2008 MINI Hardtop 2 Door heating

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
85
with the road surface, so that the car cannot be
steered or braked properly.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page103.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-
wise greater clutch wear will result.<
For information on driving off using Hill Start
Assist
*, refer to page59.
Braking safely
Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a
situation which requires full braking, it is best to
brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the
vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you
can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with
the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that
ABS is actively taking effect.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger other
road users. The heat generated in this process
helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that
Then full braking force will be immediately avail-
able when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mode of the automatic transmis-
sion, page42.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine brak-
ing action will not be present or there will be no
power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic climate
control is in operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
In the MINI Cooper S, the coolant pump may
continue to run for some time after the engine is
switched off. This will generate noise in the
engine compartment.

Things to remember when driving
86
Before driving into a car wash
Avoid car washes with tracks higher than
4 in/10 cm, otherwise the chassis could be
damaged.<
For general information about vehicle care for
your MINI, refer to the chapter beginning on
page112.
With convenient access and automatic
transmission
Insert the key into the ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off when the selec-
tor lever is in position N. Refer also to page27.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can
assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Avoid fluid spills in the cargo bay as they
could damage the vehicle.<
Cargo bay cover
Do not place any objects on the cover,
otherwise they could endanger the car's
occupants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden
swerving.<
MINI
When you open the tailgate of the MINI, the
cargo bay cover is raised.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be
removed.1.Unhook the lift straps from the tailgate.
2.Pull the cover out of the holders toward the
rear.
MINI Clubman
In the MINI Clubman, the cargo bay cover can be
locked in the intermediate positions 1to3.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be
removed.
1.Pull on the handle, arrow1, to detach the
cargo bay cover.
2.Lift the cargo bay cover up out of the hold-
ers, arrows 2.
Expanding the cargo bay
The rear set backrest is split. Both sides can be
folded separately to expand the cargo bay.

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

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
139
Lights up in red:
>Transmission limp-home pro-
gram active with restricted range
of gears, possibly with reduced
accelerationYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system
checked without delay.
>Gears can be engaged without
depressing the brakeAlways depress the brake to engage a
gear.
>Automatic selector lever locked Overriding the selector lever lock,
page43.
Lights up in yellow: Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
>Automatic selector lever locked:
Selector lever locked in position P
with engine running and brake
depressed orOverriding the selector lever lock,
page43.
>brake signal malfunctioning: gear
can be engaged without depress-
ing the brakeTo engage a gear while the vehicle is
at a standstill, always depress the
brake. Before leaving the vehicle,
move the selector lever to position P
and switch off the engine.
Lights up in red:
Transmission overheating Bring the car to a stop and move the
selector lever to position P. Allow the
transmission to cool down. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Have the system checked if the situa-
tion reoccurs.
Lights up in yellow:
Transmission too hot Avoid high engine loads. You can con-
tinue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Vehicle not prevented from rolling
12Cause What to do

From A to Z
150
From A to Z
Index
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control75
Additives
– coolant108
– engine oil108
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner72
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control73
Airbags64
– sitting safely30
– warning lamp65
Air conditioner71
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner72
– automatic climate control73
– ventilation75
Air distribution
– automatic74
– individual73
– manual73
Air flow rate72,73
– air conditioning system72
– automatic climate control73
– heating, ventilation72
Airing, refer to Ventilation75
Air outlets, refer to Air vents71
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure96
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode72,74
Air supply
– air conditioner72
– automatic climate control73
– ventilation75
Air vents71AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications95
Alarm system24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires105
All-Season Traction Control
ASC58
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode72,74
Ambient lighting70
Antenna, care112
Antifreeze
– coolant108
– washer fluid46
Antilock Brake System ABS58
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system24
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights146,147
Approved engine oils108
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to
Weights146,147
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest78
Arrival time
– computer50
Ashtray80
Assistant systems, refer to
– All-Season Traction Control
ASC58
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC58
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control74
Audio device, external78
Automatic
– air distribution74
– air flow rate74
– cruise control46
– headlamp control66Automatic climate control71
– automatic air distribution74
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC74
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic41
– interlock41
– overriding selector lever
lock43
– shiftlock41
– sport program42
AUTO program for automatic
climate control74
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device78
Average fuel consumption49
– setting the units51
Average speed50
Axle loads, refer to
Weights146,147
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting70
Backrests, refer to Seats30
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb117
– replacing bulbs in MINI118
– replacing bulbs in MINI
Clubman118
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch127
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away129
Battery125
– charging125
– disposal27,125
– jump starting128
– temporary power failure125
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed129

