2004 MINI Hardtop 2 Door ESP

92
WHEEL AND TIRE REPLACEMENT
Unprofessional attempts by laymen
to service tires can lead to damage
and accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled profes-
sionals only. Your MINI Dealer will be glad
to assist you with both their expertise and
the proper equipment for your vehicle.<
The correct wheel and tire combination
also affects various systems that would
otherwise be impaired, e.g. ABS or DSC.
Have the wheels balanced after each tire or
wheel replacement.
The manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends that you avoid using
retread tires, as this could impair driving
safety. 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.<
The correct wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends never mounting wheels
and tires that have not been specifically
approved by the manufacturer for use on
your particular model. Although other
wheels and tires may theoretically have the
same dimensions, variations in factors such
as manufacturing tolerances can result in
contact between tire and bodywork, ulti-
mately leading to serious accidents. The
manufacturer of your MINI cannot evaluate
non-approved wheels and tires to deter-
mine if they are suited for use, and there-
fore cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are fitted.<
Recommended tire makes:
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread
configuration from a single manufacturer.
In the event of a flat tire, remount the pre-
vious wheel and tire combination as soon
as possible.
Run Flat tires:
If your MINI is equipped with Run Flat tires
– refer to Run Flat tires – use only these
tires, since no space-saver spare tire may be
available in the event of a flat. Special characteristics of winter tires The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends winter tires for driving in adverse
winter road conditions. While all-season
tires with the M+S designation provide bet-
ter winter traction than summer tires, they generally do not achieve the full perfor-
mance of winter tires.
For mounting winter tires, refer to the
descriptions under Tire condition, page 91,
and Wheel and tire replacement.
Run Flat tires:
If your MINI is equipped with Run Flat tires
– refer to Run Flat tires – use only these
tires, since no space-saver spare tire may be
available in the event of a flat.
Observing speeds:
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the winter tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to ser-
vice tires can lead to damage and accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled profes-
sionals only. The technicians at your MINI
Dealer will be glad to assist you with the
required professional knowledge and spe-
cialized equipment.<
StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place, protecting
them against light whenever possible. Pro-
tect the tires against contact with oil,
grease and fuel. Do not exceed the maxi-
mum tire inflation pressure specified on
the tire sidewall.

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.

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.

106
OBD SOCKETThe Onboard Diagnostic OBD interface
socket is located on the left of the driver's
side under the instrument panel and under
a cover.
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.
Indicator lamp for Canadian mod-
els.
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.
When the gas cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can detect
the vapor leak and the indicator will light
up. If the cap is subsequently tightened, the
indicator lamp should go out within a few
days.<

126
JUMP-STARTINGWhen your battery is discharged, you can
use two jumper cables to start your MINI
with power from the battery in a second
vehicle. Correspondingly you can help start
another vehicle. Only use jumper cables
with fully insulated handles on the termi-
nal clamps.Preparing for jump-starting
Do not touch live wiring and cables
on a running engine. There is a risk of
fatal injury if you do this. Carefully observe
the following instructions to avoid personal
injury and/or damage to either vehicle or
both vehicles. Make sure that there is no
contact between the bodywork of the two
vehicles to avoid a short circuit hazard.<
1. Check whether the battery of the sup-
port vehicle has 12 Volts and approxi-
mately the same capacity measured in
Ah. These data are printed on the bat-
tery
2. Switch off the engine of the support
vehicle
3. Switch off any electrical systems and
components in both vehicles.
Connect the jumper cables
Always adhere to this sequence when
connecting the jumper cables; failure
to observe this procedure can lead to spark-
ing and pose an injury hazard.<

128
TOWING For towing, use either a tow bar or nylon
ropes or straps that prevent sudden jerking
movements.Towing eyelet The screw-in towing eyelet is stored in the
onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains in
the vehicle at all times. It can be attached
at the front or rear of the vehicle.Access to tow socketsUse a suitable object, e.g. credit card,
screwdriver, to press out the covers from
the recess.
Use only the towing eyelet supplied
with the vehicle and screw it in firmly
until it stops. Use the towing eyelet for
towing on paved roads only. If you do not
follow these instructions, the towing eyelet
could detach itself from the vehicle or the
vehicle could be damaged. Never attach
tie-down hooks, chains, straps, or tow
hooks to tie rods, control arms, or any other
part of the vehicle suspension, as this could
damage the components and possibly lead
to accidents.<
Avoid staggered towing and make
sure that the towing rope is taut
before the vehicle that is towing drives
off.<
Tow bars If the towing eyelets of the two vehicles are
not directly opposite one another, please
note:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability
will be strictly limited in corners
>The inclination of the tow bar generates
lateral force, critical above all if the road
surface is slippery.
Do not tow a vehicle that is heavier
than the towing vehicle; otherwise it
will no longer be possible to control the
vehicle's response.<

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

The oil volume between the two notches on the
dipstick corresponds to approx. 1.1 US quarts /
1 liter.FuelDesignation
AKI: Engine oilQualityTire inflation pressure
Summer Winter
front rear front rear
2 persons
4 persons plus luggage
To ensure that you always have convenient access
to all essential information when you stop for fuel,
we recommend that you take the time to fill out
the adjoining chart by entering the data that
applies to your vehicle.
REFUELING