2009 MINI Convertible climate control

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
93
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 page113.
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 page65.
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, page47.
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.

Wheels and tires
112
Tire coding
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the
tire makes it easier to identify and choose the
right tires.
Tire size
Speed code letter
Q = up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph or 190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph or 210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph or 240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph or 270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph or 300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the
US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1γ) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking trac-
tion tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction char-
acteristics.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must
e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter, in
front of the R on ZR tires225/45 R 17 91 V
e.g.
Manufacturer's
code for tire make
Tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 0309

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
135
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.
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
climate.
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle when the
engine is off. Connections, refer to Jump starting
on page137.
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, page60.
>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

From A to Z
162
From A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control83
Additives
– coolant118
– engine oil118
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner80
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control81
Air conditioner79
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control81
– ventilation83
Air distribution
– automatic82
– individual81
– manual81
Air flow rate80,81
– air conditioning system80
– automatic climate control81
– heating, ventilation80
Air outlets, refer to Air vents79
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure104
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,82
Air supply
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control81
– ventilation83
Air vents79
Airbags71
– sitting safely35
– warning lamp73
Airing, refer to Ventilation83AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications103
Alarm system24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires115
Always Open Timer55
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,82
Ambient lighting78
Antenna, care122
Antifreeze
– coolant118
– washer fluid51
Antilock Brake System ABS64
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system
24
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights159
Approved engine oils118
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights159
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest86
Ashtray88
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC64
Audio device, external86
AUTO program for automatic
climate control82
Automatic
– air distribution82
– air flow rate82
– cruise control51
– headlamp control74
Automatic climate control79
– automatic air distribution82Automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– interlock46
– overriding selector lever
lock48
– shiftlock46
– sport program47
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device86
Average fuel consumption54
– setting the units57
Average speed55
Axle loads, refer to
Weights159B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting78
Backrests, refer to Seats35
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb129,130
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch137
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away139
Battery135
– charging135
– disposal27,135
– jump starting137
– temporary power failure135
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed139
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts38
Belts, refer to Safety belts38
Beverage holders, refer to Cup
holders88
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate80,81
Bonnet116

From A to Z
164
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption54
Control Display
– settings56
Controls and displays10
Convenience operation
– convertible top22
Convenience start, refer to
Starting the engine44
Convenient access26
– replacing the battery27
Convenient operation
– windows20
Convertible top30
Coolant118
– checking level118
– filling118
Coolant temperature53
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant118
Cooling, maximum82
Copyright2
Cruising range54
Cup holders88
Curb weight, refer to
Weights159
Current fuel consumption55
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting77
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data156
– capacities160
– dimensions157
– engine156
– weights159
Date
– setting60
Daytime running lamps75
DBC Dynamic Brake Control,
refer to Brake assist64
Deactivating front passenger
airbags72
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler door102
Defogging windows81,82
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows81,82
Defrosting windows81,82
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner81
– automatic climate control82
Differential, breaking in92
Digital clock53
Dimensions157
Dipstick, engine oil117
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals48
Displacement, refer to Engine
data156
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting77
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care125
Disposal
– of coolant118
– remote control battery27
– vehicle battery135
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements58
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC63
Diving stability control
systems63
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Door lock22
Door lock, confirmation
signals20
Doors, manual operation22
DOT Quality Grades112
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders88
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Start Assist65
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button65Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams74
Driving notes92
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Start Assist65
Driving through water93
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes92
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function83
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC64
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake assist64
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC64
Dynamic Traction Control64
E
Electric power windows
– initializing29
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler door102
– trunk lid24
Electronic brake-force
distribution64
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC64
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler door102
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission48
– trunk lid24
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance137

