2009 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE checking oil

Under the bonnet
114
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Battery, under the cover135
2Engine oil dipstick114
3Engine oil filler neck1154Coolant expansion tank115
5Reservoir for washer fluid for the headlamp
and window washer system50
6Engine compartment fuse box133
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.<

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
115
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, page114.
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.
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.

From A to Z
158
From A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control82
Additives
– coolant115
– engine oil115
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner79
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control80
Air conditioner78
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner79
– automatic climate control80
– ventilation82
Air distribution
– automatic81
– individual80
– manual80
Air flow rate79,81
– air conditioning system79
– automatic climate control81
– heating, ventilation79
Air outlets, refer to Air vents78
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure102
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode79,81
Air supply
– air conditioner79
– automatic climate control80
– ventilation82
Air vents78
Airbags70
– sitting safely34
– warning lamp72
Airing, refer to Ventilation82AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications101
Alarm system24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires112
Always Open Timer54
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode79,81
Ambient lighting77
Antenna, care119
Antifreeze
– coolant115
– washer fluid50
Antilock Brake System ABS63
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system
24
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights155
Approved engine oils115
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights155
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest85
Ashtray87
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC63
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control81
Audio device, external85
AUTO program for automatic
climate control81
Automatic
– air distribution81
– air flow rate81
– cruise control50
– headlamp control73
Automatic climate control78
– automatic air distribution81
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC81Automatic transmission with
Steptronic45
– interlock46
– overriding selector lever
lock47
– shiftlock46
– sport program46
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device85
Average fuel consumption53
– setting the units56
Average speed54
Axle loads, refer to
Weights155B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting77
Backrests, refer to Seats34
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb126,127
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch134
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away136
Battery132
– charging132
– disposal27,132
– jump starting134
– temporary power failure132
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed136
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts37
Belts, refer to Safety belts37
Beverage holders, refer to Cup
holders87
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate79,81
Bonnet113

From A to Z
160
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption53
Control Display
– settings55
Controls and displays10
Convenience operation
– convertible top22
Convenience start, refer to
Starting the engine44
Convenient access26
– replacing the battery27
Convenient operation
– windows20
Convertible top29
Coolant115
– checking level115
– filling115
Coolant temperature52
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant115
Cooling, maximum81
Copyright2
Cruising range53
Cup holders87
Curb weight, refer to
Weights155
Current fuel consumption54
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting76
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data152
– capacities156
– dimensions153
– engine152
– weights155
Date
– setting59
Daytime running lamps74
DBC Dynamic Brake Control,
refer to Brake assist63
Deactivating front passenger
airbags71
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler door100
Defogging windows80,82
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows80,82
Defrosting windows80,82
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control82
Differential, breaking in90
Digital clock52
Dimensions153
Dipstick, engine oil114
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals47
Displacement, refer to Engine
data152
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting76
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care122
Disposal
– of coolant115
– remote control battery27
– vehicle battery132
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements57
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC62
Diving stability control
systems62
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Door lock22
Door lock, confirmation
signals20
Doors, manual operation22
DOT Quality Grades109
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders87
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Start Assist64
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button64Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams73
Driving notes90
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Start Assist64
Driving through water91
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes90
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function82
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC63
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake assist63
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC63
Dynamic Traction Control63
E
Electric power windows
– initializing29
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler door100
– trunk lid24
Electronic brake-force
distribution63
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC63
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler door100
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission47
– trunk lid24
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance134

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
161
Engine
– breaking in90
– data152
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature52
– speed152
– starting44
– starting, convenient
access26
– switching off44
Engine compartment114
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant115
Engine oil
– adding115
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils115
– approved engine oils115
– capacity115
– checking level114
– dipstick114
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements57
– MINI Maintenance
System117
Engine oil level, checking114
Engine output, refer to Engine
data152
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine44
Error messages, refer to Check
Control60
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC63
Event data recorders118
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system90
Exterior mirrors38
– adjusting38
– automatic heating38
– folding in and out38
External audio device85
External care
– 119Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away135
– for tying down loads95
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control60
Failure of an electrical
consumer133
Fasten safety belts reminder,
refer to Seat belt
reminder37
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts37
Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner80
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control82
Fine wood, care122
First aid pouch134
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock43
Flash when locking/
unlocking20
Flat tire
– Run-Flat Tires111
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM66
Flat Tire Monitor FTM65
– indicating a flat tire66
– initializing the system65
– malfunction66
– snow chains65
– system limits65
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition110
Floor mats, care121
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb125,127
Folding rear seat backrest92
Folding roof, refer to
Convertible top with
integrated sliding sunroof29
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely91
Footwell lamps76For your own safety4
Front airbags70
Front fog lamps76
– indicator lamp138
– replacing bulb125
Front seat adjustment34
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows80,82
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor65
Fuel101
– gauge53
– high-quality brands101
– quality101
– specifications101
– tank capacity
156
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge53
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge53
Fuel filler door100
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction100
Fuses133
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control83
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption53
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge53
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel101
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic45
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission46
– manual transmission45
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– manual transmission45
General driving notes90