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158Vehicle careGeneral Information
Accessories and vehicle modifications
We recommend the use of genuine
parts and accessories and factory
approved parts specific for your
vehicle type. We cannot assess or guarantee reliability of other products
- even if they have a regulatory or
otherwise granted approval.
Do not make any modifications to the electrical system, e.g. changes of
electronic control units (chip tuning).Caution
When transporting the vehicle on
a train or on a recovery vehicle, the
mud flaps might be damaged.
Vehicle storage
Storage for a long period of time
If the vehicle is to be stored for several months:
● Wash and wax the vehicle.
● Have the wax in the engine compartment and underbody
checked.
● Clean and preserve rubber seals.
● Change engine oil.
● Drain washer fluid reservoir. ● Check coolant antifreeze and corrosion protection.
● Adjust tyre pressure to the value specified for full load.
● Park vehicle in a dry, well ventilated place. Engage first or
reverse gear. Prevent the vehicle
from rolling.
● Do not apply parking brake.● Open bonnet, close all doors and
lock the vehicle.
● Disconnect the clamp from the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery. Beware that all systems
are not functional, e.g. anti-theft
alarm system.
Putting back into operation When the vehicle is to be put back into
operation:
● Connect the clamp to the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery. Activate the electronics
of the power windows.
● Check tyre pressure.
● Fill up the washer fluid reservoir. ● Check the engine oil level.
● Check the coolant level.
● Fit the number plate, if necessary.
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Vehicle care161When the engine oil level has
dropped to the MIN mark, top-up
engine oil.Caution
Do not allow the engine oil level to drop below the minimum level!
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.
To prevent spillage when
replenishing the engine oil, we
recommend using a funnel. Ensure funnel is securely located onto the
filler pipe.
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
0.6 litres every 600 miles after this
running-in period, consult a
workshop.
Capacities 3 224, Engine oil level
monitor 3 81.
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.
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Vehicle care165Charging the vehicle battery9Warning
On vehicles with stop-start
system, ensure that the charging potential does not exceed
14.6 volts when using a battery
charger. Otherwise the vehicle
battery might be damaged.
9 Danger
Ensure adequate ventilation when
charging the battery. There is a
risk of explosion if gases
generated during charging are
allowed to accumulate!
Jump starting 3 193.
Warning label
Meaning of symbols:
● No sparks, naked flames or smoking.
● Always shield eyes. Explosive gases can cause blindness or
injury.
● Keep the vehicle battery out of reach of children.
● The vehicle 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.
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.
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190Vehicle careEnsure the jack is positioned
correctly. The jack head must be
level with the jacking hole. Pump
the jack by pressing the wheel
wrench, to position the base plate
correctly.
Raise the vehicle by pressing the
wheel wrench until the wheel is
clear of the ground.
4. Unscrew wheel bolts/nuts completely and wipe clean with a
cloth.
Put wheel bolts/nuts somewhere
where the threads will not be
soiled.
5. Change the wheel.
6. Screw in the wheel bolts/nuts.
7. Lower vehicle.
8. Install the wheel wrench ensuring that it locates securely and tighten
each wheel bolt/nut in a crosswise sequence. Tightening torque is:
172 Nm (Front-wheel drive),
235 Nm (Rear-wheel drive with
twin rear wheels), 264 Nm (Rear-
wheel drive with single rear
wheels).9. Refit wheel cover.
Notice
If applicable, fit anti-theft bolts
nearest the tyre valve (otherwise it
may not be possible to refit the wheel cover).
10. Stow the replaced wheel 3 190
and the vehicle tools 3 179.
11. Have the new wheel balanced on the vehicle. Check the tyre
pressure of the installed tyre
3 225 and also the wheel bolt/nut
torque as soon as possible.
Have the defective tyre renewed or
repaired.
Spare wheel Some vehicles are equipped with a
tyre repair kit instead of a spare wheel
3 185.
If mounting a spare wheel which is
different from the other wheels, this
wheel might be classified as a
temporary spare wheel and the
corresponding speed limits apply,
even though no label indicates this.
Seek the assistance of a workshop to
check the applicable speed limit.Caution
The use of a spare wheel that is smaller than the other wheels or in combination with winter tyres
could affect driveability. Have the defective tyre replaced as soon as
possible.
The spare wheel is held under the
vehicle frame using a winch and
secured by tightening a cable using
the wheel wrench and adapters
(depending on vehicle).
It may be necessary to jack the
vehicle up to gain access to the spare
wheel on a fully loaded vehicle with a flat rear tyre.