sunroof MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2009 User Guide
Page 92 of 172
Things to remember when driving
90
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. Please follow the instructions below
in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do
not exceed the following:
>Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kick-down mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Close the tailgate
Drive the vehicle only when the tailgate is
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could
penetrate the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the tailgate open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2.Switch off the recirculated-air mode and sig-
nificantly increase the air flow rate of the air
conditioner or automatic climate control,
page79 or81.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust system.
Do not remove the heat shields installed adjacent
to various sections of the exhaust system, and
never apply undercoating to them. When driving,
standing at idle and while parking, take care to
avoid possible contact between the hot exhaust
system and any highly flammable materials such
as hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead
to a fire, with the risk of serious personal injuries
and property damage. Do not touch hot exhaust
tail pipes. Otherwise there is a risk of burns.<
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 sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can
cause partial or complete loss of tire contact
with the road surface, so that the car cannot be
steered or braked properly.<
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95
MINI Convertible
Securing cargo
>Secure smaller and lighter items using
retaining or draw straps
*.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing larger
and heavier objects are available at your
MINI Dealer. Four lashing eyes are provided
for attaching the cargo straps. Two of them
are located on the forward wall of the cargo
bay.
Comply with the information enclosed with
the load-securing devices.
Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or swerves are necessary.
Do not exceed the approved gross weight and
axle loads, page 155; otherwise the vehicle's
operating safety is no longer assured and it will
not be in compliance with the certification regu-
lations.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown
around, for example as a result of heavy braking,
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants. Do not secure cargo using the fastening
points for the tether strap, page41; they may
become damaged.<
MINI: Roof-mounted
luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option for
your MINI. Your MINI Dealer will be glad to
advise you. Comply with the installation instruc-
tions supplied with the rack system.
Mounting points
Remove the cover panel.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect
on vehicle handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads
when loading the rack.
You can find the applicable data under Weights
on page 155.
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and
should not be too large in area. Heavy items
should always be placed at the bottom.
When loading, make sure that there is sufficient
space for the movement of the glass sunroof
and that no objects protrude into the swiveling
area of the tailgate; otherwise damage can
occur.
Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers, and take corners gently.
Page 134 of 172
Replacing components
132
1.Place the jack at the jacking point closest to
the wheel.
The jack base must be perpendicular to the
surface beneath the jacking point.
2.During jacking up, insert the jack head in the
square recess of the jacking point.
3.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are
changing is raised off the ground.
Mounting the space-saver spare tire
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel.
2.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub. Clean the lug bolts.
3.Lift the new wheel into place.
4.Screw at least two lug bolts finger-tight into
opposite bolt holes.
5.Screw in the remaining bolts.
6.Tighten all the lug bolts firmly in a diagonal
pattern.
7.Lower the vehicle.
8.Remove the jack.
Tightening the lug bolts
Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
Immediately have the wheels checked
with a calibrated torque wrench to ensure
that the lug bolts are firmly seated. Otherwise,
incorrectly tightened lug bolts can present a
safety hazard.<
Tightening torque: 103.3 lb ft or 140 Nm.
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.
Vehicle battery
Have any work on the battery, including
battery replacement, carried out only by a
MINI Dealer or a workshop that has specially
trained personnel working in accordance with
the specifications of the MINI manufacturer.<
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate.
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle when the
engine is off. Connections, refer to Jump starting
on page134.
Disposal
After replacing old batteries, return the
used batteries to your MINI Dealer or to a
recycling point. Maintain the battery in an
upright position for transport and storage.
Always secure the battery against tipping over
during transport.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, some equipment
may not be fully functional and may require ini-
tialization. Individual settings are also lost and
must be reprogrammed:
>Time and date
These values must be updated, page59.
>Radio
Stations must be stored again, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual for Radio.
>Glass sunroof, electric
It may only be possible to raise the sunroof,
if applicable. The system must be initialized.
Contact your nearest MINI Dealer.
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139
Lights up briefly:
Approx. 2.1 US gallons/8 l of fuel
remain in the tank
Remains on:
Cruising range is no more than
30 miles/50 km, page53
Engine refuses to start Depress the brake or clutch in order to
start the engine, page43.
Ignition switched on and driver's door
openSwitch off the ignition, page43, or
close the driver's door.
Lamps still on
Roadside parking lamps on
Door open
Bonnet open
Tailgate open
Luggage compartment roll-up cover
in the MINI ConvertibleConvertible top cannot be activated.
Bring luggage compartment cover in
required position, refer to page93.
Sliding/tilting sunroof or soft top of
MINI ConvertibleExcessive vehicle speed, activation
not possible, reduce speed and con-
tinue activation .
12Cause What to do
Page 142 of 172
Indicator and warning lamps
140
Lights up in red:
Control system for convertible top
failed!Position of convertible top and locking
mechanism not recognized. If con-
vertible top securely locked, drive
may be continued.Manually close
convertible top/sliding roof, refer to
page32. Have your MINI Service
inspect the system.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive of convertible top overheated! Let drive of convertible top cool down,
refer to page31.
Sliding/tilting sunroof or soft top of
MINI ConvertibleControl system of convertible top/tilt
roof malfunctioning. Close convertible
top/tilt roof manually, refer to
page32. Contact your MINI Service.
Tailgate of MINI Convertible not
closedClose tailgate.
Gas cap missing or loose Make sure that the gas cap is correctly
positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks. Do not jam the strap between
the gas cap and the vehicle.
Window washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible,
page50.
