2005 MINI Hardtop 2 Door service

99
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 tiresSpeed code letter,

in front of the R on ZR tiresSpeed code letters:Q = up to 100 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/h
Tire Identification NumberTires with DOT codes meet the guidelines
of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
DOT code:e.g. DOT xxxx xxx 2704Manufacturer's code

for tire make Tire size and

tire version Tire age Tire ageThe date on which the tire was manufac
-
tured is indicated by the code on the side
-
wall:

DOT...2704 indicates that the tire was man
-
ufactured in Week 27 of the year 2004.The manufacturer of your vehicle recom
-
mends replacing all tires after 6
years at
the latest, even if a tire service life of
10
years is possible.
Uniform Tire Quality GradingQuality grades can be found where applica
-
ble on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width.

For example:Treadwear 200 Traction AATemperature A
DOT quality gradesTread wear 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.

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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. If you are not famil
-
iar with the regulations to be observed,
have the necessary work on your vehicle
carried out only by a MINI Dealer or a work
-
shop that has specially trained personnel
working in accordance with the specifica
-
tions of the MINI manufacturer.

Work that is improperly carried out could
result in consequential damage and pose
safety hazards.<
To unlockPull the lever in the right door area beneath
the instrument panel.
To open1. Reach under the bonnet2. Pull the release lever3. Open the bonnet.To closeAllow the bonnet to fall from a height of
approx.
1 ft / 30
cm.
To avoid injuries, as with all closing procedures be sure that the travel
path of the bonnet is clear when it is closed.

If it is determined that the bonnet is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely, also refer
to page
17.<

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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. -
tives could lead to damage in some cases.

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.<
Specified engine oilsThe quality of the engine oil selected has
critical significance for the operation and
service life of an engine. Based on exten
-
sive 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.

111
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
BRAKE FLUIDWarning lamp
The warning lamp comes on although the parking brake is
released:

The brake fluid level in the reservoir is too
low, refer to page
16. At the same time,
brake pedal travel may become signifi
-
cantly longer.

Have the system checked immediately.
Display of the malfunction described above in Canadian mod
-
els.
Adding brake fluid To add brake fluid or to determine and cor
-
rect the cause of brake fluid loss, please
consult your MINI Dealer. Your MINI Dealer
is familiar with the specifications for fac
-
tory-approved brake fluids,
DOT
4.
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. If this occurs, refer to
the information on page
96.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is, it absorbs moisture from the air over
time.
In order to ensure the brake system's safety
and reliability, have the brake fluid
changed every two years by a MINI Dealer
or a workshop that has specially trained
personnel working in accordance with the
specifications of the MINI manufacturer,
also refer to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models. Brake fluid is toxic and
also damages vehicle paintwork. Always
store brake fluid in tightly closed original
containers kept well away from the reach
of children.

Do not spill the brake fluid and do not fill
the brake fluid reservoir beyond the MAX
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and cause
serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable environ
-
mental laws regulating the disposal
of brake fluid.<

112
MINI MAINTENANCE SYSTEMThe MINI maintenance system helps main
-
tain your vehicle's road safety and opera
-
tional safety. Please bear in mind that regular mainte
-
nance is not only necessary for the safety of
your vehicle, but also plays a significant
role in maintaining the resale value of the
vehicle.
Service interval displayWhile conventional systems specify main
-
tenance according to fixed distances
driven, the MINI Maintenance System takes
account of the operating conditions of the
vehicle, for distances can be driven in many
different ways:

60,000
miles
/ 100,000
km short distance
operation can not be equated with
60,000
miles
/ 100,000
km long distance
operation from a maintenance standpoint.
The condition-based MINI Maintenance
System includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual use of the vehicle
covers every kind of operating situation.
People who drive very little, i.e. much less
than 6,000
miles
/ 10,000
km per year,
should have the engine oil changed at least
every 2 years since oil deteriorates over
time, regardless of use.
For more information on the service inter
-
val display, refer to page
65.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian
models For additional information on maintenance
intervals and procedures, please refer to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US
models or the Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
As a precaution against rust, it is advisable
to have the body checked for damage from
rocks or gravel at the same time, depending
upon operating conditions.
The manufacturer of your MINI rec
-
ommends having maintenance and
repair work carried out only by a MINI
Dealer or a workshop that has specially
trained personnel working in accordance
with the specifications of the MINI manu
-
facturer.

Make sure that maintenance work is con
-
firmed with an entry in the Service and
Warranty Information Booklet for
US
models or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models. These
entries are your proof that the vehicle has
received regular maintenance.<

113
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
OBD SOCKET
CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
The 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.
Display of the malfunction described above in 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 tight
-
ened, the indicator lamp should go out
within a few days.<
Suitable car-care products
Use the cleaning and car-care prod
-
ucts available at your MINI Dealer.<
Washing your vehicleYou can wash your new MINI or MINI Con
-
vertible in automatic car washes from the
beginning. Preference should be for cloth
car washes. If, due to lack of availability,
brush car washes must be used, modern
systems with soft brushes should be given
preference.
When using steam cleaners or high-pressure cleaners, maintain sufficient
distance to the vehicle and do not exceed a
maximum temperature of 140
7/ 60
6. If
the jet is too close or the pressure is too
high, this can lead to damage or initial
damage that can develop into more serious
damage. Water that enters vehicle compo
-
nents can lead to damage over the long
term.

After washing the vehicle, apply the brakes
briefly to dry them, otherwise water can
reduce braking efficiency over the short
term and the brake rotors can corrode.

Switch the rain sensor off when passing
through an automatic car wash, refer to
page
59. Failure to do so could result in

115
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLEner, 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.Caring for leather* and imitation
leather The leather and imitation leather used by
the manufacturer of your MINI are high
quality products processed using state-of-
the-art methods and will retain their qual
-
ity level for many years if cared for prop
-
erly.Regular cleaning and care are necessary, as
dust and road dirt scratch in pores and
creases and lead to heavy wear as well as
premature brittleness of the leather and
imitation leather surface.

This is why you should use a cloth or vac
-
uum cleaner to remove dust on a regular
basis.Since dirt and oil slowly destroy the protec
-
tive layer of the leather and imitation
leather, a treatment with a leather care
product is necessary twice a year. This pre
-
serves the quality of the leather and pre
-
vents electrostatic charging.
Cleaning agents can contain hazard
-
ous or health-damaging substances.
For this reason, always observe the warn
-
ings on the package. For interior cleaning,
always open the doors or windows of the
vehicle.

Do not use any products that are not
intended for cleaning the vehicle. -
vertible top largely depend on the proper
care and operation of the convertible top.
You should therefore observe the following
notes in particular:>Whenever possible, park your vehicle in
the shade to protect it from intense sun
-
light>Do not fold the convertible top when it is
wet, dirty or frozen; otherwise water
marks, moisture stains and chafing could
result>If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed
area for a longer period of time, make
sure that there is sufficient ventilation>Remove bird droppings immediately
because they have corrosive properties.
Never use spot removers, paint thin
-
ner, solvents, cleaning fuel or similar
since these products can destroy the rubber
seals and cause leaks.<

OVERVIEW
CONTROLS
OPERATION, CARE, MAINTENANCE
OWNER SERVICE PROCEDURES
INDEX TECHNICAL DATA
119
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Repairs