MOBILITYEngine compartment
156
Hood
Releasing
Pull the lever.Do not clean the windshield and head-
lamps if the hood 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 hood. <
Press the release handle and open the hood.
Closing
Close the hood 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 hood is not completely
closed, stop at once and close it securely.
Make sure that the closing path of the hood is
clear; otherwise, injuries may result. <
Engine oil
Engine oil consumption depends on driving style
and operating conditions, e.g., with a very
sporty driving style, the engine oil consumption
is significantly increased.
Therefore, check the engine oil level regularly
after each refueling.
Checking engine oil level
1. With the vehicle's engine at normal opera-
ting 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.
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Engine compartmentMOBILITY
157
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. <
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 abov e the lower mark on the
dipstick, page 156.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km;
otherwise, the engine could be dam-
aged. <
If too much motor oil is added,
immediately have the vehicle checked;
otherwise, damage to the engine may result. <
Keep oils, grease, etc. out of the reach of
children and comply with the warnings on
the containers. Otherwise, health hazards may
result. <
Oil types for refilling
Notes
Do not use oil additives as this could result
in engine damage. <
When selecting a motor oil, ensure that it
belongs to one of the SAE viscosity classes
0W-40, 0W-30, 5W-40 and 5W-30; otherwise,
malfunctions or damage to the engine may
result. <
The engine oil quality is critical for the life of the
engine.
Some types of oil may not be available in every
country.
Approved oil types
Additional information on approved types of oil
can be found at a MINI dealer.
Alternative oil types
If the approved engine oils are not available,
up to 1 US quart/1 liter of another oil with the
following specifications may be used:
Oil change
Only MINI dealers are to perform oil changes.
Gasoline engines
BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30
BMW Longlife-01
BMW Longlife-01 FE
Gasoline engines
API SM or higher specifications
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CareMOBILITY
161
Care
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. Equipment is also described
that is not available because of, for example,
selected options or count ry version. This also
applies to safety related functions and systems.
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.
Your MINI dealer would be pleased to advise
you on cleaning and care products and services
for your MINI.
The ingredients of original MINI Care
Products have been tested, and the
products have been tested in the laboratory
and in practice. 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
system is suitable for your MINI. Observe the
following points:
> Vehicle dimensions, page 197.
> If necessary: fold in the outside mirrors,
page 49.
> 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.
> MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster: retract spoiler.
> Deactivate the rain sensor to prevent
unintentional wiping.
> Remove additional attachments, e.g.
spoilers or telephone antennas, if there is
a possibility that they could be damaged.
> Insert the remote control into the ignition
lock.
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CareMOBILITY
163
Use special convertible top cleaning agents if
attempting to remove heavy stains.
Always read and foll ow the manufacturer's
instructions.
Use an impregnating agent to treat the conver-
tible top once a year.
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster: rear spoiler
compartment
So that the operation of the rear spoiler is not
compromised, e.g., by leaves, snow or ice, clean
the rear spoiler compartment at regular inter-
vals.
Paintwork, care
Regular care helps your vehicle retain its value
and protects the paint from the long-term
effects of aggre ssive substances.
Environmental influences in areas with
increased air pollution or natural contaminants,
such as tree sap or pollen, can affect the vehicle
paintwork. It is therefor e important to adjust the
frequency and extent of vehicle care corre-
spondingly.
Immediately remove any pa rticularly aggressive
substances, such as fuel that has overflowed, oil,
grease, brake fluid, or bi rd droppings; otherwise,
paint damage can be caused.
Removing paintwork damage
Depending on the severity of the damage,
immediately repair stone damage or
scratches to prevent rusting. <
The manufacturer of the MINI recommends
repairing paint damage pr ofessionally according
to factory specifications with original MINI
paints.
Preservation
Preservation is necessary when water no longer
beads on the clean paint surface. To preserve
the paint, only use preservatives that contain
carnauba or synthetic waxes.
Rubber seals
Only treat with water or rubber care products.
Do not use silicon spra ys or other silicon-
containing care products on rubber seals;
otherwise, noise and damage could occur. <
Chrome parts
Carefully clean vehicle parts such as the radiator
grill and door handles with copious quantities of
water and, if necessary, a shampoo additive,
especially when contaminated with road salt.
For additional treatment, use chrome polish.
Light alloy wheels
The system produces brake dust that collects on
the light alloy wheels. Clean them regularly with
acid-free wheel cleaner.
Do not use aggressive, acid-containing,
highly alkaline, or abrasive cleansers or
steam jets hotter than 140 7/60 6 as they may
cause damage. <
External sensors
Keep the outside sensors on the vehicle
such as the Park Di stance Control clean
and ice-free to ensure that they function
properly. <
Internal care
Upholstery/fabrics
Regularly use a vacuum cleaner to remove
surface dirt.
In case of serious spots such as liquid stains, use
a soft sponge or lint-free microfiber cloth and
suitable interior cleane rs. Observe the instruc-
tions on the packaging.
Clean upholstery up to the seams. Do not
rub forcefully. <
Velcro fasteners on pants or other items of
clothing can damage seat covers. Make
sure that all Velcro fasteners are closed. <
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MOBILITYCare
164
Leather/leather coverings
The leather processed by the manufac-
turer of your MINI is a high-quality natural
product. Light variations in the grain is one of
the typical properties of natural leather. <
Dust and road grit in th e pores and folds of the
leather have an abrasive effect, leading to
increased wear and causing the leather surface
to become brittle prematurely. Use a cloth or
vacuum cleaner to remo ve dust on a regular
basis.
