2008 MINI COOPER ECU

Things to remember when driving
90
area of the tailgate; otherwise damage can
occur.
Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers, and take corners gently.
Saving fuel
Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif-
ferent factors. The implementation of certain
measures, your driving style and regular mainte-
nance can have an influence on fuel consump-
tion and on the environmental impact.
Remove unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove attached parts no longer in use
Remove auxiliary mirrors, roof- or rear-mounted
luggage racks whenever you are not using
them.
Attached parts on the vehicle affect its aerody-
namics and increase fuel consumption.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check and, if necessary, correct tire inflation
pressure at least twice a month and before start-
ing on a long trip.
Low inflation pressure increases rolling resis-
tance and thus leads to greater fuel consump-
tion and tire wear.
Drive off immediately
Do no t wa it for t he eng ine to warm u p wh ile the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engine speeds. This is the
fastest way for the cold engine to reach its oper-
ating temperature.
Think ahead while driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking by
maintaining a suitable distance to the vehicle
driving ahead.Driving smoothly and anticipating impending
traffic situations reduces fuel consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
Use first gear only for driving off. In second and
higher gears, accelerate smoothly to a suitable
engine and road speed. In doing so, avoid high
engine speeds and shift up early.
When you reach your desired traveling speed,
shift to the highest suitable gear and drive at
constant speed.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red traffic light, take your
foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast
to a halt in the highest suitable gear.
On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the
accelerator and let the vehicle coast in a suitable
gear.
Fuel supply is shut off automatically when the
vehicle is coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings or
in traffic congestions.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. The man-
ufacturer of your MINI recommends having the
vehicle serviced by a MINI Dealer. Also note the
MINI Maintenance System, page110.
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Under the bonnet
106
Under the bonnet
Do not work on the car unless you possess
the necessary technical knowledge. If you
are not familiar with the regulations to be
observed, have the necessary work on your
vehicle carried out only by a MINI Dealer or a
workshop that has specially trained personnel
working in accordance with the specifications of
the MINI manufacturer. If this work is not carried
out properly, there is a danger of subsequent
damage and related safety hazards.<
Bonnet
Releasing
Pull the lever.
Do not clean the windshield and head-
lamps if the bonnet is unlocked as this
may damage the headlamp washer system
*.<
Opening
To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the bonnet.<
Press the release handle and open the bonnet.
Closing
Close the bonnet from a height of approx. 16 in/
40 cm with momentum. It must be clearly heard
to engage.
If you notice any signs while driving your
vehicle that the bonnet is not completely
closed, stop at once and close it securely.
Make sure that the closing path of the bonnet is
clear, otherwise injuries may result.<
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Replacing components
114
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
Your vehicle comes with an onboard tool kit that
varies with the equipment version; it is stored
underneath the level load floor.
>Mobility System with onboard tool kit and
tire change set
*120
>Tire change set with onboard tool kit for
space-saver spare tire122
Wiper blades
Changing the front wiper blades
1.Fold up the wiper arm.
2.Position the wiper blade horizontally.
3.Press the securing spring, arrow.
4.Unhook the wiper blade toward the wind-
shield.
5.Pull the wiper blade past the wiper arm
toward the top.
6.Insert the new wiper blade.
7.Press into position until you hear it engage.To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the bonnet.<
Replacing the rear wiper blade in the
MINI
1.Fold up the wiper arm.
2.Rotate the wiper blade toward the back as
far as it will go, arrow.
3.Press the wiper blade against the limit and
thus out of the mounting.
4.Press the new wiper blade into the fixture
until it engages audibly.
Replacing the rear wiper blade in the
MINI Clubman
1.Fold out the wiper arm and hold it.
2.Press together the locking spring, arrow 1,
and fold out the wiper blade.
3.Pull the wiper blade away from and out of
the catch mechanism, arrow 2.
4.Press the new wiper blade into the fixture
until it engages audibly.
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ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
123
5.Squeeze the securing spring.
