Page 9 of 172

7OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Editorial noticeThe 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 safetyFuels:
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.<
California Proposition 65 warning:
California laws require us to state the fol-
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.
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
Page 120 of 172

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.
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.<
Page 164 of 172

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
162
Luggage compartment
cover90
emergency operation, refer
to Manual release30
expanding90
lid, refer to Tailgate29
opening from the outside29
opening with the remote
control26
opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate29
volume151,152
Luggage compartment in the
MINI90
Luggage compartment lid
emergency operation, refer
to Manual release30
opening with the remote
control26
Luggage compartment lid, refer
to Tailgate29
Luggage compartment net94
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack95
Lumbar support44
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires113
Maintenance system121 Maintenance, refer to Service
and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models121
Malfunction
automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
convertible top38
door lock27
fuel filler door102,103
glass sunroof, electric34
tailgate30
tire112
Manual air distribution80
Manual operation
door lock27
driver's door27
fuel filler door102,103
glass sunroof, electric34
power convertible top38
tailgate30
transmission lock, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56
Manual transmission55
Master keys with remote
control24
Maximum cooling83 Maximum speed, with winter
tires113
MC operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Mechanical keys, refer to
Master keys24
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory49
Microfilter
air conditioning system81
automatic climate control84
MINI homepage6
MINI Maintenance System121
MINI manufacturer6
MINI Mobility System137
compressor138
liquid sealant138
Mirrors48
exterior48
heating48
interior rearview48
Mobile telephone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System137
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety7
Multifunction steering
wheel20 Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/
headlamp flasher61
washer/wiper system63
N
Navigation system, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Neck restraints, refer to Head
restraints44
New tires112
Non-smoker's equipment
package, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket87
Nylon rope, refer to Towing and
tow-starting144
O
OBD interface socket122
Octane number, refer to Fuel
quality101
Odometer67
Oil
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil118
dipstick117
Oil change intervals, refer to
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US