key MINI COOPER 2003 Owners Manual
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CONTENTS
 
2 
© 2002 Bayerische Motoren Werke 
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the 
written consent of BMW AG, Munich. 
Order No. 01 41 0 156 890
US English VIII/02
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper –
bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling. 
Notes 
About this Owner's Manual6
Symbols used6
Your individual vehicle6
Editorial notice7
For your own safety7
Symbol on vehicle parts8
Service and warranty8
Reporting safety defects8 
At a glance 
Cockpit12
Display elements13
Display elements with navigation 
system14
Indicator and warning lamps15
Multifunction steering wheel19 
Controls and features 
Opening and closing:  
Keys22
Central locking system23
Opening and closing – from outside23
Opening and closing – from inside26
Tailgate27
Electric power windows28
Sliding/tilt sunroof29
Roller sun blind30
Alarm system31  
Adjustments:  
Safe seating position33
Seat adjustment34
Entry to the rear35
Heated seats36
Head restraints37
Safety belts38
Steering wheel38
Mirrors39
Airbags40
Transporting children safely41
Vehicle Memory44 
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KEYSDepending on the how the vehicle is 
equipped, your MINI has up to four keys:
1Master key with remote control and bat-
tery
If the battery is discharged, please 
consult your MINI Dealer. Battery 
changing, see next column.<
2Door and ignition key
The doors can only be opened mechani-
cally with this key
3Spare key to keep in a safe place, e.g. in 
your wallet. This key is not intended for 
constant use  
Changing batteryReplace if it is no longer possible to unlock 
the vehicle via the remote control.
Only use a battery of the type speci-
fied on the battery  – CR 2032 –  and 
make absolutely sure that it is fitted in the 
correct position.<
1. Apply a screwdriver at the recess
2. Use the screwdriver to lever out the 
cover.
Return used batteries to a recycling 
point or your MINI Dealer.<
Initializing the master key with remote 
controlWhen you activate a master key with 
remote control – for example a replace-
ment or additional key, or after a battery 
change – it must be initialized.
This initialization can be performed in two 
ways:
Press button 1 or button 2, see page 24, 
four times in succession 
or
if the vehicle is unlocked:
1. Switch the ignition on briefly – 
position 2 – and then off 
2. Within 10 seconds, press button 1 and 
button 2, see page 24, in succession.
In the event of a system malfunction, 
please contact your MINI Dealer. You 
can also obtain replacement keys and bat-
teries there.<
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OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM OPENING AND CLOSING – FROM OUTSIDEThe conceptThe central locking system is ready for 
operation whenever the driver's door is 
closed. The doors, the tailgate and the fuel 
filler door are unlocked or locked.
The central locking system secures your 
MINI:
>When operated from the outside via the 
remote control as well as via the door 
lock
>When operated from the inside via a 
switch
>Automatically, as soon as you start driv-
ing.
If operated from outside, the anti-theft sys-
tem is activated at the same time. This pre-
vents the doors from being unlocked via 
safety lock buttons or door handles.
The alarm system is also armed or dis-
armed; refer to page 31.
In the event of an accident, the central lock-
ing system unlocks automatically. The haz-
ard warning system and interior lamps are 
also switched on.
Via remote controlThe remote control gives you an exception-
ally convenient method for unlocking and 
locking your vehicle. It also offers another 
function:
To open the tailgate, refer to page 24.
The tailgate will open slightly, the vehicle is 
unlocked at the same time.
Whenever you unlock/lock the vehicle, you 
simultaneously deactivate/activate the 
anti-theft system and optional alarm sys-
tem and the interior lamps are switched 
on/off.
If the vehicle has been properly locked 
using the remote control, the hazard warn-
ing system lights up once.
When the vehicle is unlocked, the hazard 
warning system does not react.
Children might be able to lock the 
doors from the inside. Always take 
the vehicle keys with you so that the vehi-
cle can be opened again from the outside at 
any time.<
For US owners only The transmitter and receiver units comply 
with part 15 of the FCC, Federal Communi-
cations Commission, regulations. Opera-
tion is governed by the following: 
FCC ID: LX8765S
LX8765E
LX8CAS 
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the 
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions:
>This device may not cause harmful inter-
ference, and
>this device must accept any interference 
received, including interference that may 
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications or 
changes to these devices could void 
the user's authority to operate this equip-
ment.<
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OPENING AND CLOSING – FROM OUTSIDE1Unlocking and opening the tailgate
2Locking and securing
If the remote control does not react, 
the battery is discharged. In the event 
of a system malfunction, please contact 
your MINI Dealer. You can also obtain 
replacement keys and batteries there.
Battery changing, see page 22.<
To unlock1. Press button 1 once to unlock the dri-
ver's door only
2. Press button 1 a second time to unlock 
the other door as well as the tailgate and 
the fuel filler door.
