117
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
ENGINE OILMeasuring the oil level1. 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.
5 minutes 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.
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 changeHave 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.
118
ENGINE OIL COOLANTApproved 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.
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.
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.<
121
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
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 determine
maintenance intervals according to fixed
kilometer readings, the MINI Maintenance
System takes the vehicle's driving condi-
tions into account because not every mile is
the same as another in this respect.
From a maintenance standpoint,
60,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated
through short-distance driving cannot be
treated the same as 60,000 miles/
100,000 km accumulated through long-dis-
tance highway travel.
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 page69.
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.<
124
CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLEner, heavy-duty grease remover, fuel or
similar
>Fine-wood parts
*:
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 installed.
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
*:
Use an interior cleaner to clean these
items if they are heavily soiled. Floor
mats can be removed to allow the inte-
rior to be cleaned
>Wiper blades:
Clean with soap and water. Replace
wiper blades twice a year, before and
after the cold season. This is particularly
important on vehicles fitted with a rain
sensor.
Caring for leather* and imitation
leatherThe 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.<
Care of the MINI Convertible's top The appearance and service life of the con-
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.<
EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
156
A
ABS Antilock Brake System72
indicator lamp17,18
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle6
Activated-charcoal filter84
Adjusting interior
temperature80,83
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated air mode80,83
Air conditioning system79
Air distribution
air conditioning system80
automatic climate control83
individual84
manual80
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation81,84
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure104
Air volume
air conditioning system80
automatic climate control83
Airbags76
passenger airbag status
lamp77
safe seating position42
warning lamp18
AKI, refer to Fuel quality101 All Season traction Control
(ASC)72
indicator lamps17,18
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires113
Antenna123
Antifreeze
coolant118
washer fluid64
Antilock Brake System (ABS)72
indicator lamp17,18
Anti-theft system24
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights151,152
Approved engine oils118
Approved gross vehicle weight,
refer to Weights151,152
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest86
ASC All Season traction
Control72
indicator lamps17,18
Assistant systems, refer to
All Season traction Control
(ASC)72
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution83 Automatic
air distribution83
air volume83
cruise control65
Automatic car washes122
Automatic climate control82
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
ignition53
indicator lamp57
interlock53
selector lever lock56
shiftlock56
towing144
tow-starting145
Aux-In socket85
Average consumption71
setting units71
Average speed71
setting units71
Axle loads, refer to
Weights151,152
B
Backrests, refer to
Adjusting seats44
Backup lamp
bulb replacement131
Bar, towing144
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone86 Battery140
charging140
disposal140
indicator lamp16
jump-starting142
power failure140
Battery care69,121
Being towed144
Belts, refer to Safety belts46
Beverage holders86
Black ice, refer to Temperature
warning70
Blower
air conditioning system80
automatic climate control83
Blower, refer to Air volume80
Blowers, refer to Draft-free
ventilation81,84
Bonnet114
indicator lamp17
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders86
Brake discs
brake system99
break-in procedures98
Brake fluid120
level120
warning lamp16
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement131
EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
158
Configuring settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory49
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption71
Current fuel consumption71
Contents2
Control elements, refer to
Cockpit12
Convenience operation
convertible top37
from outside26,27
glass sunroof, electric33
windows31
Convertible top35
care124
convenience operation37
electrical malfunction38
emergency closing38
malfunction38
Coolant118
indicator lamp16
level119
temperature gauge68
Coolant temperature68
Cooling
air conditioning mode83
cooling function80
Cooling function
air conditioning system80
automatic climate control83 Cooling system, refer to
Capacities153
Copyright2
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)72
warning lamp17
Correct tires108
Cosmetic mirror, refer to
Illuminated vanity mirror48
Cruise control65
buttons on the steering
wheel20
indicator lamp19
Cup holders, refer to Beverage
holders86
Curb weight, refer to
Weights151,152
Current fuel consumption71
setting units71
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data148
D
Daily odometer, refer to Trip
odometer67
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting62
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit12 Data
capacities153
dimensions149
engine148
technical148
