7
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Editorial notice
The manufacturer pursues a policy of con-
tinuous, ongoing development that is con-
ceived to ensure that MINI vehicles con-
tinue to embody the highest quality and
safety standards combined with advanced,
state-of-the-art technology. For this rea-
son, the features described in this Owner's
Manual could, in rare cases, differ from
those in your vehicle.
For your own safety
Fuels:
Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels
containing up to and including 10 %
ethanol or other oxygenates with up to
2.8 % oxygen by weight, i.e. 15 % MTBE or
3 % methanol plus an equivalent amount of
co-solvent, will not void the applicable war-
ranties with respect to defects in materials
or workmanship. Field experience has indi-
cated significant differences in fuel quality,
i.e. volatility, composition, additives, etc.,
among gasolines offered for sale in the
United States and Canada. The use of
poor-quality fuels may result in driveabil-
ity, starting and stalling problems espe-
cially under certain environmental condi-
tions, such as high ambient temperature
and high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems which you suspect could be related to
the fuel you are using, we recommend that
you respond by switching to a recognized
high-quality brand.
Failure to comply with these recommenda-
tions may result in unscheduled mainte-
nance.
Obey pertinent safety rules when you are
handling gasoline.<
Maintenance and repair:
Advanced technology, e.g. the use of
modern materials and powerful elec-
tronics, requires specially adapted mainte-
nance and repair methods. Have the neces-
sary work on your MINI carried out by a
MINI Dealer or a workshop that has spe-
cially trained personnel working in accor-
dance with the specifications of the MINI
manufacturer. Work that is improperly car-
ried out could result in consequential dam-
age and pose safety hazards.
lowing warning.
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of
automobile components and parts,
including components found in the interior
furnishings in a vehicle, contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain flu-
ids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Batteries also contain other chemicals
known to the State of California to cause
cancer. Wash your hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
have caused cancer in laboratory animals.
Always protect your skin by washing thor-
oughly with soap and water.<
NOTES
15
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
DISPLAY ELEMENTS WITH NAVIGATION SYSTEM* OR COCKPIT CHRONO PACK*
1 Indicator and warning lamps, page16 ff
2 Fuel gauge67
For more information about the navigation
system, refer to the Owner's Manual for
Navigation System.3 Engine oil temperature
4 Engine oil pressure
5 Coolant temperature6 Indicator and warning lamps, page16 ff
7 Fuel gauge67
16
INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPS
Technology that monitors itself
The system runs a check on the indicator
and warning lamps marked by
+ when you
turn the key in the ignition lock. 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.<
Engine oil pressure
+
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
page117. Have the system checked imme-
diately.
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 page67. Have the system checked
immediately.
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.<
EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
154
A
ABS Antilock Brake System71
indicator lamp17,18
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle6
Activated-charcoal filter83
Adjusting interior
temperature79,82
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated air mode79,82
Air conditioning system78
Air distribution
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation80,83
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure101
Air volume
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Airbags75
passenger airbag status
lamp76
safe seating position42
warning lamp18
AKI, refer to Fuel quality99
All Season traction Control
(ASC)71
indicator lamps17,18 All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires110
Antenna120
Antifreeze
coolant115
washer fluid63
Antilock Brake System (ABS)71
indicator lamp17,
18
Anti-theft system24
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights149,150
Approved engine oils115
Approved gross vehicle weight,
refer to Weights149,150
ASC All Season traction
Control71
indicator lamps17,18
Ashtray85
Assistant systems, refer to
All Season traction Control
(ASC)71
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)71
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution82
Automatic
air distribution82
air volume82
cruise control64
Automatic car washes119
Automatic climate control81 Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
ignition53
indicator lamp57
interlock53
selector lever lock56
shiftlock56
towing142
tow-starting143
Average consumption70
setting units70
Average speed70
setting units70
Axle loads, refer to
Weights149,150
B
Backrests, refer to
Adjusting seats44
Backup lamp
bulb replacement129
Bar, towing142
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone84
Battery138
charging138
disposal138
indicator lamp16
jump-starting140
power failure138
Battery care68,118 Belts, refer to Safety belts46
Beverage holders85
Black ice, refer to Temperature
warning69
Blower
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Blower, refer to Air volume79
Blowers, refer to Draft-free
ventilation80,83
Bonnet111
indicator lamp17
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders85
Brake discs
brake system97
break-in procedures96
Brake fluid117
level117
warning lamp16
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement129
Brake pads117
break-in procedures96
warning lamp18
Brake system117
brake fluid117
brake pads117
break-in procedures96
disc brakes97
warning lamp17
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