You can have this function activated/
deactivated by your MINI Dealer.<
When the vehicle is unlocked, the hazard 
warning system does not react.To open the tailgateHold button 1 pressed for approx. five sec-
onds. The tailgate opens slightly.
The vehicle is simultaneously 
unlocked, and the anti-theft system 
and optional alarm system are deactivated. 
After closing the tailgate the vehicle must 
be locked again and secured, see next col-
umn.<
You can have the opening of the tail-
gate with the remote control acti-
vated/deactivated.<
Before and after a trip, be sure that 
the tailgate was not opened uninten-
tionally.<
To lock and securePress button 2.
The hazard warning system flashes once.
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OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
OPENING AND CLOSING – FROM OUTSIDETo turn off tilt alarm sensor* and 
interior protection* Press button 2 again directly after locking.
For more on the tilt alarm sensor and inte-
rior protection, see page 32.Non-MINI systemsExternal systems or devices may cause local 
interference in the functions of the remote 
control.
In this case, use the master key to unlock 
the door lock.
Via the door lock
Do not lock the vehicle if there are 
passengers still inside, because they 
cannot unlock the doors.<
1. One turn of the key in the driver's 
door lock unlocks the driver's door only 
2. Turning the key a second time unlocks 
the other door, the tailgate and the fuel 
filler door.
You can have this function activated/
deactivated by your MINI Dealer.<
If the vehicle has been properly locked, the 
hazard warning system flashes once.
When the vehicle is unlocked, the hazard 
warning system does not react.
Manual operation – in the event of electrical malfunction – 
Turn the key to the extreme left or right to 
unlock/lock the door.Convenience operationYou can also open the power windows and 
the sliding/tilt sunroof via the door lock.
With the door closed, hold the key in the 
unlock position.
You can have this function activated/
deactivated by your MINI Dealer.<
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OPENING AND CLOSING – FROM INSIDE With this switch, you operate the central 
locking system when the doors are closed. 
The doors and tailgate are unlocked or 
locked only. The anti-theft system is not 
activated.
Also, the fuel filler door remains unlocked 
to allow refueling.
If the remote control has been used 
to unlock only the driver's door, see 
page 24, and you touch the switch when 
the driver's door is open, the other door, the 
tailgate, and the fuel filler door are 
unlocked. 
If the driver's door is closed, touching the 
switch locks it.<
To unlock and open the doors1. Touch the switch for the central locking 
system
2. Pull the door handle above the armrest
or
pull the door handle for each door twice: to 
unlock first and then open.Convenience opening modeFrom ignition key position 1:
Hold the switch in the Unlock position.
The windows and sliding/tilt sunroof open.
Convenience opening mode is simul-
taneously deactivated via the Vehicle 
Memory when convenience opening mode 
is deactivated via the door lock; refer to 
page 25.<
Convenience closing is not possible 
by means of this switch. You should 
therefore close all the windows and the 
sliding/tilt sunroof individually.<
To lockTouch the switch for the central locking 
system
or
press the individual safety lock buttons 
down. 
The central locking automatically 
secures your MINI as soon as you 
start to drive.<
You can have this function activated/
deactivated by your MINI Dealer.<
Children might be able to lock the 
doors from the inside. Always take 
the vehicle's keys with you so that you can 
open the vehicle again from the outside at 
any time.<
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ELECTRIC POWER WINDOWSTo open and close windowsFrom ignition key position 1:
To open:
Press the switch downwards.
The window opens until you release the 
switch
or
briefly press the switch downwards.
The window opens automatically. 
Pressing the switch again stops the opera-
tion.
To close:
Press the switch upwards.
The window closes until you release the 
switch.
The window on the front passenger 
side cannot be closed automati-
cally.<
Watch during the closing process to 
be sure that no one is injured.<
After the ignition has been switched off:
You can use the electric power windows as 
long as no one opens any of the doors. 
If a door is opened during operation, the 
opening/closing process stops immedi-
ately. 
When leaving the vehicle, always 
remove the ignition key from the lock 
and remember to close the doors, e.g. to 
prevent children from operating the power 
windows and injuring themselves.<
For the convenience mode via the door 
lock, refer to page 25.
To initialize power windows
If the battery is disconnected, e.g. for 
changing batteries or vehicle storage, 
re-initialize the power windows. Other-
wise the windows will not be lowered 
when the door is opened.<
1. Close the doors
2. Close both windows
3. Hold both switches of the power win-
dows up for approx. one second.
