key MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2004 Owner's Guide
Page 59 of 152
57
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
ONBOARD COMPUTER
* 
Mode selection
With the ignition key in position 1 and higher, 
you can use the button in the turn signal indi-
cator lever to retrieve information from the 
onboard computer for display in the tachom-
eter. By pressing the button briefly, you can 
call up a new function for display.
The displays appear in the following order:
Outside temperature, range, average con-
sumption and current consumption, aver-
age speed and current speed.
Starting with ignition key position 1, the 
last active setting is displayed.
If the vehicle is equipped with a navi-
gation system, you will find more 
information on the onboard computer in 
the navigation system Owner's Manual.<
Outside temperature If the vehicle is equipped with a tachome-
ter, but not with an onboard computer, the 
outside temperature is displayed.
You can have the units 6 or 7 set 
by your MINI Dealer.<
Ice warning If the outside temperature falls below 
approx. 37 7 / +36, the onboard com-
puter automatically switches to the outside 
temperature display.
In addition, an acoustic signal can be heard 
and the display flashes for a short time.
The ice warning does not exclude the 
possibility that surface ice can form 
at temperatures above 37 7 / +36, e.g. 
on bridges and shaded roads.<
With navigation system option:
The temperature is displayed in the status 
line of the navigation system, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for the navigation system.Current vehicle speedIf the vehicle is equipped with a tachome-
ter, but not with an onboard computer, the 
current vehicle speed is displayed.
With the ignition key in position 1 and 
higher, you can use the button in the turn 
signal indicator lever to call this up in the 
tachometer display. Briefly press the but-
ton to switch the display from the outside 
temperature to the current vehicle speed. 
Page 66 of 152
64
PARK DISTANCE CONTROL (PDC)
* 
The concept
The PDC assists you when you back into a 
parking space. A signal tone tells you the 
current distance to an object behind your 
vehicle. To do this, four ultrasonic sensors 
in the rear bumper measure the distance to 
the nearest object. 
The sensors on each side have a range of 
approx. 2 ft / 60 cm, the middle sensors 
one of approx. 5 ft / 1.5 m.
PDC is a parking aid that can identify 
objects if they are approached slowly, 
as is generally the case when parking. 
Avoid driving towards objects rapidly; due 
to underlying physical principles, the sys-
tem may otherwise alert you too late for 
you to take evasive steps.<Automatic functionWith the ignition key in position 2, the sys-
tem starts to operate automatically about 
one second after you select reverse gear or 
place the selector lever in position R.
Wait for this one second before you 
drive backwards.<
The system is deactivated when you shift 
away from Reverse. 
You can have a signal tone set by your 
MINI Dealer as a confirmation that 
PDC has been activated.<
Acoustical signalsThe distance to an object is indicated by a 
tone sounding at intervals. As the distance 
between vehicle and object decreases, the 
intervals between the tones become 
shorter. A continuous tone indicates the 
presence of an object less than 8 in / 20 cm 
away.
The warning signal is canceled after 
approx. three seconds if the distance to the 
object remains constant during this time, 
for instance if you are moving parallel to a 
wall.MalfunctionSystem malfunctions will be indicated by a 
continuous high-pitched tone when the 
system is activated the first time. Please 
have your MINI Dealer resolve the problem.Volume controlThe volume of the Park Distance Control 
signal can be adjusted from level 1, soft, to 
level 6, loud.
The volume can be set by your MINI 
Dealer.<
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for 
estimating the distance between the 
vehicle and any objects always remains 
with the driver. 
Even when sensors are involved, there is a 
blind spot in which objects cannot be de-
tected. Recognition of some objects can be 
beyond the limits of physical ultrasonic 
measurement, for example with towing 
bars or hitches or with thin or wedge-
shaped objects. Moreover, low objects that 
have already been detected, such as a curb 
edge, can disappear out of the range of the 
sensors before a continuous tone sounds. 
Loud sources of sound outside and inside 
your vehicle can drown the PDC signal 
tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free of ice 
or snow in order to ensure that they 
will continue to operate effectively. 
