2006 MINI Hardtop 2 Door light

92
LOADING CARGO
Stowing 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
edges of the backrests.
For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
unoccupied, fasten each safety belt in the
opposite buckle. This provides additional
stabilization for the backrests.Securing the load
As an example, the illustration shows the
luggage compartment of the MINI.
>Secure smaller and lighter items using
the luggage compartment net
* or elas-
tic straps
>Secure larger and heavier items with
load-securing devices
*. Lashing eyelets
are provided at the inner corners of the
luggage compartment for attaching
these load-securing devices.
Comply with the information enclosed
with the load-securing devices.

96
BREAK-IN PROCEDURES GENERAL DRIVING NOTES
Moving parts need to be given some time
until they can interact smoothly with one
another. To ensure that your vehicle pro-
vides maximum economy throughout a
long service life, we request that you com-
ply with the following information:
Engine
Comply with the local speed limits.
Up to 1,250 miles/2,000 km:
Drive at varying engine and road speeds,
but do not exceed the following:
4,500 rpm or
95 mph / 150 km/h.
Absolutely avoid putting the accelerator in
full-throttle or kickdown position.
After 1,250 miles/2,000 km:
Engine and road speeds can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve
their full traction potential until after an
initial break-in period. Therefore drive care-
fully during the first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Approx. 300 miles/500 km must be driven
before the brake pads and rotors achieve
the optimum pad-surface and wear pat-
terns required for trouble-free operation
and an extended service life.
Clutch
Roughly 300 miles/500 km must be driven
before the clutch starts to operate at opti-
mum efficiency. Remember to engage the
clutch carefully during this initial period.
After a part replacement
You should again comply with these break-
in procedures if parts mentioned above
have to be replaced later in the vehicle's
life.
Interior mirror, automatic dimming*
While the vehicle is being driven forward,
these mirrors dim light through an infi-
nitely variable range depending on the
light's incidence. Two photocells in the
interior rearview mirror serve this purpose.
One is positioned on the underside of the
mirror frame, while the other is slightly off-
set on the back of the mirror.
In order for the photocells to work opti-
mally, keep them clean and do not cover
the area between the interior rearview mir-
ror and the windshield. Do not place stick-
ers or toll tags on the windshield in front of
the mirror.

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.<

110
NEW WHEELS AND TIRES SNOW CHAINS*
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.
Observe speed ratings:
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the winter tires are rated.<
Storage
Store 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 tire
inflation pressure specified on the tire side-
wall.
Only certain types of snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your
MINI, classified as road-safe and recom-
mended. Contact your MINI Dealer for
more details. Their use is only permitted in
pairs on the front wheels on winter tires of
the following types:
>175/65 R 15 M+S
>175/60 R 16 M+S.
When fitting, comply with the manufac-
turer's instructions. With chains, do not
exceed a speed of 30 mph / 50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor
after attaching snow chains to the
tires.
When driving with snow chains, it can be
helpful to switch off the ASC or DSC for a
brief period, refer to page71.<

116
COOLANT
As an example, the illustration shows the
coolant tank of the MINI COOPER and the
MINI COOPER Convertible.
Checking coolant level
1. The engine must be at ambient temper-
ature
2. MINI COOPER and MINI COOPER Con-
vertible:
Slowly pull the cap of the expansion
tank by the tab until the excess pressure
can escape. Then remove the cap com-
pletely.
MINI COOPER S and MINI COOPER S Con-
vertible:
Loosen the cap of the expansion tank
slightly by turning it counterclockwise
until the excess pressure can escape.
Then remove the cap completely
3. The coolant level is correct if it is
between the MIN and MAX markings on
the transparent expansion tank
4. If necessary, slowly add coolant until the
correct level is reached; do not overfill
5. MINI COOPER and MINI COOPER Con-
vertible:
Press the cap on and press it down
firmly.
MINI COOPER S and MINI COOPER S Con-
vertible:
Turn the cap back on and tighten it
firmly
6. Have the cause of the coolant loss
removed as soon as possible.

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

120
CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
damage caused by undesired wiper activa-
tion.<
Rod antenna
If necessary, for example before
entering a car wash or a garage with
elevator ramp, remove the rod antenna.
To do so, grip the rod antenna at the base
and unscrew it from the antenna foot by
turning it to the left.<
Headlamps
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following: do not
rub them dry, and never use abrasives or
strong solvents. Remove dirt and contami-
nation, such as insects, by soaking with
shampoo and then rinsing with plenty of
water. Always use a deicer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow; never use a
scraper.<
Vehicle paintwork
Regular care contributes greatly to driving
safety and value retention.
Environmental influences varying from one
region to the next can affect the vehicle
paintwork. Please base the frequency and
scope of car care on these various influ-
ences.
Care of upholstery
Depressions that come about on the uphol-
stery material of the seats in daily use can
be brushed out using a slightly damp brush
against the grain.
The fact that velour lays down is not a qual-
ity defect, but rather is inevitable in the
case of home textiles or clothing materials.
In the case of strong sunlight and longer
parking periods, cover the seats or all win-
dows to prevent discoloration.
Care of special parts
>Light-alloy wheels*:
Use wheel cleaner especially during the
winter months, but do not use any
aggressive, acidic, strong alkali or rough
cleansers or steam jets above 1407/
606. Observe the manufacturer's
instructions
>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-