2006 MINI Hardtop 2 Door brake light

97
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
GENERAL DRIVING NOTES
Safe braking
Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a stan-
dard feature. If you are in a situation which
requires full braking, it is best to brake
using maximum brake pressure. Since the
vehicle remains maneuverable, you can still
go around any obstacles with the smallest
possible steering movements.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together
with the sound of hydraulic regulation,
indicates to you that ABS is actively taking
effect.
Wet roads:
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 hinder other road users. The
resulting heat dries 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 pres-
sure on the brake can lead to high tempera-
tures, brake wear and possibly even brake
failure.<
The braking effect of the engine can be
increased by downshifting in the manual
mode of the automatic transmission, to
first gear if necessary, refer to page58. This
protects the brakes from excessive loads.
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed, the transmission in idle or
the engine switched off. Otherwise, the
engine provides no braking effect, and
there is no power-assist for braking or
steering.
Make sure that there are no floor mats,
floor carpets or other objects in the vicinity
of the pedals; otherwise pedal function
could be impeded.<
Corrosion on the brake rotors:
When 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.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water can form between tires
and road surface. This phenomenon is char-
acterized by a partial or complete loss of
contact between the tires and the road sur-
face. The ultimate results are loss of steer-
ing and braking control.<

117
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
BRAKE SYSTEM
Brake fluid level
The warning lamp comes on
although the parking brake is
released:
The brake fluid level in the reservoir is too
low, refer to page16. At the same time,
brake pedal travel may become signifi-
cantly longer.
Have the system checked immediately.
If 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.
Display of the malfunction
described above in Canadian mod-
els.
If you continue driving, higher brake
application pressure may be neces-
sary, and there may be a slight pull to one
side. Brake pedal travel may also be longer.
Please remember to adapt your driving
style accordingly.<
Brake pads
Brake pad sensors in the left brake pads of
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 page18.
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.<

119
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
SOCKET FOR ONBOARD DIAGNOSTICS OBD CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Primary components of exhaust emissions
can be checked by a device via the OBD
socket.
This socket is located to the left of the
driver's side, on the bottom of the instru-
ment panel underneath a cover.
Exhaust emission values
The warning lamp comes on. The
exhaust emissions have deterio-
rated. Have the vehicle checked as
soon as possible.
Display of the malfunction
described above in Canadian mod-
els.
Under some circumstances, the lamp will
flash. This indicates severe engine misfir-
ing. In this case, you should reduce your
speed and visit your nearest MINI Dealer as
soon as possible. Severe engine misfiring
can quickly lead to serious damage of emis-
sions-related components, especially the
catalytic converter.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system may con-
clude that fuel vapors are escaping, causing
an indicator to light up. If the filler cap is
then tightened, the indicator should go out
within a few days. Use the cleaning and car-care prod-
ucts available at your MINI Dealer.<
Washing your vehicle
You 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 1407/606. 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
page62. Failure to do so could result in

142
TOWING AND TOW-STARTING
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 gearshift lever in idle position.
MINI or MINI Convertible featuring auto-
matic transmission with Steptronic:
Only tow vehicles featuring auto-
matic transmission with Steptronic
with a tow truck; otherwise the transmis-
sion can be damaged, refer to page143.<
Towing methods
In 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.
With a tow bar:
The towing vehicle must not be
lighter than the vehicle being towed;
otherwise, vehicle handling can no longer
be controlled.<
The towing eyelets of both vehicles should
be on the same side. If the tow bar can only
be used in a diagonal position, please note
the following:
>Clearance and maneuverability will be
strictly limited in corners
>The inclination of the tow bar produces
lateral force.
Attach the tow bar to the towing eye-
let only. Attaching it to other parts of
the vehicle can result in damage.<
With a tow rope:
When the towing vehicle is driving off,
make sure that the tow rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or straps for towing
because they prevent sudden jerking
movements. Attach the tow rope to the
towing eyelet only. Attaching it to other
parts of the vehicle can result in damage.<

