automatic transmission MINI Clubman 2009 User Guide

Things to remember when driving
82
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 splitdoor
Drive the vehicle only when the splitdoor
is closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could
penetrate the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the splitdoor 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,
page71 or72.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact between
the hot exhaust system and any highly flamma-
ble materials such as hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such
contact could lead to a fire, with the risk of seri-
ous 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

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
83
with the road surface, so that the car cannot be
steered or braked properly.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page99.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-
wise greater clutch wear will result.<
For information on driving off using Hill Start
Assist*, refer to page57.
Braking safely
Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a
situation which requires full braking, it is best to
brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the
vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you
can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with
the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that
ABS is actively taking effect.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger other
road users. The heat generated in this process
helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that
Then full braking force will be immediately avail-
able when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mode of the automatic transmis-
sion, page40.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine brak-
ing action will not be present or there will be no
power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail
to cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic climate
control is in operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
In the MINI Cooper S, the coolant pump may
continue to run for some time after the engine is
switched off. This will generate noise in the
engine compartment.

Care
108
Care
Car-care products
Regular cleaning and care helps to maintain the
value of your MINI.
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
using manufacturer-approved products to clean
and care for your vehicle.
MINI Service would be pleased to advise you
on cleaning and care products and services for
your MINI.
The ingredients of original MINI CareProd-
ucts have been tested, and the products
have been tested in the laboratory and in prac-
tice. They offer optimum care and protection for
your vehicle.<
Do not use any cleansers containing alco-
hol or solvents as these may cause dam-
age.<
Cleaning agents may contain hazardous
or health-damaging substances. Follow
the warning and hazard instructions on the
packaging. For interior cleaning, always open
the doors or windows of the vehicle.
Do not use any products that are not intended
for cleaning the vehicle.<
External care
Washing your vehicle
Especially during the winter months the
vehicle should be frequently washed. Dirt
and road salt can damage the vehicle.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them, otherwise
water can reduce braking efficiency over the
short term and the brake rotors can corrode.<
Car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.Do not use automatic high-pressure car
washes, otherwise water may drip into the
vehicle around the windows.<
Before driving into the car wash, check if the sys-
tem is suitable for your MINI. Observe the fol-
lowing points:
>Dimensions of the vehicle, page141
>If necessary: Fold in the outside mirrors,
page32.
>Maximum permissible tire width
Avoid car washes with tracks higher than
4 in/10 cm, otherwise the chassis could be
damaged.<
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
>Unscrew the rod antenna.
>Deactivate the rain sensor
* to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
>Deactivate the rear window wiper
* and pro-
tect it from damage. Ask the car wash oper-
ator about measures that can be taken to
protect the wipers.
>Remove additional attachments, e.g. spoil-
ers or telephone antennas, if there is a pos-
sibility that they could be damaged.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, make sure that
the vehicle can roll:
1.Place the remote control, even with conve-
nient access, in the ignition lock.
2.Move the selector lever to position N.
3.Release the parking brake.
4.Switch off the engine.
5.Insert the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, ensure that you maintain a suffi-
cient distance to the vehicle and do not exceed a

Giving and receiving assistance
124
Access to screw thread
Push out the cover of the towing eye out of the
recess in the bumper.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page37, otherwise the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable. Do not
tow the vehicle with just the rear axle raised, as
this would allow the steering to turn. <
There is no power assist while the engine is off.
Thus, braking and steering will require increased
effort.
Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Tow vehicles with automatic transmission
only with a tow truck or with the front
wheels lifted; otherwise the transmission can be
damaged.<
Towing with a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same side
on both vehicles. Should it prove impossible to
avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, please
observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
Towing with a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
Towing with a tow truck
Have the MINI Clubman transported with a tow
truck with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise damage
may result.<
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, page122.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
125
Vehicles with a catalytic converter should only
be tow-started when the engine is cold, vehicles
with an automatic transmission cannot be tow-
started at all.
1.Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply
with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, page37.
3.Shift into 3
rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
completely depressed and then slowly
release the clutch. After the engine starts,
immediately depress the clutch completely
again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
135
Lights up in red:
>Transmission limp-home pro-
gram active with restricted range
of gears, possibly with reduced
accelerationYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system
checked without delay.
>Gears can be engaged without
depressing the brakeAlways depress the brake to engage
a gear.
>Automatic selector lever locked Manually unlock the selector lever
lock, page41.
Lights up in yellow: Have the system checked as soon
as possible.
>Automatic selector lever locked:
Selector lever locked in position P
with engine running and brake
depressed orManually unlock the selector lever
lock, page41.
>brake signal malfunctioning: gear
can be engaged without depress-
ing the brakeTo engage a gear while the vehicle is
at a standstill, always depress the
brake. Before leaving the vehicle,
move the selector lever to position P
and switch off the engine.
Lights up in red:
Transmission overheating Bring the car to a stop and move the
selector lever to position P. Allow the
transmission to cool down. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Have the system checked if the situa-
tion reoccurs.
Lights up in yellow:
Transmission too hot Avoid high engine loads. You can con-
tinue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Vehicle not prevented from rolling
12Cause What to do

