2008 MINI Hardtop 2 Door engine coolant

Everything under control
48
Everything under control
Odometer, outside tem-
perature display, clock
1Outside temperature display and clock or
current speed
2Odometer and trip odometer
3Resetting the trip odometer
Units of measure
Select the respective units of measure, miles or
km for the odometer as well as 7 or 6 for the
outside temperature, page51.
Outside temperature display, time
Setting the time, refer to page54.
Outside temperature warning
When the displayed temperature sinks to
approx. +377/+36, a signal sounds and a
warning lamp lights up. There is an increased
risk of black ice.
Black ice can also form at temperatures
above +377/+36. You should therefore
drive carefully on bridges and shaded roads, for
example, otherwise there is an increased risk of
an accident.<
Current vehicle speed
To have the current speed shown in the upper
display otherwise serving for the outside tem-
perature display and clock.1.Press the button in the turn indicator lever
repeatedly until the current speed appears
in the lower display.
2.Wait for the speed display to automatically
move to the upper display.
The outside temperature then appears in the
lower display.
Odometer and trip odometer
Resetting the trip odometer
With the ignition switched on, press knob 3 in
the tachometer.
When the vehicle is parked
To display the time, outside temperature and
odometer briefly after the key is removed from
the ignition lock:
Press knob 3 in the tachometer.
Tachometer
Never operate the engine with the needle in the
red overspeed zone of the gauge. In this range,
the fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine.
Coolant temperature
A warning lamp will come on if the coolant, and
therefore the engine, becomes too hot.
Check coolant level, refer to page108.

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.

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
107
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Battery, under the cover128
2Engine oil dipstick107
3Engine oil filler neck1084Coolant expansion tank108
5Reservoir for washer fluid for the headlamp
and window washer system46
6Engine compartment fuse box125
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking engine oil level
1.With the vehicle's engine at normal operat-
ing temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted
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.The oil quantity corresponding to the difference
between the two marks on the dipstick is 1 US
quart/1 liter.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the
dipstick. Excess oil will damage the
engine.<

Under the bonnet
108
Adding engine oil
Do not add the maximum quantity of 1 US
quart/1 liter of engine oil until the oil level has
dropped to just above the lower mark on the
dipstick, page107.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km,
otherwise the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Keep oils, greases, etc. out of the reach of
children and comply with the warnings on
the containers. Otherwise, health hazards may
result.<
Oil change
Have 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.
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical
significance for the operation and service life of
an engine. Based on extensive testing, the man-
ufacturer of your MINI approves only certain
grades of engine oil on a regular basis.
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 the API SM specification or
higher.
If you have any further questions regard-
ing MINI High Performance Synthetic Oil
or approved synthetic oils, your MINI Dealer will
be glad to advise you. 1-800-831-1117 or visit the website
www.miniusa.com to obtain this information.
Viscosity grades
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and
is categorized in SAE classes.
The correct SAE grade for your MINI is deter-
mined by the climatic conditions of the region in
which you normally drive your MINI.
Approved oils belong to the 5W-40 and
5W-30 classes.<
These oils can be used for driving at all outside
temperatures.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of half water and half additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your MINI. Your MINI Dealer knows
which additives are suitable and will be glad to
advise you.
Only use suitable additives, otherwise
engine damage may result. Because addi-
tives are harmful to your health, it is important
to follow the instructions on the containers.<
Comply with the appropriate environmen-
tal protection regulations when disposing
of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.Do not open the bonnet until the engine has
cooled down.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated
pressure to escape, then continue turning to
open.
3.The coolant level is correct if it is between
the Min and Max markings.

Indicator and warning lamps
140
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Ignition cannot be switched offEngage selector lever position P when
you wish to switch off the ignition,
page39.
Lights up in red:
Electric steering wheel lock malfunc-
tioningThe engine can no longer be started. If
applicable, do not switch off the
engine. Contact your MINI Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Electric steering wheel lock engaged Move the steering wheel before start-
ing the engine.
Cruise control system failed Have the system checked.
Park Distance Control failed Have the system checked.
Bulb of exterior lighting system failed Have the exterior lighting checked as
soon as possible.
Low-beam headlamp or fog lamp
failedHave the lamps checked as soon as
possible.
High-beam headlamp failed Have the high-beam headlamps
checked.
Rear fog lamp failed Have the rear fog lamp checked.
Headlamp beam throw adjustment
system failedHave the headlamp beam throw
adjustment system checked.
Coolant level too low Add coolant immediately, page108.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your
journey. Contact your MINI Dealer.
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

From A to Z
152
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock39
Computer49
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked85
Condition Based Service
CBS110
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Confirmation signals for
vehicle locking/unlocking20
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances80
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption49
Consumption indicator
– average fuel consumption49
Control Display
– settings50
Controls and displays10
Convenience start, refer to
Starting the engine39
Convenient access26
– replacing the battery27
– what to observe before
entering a car wash27
Convenient operation
– windows20
Coolant108
– checking level108
– filling108
Coolant temperature48
Cooling, maximum74
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant108
Copyright2
Cruising range49
Cup holders80
Curb weight, refer to
Weights146,147
Current fuel consumption50
D
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting69
Data144
– capacities148
– dimensions145
– engine144
– weights146,147
Date
– setting55
Daytime running lamps67
DBC Dynamic Brake Control,
refer to Brake assist58
Deactivating front passenger
airbags64
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20
Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler door94
Defogging windows73,75
Defrosting windows73,75
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner73
– automatic climate control75
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows73,75
Differential, breaking in84
Digital clock48
Dimensions145
Dipstick, engine oil107
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals43
Displacement, refer to Engine
data144
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting69
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays, care113
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– of coolant108
– remote control battery27
– vehicle battery125Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements53
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC57
Diving stability control
systems57
Door
– rear, refer to Clubdoor23
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Door lock22
Door lock, confirmation
signals20
Doors, manual operation22
DOT Quality Grades102
Double doors, refer to
Splitdoor23
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders80
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Start Assist59
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button59
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams66
Driving notes84
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Start Assist59
Driving through water85
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes84
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function75
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake assist58
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC58
E
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– fuel filler door94
Electronic brake-force
distribution58
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC58

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