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
153
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door94
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission43
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance127
Engine
– breaking in84
– data144
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature48
– speed144
– starting39
– starting, convenient
access26
– switching off40
Engine compartment107
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant108
Engine oil
– adding108
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils108
– approved engine oils108
– capacity108
– checking level107
– dipstick107
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements53
– MINI Maintenance
System110
Engine oil level, checking107
Engine output, refer to Engine
data144
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine39
Error messages, refer to Check
Control55
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC58
Event data recorders111
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system84Exterior mirrors33
– adjusting33
– automatic heating34
– folding in and out34
External audio device78
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away129
– for tying down loads89
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control55
Failure of an electrical
consumer125
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts33
Fasten safety belts reminder,
refer to Seat belt
reminder33
Filter
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control75
– microfilter for air
conditioner73
Fine wood, care113
First aid pouch127
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock39
Flash when locking/
unlocking20
Flat tire
– Run-Flat Tires104
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM61
Flat Tire Monitor FTM59
– indicating a flat tire60
– initializing the system60
– malfunction61
– snow chains59
– system limits59
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition103
Floor mats, care113
Floor panel, refer to Level load
floor in MINI Clubman87
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb116,118Folding rear seat backrest86
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely85
Footwell lamps69
For your own safety4
Front airbags64
Front fog lamps69
– indicator lamp131
– replacing bulb116
Front seat adjustment30
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows73,75
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor59
Fuel95
– gauge49
– high-quality brands95
– quality95
– specifications95
– tank capacity148
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge
49
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge49
Fuel filler door94
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction94
Fuses125
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control76
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption49
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel95
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge49
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic41
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission41
– manual transmission41

From A to Z
154
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic41
– manual transmission41
General driving notes84
Glass sunroof, electric27
– convenient operation20,22
– opening, closing28
– raising28
– remote control20
Glove compartment77
Grills, refer to Air vents71
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights146,147
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb115
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake40
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags64
Headlamp control,
automatic66
Headlamp flasher43
– indicator lamp11,131
Headlamps
– replacing bulb115
Headlamps, care112
Head restraints32
– sitting safely30
Heated
– mirrors34
– rear window72,74
– seats33
Heating71
– mirrors34
– rear window72,74
– seats33
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo88
Height, refer to
Dimensions145
Height adjustment
– seats31
– steering wheel34High beams68
– headlamp flasher68
– indicator lamp131
– replacing bulb115
High water, refer to Driving
through water85
Hills85
Hill Start Assist59
Holders for cups80
Homepage4
Horn10
Hot exhaust system84
Hydroplaning84
I
Ice warning48
Icy roads, refer to Outside
temperature warning48
Ignition39
– switched off39
– switched on39
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness39
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on39
Ignition lock39
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13,131
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM62
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting69
Individual air distribution73
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM61
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM60
– glass sunroof, electric28
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays12
Instrument lighting69Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays12
Integrated key18
Integrated universal remove
control76
Interior lamps69
– remote control21
Interior rearview mirror34
– automatic dimming
feature34
Interlock41
Intermittent mode of the
wipers44
Internet page4
J
Jacking points124
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles46
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting128
Jump starting128
K
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18
Keyless go, refer to Convenient
access26
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Convenient
access26
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile18
Kick-down42
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic42
Knock control95
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams66
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs115

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
155
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo89
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system37
LEDs light-emitting diodes115
Length, refer to
Dimensions145
Level load floor in MINI
Clubman87
License plate lamp
– replacing bulbs in MINI119
– replacing bulbs in MINI
Clubman119
Light-alloy wheels, care112
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs115
Lighter80
– socket80
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs115
– of the instruments69
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps66
Light switch66
Limit141
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo89
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking22
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal20
– from inside22
– from outside20
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access26
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals20
– from inside22
– from outside19
Low beams66
– automatic66
– replacing bulb115
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support31
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo bay23
Luggage compartment doors,
refer to Splitdoor23Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Tailgate23
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack89
Lumbar support31
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires105
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system110
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control55
Manual air distribution73
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic42
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door94
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission43
Manual transmission41
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling74
Maximum speed
– with winter tires105
Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch127
Microfilter
– for air conditioner73
– for automatic climate
control75
– MINI Maintenance
System110
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance
System110
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System110
Mirror dimming feature34Mirrors33
– exterior mirrors33
– heating34
– interior rearview mirror34
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest78
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest78
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System120
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety4
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor59
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher43
– refer to Wiper system44
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints32
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments79
New tires104
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data144
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope130
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
Onboard Diagnosis110
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications95
Odometer48
Oil, refer to Engine oil107
Oil consumption107