2009 MINI Convertible lock

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
95
Loading aid
When the convertible top is closed, you can load
the vehicle more easily by releasing the convert-
ible top and folding it up.
1.Release the convertible top using the han-
dles, see arrows 1.
2.Lift the convertible top, see arrow 2.
3.Fold back the handles and place them on
holders3.
Expanding the luggage
compartment volume
You can enlarge the luggage compartment vol-
ume when the convertible top is closed.
1.Fold the convertible top upwards, refer to
Loading aid.
2.Pull the luggage compartment's roll-up
cover from its lower storage area and
towards the rear, then swing upward, see
arrows 1.
3.Push cover into the upper storage areas, see
arrows 2 and place down horizontally.
To operate the convertible top, move the
luggage compartment cover back to its
lower position.<
Through-loading system
To be able to transport larger objects, the rear
backrest can be folded down.
1.If necessary, use the integrated key and
open the backrest lock 1.
2.Press button2 and fold down backrest
together with the belt strap.
3.Fold the backrest forward.
When folding the backrest back into its
original position, always ensure that the
catch engages securely. A loose backrest might
fail to prevent cargo from entering the passen-
ger compartment during sudden braking or eva-
sive maneuvers, posing a potential hazard to
occupants.
The belt guide loop, see page38, must be
closed.<
Determining cargo limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, overloading
can result in damage to the vehicle and
unstable driving conditions.<

Refueling
102
Refueling
Switch off the engine before refueling,
otherwise fuel cannot be added to the
tank and a message will be displayed.<
Take all precautionary measures and
observe all applicable regulations when
handling fuel. Do not carry any spare fuel con-
tainers in your vehicle. They can develop a leak
and cause an explosion or cause a fire in the
event of an accident.<
Fuel filler door
Opening
1.Open fuel filler door.
2.Turn the gas cap counterclockwise.
3.Place the gas cap in the bracket attached to
the fuel filler door.
Closing
Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until you clearly
hear a click.
Do not pinch the band attached to the
cap, otherwise the cap cannot be closed
properly and fuel vapors can escape. A message
will be displayed if the gas cap is loose or
missing.<
Manually releasing the fuel filler door
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can
manually unlock the fuel filler door:1.Remove the cover from the left-hand side-
wall of the cargo bay.
MINI:
MINI Convertible:
2.Pull on the green knob with the fuel pump
symbol. The fuel filler door is released.
By way of example, the illustration shows the
sidewall of the cargo compartment in the MINI.
Observe the following when refueling
Take all precautionary measures and
observe all applicable regulations when
handling fuel, otherwise there is a danger of per-
sonal injury and property damage.<

Under the bonnet
116
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.<

Under the bonnet
118
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, page117.
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 regularly approves cer-
tain 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 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.
The approved oils are SAE 0W-40, 0W-30,
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
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 hood 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.

Care
122
Care
Car-care products
Regular cleaning and care helps to maintain the
value of your MINI.
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
using manufacturer-approved products to clean
and care for your vehicle.
MINI Service would be pleased to advise you
on cleaning and care products and services for
your MINI.
The ingredients of original MINI CareProd-
ucts have been tested, and the products
have been tested in the laboratory and in prac-
tice. They offer optimum care and protection for
your vehicle.<
Do not use any cleansers containing
alcohol or solvents as these may cause
damage.<
Cleaning agents may contain hazardous
or health-damaging substances. Follow
the warning and hazard instructions on the
packaging. For interior cleaning, always open
the doors or windows of the vehicle.
Do not use any products that are not intended
for cleaning the vehicle.<
External care
Washing your vehicle
Especially during the winter months the
vehicle should be frequently washed. Dirt
and road salt can damage the vehicle.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them, otherwise
water can reduce braking efficiency over the
short term and the brake rotors can corrode.<
Car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.Do not use automatic high-pressure car
washes, otherwise water may drip into the
vehicle around the windows.<
Before driving into the car wash, check if the sys-
tem is suitable for your MINI. Observe the fol-
lowing points:
>Dimensions of the vehicle, page157
>If necessary: Fold in the outside mirrors,
page39.
>Maximum permissible tire width
Avoid car washes with tracks higher than
4 in/10 cm, otherwise the chassis could be
damaged.<
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
>Unscrew the rod antenna.
>Deactivate the rain sensor
* to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
>Deactivate the rear window wiper
* and pro-
tect it from damage. Ask the car wash oper-
ator about measures that can be taken to
protect the wipers.
>Remove additional attachments, e.g. spoil-
ers or telephone antennas, if there is a pos-
sibility that they could be damaged.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, make sure that
the vehicle can roll:
1.Place the remote control, even with conve-
nient access, in the ignition lock.
2.Move the selector lever to position N.
3.Release the parking brake.
4.Switch off the engine.
5.Insert the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, ensure that you maintain a suffi-
cient distance to the vehicle and do not exceed a