In the event of a system malfunction, 
please contact your MINI Dealer.<
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OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
SLIDING/TILT SUNROOF
*
To prevent injuries, exercise care 
when closing the sliding/tilt sunroof 
and keep it in your field of vision until it is 
shut. Make sure that the closing path of the 
sliding/tilt sunroof is clear.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove 
the ignition key from the lock and remem-
ber to close the doors, e.g. to prevent chil-
dren from operating the sunroof and injur-
ing themselves.
Be sure that adequate clearance is main-
tained for the opening path of the sliding/
tilt sunroof, otherwise damage can occur.<
For convenience operation via the door 
lock, refer to page 25.
Raising – Opening – ClosingFrom ignition key position 1:To raisePress the switch
or
push the switch backwards to the resis-
tance point.To open and close1. Push the switch in the desired direction 
until you feel resistance, and hold in this 
position
2. Release the switch when the desired 
sunroof position has been reached.
Do not use force to close the sliding/
tilt sunroof in its raised position, as 
damage to the mechanism could result.<
After the ignition has been switched off:
You can still operate the sliding/tilt sunroof 
for up to one minute, as long as no one 
opens any of the doors.
If a door is opened during operation, the 
opening/closing stops immediately.
Automatic openingPush the switch back past the point of 
resistance: 
The sunroof opens completely.
Touching the switch briefly during opening 
stops the movement immediately.
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OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
ALARM SYSTEM
*
The concept
The alarm system reacts if:
>A door, the bonnet or the tailgate is 
opened
>There is any movement inside the vehicle 
– interior motion sensor
>There is a change in the tilt angle of the 
vehicle, e. g. during attempts to steal 
wheels or tow away the vehicle
>There is interruption of the battery volt-
age.
Depending on the country-specific version, 
the alarm system signals unauthorized 
entry or tampering in different ways:
>Acoustic alarm for 30 seconds
>Turning on the hazard warning flashers 
for approx. five minutes.
To arm and disarm the alarm systemWhen the vehicle is locked or unlocked via 
the driver's door lock or with the remote 
control, the alarm system is also simulta-
neously armed or disarmed.
The interior motion and tilt alarm sensors 
are also activated with the closing action.
The alarm system cannot be armed if 
the driver's door is not properly 
closed.
In some country-specific versions the alarm 
system can only be operated with the 
remote control. 
Unlocking these vehicles with the key trig-
gers the alarm. 
To stop the alarm: 
Press button 1 – unlock – 
or
turn the ignition key to position 1.<
Indicator lampAlarm system:
>Indicator lamp in the wiper system lever 
changes after 10 seconds from fast blink-
ing to constant flashing: 
The system is activated
>Indicator lamp does not react: 
Doors, bonnet or tailgate are not prop-
erly closed.
Even if these are not closed any more, 
the alarm system is activated and 
secures the remaining part of the vehi-
cle. If everything is closed, the indicator 
lamp changes after 10 seconds from fast 
blinking to constant flashing
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ALARM SYSTEM
*
>Indicator lamp goes out when the sys-
tem is disarmed: 
No tampering with your vehicle has been 
detected
>Indicator lamp continues to flash at a 
slow rate after the system is disarmed:
Your vehicle has been tampered with. 
The indicator lamp will not go out until 
the ignition key is turned in the ignition 
lock or the alarm system is re-armed.
Interior motion sensor:
>Indicator lamp does not react:
Doors or tailgate are not properly closed
>Indicator lamp flashes constantly:
Only driver/passenger window and slid-
ing/tilt sunroof is open. 
Interior motion sensor is not activated. 
Alarm system is armed
>Indicator lamp is lit somewhat longer 
and then flashes constantly:
Window and/or sliding/tilt sunroof were 
closed after the system was armed: 
interior motion sensor is not activated.
Avoiding unwanted alarm The tilt alarm and interior motion sensors 
may be turned off at the same time. This 
will prevent unwanted alarms, e.g. in 
duplex garages or when on car transport 
trains:
Lock the vehicle twice – activating:
Press button 2 of the remote control twice 
in succession, see page 25 
or 
lock with the key twice, see page 25. 
The indicator lamp goes from fast blinking 
to regular blinking. After approx. ten sec-
onds the indicator lamp changes to con-
stant flashing. The tilt alarm and interior 
motion sensors are deactivated until the 
system is disarmed.
Interior motion sensorTransmitter and receiver of the interior 
motion sensor system are found under a 
cover in the vehicle roof.
For the interior motion sensor to function 
properly, the windows, sliding/tilt sunroof 
and doors must be closed.
Turn off the interior motion sensor – see 
previous column – if
>children or animals remain in the vehicle
>windows or the sliding/tilt sunroof 
remain open.
The tilt alarm and interior motion 
sensors are inadvertently turned off if 
the convenience closing of windows and 
sliding/tilt sunroof is interrupted in the 
first 10 seconds and then restarted. The 
alarm must then be disarmed and reacti-
vated.<
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