Technical data
142
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
CooperCooper SJohn Cooper Works
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 2,723/1,235 2,855/1,295 2,888/1,310
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg2,800/1,270 2,900/1,315 -
Approved gross weight
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 3,539/1,605 3,671/1,665 3,704/1,680
>Automatic transmis-
sion lbs/kg3,616/1,640 3,715/1,685 -
Approved front axle load
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 1,830/830 1,918/870 1,962/875
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg1,907/865 1,962/890 -
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 1,830/830 1,841/835 1,863/845
Approved roof load
capacitylbs/kg165/75 165/75 165/75
Cargo bay capacity
cu ft/l9.2 - 32.8/
260 - 9309.2 - 32.8/
260 - 9309.2 - 32.8/
260 - 930
US gal/US quartsLitersNotes
Fuel tank 13.2/– approx. 50 Fuel grade: page93
including reserve of 2.1/– approx. 8
Window washer system incl.
headlamp washer system –/4.8 approx. 4.5 For more details: page44

From A to Z
144
From A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control74
Additives
– coolant105
– engine oil104
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner71
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control72
Air conditioner70
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner71
– automatic climate control72
– ventilation74
Air distribution
– automatic73
– individual72
– manual72
Air flow rate71,72
– air conditioning system71
– automatic climate control72
– heating, ventilation71
Air outlets, refer to Air vents70
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure94
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode71,73
Air supply
– air conditioner71
– automatic climate control72
– ventilation74
Air vents70
Airbags63
– sitting safely29
– warning lamp64
Airing, refer to Ventilation74AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications93
Alarm system24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires101
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode71,73
Ambient lighting69
Antenna, care108
Antifreeze
– coolant105
– washer fluid44
Antilock Brake System ABS56
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system24
Anti-theft system
19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights142
Approved engine oils104
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights142
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest77
Ashtray79
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC56
Audio device, external77
AUTO program for automatic
climate control73
Automatic
– air distribution73
– air flow rate73
– cruise control44
– headlamp control65
Automatic climate control70
– automatic air distribution73Automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– interlock39
– overriding selector lever
lock41
– shiftlock39
– sport program40
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device77
Average fuel consumption47
– setting the units49
Average speed48
Axle loads, refer to
Weights142B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting69
Backrests, refer to Seats29
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb115
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch122
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away124
Battery120
– charging120
– disposal27,120
– jump starting122
– temporary power failure120
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed124
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts32
Belts, refer to Safety belts32
Beverage holders, refer to Cup
holders79
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate71,72
Bonnet102

From A to Z
146
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances79
Consumption indicator
– average fuel consumption47
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption47
Control Display
– settings48
Controls and displays10
Convenience start, refer to
Starting the engine37
Convenient access25
– replacing the battery27
Convenient operation
– windows20
Coolant105
– checking level105
– filling105
Coolant temperature46
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant105
Cooling, maximum73
Copyright2
Cruising range47
Cup holders79
Curb weight, refer to
Weights142
Current fuel consumption48
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting68
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data140
– capacities142
– dimensions141
– engine140
– weights142
Date
– setting53
Daytime running lamps66
DBC Dynamic Brake Control,
refer to Brake assist56
Deactivating front passenger
airbags63Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20
Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
Defogging windows72,73
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows72,73
Defrosting windows72,73
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner72
– automatic climate control73
Differential, breaking in82
Digital clock46
Dimensions141
Dipstick, engine oil103
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals41
Displacement, refer to Engine
data140
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting68
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care110
Disposal
– of coolant105
– remote control battery27
– vehicle battery120
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements51
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC55
Diving stability control
systems55
Door
– rear, refer to Clubdoor23
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control
18
Door lock21
Door lock, confirmation
signals20
Doors, manual operation22
DOT Quality Grades98
Double doors, refer to
Splitdoor23Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders79
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Start Assist57
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button57
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams65
Driving notes82
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Start Assist57
Driving through water83
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes82
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function74
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC57
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake assist56
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC56
Dynamic Traction Control57
E
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
Electronic brake-force
distribution56
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC56
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission41
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance122

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
147
Engine
– breaking in82
– data140
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature46
– speed140
– starting37
– starting, convenient
access25
– switching off38
Engine compartment103
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant105
Engine oil
– adding104
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils104
– approved engine oils104
– capacity104
– checking level103
– dipstick103
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements51
– MINI Maintenance
System106
Engine oil level, checking103
Engine output, refer to Engine
data140
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine37
Error messages, refer to Check
Control53
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC56
Event data recorders107
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system82
Exterior mirrors32
– adjusting32
– automatic heating33
– folding in and out33
External audio device77
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away123
– for tying down loads86F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control53
Failure of an electrical
consumer121
Fasten safety belts reminder,
refer to Seat belt
reminder32
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts32
Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner72
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control74
Fine wood, care110
First aid pouch122
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock37
Flash when locking/
unlocking20
Flat tire
– Run-Flat Tires100
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM60
Flat Tire Monitor FTM58
– indicating a flat tire59
– initializing the system58
– snow chains58
– system limits58
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition99
Floor mats, care110
Floor plate, see Level load
floor85
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb114,116
Folding rear seat backrest84
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely83
Footwell lamps68
For your own safety4
Front airbags63
Front fog lamps68
– indicator lamp126
– replacing bulb114
Front seat adjustment29Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows72,73
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor58
Fuel93
– gauge47
– high-quality brands93
– quality93
– specifications93
– tank capacity142
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge47
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge47
Fuel filler door92
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction92
Fuses121
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control75
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption47
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge47
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel93
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission39
– manual transmission39
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– manual transmission39
General driving notes82
Glass sunroof, electric27
– convenient operation20,22
– opening, closing27
– raising27
– remote control20
Glove compartment76
Grills, refer to Air vents70