning lamp
airbags 65
ASC 59
brakes 101
coolant temperature 55
DSC 60
fasten safety belts 35
Flat Tire Monitor 63
fog lamps 49
reserve fuel capacity 54, 55
Individual air distribution 72
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory 37
Inflation pressure monitor,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor 62
Inflation pressure, tires 87
Inspection 56
Instrument cluster, refer to
Display elements 13
Instrument lighting 49
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit 12
Interior lamps 50
bulb replacement 115
Interior rearview mirror 36
automatic dimming 37
Interior temperature
settings 68, 71
Interlock, refer to Steering
locked 41
EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
145
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Rear turn signal indicator
bulb replacement 113
Rear window wiper 51
replacement 111
Rearview mirror 36
Recirculated air mode
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 71
Reclining seat, refer to Backrest
tilt 33
Refueling 84
Remaining distance for
service 56
Remaining distance, refer to
Range 58
Remote control 23
changing battery 22
initializing 22
malfunctions 25
Remote control key, refer to
Master key with remote
control 22
Replacement key 22
Replacement of tires 92
changing tires 117
Reporting safety defects 9
Reserve indicator light, refer to
Fuel gauge 54, 55
Reservoir
washer system 98 Restraint systems
for children 38
refer to Safety belts 35
Reverse
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 46
manual transmission 44
Rod antenna 103
Roller sun blind 30
Roof load, refer to Weights 134
Roof-mounted luggage rack 78
Rope, refer to Towing 128
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run Flat
tires 93
Rubber parts 104
Run Flat tires 93
tire failure 93
tire inflation pressure 87
Runflat System Component
(RSC), refer to Run Flat
tires 93
S
Safety belt height
adjustment 35 Safety belts 35
care 104
height adjustment 35
safe seating position 31
warning lamp 16, 35
Safety lock buttons, doors,
refer to Locking 26
Safety systems, refer to
All Season traction Control
(ASC) 59
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 61
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 60
Screwdriver, refer to Onboard
tool kit 110
Seat adjustment 32
Seat heating 35
Securing loads, refer to Loading
cargo 76
Securing the load 77
Securing the vehicle
from inside 26
from outside 24
Selector lever
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 45 Selector lever positions
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 45
Selector lever shiftlock, refer to
Shiftlock 45
Service 56
Service interval display 56, 102
Service, refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models 102
Shifting
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 46
manual transmission 44
Shifting gears, refer to
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 45
Shiftlock, refer to Range
selection 45
Side airbags 65
Side turn signal indicators
bulb replacement 113
Signal horn, refer to Horn 12