Especially when the leather has a light color, it
should be cleaned regularl y since it tends to get
heavily soiled.
Treat the leather twice a year using a leather
lotion since dirt and grease will gradually attack
the leather's protective layer.
Carpets/floor mats
Keep floor mats, carpet, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhibit the function of the
pedals during driving.
Do not place additional floor mats onto an
existing one or onto other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved for
the vehicle and can be appropriately fastened.
Make sure that the fl oor mats are securely
fastened again after they have been removed,
e.g. for cleaning. <
Floor mats can be removed to be cleaned.
If the carpets are very dirty, clean with a micro-
fiber cloth and water or an interior cleaner.
When doing so, rub forw ard and back in the
driving direction; othe rwise, the carpet may
become matted.
Interior plastic parts
These include:
> Plastic surfaces
> Lamp glass
> Display panes
> Mat parts Only clean with water and, if necessary, solvent-
free plastic cleaners.
Do not use solvents such as alcohol,
lacquer thinner, cold cleaners, fuel, or
similar, as these will damage the surfaces. <
Decorative strips
Only clean decorative strips and fine wood parts
with damp cloths. Wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Safety belts
Dirty belt straps impede the reeling action and
thus have a negative impact on safety.
Do not clean chemically, as this may
destroy the webbing. <
Displays
To clean displays, such as the radio or display
elements, use an anti-static microfiber cloth.
Avoid pressing too hard when cleaning
the display as this can cause damage. <
Do not use chemical or abrasive house-
hold cleaning agents. Keep fluids of any
kind away from the device. Surfaces or electrical
components may otherwise become corroded
or damaged. <
CD/DVD drives
Do not use cleaning CDs as this could
damage parts of the drive. <
Vehicle storage
If you park your vehicle longer than three
months, ask your MINI dealer to advise you.
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Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
183
Sunroof/Convertible topExcessive vehicle speed, activation
not possible, reduce speed and
continue activation.
Lights up in red:
Control system for convertible top
failed! Position of convertible top and locking
mechanism not recognized. If
convertible top secu
rely locked, drive
may be continued. Manually close
convertible top/sliding roof, refer to
page 36. Have your MINI dealer
inspect the system.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive of convertible top overheated! Let drive of convertible top cool down,
refer to page 36.
Sunroof/Convertible top Control system of convertible top/tilt
roof malfunctioning. Close convertible
top/tilt roof ma
nually, refer to
page 36. Contact your MINI dealer.
Tailgate of MINI Convertible not
closed Close the tailgate.
MINI Roadster: indicator lamp lights
up. Semi-automatic convertible top is
completely open
MINI Roadster: indicator lamp lights
up. Semi-automatic convertible top
movement has ended. Close
convertible top using the handle
Lights up in yellow:
Rear spoiler extended, also see
page 78 Rear spoiler extended. Before driving
into a car wash, retract the rear
spoiler.
Rear spoiler, also see page 78Rear spoiler does not extend
completely. Drive slowly and have it
checked at your ne arest MINI dealer.
12Cause What to do
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MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
192
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Ignition cannot be switched offEngage selector lever position P when
you wish to switch off the ignition,
page
55.
Cruise control system fail edHave the system checked.
Park Distance Control fail edHave the system checked.
Bulb of exterior lighting system failed Have the exterior lighting checked as
soon as possible.
Low-beam headlamp or fog lamp
failed Have 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 failed Have the headlamp beam throw
adjustment system checked.
Coolant level too low Add coolant immediately, page158.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your
journey. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in red:
Service appointment overdue Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page 71.
Lights up in yellow:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page 71.
12Cause What to do
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206
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake System76
Accepting a call 133
Accessories, see Vehicle equipment 4
Acknowledgment signals for locking/unlocking vehicle 25
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 98
Adaptive Light Control 90
Adding engine oil 157
Additives
– coolant 158
– engine oil 157
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 95
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 96
Airbags 85
– sitting safely 45
– warning lamp 86
Air conditioner 94
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 95
– automatic cl imate control96
– ventilation 98
Air distribution
– automatic 97
– individual 96
– manual 96
Air flow rate 95,97
– air conditioning system 95
– automatic cl imate control97
– heating, ventilation 95
Airing, refer to Ventilation98
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 94Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure 143
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 95,97
Air supply
– air conditioner 95
– automatic climate control 96
– ventilation 98
Air vents 94
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 141
Alarm system 29
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 153
Always Open Timer 67
Ambient air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 95,97
Ambient lighting 93
Antenna, care 161
An
tifreeze
– coolant 158
– washer fluid 62
Antilock Brake System ABS 76
Anti-theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 29
Anti-theft system 23
Approved axle loads, refer to Weights 203
Approved engine oils 157
Approved gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 203
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 100
Ashtray 101
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 76
Audio device, external 99Automatic
– air distribution
97
– air flow rate 97
– cruise control 63
– headlamp control 88
Automatic climate control 94
– automatic air distribution 97
Automatic rear spoiler 78
Automatic station search 117
Automatic station storage 118
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 57
– interlock 58
– overriding selector lever lock 59
– shiftlock 58
– sport program 59
AUTO program for automatic
climate control 97
Auto radio, refer to Radio MINI
Boost CD 116
AUX-In, refer to External audio device 99
AUX-In connection 116
Average fuel consumption 66
– setting the units 70
Average speed 67
Axle loads, refer to Weights 203
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 93
Backrests, refer to Seats 46
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 169
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch 177
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