2005 MINI COOPER power steering

CONTENTS
2
© 2004 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the
written consent of BMW AG, Munich.
Order No. 01 41 0 158 427
US English VI/04
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper,
bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling.NOTES About this Owner's Manual
6
Additional sources of information
6
Symbols used
6
Your individual vehicle
6
Editorial notice
7
For your own safety
7
Symbol on vehicle parts
8
Service and warranty
8
Reporting safety defects
9
OVERVIEWCockpit
12
Display elements
13
Display elements with navigation system
or Cockpit Chrono Pack
14
Indicator and warning lamps
16
Multifunction steering wheels
20
CONTROLSOpening and closing:Keys
24
Central locking system
24
Opening and closing: from outside
25
Opening and closing: from inside
28
Tailgate
29
Electric power windows
31
Glass sunroof, electric
33
Roller sun blind
34
Folding roof
35
Convertible top
35
Wind deflector
39
Adjustments:Safe seating position
41
Seat adjustment
42
Head restraints
43
Entry to the rear
44
Safety belts
45
Seat heating
46
Steering wheel
46
Mirrors
46
Vehicle Memory
47
Transporting children safely
48
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16
INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPS Technology that monitors itselfThe 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 your MINI
Dealer.
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. +
The engine oil pressure is too low.
Pull over immediately and switch
off the engine. Please contact your MINI
Dealer.Do not continue driving; otherwise, the engine could be damaged
because of inadequate lubrication.<
Brake warning lamp
+
Lights up although the parking
brake is released. The brake fluid
level is too low. Before driving further, be
sure to comply with the information on
pages 96 and
111
. Have the system
checked immediately.
Display of the malfunction described above in Canadian mod
-
els.
If equipped with a navigation system or
Cockpit Chrono Pack:
Coolant temperature warning lamp in the navigation system or
Cockpit Chrono Pack
+
Lights up while driving:

Engine is too hot. Pull over to the side of
the road immediately, switch off the
engine and allow it to cool down, refer also
to page
64. Have the system checked
immediately.
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96
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.<
Disc brakesWhen the vehicle is driven only occasion
-
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 rotors and pads. Then if the braking
force is needed, it is immediately available.Driving downhill
To prevent overheating and the resulting reduced efficiency of the
brake system, drive down extended or
steep mountain gradients in the gear
which requires the least brake applications.
Otherwise, even light but consistent pedal
pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake fail
-
ure. -
ther utilized by downshifting, to first gear if
necessary, in the manual mode of the auto
-
matic transmission, refer to page
55. This
protects the brakes from excessive loads.
Do not coast with the clutch pedal pressed or with the transmission or
selector lever in Neutral. Do not coast with
the engine switched off. The engine pro
-
vides no braking effect when the transmis
-
sion is in Neutral, and there is no power-
assist for braking or steering when the
engine is switched off.

Make sure that there are no floor mats,
floor carpets or other objects in the vicinity
of the brake or accelerator pedal, as the
travel path of the pedals could otherwise
be impeded. 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
18.
Use brake pads which the manufac
-
turer of your MINI has approved for
your particular vehicle model. The manu
-
facturer of your MINI cannot 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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136
TOWING AND TOW-STARTINGUsing the towing eyelet The screw-in towing eyelet is stored in the
onboard tool kit, refer to page
120
; be sure
that it remains with the vehicle at all times.
It can be attached at the front or rear of
your vehicle.
To prevent damage to the towing eyelet and the vehicle, please observe
the following instructions:

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. Avoid subjecting the
towing eyelet to lateral loads, e.g. do not
lift the vehicle using the towing eyelet.<
Access to the threaded socket The illustration shows by way of example
the MINI COOPER and the MINI COOPER
Convertible.Pry out the cover in the front or rear
bumper by inserting a screwdriver into the
recess.Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in position
1; otherwise the steering
lock could engage and prevent the vehicle
from being steered. There is no power
assist while the engine is off. Therefore,
you will need to exert more force to brake
and steer the vehicle.<
Turn on the hazard warning flashers, if
required by national regulations. If the
electrical system has failed, clearly identify
the vehicle being towed, e.g. by placing a
sign or a warning triangle in the rear win
-
dow.MINI or MINI Convertible with manual
transmission:Put the manual gearshift lever in Neutral.MINI or MINI Convertible with Continu
-
ously Variable automatic Transmission
(CVT):
Only tow vehicles with Continuously Variable automatic Transmission
(CVT) with a tow truck, otherwise the trans
-
mission can be damaged, refer to
page
137
.<
Towing methodsIn some countries, it is not permitted to
tow the vehicle with a tow bar or tow rope
on public roads.Familiarize yourself with the applicable
towing regulations for the country in which
you are driving.
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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
153
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Interlock, refer to Steering
locked
51
Intermittent operation of the
wipers
59
Interval

display, service
112

J Jack
125
, 129

points
128

Jack, refer to Tire change set

MINI Mobility System
129

Run Flat tires
102

space-saver spare tire
125

Jacking points
128

Jets, refer to Ventilation
77, 80
Jets, refer to Windshield
washer jets
60
Jump-starting
134