Do not apply high pressure spray to the 
sensors for a prolonged period of time. 
Always maintain a distance which is 
greater than 4 in / 10 cm.< 
Page 67 of 152
65
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
AIRBAGS1Side airbags in seatback on the driver 
and passenger side: front
2Head airbags on the driver and passenger 
sides for both rows of seats: front/rear
3Front airbags on the driver and passen-
ger sidesProtective effectThe front airbags supplement the safety belts 
by providing additional protection for the 
driver and front passenger in the event of a 
frontal collision in which the protection 
afforded by the belts alone may no longer be 
sufficient. 
When needed, the head and side airbags help 
to furnish protection in the event of side 
impact. 
Each of the side airbags is designed to help 
support the seat occupant's upper body.
The airbags are designed to not be trig-
gered in certain types of collisions, e.g. in 
minor accidents, certain kinds of vehicle 
rollover and rear impact.
For information on the ideal seating position, 
refer to page 31.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the 
cover panels of the airbags, cover them 
or modify them in any other way. Do not fit 
covers, cushions or other items to the front 
seats that have not been specially approved 
for seats with side airbags. Do not hang cloth-
ing, e. g. jackets, over the backrests. 
Do not attempt to remove the airbag 
restraint system from the vehicle. Do not 
make any changes yourself to the individual 
components and wiring. This includes the 
padded covers of the steering wheel, instru-
ment panel and roof supports, as well as the 
sides of the roofliner and the original back-
rest covers on the front seats. Do not attempt 
to remove or dismantle the steering wheel. 
Do not touch the individual components 
directly after the system has been triggered, 
as otherwise there is a danger of burns. In the 
event of malfunctions, immobilization or use, 
i.e. triggering, of the airbag restraint system 
in accordance with its intended function, 
please commission a MINI Dealer with the 
inspection, repair or disassembly. Unprofes-
sional attempts to service the system could 
lead to failure in an emergency or undesired 
airbag activation, either of which could result 
in personal injury. In view of the applicable 
safety regulations, please arrange for your 
MINI Dealer to dispose of the airbag genera-
tors.<
Airbag warning information is also pro-
vided on the sun visors.Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the display 
elements shows the status of the 
entire airbag system and the seat 
belt tensioners starting from ignition key 
position 1.
System operational:
>The indicator lamp comes on briefly.
System malfunction:
>The indicator lamp does not come on 
starting from ignition key position 1
>The indicator lamp stays lit
>The indicator lamp lights up while driving. 
Page 76 of 152
74
ASHTRAY, DRINKS HOLDERS CIGARETTE LIGHTER, 12 V POWER SUPPLY AshtrayThe ashtray is located in one of the bever-
age holders in the center console.
In the rear, an ashtray can also be fitted in 
the beverage holder at the end of the cen-
ter console.Beverage holders There are two beverage holders at the front 
of the center console. Another is located at 
the end of the center console in the rear.
From ignition key position 1:
Press the cigarette lighter in.
Remove as soon as the lighter jumps back 
out.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette 
lighter by the knob only. Holding or 
touching it in other areas could result in 
burns.<Cigarette lighter socket, 12 V power 
supply Suitable for attaching power supplies for 
flashlights, car vacuum cleaners, etc., up to 
a rating of approx. 200 watts at 12 volts. 
Avoid damaging the socket with plugs of 
different shapes or sizes. 
A second 12 V socket is on the left-hand 
side of the cargo area. 
When the vehicle is equipped with a MINI 
Mobility System, the 12 V socket is also for 
supplying the compressor. 
Page 124 of 152
122
MINI MOBILITY SYSTEM
*
Pumping in liquid sealant 
1. Shake the filling canister
2. Screw the filling hose onto the filling 
canister
3. Unscrew the dust protection cap from 
the valve of the defective tire
4. Screw out the valve core with the valve 
remover. The valve remover is located in 
a package with the filling hose
Place the valve core and valve 
remover only on clean surfaces.<
5. Remove the cap from the filling hose
6. Push the filling hose onto the tire valve
7. Hold the filling canister with the cap 
down and squeeze.
