bonnet MINI Convertible 2009 Owner's Manual

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
3
CONTENTS
The fastest way to find information on a particu-
lar topic or item is by using the index, refer to
page162.
Using this Owner's Manual
4Notes
6Reporting safety defects
AT A GLANCE
10Cockpit
CONTROLS
18Opening and closing
35Adjustments
41Transporting children safely
44Driving
53Everything under control
63Technology for driving comfort
and safety
74Lamps
79Climate
84Practical interior accessories
DRIVING TIPS
92Things to remember when driving
MOBILITY
102Refueling
104Wheels and tires
116Under the bonnet
120Maintenance
122Care
126Replacing components
137Giving and receiving assistance
141Indicator and warning lamps
REFERENCE
156Technical data
162From A to Z

REFERENCE
AT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
11
3Always Open Timer55
7Ignition lock44
8Buttons
* on steering wheel
9Horn: the entire surface
10Adjusting the steering wheel40
11Releasing the bonnet116 4Tachometer12
Instrument lighting77
Resetting the trip odometer53
5
Wiper system49
6Switching the ignition on/off and
starting/stopping the engine44
Continuing cruise control
*51
Right:
Storing speed and accelerating or
decelerating
Left:
Increase or reduce volume
Activating/deactivating cruise
control
*52
Telephone
*:
Accepting and ending a call, start-
ing dialing
* of selected phone
number and redialing if no phone
number is selected
Activating/deactivating voice
activation system
*
Changing radio station
Selecting music track
Scrolling through phone book and
lists with stored phone numbers

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
25
Panic mode*
You can activate the alarm system if you find
yourself in a dangerous situation.
Press the button for at least two seconds.
Switching off the alarm:
Press any button.
Switching off an alarm
>Unlock the car with the remote control.
>Insert the key fully into the ignition lock.
>In cars with convenient access
*, press the
button on the door lock.
Display on the revolution counter
When the system is armed, all LEDs pulse. After
approx. 16 minutes one LED flashes.
>LEDs pulse or LED flashes: system is armed.
>One LED flashes at short intervals:
A door, the bonnet or the tailgate is not
properly closed. Even if these are not closed
fully, the remaining items are deadlocked
and the LEDs pulse after approx. 10 seconds
for approx. 16 minutes. Afterwards, one LED
flashes.
The interior movement detector is not acti-
vated.
>LEDs go out after the vehicle is unlocked:
No attempt was made to tamper with
the car.
>LEDs flash after unlocking until the key is
inserted in the ignition, but for no longer
than approx. 5 minutes: an attempt was
made to tamper with the car.
Tilt alarm sensor
The vehicle's inclination is monitored. The alarm
is triggered, for instance, if an attempt is made
to steal the car's wheels or tow it away.
Interior movement detector
Before the interior movement detector can
operate correctly, the windows and glass roof
must be closed.
MINI Convertible
The passenger compartment is monitored up to
the height of the seat's surface. This way, the
anti-theft alarm system including the interior
motion sensor are armed, even if the convertible
top is open. Falling objects, e.g. tree leaves, may
trigger a false alarm, refer to Avoiding false
alarms.
Avoiding false alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and the interior movement
detector can be switched off together.
This prevents false alarms, e.g. in the following
situations:
>In duplex garages
>When being transported on car-carrying
trains, ferries or trailers
>If pets are to remain inside the car
Switching off the tilt alarm sensor and
interior movement detector
>Press the button on the remote con-
trol twice in succession.
>Lock the vehicle twice with the integrat-
ed key.
LEDs flash in short succession for approx.
2 seconds.
The tilt alarm sensor and the interior movement
detector are switched off until the car is next
unlocked and locked.

