manual transmission MINI COOPER 2003 User Guide
Page 83 of 148
81
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
GENERAL DRIVING NOTES Parking the vehicleCondensation forms in the air conditioner
system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed
water on the ground are therefore normal.Brakes
Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. Even light but
consistent pedal pressure can lead to high
temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water can form between tires and
road surface. This phenomenon is charac-
terized by a partial or complete loss of con-
tact between the tires and the road surface.
The ultimate results are loss of steering and
braking control.<
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 1 ft / 30 cm,
and then only at walking speed at the
most. Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the
electrical systems and the transmission
may be damaged.<
Clothes hooks
When suspending clothing from the
hooks, ensure that they will not
obstruct the driver's vision. Do not hang
heavy objects on the hooks. If you do so,
they could cause personal injury during
braking or evasive maneuvers.<
High temperatures
High temperatures occur in any vehi-
cle equipped with a catalytic con-
verter. Do not remove the heat protection
plates fitted in the area of the exhaust sys-
tem and do not apply body-cavity pro-
tectant to this area. When driving, standing
at idle or parking the vehicle, take care to
avoid contact between the hot exhaust sys-
tem and flammable materials – e.g. hay,
leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead
to a fire resulting in serious personal injury
and property damage.<
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84
BRAKE SYSTEMBrake fluid level If the brake fluid level is too low and brake
pedal travel has become longer, there may
be a defect in one of the brake system's
hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest MINI Dealer.
Higher brake application pressure
may be necessary under these conditions,
there may be a slight pull to one side, and
brake pedal travel may be longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
Disc brakesWhen the vehicle is driven only occasion-
ally, during extended periods when the
vehicle is not used at all, and in operating
conditions where brake applications are
less frequent, there is an increased ten-
dency for corrosion of the brake rotors and
accumulation of contamination on the
brake pads. This occurs because the mini-
mal pressure that must be exerted by the
pads to clean the rotors by brake applica-
tions is not reached.
Corrosion on brake rotors is signaled by a
running or pulsation during braking; even
extended subsequent braking will not cure
this phenomenon.
It is a good idea to periodically dry the
brakes with a gentle application when driv-
ing in rain and on wet roads. Monitor traffic
conditions to ensure that this maneuver
does not endanger other road users. The
resulting heat dries the brake rotor and the
brake pads. Then if braking effect is
needed, it is immediately available.
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear or in the driv-
ing position in which only minimal periodic
brake application is required. This helps
avoid placing excessive loads on the brake system. Stay within the allowable speed
range, refer to page 58.
Do not coast with the clutch pressed
or with the transmission or selector
lever in Neutral. Do not coast with the
engine switched off. The engine provides
no braking effect when the transmission is
in Neutral, and there is no power-assist for
braking when the engine is switched off.<
Brake pads
For your own safety: use brake pads
which the manufacturer of your MINI
has approved for your particular vehicle
model. The manufacturer of your MINI can-
not evaluate non-approved brake pads to
determine if they are suitable for use, and
therefore cannot ensure the operating
safety of the vehicle in the event of their
use.<
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95
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
ENGINE OILThe oil volume between the two notches –
MIN, MAX – on the dipstick corresponds to
approx. 1.1 quarts / 1 liter. Do not fill
beyond the upper notch on the dipstick.
Excess oil will damage the engine.
Adding engine oil
Only top up oil when the oil level has
dropped to just above the lower
notch of the dipstick. However, never allow
the level to drop below the lower notch.<
MINI engines are designed to operate
without oil additives; the use of addi-
tives could lead to damage in some cases.
That is also valid for the Continuously Vari-
able automatic Transmission (CVT), the
gear box and the power assisted steering.<
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends that you have the oil changed at
your MINI Dealer.
Continuous exposure to used oil has
caused cancer in laboratory testing.
For this reason, any skin areas that come
into contact with oil should be thoroughly
washed with soap and water.