6.The space-saver spare tire is released and
must be held by the lifting handle.
7.Lower the space-saver spare tire with the
lifting handle.
8.Unscrew the lifting handle.
9.Pull the space-saver spare tire underneath
the vehicle out towards the rear.
10.Position the space-saver spare tire with the
valve facing upward.
11.Unscrew the valve extension from the valve
of the space-saver spare tire.
12.Unscrew the dust cap from the extension
and place it on the valve of the space-saver
spare tire.
Due to its different dimensions, the dam-
aged wheel cannot be placed in the recess
for the space-saver spare tire. space-saver spare tire*
In vehicles with the space-saver spare tire, the
tire change set with the onboard tool kit is
located beneath the floor mat or level load floor
in the cargo bay.
1Folding chock and cover for defective wheel
2Vehicle jack
3Wrench
4Wheel stud wrench
5Hub cover remover
6Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver
7Torx insert bit for screwdriver
8Towing eyelet
The onboard tool kit includes a pouch with a
plastic bag in which you can place the damaged
wheel.
Removing the space-saver spare tire
The space-saver spare tire is located under the
tire change set in the cargo bay.
1.Fold up the floor mat.
2.Unscrew the nut, arrow, and remove the
space-saver spare tire.
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Replacing components
124
Driving with the space-saver spare tire
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h.
You must expect changes in vehicle handling
such as lower track stability during braking,
longer braking distances and changes in self-
steering properties when close to the handling
limit. These effects are more pronounced when
driving with winter tires.
Only one space-saver spare tire may be
mounted at one time. Mount a wheel and
tire of the original size as soon as possible, to
avoid any safety risks.<
Check the tire inflation pressure at the ear-
liest opportunity and correct it if neces-
sary. Replace the defective tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire assembly
balanced.<
Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions regarding
flat tires on page119.<
Additional safety measures when chang-
ing tires:
Only change the tire when parked on a surface
that is level, firm and not slippery.
The vehicle or the jack could slip sideways on
soft or slippery support surfaces, such as snow,
ice, flagstones, etc.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a
support base for the jack, as this would prevent
it from extending to its full support height and
reduce its load-carrying capacity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the engine
when the vehicle is supported by the jack; other-
wise there is a risk of fatal injury.<
1.Place the foldable chock
* behind the front
wheel on the other side of the vehicle or in
front of the wheel if the vehicle is on an
incline. If the wheel is changed on a surface
with a more severe slope, take additional
precautions to secure the vehicle from roll-
ing.
2.Uncover the lug bolts if necessary.If the wheel is equipped with a hub cover,
pry it off using the screwdriver from the tire
change kit.
3.Loosen the lug bolts by a half turn.
Jacking up the vehicle
The vehicle jack is designed for changing
wheels only. Do not attempt to raise
another vehicle model with it or to raise any load
of any kind. To do so could cause accidents and
personal injury.<
1.Place the jack at the jacking point closest to
the wheel.
The jack base must be perpendicular to the
surface beneath the jacking point.
2.During jacking up, insert the jack head in the
square recess of the jacking point.
3.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are
changing is raised off the ground.
Mounting the space-saver spare tire
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel.
2.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub. Clean the lug bolts.
3.Lift the new wheel into place.
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ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
125
4.Screw at least two lug bolts finger-tight into
opposite bolt holes.
5.Screw in the remaining bolts.
6.Tighten all the lug bolts firmly in a diagonal
pattern.
7.Lower the vehicle.
8.Remove the jack.
Tightening the lug bolts
Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
Immediately have the wheels checked
with a calibrated torque wrench to ensure
that the lug bolts are firmly seated. Otherwise,
incorrectly tightened lug bolts can present a
safety hazard.<
Tightening torque: 103.3 lb ft or 140 Nm.
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.
Vehicle battery
Have any work on the battery, including
battery replacement, carried out only by a
MINI Dealer or a workshop that has specially
trained personnel working in accordance with
the specifications of the MINI manufacturer.<
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate.
