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.<
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