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Vehicle care135
We recommend the use of the same
type of engine oil that was used at the
last change.
The engine oil level must not exceed
the maximum mark MAX on the
dipstick.
Caution
Overfilled engine oil must be
drained or suctioned out.
A stabilization of the engine oil
consumption will not take place until
the vehicle has been driven several
thousand miles. Only then can the
actual degree of consumption be
established.
If consumption exceeds more than
0.5 litres every 600 miles after this
running-in period, consult a
workshop.
Capacities 3 188, Engine oil level
monitor 3 74.
Fit the cap on straight and tighten it.
Engine coolant The coolant provides freeze
protection down to approx. -28 °C.Caution
Only use approved antifreeze.
Coolant level
Caution
Too low a coolant level can cause engine damage.
If the cooling system is cold, the
coolant level should be just above the
MINI mark.Top up if the level is low.
9Warning
Allow the engine to cool before
opening the cap. Carefully open
the cap, relieving the pressure
slowly.
Top up with antifreeze.If no antifreeze
is available, use clean tap water or
distilled water.Install the cap
tightly.Have the antifreeze
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136Vehicle care
concentration checked and have thecause of the coolant loss remedied by a workshop.
If a substantial amount of coolant is
required, it will be necessary to bleed
any trapped air from the cooling
system.Seek the assistance of a
workshop.
Power steering fluid
If the fluid level in the reservoir falls
below the MINI mark consult a
workshop.
Washer fluid
Fill with clean water mixed with a
suitable quantity of windscreen
washer fluid which contains
antifreeze.
Caution
Only washer fluid with a sufficient
antifreeze concentration provides
protection at low temperatures or
a sudden drop in temperature.
Brakes
A squealing noise, or illumination ofbrake pad wear control indicator F
indicates that the brake lining is at its
minimum thickness.
Continued driving is possible but
have the brake linings replaced as
soon as possible.
Once new brake linings are installed,
do not brake unnecessarily hard for
the first few journeys.
Brake pad wear indicator F 3 80.
Brake fluid9 Warning
Brake fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, fabrics and painted surfaces.
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Vehicle care137
The brake fluid level must be betweenthe MIN and MAX marks.
When topping up, ensure maximum cleanliness as contamination of the
brake fluid can lead to brake system
malfunctions. Have the cause of the
loss of brake fluid remedied by a
workshop.
Only use brake fluid approved for your vehicle.
Brake and clutch fluid 3 168.
Vehicle battery The vehicle battery is maintenance-
free.
Batteries do not belong in household
waste. They must be disposed of at
an appropriate recycling collection
point.
Laying up the vehicle for more than
4 weeks can lead to battery
discharge. Disconnect the clamp from
the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery.
Ensure the ignition is switched off
before connecting or disconnecting
the vehicle battery.
Battery access
The battery is located behind a panel in the front left-hand door step.
Remove the panel to access the
battery.
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138Vehicle care
Warning label
Meaning of symbols:■ No sparks, naked flames or smoking.
■ Always shield eyes. Explosive gases can cause blindness or
injury.
■ Keep the battery out of reach of children.
■ The battery contains sulfuric acid which could cause blindness or
serious burn injuries.
■ See the Owner's Manual for further
information.
■ Explosive gas may be present in the vicinity of the battery.
Battery maintenance9 Danger
Ensure adequate ventilation when
charging the battery. There is a
risk of explosion if gases
generated during charging are
allowed to accumulate!
Additional battery
Depending on the vehicle's auxiliary
equipment, certain models may have
an additional battery mounted under
the front seat.
Diesel fuel filter
Drain diesel fuel filter of residual
water at every engine oil change.
Place a container underneath the
filter housing. Loosen the knurled
screws on the filter cover and on the
lower part of the filter by approx. one
turn, to drain off the water.
The filter is drained as soon as diesel fuel emerges from the knurled screw
at the bottom. Retighten the two
screws.
Check diesel fuel filter at shorter
intervals if the vehicle is subjected to
extreme operating conditions.
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Vehicle care139Diesel fuel system
bleeding
If the fuel tank has been run dry, it will be necessary to air vent or bleed the
diesel fuel system.
Fill the tank with fuel and proceed as
follows:
1. Place a suitable container underneath the fuel filter vent
screw to collect fuel.
2. Loosen the vent screw (arrowed) by one turn.
3. Manually operate the in-line supply pump slowly and steadily
until fuel discharging from the
loosened vent screw is free of air
bubbles.
4. Retighten the vent screw.
If the engine cannot be started after
several attempts to bleed the diesel
fuel system, seek the assistance of a
workshop.
Wiper blade replacement Wiper blades on the windscreenLift wiper arm, press retaining clip
towards wiper arm and detach wiper
blade.
Attach the wiper blade slightly angled
to the wiper arm and push until it
engages.
Lower wiper arm carefully.
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140Vehicle careBulb replacement
Switch off the ignition and turn off the relevant switch or close the doors.
Only hold a new bulb at the base. Do
not touch the bulb glass with bare
hands.
Use only the same bulb type for
replacement.
Bulb checkAfter a bulb replacement, switch on
the ignition, operate and check the
lights.Headlights
Headlights have separate systems for high beam 1 and low beam 2.
High beam
1. Remove headlamp protective
cover.
2. Detach wiring connector from bulb.
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Vehicle care141
3. Release spring clip.
4. Withdraw bulb from reflector housing.
5. Renew bulb and secure with spring clip.
6. Reattach wiring connector to bulb.
7. Replace headlamp protective cover.
Low beam
1. Remove headlamp protective cover.
2. Detach wiring connector from bulb.
3. Rotate bulb holder anti-clockwise to disengage.
4. Withdraw bulb holder from reflector housing.
5. Detach bulb from bulb holder andrenew the bulb.
6. Insert the bulb holder, engaging the two lugs in the reflectorhousing and rotate clockwise to
secure.
7. Reattach wiring connector to bulb.
8. Replace headlamp protective cover.
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142Vehicle care
Sidelights
1. Remove protective cover.
2. Detach wiring connector from bulb.
3. Rotate bulb holder anti-clockwise to disengage.
4. Withdraw bulb holder from reflector housing.
5. Detach bulb from bulb holder andrenew the bulb.
6. Insert the bulb holder, engaging the two lugs in the reflectorhousing and rotate clockwise to
secure.
7. Reattach wiring connector to bulb.
8. Replace protective cover.
Adaptive forward lighting
Cornering light
Headlights have separate systems forhigh beam 1 and low beam 2. The
cornering light 3 is located between
the headlights.
1. Remove protective cover.
2. Detach wiring connector from bulb.
3. Rotate bulb holder anti-clockwise to disengage.
4. Withdraw bulb holder from reflector housing.