engine MINI COOPER 2003 Service Manual
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122
BATTERYLocation in the MINI COOPERThe battery is located in the engine com-
partment.
Exact location, see page 92.Location in the MINI COOPER SThe battery is located in the cargo area 
under the floor mat.
Battery careThe battery is absolutely maintenance-free, 
that is, the original electrolyte will normally 
last for the service life of the battery under 
moderate climatic conditions.
For all questions regarding the bat-
tery, please consult your MINI 
Dealer.<
Charging the battery Only charge the battery in the vehicle via 
the terminals in the engine compartment 
with the engine switched off, see "Jump-
starting" on page 124.
Whenever working on the electrical 
system, disconnect the cable from 
the negative terminal of the battery. Fail-
ure to do this could result in fire hazards or 
injury due to short circuits.<Disposal
Return used batteries to a recycling 
point or your MINI Dealer. Maintain 
the battery in an upright position for trans-
port and storage. Secure the battery to pre-
vent it from tilting during transport.<
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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
FUSESIf an electrical device fails, switch it off and 
check the fuse. 
Plastic tweezers that you can use to pull 
fuses out of their sockets can be found in 
the fuse box in the vehicle interior, see next 
column.In the engine compartmentIn the MINI COOPER on the right next to the 
battery. 
In the MINI COOPER S on the right next to 
the air filter box.
Open the cover panel of the fuse box. To do 
so, press the clip fastener.
In the vehicle interiorOn the left side of the footwell in the side 
trim panel.
Open the cover panel of the fuse box. To do 
so, press the fastener.
Do not attempt to repair a blown fuse 
or replace it with a fuse of a different 
color or Ampere rating. To do this could 
cause a fire in the vehicle resulting from a 
circuit overload.<
If a fuse blows a second time, have 
the cause of the damage rectified by 
your MINI Dealer.<
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WARNING TRIANGLE
*
FIRST-AID KIT
*
JUMP-STARTING
The warning triangle is located beneath the 
luggage compartment cover.
Comply with legal requirements 
requiring you to carry a hazard warn-
ing triangle in the vehicle.<
The first-aid kit is located on the left in the 
luggage compartment, behind the side 
trim panel.
Some articles in the first-aid kit are 
perishable. For this reason, check the 
expiration dates of each of the items regu-
larly, and replace any whose expiration 
dates have passed. Source: any pharmacy. 
Comply with legislation requiring you to 
carry a first-aid kit in the vehicle.<
Do not use spray starter fluids to start 
the engine.<
When your battery is discharged, you can 
use two jumper cables to start your vehicle 
with power from the battery in a second 
vehicle. Correspondingly you can help start 
another vehicle. Only use jumper cables 
with fully insulated handles on the termi-
nal clamps.
Do not touch live wiring and cables 
on a running engine. There is a risk of 
fatal injury if you do this. Carefully observe 
the following instructions to avoid personal 
injury and/or damage to either vehicle or 
both vehicles.<
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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
JUMP-STARTINGPreparing for jump-starting1. Check whether the battery of the sup-
port vehicle has 12 Volts and approxi-
mately the same capacity – measured in 
Ah, printed on the battery
2. Switch off the engine of the support 
vehicle
3. Switch off any electrical systems and 
components in both vehicles – except 
for the hazard warning flashers of the 
support vehicle.
>Do not disconnect the discharged bat-
tery from the vehicle electrical system
>Make certain that there is no contact 
between the bodywork of the two 
vehicles – short circuit hazard!
4. With the battery of the MINI COOPER, 
remove the cover panel. To do so, press 
both clips at the same time 
or 
with the MINI COOPER S, open the cover 
of the positive terminal connection for 
jump-starting
*, see arrow 1. 
Connect the jumper cables
Adhere to the sequence also when 
providing support for other vehicles; 
failure to observe this procedure can lead 
to sparks at the terminals and pose an 
injury hazard.<
1. On the MINI COOPER S, the positive ter-
minal connection for jump-starting, see 
arrow 1, functions as the positive bat-
tery terminal.