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
155
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Brake wear warning
brake pads117
warning lamp18
Brakes117
ABS71
brake fluid117
brake pads117
break-in procedures96
handbrake54
indicator/warning
lamps16,17,18
Breaking in96
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs127
Buttons on multifunction
steering wheel20
automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
C
California Proposition 65
warning7
Capacities151
Car care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle119
Car keys, refer to Keys24
Car radio, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Car telephone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual Car vacuum cleaner,
connecting, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket85
Car wash119
Car wash, refer to Washing
your vehicle119
Car-care products119
Care of plastics120
Care of synthetic leather120
Care, vehicle119
Cargo area
opening from the outside29
opening with the remote
control26
volume149,
150
Cargo area cover, refer to
Luggage compartment
cover88
Cargo area lid, refer to
Tailgate29
Cargo area, refer to Luggage
compartment in the MINI88
Carpet care121
Cassette operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system98
CD changer, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio
CD operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio Center armrest84
Central locking system24
interior28
Changing bulbs127
Changing the wiper
blades126,127
Changing tires133
space-saver spare tire131
Charge-current indicator
light16
Child seat, refer to Installing
child-restraint systems50
Children, transporting50
Child-restraint fixing system,
LATCH52
Child-restraint systems50
Chock, folding
space-saver spare tire131
Chrome parts, refer to Caring
for your vehicle120
Chrome-plated parts, care120
Cigarette lighter85
Cigarette lighter socket85
Cigarette tray, refer to
Ashtray85
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated air mode79,82
Cleaning the rear window63
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to
Caring for your vehicle119 Clock66
12-hour/24-hour mode66
changing the time66
Closing
from inside28
from outside25
Clothes hooks98
Clutch53
break-in procedures96
Cockpit12
Coding, tires105
Compact disk operation, refer
to Owner's Manual for Radio
Compartments84
Computer, refer to Onboard
computer69
Condensed water, refer to Air
conditioning79,82
Configuring settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory49
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption70
Current fuel consumption70
Contents2
Control elements, refer to
Cockpit12
Convenience operation
convertible top37
from outside26,27
glass sunroof, electric33
windows31

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
156
Convertible top35
care121
convenience operation37
electrical malfunction38
emergency closing38
malfunction38
Coolant115
indicator lamp16
level116
temperature gauge67
Coolant temperature gauge67
Cooling function
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Cooling system, refer to
Capacities151
Cooling, refer to Air
conditioning82
Cooling, refer to Cooling
function79
Copyright2
Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
warning lamp17
Correct tires105
Cosmetic mirror, refer to
Illuminated vanity mirror48
Cruise control64
buttons on the steering
wheel20
indicator lamp19 Cup holders, refer to Beverage
holders85
Curb weight, refer to
Weights149,150
Current fuel consumption70
setting units70
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data146
D
Daily odometer, refer to Trip
odometer66
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting61
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit12
Data
capacities151
dimensions147
engine146
technical146
weights149
Date of the Owner's Manual7
Daytime driving lamps60
Deep water, refer to Driving
through water98
Defrost setting, refer to
Defrosting and demisting
windows80,83 Defrosting and demisting
windows
air conditioning system80
automatic climate control83
Defrosting front windows, refer
to Defrosting and demisting
windows80,83
Defrosting windows80,83
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting and demisting
windows80,83
Demisting windows80,83
Digital clock66
Dimensions147,148
Dimming interior rearview
mirror96
Dipstick, engine oil114
Directional turn signal,
refer to Turn signal
indicators60
Disc brakes97
Displacement, refer to Engine
data146
Display elements13
with navigation system or
Cockpit Chrono Pack14
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting61 Disposal
vehicle battery138
Distance covered, refer to
Odometer66
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control (PDC)77
Door keys24
Door lock27
Doors, locking and unlocking
acknowledgment
signals26,27
from inside28
from outside26
DOT quality grades105
Draft-free ventilation80,83
Drink holders, refer to Beverage
holders85
Driving downhill97
Driving hints, refer to Driving
notes96
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams59
Driving notes96
Driving stability control
systems71
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function79,82
Drying air,
refer to Cooling
function79,82