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
165
Engine
– breaking in92
– data156
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature53
– speed156
– starting44
– starting, convenient
access26
– switching off45
Engine compartment117
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant118
Engine oil
– adding118
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils118
– approved engine oils118
– capacity118
– checking level117
– dipstick117
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements58
– MINI Maintenance
System120
Engine oil level, checking117
Engine output, refer to Engine
data156
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine44
Error messages, refer to Check
Control60
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC64
Event data recorders121
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system92
Exterior mirrors39
– adjusting39
– automatic heating39
– folding in and out39
External audio device86
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away138
– for tying down loads96F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control60
Failure of an electrical
consumer135
Fasten safety belts reminder,
refer to Seat belt
reminder38
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts38
Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner81
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control83
Fine wood, care125
First aid pouch137
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock44
Flash when locking/
unlocking20
Flat tire
– Run-Flat Tires114
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM68
Flat Tire Monitor FTM66
– indicating a flat tire67
– initializing the system66
– snow chains66
– system limits66
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition113
Floor mats, care124
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb128,130
Folding rear seat backrest94
Folding roof, refer to
Convertible top with
integrated sliding sunroof30
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely93
Footwell lamps77
For your own safety4
Front airbags71
Front fog lamps77
– indicator lamp141
– replacing bulb128
Front seat adjustment35Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows81,82
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor66
Fuel103
– gauge54
– high-quality brands103
– quality103
– specifications103
– tank capacity160
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge54
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge54
Fuel filler door102
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction102
Fuses135
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control84
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption54
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge54
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel103
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission46
– manual transmission46
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– manual transmission46
General driving notes92
Glass sunroof, electric27
– convenient operation20,22
– opening, closing28
– raising28
– remote control20
Glove compartment85
Grills, refer to Air vents79

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
167
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs126
– of the instruments77
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps74
Limit153
Load95
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo96
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 beams74
– automatic74
– replacing bulb127
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support36
Luggage compartment
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual release24
– increasing the capacity95
– opening from the inside24
Luggage compartment lid
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual release24
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Tailgate23
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo bay23
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack97
Lumbar support36
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires115
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system120Malfunction
– convertible top32
– trunk lid24
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control60
Manual air distribution81
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door102
– power convertible top32
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission48
– trunk lid24
Manual transmission46
Manual washing123
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling82
Maximum speed
– with winter tires115
Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch137
Microfilter
– for air conditioner81
– for automatic climate
control83
– MINI Maintenance
System120
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance
System120
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System120
Mirror dimming feature39
Mirrors39
– exterior mirrors39
– heating39
– interior rearview mirror39
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest86
– refer to separate Owner's
ManualMobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest86
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System131
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety4
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor66
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
48
– refer to Wiper system49
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints37
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments87
New tires114
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data156
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope139
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
Onboard Diagnosis120
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications103
Odometer53
Oil consumption117
Oil level117
Oil, refer to Engine oil117
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal135
Onboard tool kit126

From A to Z
168
Opening and closing
– convenient access26
– from inside22
– from outside19
– using the door lock22
– via the remote control19
Opening and unlocking
– from inside22
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation83
Outlets, refer to Air vents79
Output, refer to Engine
data156
Outside temperature
display53
– changing unit of measure57
– on onboard computer57
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control82
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature53
P
Paintwork, care123
Park Distance Control PDC63
Parking
– vehicle45
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC63
Parking brake45
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb128
Parking lamps/low beams74
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle4
Pathway lighting74
Personal Profile18
Pinch protection system
– windows29
Plastic parts, care125
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner81
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control83
Power convertible top30
Power failure135Power windows28
Power windows, refer to
Windows28
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM68
Pressure monitoring, tires66
– Flat Tire Monitor66
Pressure, tires104
Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– windows29
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor66
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness44
Radio readiness44
– switched off44
– switched on44
Rain sensor49
Range, refer to Cruising
range54
Reading lamps78
Rear fog lamp77
– indicator lamp141
– replacing bulb130
Rear lamps
– bulb replacement130
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps129
Rear luggage rack*97
Rear seat backrest, folding94
Rear seats
– folding the backrests94
Rear window heating80,82
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors39
Recirculated-air mode80,82
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,82
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest36
Refueling102Releasing
– bonnet116
Remote control18
– battery renewal27
– convenient access26
– garage door opener84
– malfunctions21,27
– service data120
– tailgate21
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs126
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires114
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge54
Reservoir for washer
systems51
Restraint systems
– for children41
– refer to Safety belts38
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic
47
– manual transmission46
Roadside Assistance137
Roadside parking lamps76
– replacing bulb128
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements58
Roof load capacity159
Roof-mounted luggage
rack97
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away139
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires114
Rubber parts, care124
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires114
Run-Flat Tires114
– flat tire67
– new tires114
– tire inflation pressure104
– winter tires115