Driving
50
If the car is equipped with a rain sensor, the time
between wipes is controlled automatically and
depends on the intensity of the rainfall. The rain
sensor is mounted on the windshield, directly in
front of the interior rearview mirror.
Activating intermittent wipe or
rain sensor
Press button, arrow3.
Deactivate the rain sensor before entering
an automatic car wash. Failure to do so
could result in damage caused by undesired
wiper activation.<
Adjusting the sensitivity of the
rain sensor
1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page44.
2.Briefly press the button in the turn indicator
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
3.Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
4.Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
symbol and "SET" are displayed.5.Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
6.Press the button to select the desired
sensitivity.
7.Wait, or press and hold the button until the
display changes.
The settings are stored.
Deactivating intermittent wipe or
rain sensor
Press the button again, arrow3.
Brief wipe
Press the lever downward once, arrow2.
Cleaning windshield and headlamps*
Pull the lever, arrow 4.
Washer fluid is sprayed onto the windshield and
the wipers are operated briefly.
When the vehicle lighting system is switched on,
the headlamps are cleaned at regular and
appropriate intervals.
In cars equipped with an alarm system, the
headlamps cannot be cleaned when the bonnet
is open.
Do not use the washers when the washer
fluid reservoir is empty, otherwise you will
damage the washer pump.
Only use the washers if the bonnet has been
completely closed, otherwise the headlamp
washer system
* may be damaged. Do not use
the washers if there is any danger that the fluid
will freeze on the windshield. If you do, your
vision could be obscured. For this reason, use
antifreeze.<

Under the bonnet
116
Under the bonnet
Do not work on the car unless you possess
the necessary technical knowledge. If you
are not familiar with the regulations to be
observed, have the necessary work on your
vehicle 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. If this work is not carried
out properly, there is a danger of subsequent
damage and related safety hazards.<
Bonnet
Releasing
Pull the lever.
Do not clean the windshield and head-
lamps if the bonnet is unlocked as this
may damage the headlamp washer system
*.<
Opening
To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the bonnet.<
Press the release handle and open the bonnet.
Closing
Close the bonnet from a height of approx. 16 in/
40 cm with momentum. It must be clearly heard
to engage.
If you notice any signs while driving your
vehicle that the bonnet is not completely
closed, stop at once and close it securely.
Make sure that the closing path of the bonnet is
clear, otherwise injuries may result.<

Under the bonnet
118
Adding engine oil
Do not add the maximum quantity of 1 US
quart/1 liter of engine oil until the oil level has
dropped to just above the lower mark on the
dipstick, page117.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km,
otherwise the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Keep oils, greases, etc. out of the reach of
children and comply with the warnings on
the containers. Otherwise, health hazards may
result.<
Oil change
Have the oil changed only by a MINI Dealer or a
workshop that has specially trained personnel
working in accordance with the specifications of
the MINI manufacturer.
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical
significance for the operation and service life of
an engine. Based on extensive testing, the man-
ufacturer of your MINI regularly approves cer-
tain grades of engine oil.
Only use High Performance Synthetic Oil
approved by the manufacturer of your MINI.
If MINI High Performance Synthetic Oil is not
available, you can add small quantities of
another synthetic oil in between oil changes.
Only use oils with the API SM specification or
higher.
If you have any further questions regard-
ing MINI High Performance Synthetic Oil
or approved synthetic oils, your MINI Dealer will
be glad to advise you. 1-800-831-1117 or visit the website
www.miniusa.com to obtain this information.
Viscosity grades
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and
is categorized in SAE classes.
The correct SAE grade for your MINI is deter-
mined by the climatic conditions of the region in
which you normally drive your MINI.
The approved oils are SAE 0W-40, 0W-30,
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils can be used for driving at all outside
temperatures.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of half water and half additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your MINI. Your MINI Dealer knows
which additives are suitable and will be glad to
advise you.
Only use suitable additives, otherwise
engine damage may result. Because addi-
tives are harmful to your health, it is important
to follow the instructions on the containers.<
Comply with the appropriate environmen-
tal protection regulations when disposing
of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.Do not open the hood until the engine has
cooled down.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated
pressure to escape, then continue turning
to open.
3.The coolant level is correct if it is between
the Min and Max markings.