Always store oil, grease, etc., out of reach of
children. Comply with all warning labels
and information on lubricant containers.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal
of used oil.<
Specified engine oilsThe quality of the engine oil selected has
critical significance for the operation and
service life of an engine. Based on extensive
testing, the manufacturer of your MINI
approves only certain grades of engine oil.
Use only approved MINI High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain MINI High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil, you can add small
amounts of synthetic oil in between oil
changes. Only use oils with the API SH spec-
ification or higher.
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127
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
TOWINGTow-startingIt is not possible to start the engine of a
vehicle equipped with an automatic trans-
mission by towing or pushing.
For instructions on jump starting, refer to
page 124.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to push
another car, since damage to the energy-
absorbing bumpers could result.Towing a vehicle
Only tow vehicles with Continuously
Variable automatic Transmission
(CVT) with the front wheels raised or on a
special transport vehicle, otherwise the
transmission can be damaged.<
1. Place gear selector lever in neutral or idle
2. Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph / 70 km/h
3. Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles / 150 km
4. Leave the ignition key at position 1 to
ensure that the brake lamps, turn sig-
nals, horn and windshield wipers remain
operative, and to prevent the steering
lock detent from engaging
5. Switch on the hazard-warning system,
observe country-specific regulations.
Find some means of identifying the vehicle
in tow, for instance, place a sign or warning
triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even when the
electrical system has failed to prevent the
steering lock from engaging.
The steering and brakes are without power
assist when the engine is off. This means
that increased effort is required for steer-
ing and braking.<
Towing with a commercial tow truck >Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use a wheel-lift or flatbed carrier
>Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in a
towed vehicle for any reason.<
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132
WEIGHTS
MINI COOPER MINI COOPER S
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with Continuously Variable automatic
Transmission (CVT)lbs / kg
lbs / kg2,526 / 1,146
2,557 / 1,1602,678 / 1,215
–
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with Continuously Variable automatic
Transmission (CVT)lbs / kg
lbs / kg3,340 / 1,515
3,373 / 1,5303,494 / 1,585
–
Approved front axle load lbs / kg 1,918 / 870 1,962 / 890
Approved rear axle load lbs / kg 1,609 / 730 1,698 / 770
Approved roof load – with special MINI roof rack lbs / kg 165 / 75 165 / 75
Cargo area volume cu ft / liters 5.3 / 150 5.3 / 150
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OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
CAPACITIES
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal. / liters approx. 13.2 / 50
approx. 2.1 / 8Fuel quality, see page 83
Windshield/
Headlamp washer reservoirquarts / liters approx. 2.1 / 2.0
approx. 2.6 / 2.5 More details, see page 94
Cooling system including heater circuit quarts / liters 5.6 / 5.3 MINI COOPER
6.3 / 6.0 MINI COOPER SMore details, see page 96
Engine with oil filter change quarts / liters 4.7 / 4.5 MINI COOPER
4.7 / 4.5 MINI COOPER SHigh Performance Synthetic Oil:
for more details, see page 95
Manual transmission quarts / liters approx. 2.1 / 2.0 MINI COOPER
approx. 1.8 / 1.7 MINI COOPER SContact your MINI Dealer
for more details
Continuously Variable automatic
Transmission (CVT)quarts / liters approx. 4.2 / 4.0 MINI COOPER Contact your MINI Dealer
for more details
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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
137
