engine MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2004 Owner's Manual
Page 5 of 152
 
3 
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
 
Driving:  
Ignition lock41
Starting the engine41
Switching off the engine43
Parking brake43
Manual transmission44
Continuously Variable automatic 
Transmission (CVT)45
Parking lamps/Low beams48
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp 
flasher49
Instrument lighting49
Fog lamps49
Interior lamps50
Washer/wiper system50
Cruise control52  
Everything under control:  
Odometer54
Tachometer54
Fuel gauge54
Coolant temperature gauge55
Service interval display56
Clock56
Onboard computer57  
Technology for safety and driving 
convenience:  
All Season traction Control (ASC)59
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)60
Antilock Brake System (ABS)61
Flat Tire Monitor62
Park Distance Control (PDC)64
Airbags65  
Controlling the climate for pleasant 
driving:  
Air conditioning system67
Automatic climate control70  
Interior conveniences:  
Glove compartment73
Ashtray, beverage holders74
Cigarette lighter, 12 V power supply74  
Loading and transporting cargo:  
Cargo area75
Loading cargo76
Roof-mounted luggage rack78
 
OPERATION, CARE, MAINTENANCE 
Special operating instructions:  
Break-in procedures82
General driving notes83
Refueling84
Fuel specifications85
Brake system86  
Wheels and tires:  
Tire inflation pressure87
Tire coding89
Tire condition91
Wheel and tire replacement92
Run Flat tires93
Snow chains94 
Page 6 of 152
 
CONTENTS
 
4 
In the engine compartment:  
Bonnet95
Engine compartment: MINI COOPER96
Engine compartment: MINI COOPER S97
Washer fluid98
Engine oil98
Coolant100
Brake fluid101  
Maintenance and care:  
MINI Maintenance System102
Caring for your vehicle103
Vehicle storage105  
Laws and regulations:  
OBD socket106
California Proposition 65 warning107
 
OWNER SERVICE PROCEDURES 
Replacement procedures:  
Onboard tool kit110
Windshield wiper blades110
Lamps and bulbs111
Repairing a flat tire116
Changing tires: MINI with space-saver 
spare tire117
MINI Mobility System121
Battery124
Fuses125  
Giving and receiving assistance:  
Jump-starting126
Towing128 
TECHNICAL DATA 
Engine data132
Dimensions133
Weights134
Capacities135 
Page 15 of 152
 
13 
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
 
DISPLAY ELEMENTS 
 
1Tachometer54
with indicator and warning lamps, 
page 15 ff
2Display for onboard computer57
If there is no onboard computer:
Display of outside temperature and cur-
rent vehicle speed
3Speedometer with indicator and warning 
lamps, page 15 ff4Indicator for 
> 
Odometer54 
> 
Trip odometer54 
> 
Service interval56 
> 
Program display for Continuously Vari-
able automatic Transmission 
(CVT)47
5Trip odometer, reset to zero546Fuel gauge54
7Engine coolant temperature gauge55 
Page 17 of 152
 
15 
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
 
INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPS
 
Technology that monitors itself 
The system runs a check on the indicator 
and warning lamps marked by  
+
 
 each time 
you switch on the ignition. They each light 
up once for different periods of time.
If a malfunction should occur in one of 
these systems, the corresponding lamp 
does not go out after the engine is started 
or it lights up while the vehicle is moving. 
You will see below the correct way to react 
to this. 
Red: stop immediately 
Battery charge current  
+
 
The battery is no longer being 
charged. Indicates a defective alter-
nator drive belt or a problem with the 
charge circuit. Please contact the nearest 
MINI Dealer.
If this lamp lights up, the power-assist for 
steering can be deactivated.
If the drive belt is defective, do not 
continue driving. The engine could be 
damaged due to overheating. When the 
power-assist is deactivated, increased 
steering effort is required. 
< 
Engine oil pressure 
 
+
 
Stop immediately. Switch off 
engine. Check the engine oil and fill 
as needed. Please contact the nearest MINI 
Dealer.
Do not continue driving; otherwise, 
the engine could be damaged 
because of inadequate lubrication. 
<
 