Lights up in yellow:
The engine will start the next time the
start/stop button is touched, possibly
without the brake or clutch being
depressed
Remote control malfunctioning or, in
cars with convenient access, not
detectedThe engine cannot be started. Have
the remote control checked, if neces-
sary.
Battery in remote control discharged Use the remote control for a longer
journey or, in cars with convenient
access, replace the battery.
12Cause What to do
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Engine
– breaking in90
– data152
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature52
– speed152
– starting44
– starting, convenient
access26
– switching off44
Engine compartment114
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant115
Engine oil
– adding115
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils115
– approved engine oils115
– capacity115
– checking level114
– dipstick114
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements57
– MINI Maintenance
System117
Engine oil level, checking114
Engine output, refer to Engine
data152
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine44
Error messages, refer to Check
Control60
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC63
Event data recorders118
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system90
Exterior mirrors38
– adjusting38
– automatic heating38
– folding in and out38
External audio device85
External care
– 119Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away135
– for tying down loads95
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control60
Failure of an electrical
consumer133
Fasten safety belts reminder,
refer to Seat belt
reminder37
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts37
Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner80
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control82
Fine wood, care122
First aid pouch134
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock43
Flash when locking/
unlocking20
Flat tire
– Run-Flat Tires111
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM66
Flat Tire Monitor FTM65
– indicating a flat tire66
– initializing the system65
– malfunction66
– snow chains65
– system limits65
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition110
Floor mats, care121
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb125,127
Folding rear seat backrest92
Folding roof, refer to
Convertible top with
integrated sliding sunroof29
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely91
Footwell lamps76For your own safety4
Front airbags70
Front fog lamps76
– indicator lamp138
– replacing bulb125
Front seat adjustment34
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows80,82
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor65
Fuel101
– gauge53
– high-quality brands101
– quality101
– specifications101
– tank capacity
156
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge53
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge53
Fuel filler door100
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction100
Fuses133
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control83
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption53
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge53
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel101
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic45
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission46
– manual transmission45
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– manual transmission45
General driving notes90
Page 164 of 172
From A to Z
162
Glass sunroof, electric27
– convenient operation20,22
– opening, closing28
– raising28
– remote control20
Glove compartment85
Grills, refer to Air vents78
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights155
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb124
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake45
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags70
Head restraints36
– sitting safely34
Headlamp control,
automatic73
Headlamp flasher47
– indicator lamp11,138
Headlamps
– replacing bulb124
Headlamps, care120
Heated
– mirrors38
– rear window79,82
– seats37
Heating78
– mirrors38
– rear window79,82
– seats37
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo94
Height adjustment
– seats35
– steering wheel39
Height, refer to
Dimensions153
High beams75
– headlamp flasher75
– indicator lamp138
– replacing bulb124
High water, refer to Driving
through water91Hill Start Assist64
Hills91
Holders for cups87
Homepage4
Horn10
Hot exhaust system90
Hydroplaning90
I
Ice warning52
Icy roads, refer to Outside
temperature warning52
Ignition43
– switched off43
– switched on43
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness43
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on43
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18
Ignition lock43
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13,138
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM67
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting76
Individual air distribution80
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM66
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM65
– glass sunroof, electric28
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays12
Instrument lighting76
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays12
Integrated key18
Integrated universal remove
control83Interior lamps76
– remote control21
Interior rearview mirror38
– automatic dimming
feature38
Interlock46
Intermittent mode of the
wipers48
Internet page4J
Jacking points131
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles50
Jump starting134
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting134
K
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile18
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18
Keyless go, refer to Convenient
access26
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Convenient
access26
Kick-down46
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Knock control101
L
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs123
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams73
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo95
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system41
Leather care121
LEDs light-emitting diodes124
Length, refer to
Dimensions153
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Rubber parts, care121
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires111
Run-Flat Tires111
– flat tire66
– new tires111
– tire inflation pressure102
– winter tires112
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-Flat
Tires111
S
Safety belts37
– damage38
– indicator lamp37
– reminder37
– sitting safely34
Safety belts, care122
Safety systems
– airbags70
– Antilock Brake System
ABS63
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC63
– safety belts37
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires111
Screw thread for tow
fitting136
Seat adjustment
– mechanical35
Seats34
– adjusting the seats35
– heating37
– sitting safely34
Securing the vehicle
– from inside22
– from outside19
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock46
– overriding manually47Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance134
Service data in the remote
control117
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS117
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance134
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS117
Service requirements57
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode56
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– manual transmission45
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions46
Side airbags70
Side turn signal indicator
– replacing bulb126
Side windows, refer to
Windows28
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely34
– airbags34
– safety belts34
– with head restraint34
Size, refer to Dimensions153
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric27
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector33
Slot for remote control43
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray87
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment85
Snow chains112Socket for Onboard Diagnosis
OBD117
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances87
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires129
– inflation pressure102
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire129
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils115
Speed152
– with winter tires112
Speed control, refer to Cruise
control50
Speedometer12
Split rear backrest, refer to
Through-loading system93
Split rear seat backrest, refer to
Expanding the cargo bay92
Sport button64
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems62
Start/stop button43
– starting the engine44
– switching off the engine44
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting134
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine44
Starting the engine
– start/stop button43
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC63
– Hill Start Assist64
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing4
Steering wheel39
– adjustment39
– buttons on steering wheel11
– lock43
– shift paddles
46
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic45
Storage area
– cargo bay92