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle when the
engine is off. Connections, refer to Jump starting
on page128.
Disposal
After replacing old batteries, return the
used batteries to your MINI Dealer or to a
recycling point. Maintain the battery in an
upright position for transport and storage. Always secure the battery against tipping over
during transport.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, some equipment
may not be fully functional and may require ini-
tialization. Individual settings are also lost and
must be reprogrammed:
>Time and date
These values must be updated, page54.
>Radio
Stations must be stored again, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual for Radio.
>Glass sunroof, electric
It may only be possible to raise the sunroof,
if applicable. The system must be initialized.
Contact your nearest MINI Dealer.
Fuses
Do not attempt to repair a blown fuse or
replace it with a fuse of a different color or
Ampere rating. To do this could cause a fire in
the vehicle resulting from a circuit overload.
Have the fuse changed only by a MINI Dealer or
a workshop that has specially trained personnel
working in accordance with the specifications of
the MINI manufacturer.<
A fuse allocation diagram is located on the inside
of the fuse box cover panels.
In the engine compartment
Opening the cover
Press the latch.
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Indicator and warning lamps
134
Indicator lamp1 flashes:
Engine malfunction under high load.
High engine load will result in dam-
age to the catalytic converterYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the vehicle
checked without delay.
Indicator lamp1 comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse
effect on exhaust emissionsYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the car checked as
soon as possible.
Lights up in red:
Engine overheating Carefully bring the car to a stop,
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down. Do not open the bonnet,
otherwise there would be a risk of
injury by scalding. Contact your MINI
Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Engine too hot Continue driving at more moderate
speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked with-
out delay if the situation reoccurs.
Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunctionSwitch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers. Have the battery checked
without delay.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connectedHave the battery checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied
12Cause What to do
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ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
151
Belts, refer to Safety belts33
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts33
Beverage holders, refer to Cup
holders80
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate72,73
Bonnet106
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders80
Brake Assist58
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements53
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs in MINI118
– replacing bulbs in MINI
Clubman118
Brake pads, breaking in84
Brake rotors85
– brakes84
– breaking in84
Brakes
– ABS58
– breaking in84
– MINI Maintenance
System110
– parking brake40
– service requirements53
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely85
Brake system84
– breaking in84
– disc brakes85
– MINI Maintenance
System110
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance127
Breaking in the clutch84
Break-in period84
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs115
Button for starting the
engine39
Buttons on the steering
wheel11C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders80
Capacities148
Capacity of cargo bay146
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery125
Car care112
Car-care products, refer to
Suitable car-care
products112
Care112
Cargo, securing89
Cargo area
– capacity147
Cargo area partition net, refer
to Partition net in MINI
Clubman87
Cargo bay86
– capacity146
– convenient access26
– cover86
– doors, refer to Splitdoor23
– lamp69
– lid, refer to Tailgate23
– opening from outside24
– volume146
Cargo bay, expanding86
Cargo bay doors, refer to
Splitdoor23
Cargo bay lamp69
Cargo bay lid, refer to
Tailgate23
Cargo bay partition net, refer
to Partition net in MINI
Clubman87
Cargo loading
– securing cargo89
– stowing cargo88
– vehicle86
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18
Carpets, care113Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest78
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash86
Car wash, care112
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system84
Center armrest78
Center brake lamp119
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking system19
– convenient access26
– from inside22
– from outside19
Changing bulbs
115
Changing wheels122
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment107
Check Control55
Child's seats36
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH37
Child-restraint systems36
Chock, folding
– space-saver spare tire122
Chrome parts, care113
Chrome parts, refer to
Care112
Cigarette lighter80
Cleaning headlamps45
– washer fluid46
Clock48
– 12h/24h mode51
– setting time54
Closing
– from inside22
– from outside19
Clothes hooks79
Clubdoor23
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine39
Comfort access, refer to
Convenient access26
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