Brake warning lamp  
+
 
   
Lights up although parking brake is 
released: check the brake fluid 
level. Before driving further, be sure to 
comply with the information on pages 86 
and 101.
Brake warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
With navigation system option:
Coolant temperature warning 
lamp in the speedometer  
+
 
Lights up while driving: 
Engine is too hot. Switch off the engine 
immediately and allow to cool down, also 
refer to page 55. 
Page 19 of 152
 
17 
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
 
INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPS
 
Yellow: check as soon as possible 
Flat Tire Monitor  
+
 
Stays lit: the system is defective. 
Please have the system inspected 
at your MINI Dealer.
More information on page 62.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)  
+
 
ABS has been deactivated in 
response to system malfunction. 
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able. Please have the system inspected at 
your MINI Dealer. 
More information on page 61.
ABS indicator lamp for Canadian 
models.
All Season traction Control (ASC)/
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)  
+
 
Indicator lamp flashes: 
System active: drive and braking forces are 
regulated. 
The indicator lamp stays lit: ASC/DSC 
switched off with button or defective. In 
the event of a defect: please have the sys-
tem inspected at your MINI Dealer.
More information on pages 59, 60. 
Service Engine Soon  
+
 
If the warning lamp comes on 
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a malfunction in the 
emissions-related electronic systems. 
Although the vehicle remains operational, 
you should have the systems checked by 
your MINI Dealer at the earliest possible 
opportunity. 
Service Engine Soon warning lamp 
for Canadian models.
Engine electronics 
* 
  
+
 
Malfunction in the engine electron-
ics. You can continue to drive with 
reduced engine output or engine speed. 
Please have the system inspected at your 
MINI Dealer.
Check Gas Cap 
*  
+
 
This indicator lamp comes on 
when the fuel gas cap is loose or 
missing. Close the gas cap tightly: 
Refer to page 85.
Depending on the level of equipment, 
the indicator lamp is in the vicinity of 
the navigation system. 
<
 