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
safety belts100
upholstery material99
wiper blades100
wood parts100
Cargo
stowing75
Cargo area75
cover74
lamps53,111
opening, remote control
volume132
Caring for your vehicle99
Carpets100
Cassette player, see separate
Owner's Manual
CD changer, see separate
Owner's Manual
CD player, see separate
Owner's Manual
Center high-mount brake lamp
bulb replacement110
Central locking
system23,26
Changing battery, remote
control22
Changing bulbs107
Changing lamps107
Changing tire
space-saver spare tire112
tire change
set112,117,121 Checking oil level94
Checking tire inflation
pressure121
Child seat41
Child seat fastening system
LATCH43
Child-restraint systems41
Chrome parts100
Cigarette lighter73
socket73
Cleaning headlamps99
Cleaning rear window55
Cleaning windshield55
Clock60
Closing
from inside26
from outside23
Clothes hooks81
Clutch80
Cockpit12
Combination of wheels/
tires89
Compact Disc player, see
separate Owner's Manual
Compression ratio130
Compressor118,120
Computer60
average fuel
consumption61
average speed61 cruising range61
outside temperature61
Condensation68,71
Consumption61
Consumption display, see
Fuel gauge58
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT)49
electronic transmission
control module EP51
gear display51
ignition45
interlock45
manual mode50
parking50
reverse gear50
selector lever shift-
lock45,49
shiftlock49
sport program50
towing127
transmission
malfunction51
Control elements12
Convenience opening
from inside26
Convenience operation
sliding/tilt sunroof25,29
windows25 Coolant96
level96
thermometer59
Cooling68,71
Copyright2
Cosmetic mirror, see
Vanity mirror39
Cruise control18,19,56
Cruising range61
Cup holder, see Beverage
holder73
Curb weight132
Currency of the Owner's
Manual7
CVT (Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission)49
Cylinders130
D
Dashboard12
Data
dimensions131
engine130
technical130
weight132
Daytime driving lamps52
Deep water, see Water on
roadways81
Defrost setting69
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138
Defrosting windows69,72
air conditioning system69
automatic climate
control72
Dimensions131
Dimming
interior mirror39
Dipstick, engine oil94
Dirt on the paintwork99
Disc brakes84
Displacement130
Display elements13,14
coolant thermometer59
fuel gauge58
indicator and warning
lamps15
odometer58
service interval display60
with navigation system14
Display lighting53
Distance remaining61
Doors
keys22
locking24
manual operation25
unlocking24
DOT quality grades87
Driving lamps52
Driving notes, general81
Dry air68,71 DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)16,63
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)16,63
E
Easy entry35
EBD (Electronic Brake Force
Distribution)16,83
Electric power windows28
Electrical defect
driver's door25
sliding/tilt sunroof30
tailgate27
Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD)16,83
Electronic transmission control
module
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT)51
Emergency operation
driver's door25
sliding/tilt sunroof30
tailgate27
Engine80
electronics17
power output17
speed17,58
starting46 Engine compartment
MINI COOPER92
MINI COOPER S93
Engine oil94
additives95
consumption94
dipstick94
High Performance
Synthetic Oil96
level94
pressure15
recommended grades of
oil95
viscosities96
Entry to the rear35
Exterior finish, care99
Exterior mirrors39
Eyelets, towing126
F
Failure, tires64
False alarm32
Fans68
Fastening safety belts16,38
Filling canister118,119
Filling hose118
First-aid kit124
Flat116 Flat tire64,112
MINI Mobility System118
Run Flat tires116
space-saver spare tire112
Flat Tire Monitor16,17,64
Floor coverings, floor
carpets100
Fluid capacities
fuel tank133
headlamp washer
system133
windshield washer
system133
Fog lamps53
Foldable rear backrest74
"Follow me home" lamps52
Foot mats100
Footbrake84
Footwell lamps53
bulb replacement111
Front airbags40
Front fog lamps
bulb replacement108
Front seat adjustment34
Fuel
consumption61
consumption display58
preparation130
quality83
tank capacity82,133