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
127
sumer in question, otherwise short circuits could
result. To avoid possible injury or equipment
damage when replacing bulbs, observe any
instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
Caring for headlamps, refer to page123.
For any bulb replacement not described
below, contact a MINI Dealer or a work-
shop that has specially trained personnel work-
ing in accordance with the specifications of the
MINI manufacturer.<
For checking and adjusting headlamp aim,
please contact your MINI Dealer.<
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light sources for many of
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These
light-emitting diodes are related to conven-
tional laser diodes, and legislation defines them
as Class 1 light-emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers or expose the
eyes directly to the unfiltered light source
for several hours, otherwise this could cause irri-
tation to the retina.<
Bi-Xenon lamps*
The service life of these bulbs is very long and
the probability of failure very low, provided that
they are not switched on and off an excessive
number of times. If a xenon lamp fails neverthe-
less, switch on the fog lamps and continue the
journey with great care, provided that local leg-
islation does not prohibit this.
Have any work on the xenon lamp system,
including bulb replacement, carried out
only by a MINI Dealer or a workshop that has
specially trained personnel working in accor-
dance with the specifications of the MINI manu-
facturer. Due to high voltage, there is a risk of
fatal injury if work on the xenon lamps is carried
out improperly.<
Halogen low beams and high beams
H13 bulb, 60/55 wattsThe H13 bulb is pressurized. Therefore,
wear safety glasses and protective gloves.
Otherwise there is a risk of injury if the bulb is
damaged.<
Be careful when installing the cover,
otherwise leaks could occur and cause
damage to the headlamp system.<
Accessing the lamp from the
engine compartment
The low-beam/high-beam bulb can be changed
from the engine compartment.
Removing the cover:
1.Press the tab.
2.Flip open the cover and take it out of
the holder.
Follow the same steps in reverse order to
reattach the cover.
Be careful when installing the cover,
otherwise leaks could occur and cause
damage to the headlamp system.<
Replacing the bulb
1.Turn the lamp counterclockwise, arrow1,
and remove it, arrow2.

Replacing components
128
2.Push on the catch, arrow 1, and unplug the
connector, arrow2.
3.To insert the new bulb and replace the
cover, proceed in reverse order.
Turn signal indicators, parking lamps,
roadside parking lamps and fog lamps
Accessing the lamps via the wheel well
1Turn signal
2Parking/roadside parking/fog lamps
Replacing a turn signal bulb
21 watt bulb, PY 21 W
1.Turn in the wheel.
2.Remove cover 1.
To do so, turn the cover counterclockwise.3.Remove the inside cover.
To do so, turn the cover counterclockwise.
4.Screw out the bulb counterclockwise.
5.To insert the new bulb and replace the cov-
ers, proceed in reverse order.
Replacing a parking/roadside parking
lamp bulb
5 watt bulb, W 5 W
1.Turn in the wheel.
2.Remove cover 2.
To do so, turn the cover counterclockwise.
3.Screw out the upper bulb counterclockwise.
4.To insert the new bulb and replace the
cover, proceed in reverse order.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
129
Replacing a fog lamp bulb
H8 bulb, 35 watts
1.Turn in the wheel.
2.Remove cover 2.
To do so, turn the cover counterclockwise.
3.Screw out the lower bulb counterclockwise.
4.To insert the new bulb and replace the
cover, proceed in reverse order.
Side turn signal indicators
5 watt bulb, W 5 W
1.Push the lamp with the ventilation grate for-
ward and remove.
2.Screw out the bulb holder counterclockwise.
3.Pull out and replace the bulb.
4.To insert the new bulb and replace the
cover, proceed in reverse order.
Tail lamps
1Brake lamp/tail lamp
21 watt/5 watt bulb, W 5 W
2Turn signal lamp
21 watt bulb, P 21 W
3Backup lamp
21 watt bulb, P 21 W
Lamp access
MINI:
Remove the cover from the sidewall of the
cargo bay.
MINI Convertible:
Move the convertible top to its uppermost posi-
tion, see Loading aid page95, and remove the
cover of the luggage compartment side wall.