K Keys
24
Kickdown
55
Knock control
94
L Lamp defect
121

Lamp replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs
121

Lamps and bulbs
121

Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams
57
Lashing eyelets, refer to
Securing the load
88
LATCH child-restraint
mounting system
50
Leather care
115

LEDs light-emitting diodes
124

Length, refer to
Dimensions
141
, 142

License plate lamp, bulb
replacement
124

Lifting handle, space-saver
spare tire
125

Light switch
57
Light-alloy wheels, care
114

Light-emitting diodes
(LEDs)
124

Lighter
82
Lighting of the instruments
58
'Lights on' warning
57
Load securing devices, refer to
Securing the load
88
Loading the vehicle
86
Loads, refer to Loading cargo
86
Locking

from inside
28
from outside
26
Locking/unlocking the vehicle,
acknowledgment
signals
26, 27
Low beams
57
bulb replacement
122

Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support
43
Luggage compartment

cover
85
emergency operation, refer
to Manual release
30
opening from the outside
29
opening with the remote
control
26
opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate
29
tailgate
29
volume
143
, 144

Luggage compartment in the
MINI
85
Luggage compartment lid

emergency operation, refer
to Manual release
30
opening, remote control
26
Luggage compartment lid, refer
to Tailgate
29
Luggage compartment net
88
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack
89
Lumbar support
43
M M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires
103

Maintenance system
112

Make-up mirror, illuminated
47
Malfunction

Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT)
56
convertible top
37
door lock
27
fuel filler door
95
glass sunroof, electric
34
tailgate
30
Manual air distribution
76
Manual operation

door lock
27
driver's door
27
fuel filler door
95
glass sunroof, electric
34
power convertible top
37
tailgate
30
transmission lock for
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT)
54
Manual transmission
53
Master keys with remote
control
24
Maximum cooling
79
Maximum speed, with winter
tires
103

MC operation, refer to

Owner's Manual for Radio

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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
154
Mechanical keys, refer to Master keys
24
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory
47
Microfilter

air conditioning system
77
automatic climate control
80
MINI Maintenance System
112

MINI manufacturer
6
MINI Mobility System
129

compressor
130

liquid sealant
130

Mirrors
46
heating
46
Mobile telephone, refer to separate Owner’s Manual

Mobility System
129

Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety
7
Multifunction steering
wheel
20
Multifunction switch

turn signal indicator/
headlamp flasher
58
washer/wiper system
59
N Navigation system, refer to separate Owner's Manual

Neck restraints, refer to Head
restraints
43
New tires
102

Non-smoker's equipment
package, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket
82
Nylon rope, refer to Towing and
tow-starting
137

O OBD interface socket
113

Octane number, refer to Fuel
quality
94
Odometer
63
Oil
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil
109

alternative oil grades
109

approved engine oils
109

capacity
145

dipstick
108

Oil change intervals, refer to Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models, Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models

Oil consumption
109

Oil filter change
145

Oil level
108

indicator lamp
16
Oil pressure, indicator lamp
16
Oil service
65
Onboard computer
66
Onboard tool kit
120

MINI Mobility System
129

Run Flat tires
120

space-saver spare tire
125

Opening and closing

from inside
28
from outside
25
via remote control
26
via the door lock
27
Outlets, refer to
Ventilation
75, 78
Outside air
76
air conditioning system
76
Outside air mode, automatic
climate control
79
Outside temperature
display
66
changing units
66
in the onboard computer
66
P Paintwork care, refer to Vehicle
paintwork
114

Park Distance Control (PDC)
74
Parking

vehicle
93
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control (PDC)
74
Parking brake
53
warning lamp
17
Parking lamps
57
bulb replacement
122

Parking lamps/Low beams
57
Parking lock, refer to P
Parking
55
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle
6
PDC Park Distance Control
74
Plastic
114

Pollen, refer to

Microfilter
77
Microfilter/Activated-
charcoal filter
80
Power convertible top
35
Power failure
132

Power output, refer to Engine
data
140

Power supply, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket
82
Power windows
31
Pressure, tires
97
reinflation using MINI
Mobility System
130

Protective function, electric
glass sunroof
34
Pumping in liquid sealant
130

Q Quality grades, refer to
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading
99
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