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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
139
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Fuel gauge58
Fuses123
G
Gas display, see
Fuel gauge58
Gasoline83
Gear display51
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT)51
General driving notes81
Glove compartment73
Glove compartment lamps
bulb replacement111
Grills69,72
H
Handbrake47
Hazard warning flashers12
Head airbags40
Head restraints37
Headlamp cleaning
system55,94
filling94
Headlamp flasher52
Headlamps
cleaning55,99
lamp replacement107 Heated
outside rear view mirror39
rear window68,71
seats36
windshield68,71
windshield washer jets55
Heater67
outside rear view mirror39
windshield68
Heating
rear window68
seats36
Heavy cargo75
Height131
Hex wrench118
High beams18,52,107
High Performance
Synthetic Oil96
recommended grades of
oil96
Horn12
Hub cap remover112,118
Hydroplaning81
I
Ignition45
Ignition key22
Ignition key position,
see Ignition45
Illuminated vanity mirror39
Imitation leather100 Imprint2
Index2
Indicator lamps15
Individual air distribution72
Inflation pressure85
INSPECTION60
Instrument cluster, see Display
elements13
Instrument lighting53
Instrument panel12
Interface socket
for Onboard
Diagnostics102
Interior lamps53
bulb replacement110
Interior mirror
automatic dimming39
Interior motion sensor31,32
Interior protection
turning off25,32
Interior rearview mirror39
Interlock45
Interval
operation, wipers54
Interval display, service98
J
Jack112
Jump-starting124 K
Keys22
multifunction steering
wheel19
Kickdown50
L
Lamp replacement
headlamps107
high beams107
low beams107
parking lamp107
Lamps52
backup lamps109
brake lamps109,110
cargo area lamps111
daytime driving lamps52
fog lamps53
footwell lamps111
front fog lamps108
glove compartment111
high beams107
instrument lighting53
interior lamps53,110
license plate lamp110
low beams52,107
parking lamps52,108
reading lamps53,110
rear fog lamp109
standing lamps52,108
tail lamp109
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140
turn signal indicators108
xenon lamps107
Lashing eyes75
LATCH
child seat fastening
system43
identification43
Leather care101
LED light-emitting diodes54
Length131
License plate lamp
bulb replacement110
Lifting handle, space-saver
spare tire112
Light-alloy wheels100
Lighting
cargo area lamps53
"Lights on" warning52
Liquid sealant
filling119
Load securing devices75
Loading75
Loading cargo75
Low beams52,107
Lug bolts114
Luggage compartment
see Cargo area
Luggage compartment cover,
see Cargo area cover74
Luggage compartment lamps,
see Cargo area lamps111 Luggage rack,
see Roof-mounted luggage
rack76
Lumbar support35
M
M+S tires89
Maintenance60,98
Maintenance System98
Manual operation
driver's door25
sliding/tilt sunroof30
tailgate27
Manual transmission48
Manufacturer6
Master key
initialization22
with remote control22
Mechanical key22
MINI Maintenance System98
MINI manufacturer6
MINI Mobility System
compressor120
liquid sealant119
on-board tools118
Mirror heater39
Mirrors39
Modifications, technical103
Multifunction steering
wheel19
Multifunction switch52 N
Navigation system, see
separate Owner's
Manual14
Non-smoker's equipment
package, see Cigarette lighter
socket73
Nozzles69,72
Nylon rope126
O
OBD interface socket102
Odometer58
Oil94
additives95
consumption94
dipstick94
High Performance Synthetic
Oil96
level15
pressure15
recommended grades of
oil95
viscosities96
Oil change intervals, see Service
and Warranty Booklet for US
models, or Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil service60
Old batteries122 On-board tool kit106
On-board tools112,118
Opening
from inside26
from outside23
Outside temperature
display61
P
Park Distance Control
(PDC)66
Parking brake16,47
Parking lamps52
bulb replacement108
Parking lamps/Low beams52
Parking vehicle81
Particle filter69,72
PDC (Park Distance
Control)66
Phillips screwdriver118
Plastic100
Pollen69,72
Power output17,130
Power supply 12 V73
Power windows
electric power windows28
initialize28
Pressure, tires85,115,120
Pushing/Towing126
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