Replacing components
126
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
Your vehicle comes with an onboard tool kit that
varies with the equipment version; it is stored
underneath the level load floor.
>Mobility System with onboard tool kit and
tire change set
*131
>Tire change set with onboard tool kit for
space-saver spare tire133
Wiper blades
Changing the front wiper blades
1.Fold up the wiper arm.
2.Position the wiper blade horizontally.
3.Press the securing spring, arrow.
4.Unhook the wiper blade toward the
windshield.
5.Pull the wiper blade past the wiper arm
toward the top.
6.Insert the new wiper blade.
7.Press into position until you hear it engage.8.Fold down the wiper arm.
To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the bonnet.<
MINI: Changing the rear wiper blade
1.Fold up the wiper arm.
2.Rotate the wiper blade toward the back as
far as it will go, arrow.
3.Press the wiper blade against the limit and
thus out of the mounting.
4.Press the new wiper blade into the fixture
until it engages audibly.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribution
to vehicle safety. They should, therefore, be
handled carefully. The manufacturer of your
MINI recommends having your MINI Dealer per-
form any work that you do not feel competent to
perform yourself or that is not described here.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contamination will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a
clean tissue, cloth or something similar, or hold
the bulb by its base.<
You can obtain a selection of replacement bulbs
at your MINI Dealer.
When working on electrical systems,
always begin by switching off the con-

Indicator and warning lamps
142
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, page54
Engine refuses to start Depress the brake or clutch in order to
start the engine, page44.
Ignition switched on and driver's
door openSwitch off the ignition, page44, 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 page95.
12Cause What to do

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
145
Indicator lamp1 flashes:
Engine malfunction under high load.
High engine load will result in dam-
age to the catalytic converterYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the vehicle
checked without delay.
Indicator lamp1 comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse
effect on exhaust emissionsYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the car checked as
soon as possible.
Lights up in red:
Engine overheating Carefully bring the car to a stop,
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down. Do not open the bonnet,
otherwise there would be a risk of
injury by scalding. Contact your
MINI Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Engine too hot Continue driving at more moderate
speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked with-
out delay if the situation reoccurs.
Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunctionSwitch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers. Have the battery checked
without delay.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connectedHave the battery checked as soon
as possible.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied
12Cause What to do

From A to Z
162
From A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control83
Additives
– coolant118
– engine oil118
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner80
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control81
Air conditioner79
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control81
– ventilation83
Air distribution
– automatic82
– individual81
– manual81
Air flow rate80,81
– air conditioning system80
– automatic climate control81
– heating, ventilation80
Air outlets, refer to Air vents79
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure104
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,82
Air supply
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control81
– ventilation83
Air vents79
Airbags71
– sitting safely35
– warning lamp73
Airing, refer to Ventilation83AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications103
Alarm system24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires115
Always Open Timer55
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,82
Ambient lighting78
Antenna, care122
Antifreeze
– coolant118
– washer fluid51
Antilock Brake System ABS64
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system
24
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights159
Approved engine oils118
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights159
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest86
Ashtray88
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC64
Audio device, external86
AUTO program for automatic
climate control82
Automatic
– air distribution82
– air flow rate82
– cruise control51
– headlamp control74
Automatic climate control79
– automatic air distribution82Automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– interlock46
– overriding selector lever
lock48
– shiftlock46
– sport program47
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device86
Average fuel consumption54
– setting the units57
Average speed55
Axle loads, refer to
Weights159B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting78
Backrests, refer to Seats35
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb129,130
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch137
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away139
Battery135
– charging135
– disposal27,135
– jump starting137
– temporary power failure135
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed139
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts38
Belts, refer to Safety belts38
Beverage holders, refer to Cup
holders88
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate80,81
Bonnet116