114
ENGINE OIL
Measuring the oil level
1. With the vehicle's engine at normal
operating temperature, i.e. after unin-
terrupted driving for at least 6 miles/
10 km, park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch off the engine
3. Pull the dipstick out after approx.
5minutes 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 should 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 marks
MIN, MAX on the dipstick corresponds to
approx. 1.1 quarts/1 liter.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on
the dipstick. Excess oil will damage
the engine.<
Adding engine oil
Only top up oil when the oil level has
dropped to just above the lower mark
of the dipstick. However, never allow the
level to drop below the lower mark.<
Add oil within the next 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise the engine could be
damaged.<
Always store oil, grease, etc., out of
reach of children. Comply with all
warning labels and information on lubri-
cant containers, otherwise health risks may
result.<
Oil change
Have the oil changed only by a MINI Dealer
or a workshop that has specially trained
personnel working in accordance with the
specifications of the MINI manufacturer.
115
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
ENGINE OIL COOLANT
Approved engine oils
The 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.
Only use High Performance Synthetic Oil
approved by the manufacturer of your
MINI.
If MINI High Performance Synthetic Oil is
not available, you can add small quantities
of another synthetic oil in between oil
changes. Only use oils with a specification
of API SH or higher.
If you have any further questions
regarding MINI High Performance
Synthetic Oil or approved synthetic oils,
your MINI Dealer will be glad to advise
you.<
Do not use any oil additives, as they
could cause engine damage under
some circumstances.<
Viscosity grades
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating
and is classified into SAE grades.
The correct SAE grade for your MINI is
determined by the climatic conditions of
the region in which you normally drive your
MINI.
Approved oils feature the SAE grades
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils can be used for driving at all out-
side temperatures.Do not open the cooling system when
the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of water and a coolant
additive. Not all commercially available
additives are suitable for your MINI. Your
MINI Dealer knows which additives are
suitable and will be glad to advise you.
Only use suitable additives, other-
wise the engine can be damaged. The
additives are hazardous to your health.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal
of coolant additives.<
118
MINI MAINTENANCE SYSTEM
The 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 display
While 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 page68.
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.<
151
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
CAPACITIES
Notes
Fuel tank
Reservegal./liters approx. 13.2/50
approx. 2.1/8Fuel quality, refer to page99
Window washer system
Headlamp washer systemquarts/liters approx. 2.4/2.3
approx. 2.6/2.5 More details, refer to page63
Cooling system including heater circuit quarts/liters 5.6/5.3 MINI COOPER and
MINI COOPER Convertible
6.3/6.0 MINI COOPER S and
MINI COOPER S ConvertibleMore details, refer to page115
Engine with oil filter change quarts/liters 4.8/4.5 MINI COOPER and
MINI COOPER Convertible
5.1/4.8 MINI COOPER S and
MINI COOPER S ConvertibleHigh Performance Synthetic Oil:
for more details, refer to page115
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