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
158
Fuel filler door99
unlocking in the event of
electrical malfunction100
Fuel tank capacity151
Fuses139
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control86
Gas, refer to Average
consumption70
Gas, refer to Fuel quality99
Gasoline gauge, refer to Fuel
gauge66,67
Gasoline, refer to Fuel
quality99
Gear indicator, for automatic
transmission with
Steptronic57
Gear shifts, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56
Gearshift lever
automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
manual transmission55
General driving notes96 Glass sunroof, electric33
convenience operation27
opening and closing in the
event of an electrical
malfunction34
remote control26
Glove compartment84
Gross weight, refer to
Weights149,150
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake54
Hazard warning flashers12
Head airbags75
Head restraints44
Headlamp flasher60
indicator lamp19
Headlamp washer reservoir63
capacity, refer to
Capacities151
Headlamp washer system
cleaning headlamps63
washer fluid63
Headlamps
bulb replacement128
care120
Heated mirrors48
Heated rear window
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82 Heating78
exterior mirrors48
rear window79,82
seats47
windshield79,82
Heavy load, refer to Loading92
Height adjustment
seats43
steering wheel47
Height, refer to
Dimensions147,148
High beams60
bulb replacement128
headlamp flasher60
indicator lamp19
High Performance Synthetic
Oil, refer to Engine oil115
capacity151
recommended oils115
specified oils115
Holders for beverages85
Horn12
Hot exhaust system98
Hydraulic brake117
Hydroplaning
97
I
Ignition53
Ignition key24
Ignition key positions, refer to
Ignition lock53 Ignition lock53
Illuminated vanity mirror48
Imitation leather120
Imprint2
Index154
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview16
Indicator/warning lamp
airbags76
ASC72
brakes117
coolant temperature67
DSC72
fasten safety belts46
Flat Tire Monitor74
fog lamps61
reserve fuel capacity66,67
Individual air distribution83
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory49
Inflation pressure monitor,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor73
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure101
Inspection68
Instrument cluster, refer to
Display elements13
Instrument lighting61
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit12

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
160
Manual operation
door lock27
driver's door27
fuel filler door100
glass sunroof, electric34
power convertible top38
tailgate30
transmission lock, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56
Manual transmission55
Master keys with remote
control24
Maximum cooling82
Maximum speed, with winter
tires110
MC operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Mechanical keys, refer to
Master keys24
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory49
Microfilter
air conditioning system80
automatic climate control83
MINI Maintenance System118
MINI manufacturer6
MINI Mobility System135
compressor136
liquid sealant136 Mirrors48
heating48
Mobile telephone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System135
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety7
Multifunction steering
wheel20
Multifunction steering wheel,
refer to Buttons on the
steering wheel20
Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/
headlamp flasher60
washer/wiper system62

N
Navigation system, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Neck restraints, refer to Head
restraints44
New tires109
Non-smoker's equipment
package, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket85
Nylon rope, refer to Towing and
tow-starting142
O
OBD interface socket119 Octane number, refer to Fuel
quality99
Odometer66
Oil
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil115
capacity151
dipstick114
Oil change intervals, refer to
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil consumption114
Oil filter change151
Oil level114
indicator lamp16
Oil pressure, indicator lamp16
Oil service68
Onboard computer69
Onboard tool kit126
MINI Mobility System135
Run Flat tires126
space-saver spare tire131
Opening and closing
from inside28
from outside25
via remote control26
via the door lock27 Outlets, refer to
Ventilation78,81
Outside air79

air conditioning system79
Outside air mode, automatic
climate control82
Outside temperature
display69
changing units69
in the onboard computer69
P
Paintwork care, refer to Vehicle
paintwork120
Park Distance Control (PDC)77
Parking
the vehicle98
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control (PDC)77
Parking brake54
warning lamp17
Parking lamps59
bulb replacement128
Parking lamps/Low beams59
Parking lock, refer to
PParking56
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle6
Pathway lighting59
PDC Park Distance Control77
Plastic120