weights151
Date of the Owner's Manual7
Daytime running lamps61
Defrost setting, refer to
Defrosting and demisting
windows81,84
Defrosting and demisting
windows
air conditioning system81
automatic climate control84
Defrosting front windows, refer
to Defrosting and demisting
windows81,84
Defrosting windows81,84
air conditioning system80
automatic climate control83
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting and demisting
windows81,
84
Demisting windows81,84
Digital clock67
Dimensions149,150
Dimming interior rearview
mirror98
Dipstick, engine oil117 Directional turn signal,
refer to Turn signal
indicators61
Disc brakes99
Disengaging the locks, refer to
Unlocking26
Displacement, refer to Engine
data148
Display elements13
with navigation system or
Cockpit Chrono Pack14
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting62
Disposal
coolant118
vehicle battery140
Distance covered, refer to
Odometer67
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control (PDC)78
Door keys24
Door lock27
Doors, locking and unlocking
acknowledgment
signals26,27
from inside28
from outside26
DOT quality grades108
Draft-free ventilation81,84
Drink holders, refer to Beverage
holders86
EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
159
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Driving downhill99
Driving hints, refer to Driving
notes98
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams60
Driving notes98
Driving stability control
systems72
Driving through water100
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function80,83
Drying air,
refer to Cooling
function80,83
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control72
indicator lamp17
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
indicator lamp17
E
Easy entry to the rear45
EBD Electronic Brake Force
Distribution72
Electric glass sunroof33
Electric power windows31
initializing32 Electrical malfunction
automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
convertible top38
door lock27
driver's door27
fuel filler door102,103
glass sunroof, electric34
tailgate30
Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD)72
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP), refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
convertible top38
driver's door27
fuel filler door102,103
glass sunroof, electric34
tailgate30
transmission lock, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56 Engine
break-in procedures98
data148
electronics18
indicator lamp18
overheated, refer to
Coolant temperature
gauge68
speed69
starting53
switching off54
Engine compartment
MINI COOPER and MINI
COOPER Convertible115
MINI COOPER S and MINI
COOPER S Convertible116
Engine coolant118
Engine data148
Engine oil117
adding117
dipstick117
indicator/warning lamp16
recommended oils118
specified oil grades118
Engine oil level117
indicator/warning lamp16
Engine oil level, checking117
Engine oil pressure, indicator/
warning lamp16
Engine output, refer to Engine
data148 Entry to the rear45
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)72
Exhaust system, refer to
Hot exhaust system100
Exterior mirrors48
adjusting48
automatic heating48
folding in and out48
External audio device85
Eyelet, for towing and tow-
starting143
F
Failure of an electrical
consumer140
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts46
Filling canister, refer to MINI
Mobility System138
Filling hose, refer to MINI
Mobility System138
Filter, refer to
Microfilter81
Microfilter/Activated-
charcoal filter84
EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
160
Flat tire
Flat Tire Monitor74,75
MINI Mobility System137
Run-Flat Tires75
space-saver spare tire133
Flat Tire Monitor74
indicator lamp17
issuing a flat tire warning75
malfunction75
Flat tire, refer to Changing
tires135
Flat tire, refer to Tire
condition109
Floor coverings, carpets124
Floor mats124
Fog lamps62
indicator lamp62
Foldable rear backrest90,91
Folding roof, refer to
Convertible top with
integrated sliding sunroof35
Foot braking, refer to General
driving notes99
Fresh air nozzles,
refer to Draft-free
ventilation81
Front airbags76
Front turn signal indicators,
bulb replacement130 Fuel101
average consumption71
gauge67,68
quality101
tank capacity153
Fuel filler door101
unlocking in the event of
electrical
malfunction102,103
Fuses141
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control88
Gas cap101
Gas, refer to Average
consumption71
Gas, refer to Fuel quality101
Gasoline gauge, refer to Fuel
gauge67,68
Gasoline, refer to Fuel
quality101
Gear indicator, for automatic
transmission with
Steptronic57
Gear shifts, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56 Gearshift lever
automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
manual transmission55
General driving notes98
Glass sunroof, electric33
convenience operation27
opening and closing in the
event of an electrical
malfunction34
remote control26
Glove compartment85
Gross weight, refer to
Weights151,152
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake54
Hazard warning flashers12
Head airbags76
Head restraints44
Headlamp flasher61
indicator lamp19
Headlamp washer reservoir64
capacity, refer to
Capacities153
Headlamp washer system
cleaning headlamps64
washer fluid64 Headlamps
bulb replacement130
care123
Heated rear window
air conditioning system80
automatic climate control83
Heating79
exterior mirrors48
mirrors48
rear window80,83
seats47
windshield80,83
Heavy load, refer to Loading94
Height adjustment
seats43
steering wheel47
Height, refer to
Dimensions149,150
High beams61
bulb replacement130
headlamp flasher61
indicator lamp19
High Performance Synthetic
Oil, refer to Engine oil118
recommended oils118
specified oils118
Holders for beverages86
Horn12
Hot exhaust system100
Hydraulic brake120
Hydroplaning99