Make a connection with the "+" jumper 
cable between the positive terminal of 
the discharged battery and the positive 
terminal of the support battery
2. Use the second,  "–" jumper cable to set 
up the connection between the negative 
terminals of both vehicles. 
To do so:
>Connect one terminal clamp to the 
negative terminal and/or to an engine 
or body ground of the support vehicle
>Connect the second terminal clamp to 
the negative terminal of the battery 
and/or to an engine or body ground of 
the vehicle to be started. For the MINI, 
see arrow 2.
Performing the jump-start1. Start the engine of the vehicle providing 
the current and allow to run at a fast idle 
speed for several minutes
2. Start the engine on the vehicle with the 
discharged battery in the usual manner. 
>If the first start attempt is not suc-
cessful, wait a few minutes before 
another attempt in order to allow the 
discharged battery to recharge
On the MINI:
Before disconnecting the jumper 
cables, switch on the lighting, rear window 
defroster and the highest blower speed as 
well as the engine for at least approx. 
10 seconds to prevent a voltage surge from 
the regulator to the electrical systems and 
components.<
3. Then disconnect the jumper cables in 
the reverse order.
If necessary have the battery checked and 
completely charged at a MINI Dealer.
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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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ENGINE DATA
MINI COOPER MINI COOPER S
Displacement
Number of cylinders cu in / cmµ97.52 / 1,598
497.52 / 1,598
4
Maximum output
at engine speed bhp / kW
rpm 115 / 85
6,000163 / 120
6,000
Maximum torque
at engine speedlb ft / Nm
rpm110 / 149
4,500155 / 210
4,000
Compression ratioε
 10.6 8.3
Stroke
Borein / mm
in  / mm3.38 / 85.8
3.03 / 773.38 / 85.8
3.03 / 77
Fuel-injection system Digital electronic engine-management system
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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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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
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
142
automatic climate 
control71 
engine coolant59 
high81 
layering69,72 
outside temperature61 
tires88 
The right tires89 
Third brake lamp 
bulb replacement110 
Tilt alarm sensor31 
remote control25 
turning off32 
Tire change set112,117 
Tire failure16 
Tire inflation pressure85,90 
Tires85,89 
all-season tires89 
break-in80 
changing112 
condition87,90 
damage87 
inflation pressure85 
M+S tires89 
pressure85 
replacement87 
Run Flat tires85,88,116 
snow chains90 
storage89 
temperature88 
the right choice89 tread87 
winter tires89 
with emergency running 
properties, see Run Flat 
tires85,88,116 
Tools106 
Torque130 
Total weight132 
Tow bar126 
Tow socket for towing 
eyelet126 
Towing126 
with Continuously Variable 
automatic Transmission 
(CVT)127 
Towing eyelet126 
Towing rope126 
Traction88 
Transmission48 
Transmission malfunction
Continuously Variable 
automatic Transmission 
(CVT)51 
Transporting children 
safely41 
Tread wear88 
Trip odometer58 
Trunk 
cover, see Cargo area 
cover74 
lid, see Tailgate27 opening, remote control24 
see Cargo area 
volume132 
Turn signal indicators18,52 
bulb replacement108 
Turning off 
engine47 
U 
Uniform Tire Quality 
Grading88 
Unwanted alarm32 
V 
Valve core and
spare valve118 
Valve remover118 
Vanity mirror 
bulb replacement111 
illuminated39 
Vehicle 
breaking-in80 
dimensions131 
exterior finish99 
operating46 
parking81 
starting46 
storing101 
turning off47 
washing99 
weight132 Vehicle Memory44 
Ventilation 
draft-free69,72 
heater67 
Vents, ventilation72 
W 
Warning lamp15 
Warning triangle124 
Warranty98 
see Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet
for US models, Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet 
for Canadian models 
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian 
models98 
Washer systems94 
Washer/wiper system54 
Waste container73 
Water on roadways 
deep water81 
Weight132 
Wheel and tire 
combination89 
Wheel chock 
foldable112,117,118 
Wheel lug bolts 
wrench112,113,118 
Wheelbase131 
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