Squeeze the entire contents of the canis-
ter into the tire
8. Remove filling hose
9. Screw valve core into the tire valve with 
the valve remover.
In the event of a lost or dirty valve 
core you will find another valve core 
in a package with the filling hose.<
Please remember that the liquid can-
ister must be replaced every four 
years if the equipment has not been 
used.<
Reinflating the tire1. Screw hose 1 with manometer onto the 
tire valve
2. Connect plug 3 to the cigarette lighter 
socket in the vehicle interior, refer to 
page 74
3. Ignition key in position 1:
Turn on compressor 2
4. Inflate the tires to at least 26 psi /
180 kPa, but not to more than 36 psi /
250 kPa.
To check the current air pressure, shut 
off the device for a short time
Do not run the compressor for 
longer than 6 minutes, otherwise 
the device will overheat and possibly be 
damaged.< 
Page 125 of 152
123
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
MINI MOBILITY SYSTEM
*
If an air pressure of 26 psi / 
180 kPa cannot be reached, 
unscrew the hose 1 and drive back and 
forth about 33 ft / 10 m so that the liq-
uid sealant is distributed in the tire. 
Afterwards repeat the procedure.
If an air pressure of 26 psi / 180 kPa is 
still not reached, the tire is too badly 
damaged. Please contact the nearest 
MINI Dealer.<
5. Turn off compressor 2
6. Unscrew hose 1 from the tire valve
7. Store the MINI Mobility System back in 
the vehicle.
The instructions for using the MINI 
Mobility System are also given on the 
equipment.<
Distributing liquid sealantImmediately drive for approx. 10 minutes, 
so that the liquid sealant is uniformly dis-
tributed.
Do not exceed a speed of 40 mph / 
60 km/h.
If possible do not drive at a speed lower 
than 10 mph / 20 km/h.<
Checking tire inflation pressure 1. After driving for approx. 10 minutes, pull 
over at a suitable location
2. Screw hose with manometer back onto 
the tire valve
3. Check tire pressure
The tire inflation pressure must be at 
least 18 psi / 130 kPa betragen. 
If it is not, do not continue driving.<
If 18 psi / 130 kPa are displayed:
4. Ignition key position 1:
Turn on compressor 2. Correct the tire 
inflation pressure to the specified value, 
refer to the tire inflation pressure table 
on page 88
5. Replace the tire as soon as possible.
The use of the MINI Mobility System 
may be ineffective with tire damage 
larger than approx. 1/6 in / 4 mm. Please 
contact the nearest MINI Dealer if the tire 
cannot be made drivable with the MINI 
Mobility System.<
Driving on
Do not exceed the permitted maxi-
mum speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h; 
otherwise an accident could happen.<
Replace the defective tire as soon as 
possible and have the new wheel/tire 
assembly balanced. 
Have the MINI Mobility System refilled. 
Please contact your MINI Dealer.<
Tire change setYour MINI is additionally equipped with a 
tire change set. This is located in the MINI 
COOPER in the cargo area under the floor 
mat.
When changing a tire, always observe the 
safety measures on page 116, and follow 
the procedure described on page 119 ff.
In case of a flat tire the tire change 
set is not necessary due to the avail-
ability of the MINI Mobility System.< 
Page 131 of 152
129
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 126.
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, by turning on the haz-
ard warning flashers.