Green: for your information 
Turn signal indicators
Flashes when turn signal indicator 
is on.
Rapid flashing: the system is defective.
More information on page 49.
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise control is 
activated: operation via the multi-
function steering wheel or multifunction 
sports steering wheel.
More information on page 52. 
Blue: for your information 
High beams
Comes on when the high beams 
are on or the headlamp flasher is 
actuated. 
More information on page 49. 
Page 30 of 152
28
ELECTRIC POWER WINDOWSTo open and close windows From 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
or
with the engine running:
Briefly press the switch upwards.
The window closes automatically.
Pressing the switch again stops the opera-
tion.
The window on the front passenger's 
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 continue using the electric power 
windows for a limited period 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.<
Convenience operationFor convenience operation using the 
remote control refer to page 24, for opera-
tion 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.< 
Page 43 of 152
41
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
IGNITION LOCK STARTING THE ENGINE0Steering locked The key can be inserted or removed in this 
position only.
To lock the steering:
1. Remove the key
2. Turn the steering wheel slightly to the 
left or right until the lock engages.
A sound alarm goes off if the key remains in 
the ignition after opening the driver's door.
Vehicles with Continuously Variable auto-
matic Transmission (CVT):
Do not move the selector lever from 
position P until the engine is running.
The ignition key cannot be turned to 
position 0 and removed until the selector 
lever is in position P, interlock.
1Steering unlockedIndividual electrical accessories are ready 
for operation.
You will find that it is often easier to turn 
the ignition key from position 0 to 
position 1 when you move the steering 
wheel slightly to help disengage the lock.2Ignition switched onAll electrical accessories are ready for oper-
ation.3Starting the engine
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Step on the clutch when starting the 
vehicle. A lockout prevents the engine from 
starting if the clutch is not depressed.<
Do not let the engine warm up with 
the vehicle at a standstill. Move off 
immediately at a moderate engine speed.<
Do not allow the engine to run in 
enclosed spaces. Breathing the nox-
ious exhaust gases can lead to uncon-
sciousness and death. The exhaust gases 
contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and 
colorless, but highly toxic gas.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with 
the engine running. This is a safety hazard.
When driving, standing at idle, and parking 
the vehicle, take care to avoid contact 
between the hot exhaust system and flam-
mable materials, e.g. hay, grass, leaves, etc. 
Such contact could lead to a fire resulting in 
serious personal injury and property dam-
age.< 
Page 44 of 152
42
STARTING THE ENGINEStartingWhen starting the engine, do not press the 
accelerator pedal.
Do not actuate the starter for too 
short a time. Do not turn it for more 
than approx. 20 seconds. Release the igni-
tion key immediately when the engine 
starts.
Extended starting attempts, characterized 
by excessively frequent or long periods 
with the starter engaged, can lead to dam-
age in the catalytic converter.<
If the engine does not start on the first 
attempt, for instance if the engine is very 
hot or cold:
When starting the engine, press the gas 
pedal down halfway.
When first starting the engine at very low 
temperatures, from +57 / –156:
When starting the engine, press the gas 
pedal down halfway. For the initial start 
attempt, allow the starter to remain 
engaged somewhat longer, approx. 
10 seconds.
Manual transmission1. Engage the parking brake
2. Put the manual gearshift lever in neutral
3. Press the clutch pedal
4. Start the engine.
Move the gearshift lever to neutral 
position and engage the parking 
brake before leaving your vehicle with the 
engine running.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with 
the engine running. This is a safety haz-
ard.<
Continuously Variable automatic 
Transmission (CVT)1. Press the footbrake
2. Put the selector lever in position P or N
3. Start the engine.
Move the selector lever to position P 
and engage the parking brake before 
leaving your vehicle with the engine run-
ning.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with 
the engine running. This is a safety haz-
ard.< 
Page 45 of 152
43
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
SWITCHING OFF THE ENGINE  PARKING BRAKE 
You should never remove the ignition 
key when the vehicle is in motion, as 
the steering lock could engage.
When you leave the vehicle, always remove 
the ignition key and engage the steering 
lock.
When you park on downward slopes, 
engage the parking brake.<
Manual transmissionTurn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.Continuously Variable automatic 
Transmission (CVT)Engage selector lever position P, turn the 
ignition key to position 1 or 0.
The parking brake is designed primarily to 
prevent the vehicle from rolling when it is 
parked. It operates against the rear wheels.To engageLever automatically locks in position. 
The indicator lamp in the instrument clus-
ter lights up from ignition key position 2, 
refer to page 16.To release1. Pull up slightly
2. Press the button
3. Push the lever downwards.
If, in exceptional circumstances, it 
should be necessary to engage the 
parking brake while the vehicle is in 
motion, do not pull the lever with excessive 
pressure. Keep your thumb pressed against 
the release button while carefully pulling 
the lever up to apply moderate pressure.
Excessive pressure can lead to overbraking 
and loss of traction, i.e. fishtailing, at the 
rear axle. The brake lamps do not come on 
when the parking brake is engaged.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always engage the parking brake when 
parking on hills and inclined surfaces, as 
first gear or reverse may not provide ade-
quate resistance to rolling.
Vehicles with CVT:
Place the selector lever in P.<
To avoid corrosion and one-sided 
braking, apply the parking brake 
lightly from time to time when coasting to 
a standstill, for instance at a traffic light, 
provided that it is safe to do so.< 
Page 47 of 152
45
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (CVT)
*
You can drive with a continuously variable 
shifting CVT. In addition, you can also shift 
manually.
When in manual selection mode, you have 
the option of changing gears by using 
either the selector lever or the shift paddles 
on the steering wheel.
Under normal operating conditions, fuel 
consumption is lowest when driving in 
position D.Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Range selection Inadvertent engaging of certain selector 
lever positions is prevented by a lock.
Press the button on the front side of the 
selector lever knob. The lock is released.
While the vehicle is stationary, and 
before shifting out of P or N, press the 
brake pedal in order to disengage the selec-
tor lever lock mechanism, shiftlock.
If the engine speed is too high when the 
vehicle is at a standstill, the selector lever is 
also blocked to protect the transmission. 
Hold the brake pedal down until starting 
off. Otherwise the vehicle will 'creep' when 
a drive position is engaged.<
To prevent the vehicle from starting 
off on its own, always move the 
selector lever to position P and engage the 
parking brake before getting out of your 
vehicle with the engine running.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with 
the engine running. This is a safety haz-
ard.<
If the selector lever is not placed in 
position P when the vehicle is parked, 
the position display of the selector lever 
stays on. This can lead to battery dis-
charge.<