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.< 
Page 141 of 152
EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
139
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Brakes 86 
ABS 61 
brake fluid 101 
break-in procedures 82 
handbrake 43 
indicator/warning 
lamps 15, 16 
Breaking in 82 
Bulb replacement, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs 111 
Buttons in multifunction 
steering wheel 18 
Continuously Variable 
automatic Transmission 
(CVT) 46 
C 
California Proposition 
65 warning 107 
Capacities 135 
Car care, refer to Caring for your 
vehicle 103 
Car keys, refer to Keys 22 
Car radio, refer to separate 
Owner's Manual 
Car telephone, refer to separate 
Owner's Manual 
Car vacuum cleaner, 
connecting, refer to Cigarette 
lighter socket 74 
Car wash 103 Car wash, refer to Washing 
your vehicle 103 
Car-care products 103 
Care, vehicle 103 
Cargo area 75 
cover 75 
emergency operation, refer 
to Manual operation 27 
foldable rear backrest 75 
lid, refer to Tailgate 27 
volume, refer to Weights 134 
Cargo area lamps 
bulb replacement 116 
Cargo area net 77 
Carpet care 104 
Cassette operation, refer to 
Owner's Manual for Radio 
Catalytic converter, refer to 
High temperatures 83 
CBC Cornering Brake Control 61 
warning lamp 16 
CD changer, refer to separate 
Owner's Manual 
CD operation, refer to 
Owner's Manual for Radio 
Center high-mount brake lamp 
bulb replacement 114 
Central locking system 23 
interior 26 
Changing bulbs, refer to Lamps 
and bulbs 111 Changing tires 
space-saver spare tire 117 
Charge-current indicator 
light 15 
Child seat, refer to Child-
restraint systems 38 
Child-restraint systems 38 
Chock, folding 
MINI Mobility System 121 
Run Flat tires 93 
space-saver spare tire 117 
Chrome parts, refer to Caring 
for your vehicle 104 
Chrome-plated parts, care 104 
Cigarette lighter 74 
Cigarette lighter socket 74 
Circulation of air, refer to 
Recirculated air mode 68, 71 
Cleaning the rear window 51 
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 103 
Clock 56 
Closing 
from inside 26 
from outside 23 
Clothes hooks 83 
Clutch 
break-in procedures 82 
Cockpit 12 
Cold start, refer to 
Starting the engine 41 Compact disk operation, refer 
to Owner's Manual for Radio 
Compartments 73 
Compression, refer to Engine 
data 132 
Compressor, refer to MINI 
Mobility System 
operation, refer to 
Reinflating tires 122 
storage location 110 
Computer, refer to Onboard 
computer 57 
Condensed water, refer to Air 
conditioning 68, 71 
Configuring settings, refer to 
Vehicle Memory 37 
Consumption, refer to Average 
consumption 58 
Consumption, refer to Current 
consumption 58 
Contents 2 
Continuously Variable 
automatic Transmission 
(CVT) 45 
ignition 41 
indicator lamp 47 
interlock 41 
selector lever lock 45 
shiftlock 45 
towing 129  
Page 142 of 152
EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
140
Control elements, refer to 
Cockpit 12 
Convenience operation 
from outside 24, 25 
glass sunroof, electric 29 
window 28 
Coolant 100 
indicator lamp 15 
level 100 
temperature 55 
Coolant temperature gauge 55 
Cooling system, refer to 
Capacities 135 
Cooling, refer to Air 
conditioning 68, 71 
Copyright 2 
Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC) 61 
warning lamp 16 
Cosmetic mirror, refer to 
Illuminated vanity mirror 36 
Cruise control 52 
indicator lamp 17 
multifunction steering 
wheel 18 
sports steering wheel 18 
Cup holders, refer to Beverage 
holders 74 
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights 134 Current fuel consumption 
setting units 58 
Cylinders, refer to Engine 
data 132 
D 
Daily odometer, refer to Trip 
odometer 54 
Dashboard lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting 49 
Data, technical 
dimensions 133 
engine data 132 
weights 134 
Date of the Owner's Manual 7 
Daytime driving lamps 48 
Deep water, refer to Water on 
roadways 83 
Defrost setting, refer to 
Defrosting and demisting 
windows 69, 72 
Defrosting and demisting 
windows 
air conditioning system 69 
automatic climate control 72 
Defrosting windows 69, 72 
air conditioning system 68 
automatic climate control 71 
Defrosting windshield, refer to 
Defrosting and demisting 
windows 69, 72 Demisting windows 69, 72 
Digital clock 56 
Dimensions 133 
Dimming interior rearview 
mirror 37 
Dipstick, engine oil 98 
Directional turn signal, 
refer to Turn signal 
indicators 49 
Disc brakes 86 
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data 132 
Display elements 13 
with navigation system 14 
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting 49 
Disposal 
oil 99 
remote control battery 22 
vehicle battery 124 
Distance covered, refer to 
Odometer 54 
Door keys 24 
Door lock 25 
Doors, locking and unlocking 
from inside 26 
from outside 24 
DOT quality grades 89 
Draft-free ventilation 69, 72 
Drink holders, refer to Beverage 
holders 74 Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/Low beams 48 
Driving notes 83 
break-in procedures 82 
Driving stability control 59, 60 
Dry air, refer to Air 
conditioning 68, 71 
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control 60 
indicator lamp 16 
DVD changer, refer to separate 
Owner's Manual 
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC) 60 
indicator lamp 16 
Dynamic 
Stability Control (DSC) 60 
E 
Easy entry to the rear 34 
EBD Electronic Brake Force 
Distribution 61 
indicator lamp 16 
Electric glass sunroof 29 
Electric power windows 28 
initializing 28  
Page 144 of 152
EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
142
Gasoline, refer to Fuel 
quality 85 
Gear indicator 47 
Gearshift lever 
Continuously Variable 
automatic Transmission 
(CVT) 45 
manual transmission 44 
General driving notes 83 
Glass sunroof, electric 29 
convenience 
operation 24, 25 
pinch protection 30 
Glove compartment 73 
Glove compartment lamp 
bulb replacement 116 
Gross weight, refer to 
Weights 134 
H 
Handbrake, refer to Parking 
brake 43 
Hazard warning flashers 12 
Head airbags 65 
Head restraints 33 
Headlamp flasher 49 
indicator lamp 17 
Headlamp washer 
cleaning headlamps 51 
washer fluid 98 Headlamp washer reservoir 98 
capacity, refer to 
Capacities 135 
Headlamps 
bulb replacement 112 
care 103 
cleaning 51 
Heated mirrors 36 
Heated rear window 
air conditioning system 68 
automatic climate control 71 
Heating 67 
exterior mirrors 36 
rear window 68, 71 
seats 35 
windshield 68, 71 
Heavy load, refer to Loading 
cargo 77 
Height adjustment 
seats 32 
steering wheel 36 
Height, refer to 
Dimensions 133 
Hex wrench 121 
High beams 49 
bulb replacement 112 
headlamp flasher 49 
indicator lamp 17 High Performance Synthetic 
Oil, refer to Engine oil 99 
alternative oils 99 
capacity 135 
recommended oils 99 
specified oils 99 
High temperatures 83 
Holders for beverages 74 
Horn 12 
Hydroplaning 83 
I 
Ice warning 57 
Identification mark 
Run Flat tires 93 
Ignition 41 
Ignition key 22 
Ignition lock 41 
Illuminated vanity mirror 36 
Illumination 
of instruments 49 
Imitation leather 104 
Imprint 2 
Index 138 
Indicator and warning lamps, 
overview 15 Indicator/warning lamp 
airbags 65 
ASC 59 
brakes 101 
coolant temperature 55 
DSC 60 
fasten safety belts 35 
Flat Tire Monitor 63 
fog lamps 49 
reserve fuel capacity 54, 55 
Individual air distribution 72 
Individual settings, refer to 
Vehicle Memory 37 
Inflation pressure monitor, 
refer to Flat Tire Monitor 62 
Inflation pressure, tires 87 
Inspection 56 
Instrument cluster, refer to 
Display elements 13 
Instrument lighting 49 
Instrument panel, refer to 
Cockpit 12 
Interior lamps 50 
bulb replacement 115 
Interior rearview mirror 36 
automatic dimming 37 
Interior temperature 
settings 68, 71 
Interlock, refer to Steering 
locked 41