Page 68 MINI COOPER 2005 Owner's Guide

71
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
FLAT TIRE MONITOR The conceptAs you drive, the Flat Tire Monitor keeps
track of the tire inflation pressure in all four
tires. The system alerts you when there is a
substantial pressure loss in one of the tires
relative to another.The tire inflation pressures are monitored
based on the speeds of the four wheels in
relation to one another. A flat tire is
detected as the result of differences in cer
-
tain speed ratios, and a warning is gener
-
ated.System requirementsSo that the system can 'familiarize' itself
with the correct inflation pressure, please
do the following:1. Check the tire inflation pressure in all
tires2. Compare them with the inflation pres
-
sure table, refer to page
98, and adjust
the pressures if necessary
3. Initialize the system.
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot alert you to severe and sudden tire damage
caused by external factors, nor does it
detect the gradual and minor loss of pres
-
sure in all four tires. could lead to a delayed detection of pres
-
sure loss or to the system not functioning:>Driving on snow-covered or slippery
roads>Performance-oriented driving: slip at the
drive wheels, high rates of lateral accel
-
eration>When driving with snow chains, false
warnings and undetected pressure loss
may occur>When driving with a space-saver spare
tire, the Flat Tire Monitor cannot func
-
tion.
Initializing the system
The system must be reinitialized immediately after changing a tire
and wheel, or after correcting the pressure
in any tire. This requires a bit of driving.<
1. Before a journey, start the engine, but do
not start driving2. Press the button long enough for the
indicator lamp in the display elements
to light up for a few seconds3. Drive off.It takes a few minutes before the Flat Tire
Monitor can detect a flat tire and issue an
alert.
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72
FLAT TIRE MONITOR
AIRBAGS
Do not initialize the system if you are driving with snow chains or a space-
saver spare tire.<
Flat tire
The warning lamp lights up in yel
-
low. An acoustic signal also sounds.
There is a flat tire or a siginificant
loss of pressure in a tire.
1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with
caution. Avoid hard brake applications
and steering maneuvers2. Determine which tire is damaged
If this cannot be determined, con
-
tact your MINI Dealer.<
3. Repair the flat tire, refer to page
125
.
With Run Flat tires:1. Reduce vehicle speed carefully to under
50
mph
/ 80 km/h. Avoid hard brake
applications and steering maneuvers. Do
not exceed a speed of 50
mph
/ 80
km/h
2. Check the tire inflation pressure in all
four tires at the earliest opportunity.
If the tire inflation pressure is cor
-
rect in all four tires, it is possible
that the Flat Tire Monitor was not initial
-
ized. In this case, initialize the system.<
3. To continue driving, follow the instruc
-
tions on driving with damaged tires on
page
101
.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up in yel
-
low. There is a malfunction in the
Flat Tire Monitor or the system has
failed. Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
The following airbags are located under the marked covers.MINI 1 Side airbags in seat backrest on the
driver and front passenger side: front2 Head airbags on the driver and passen
-
ger sides for both rows of seats: front/
rear3 Front airbags on the driver and passen
-
ger sidesMINI Convertible1 Side/head airbags in the seat backrest on
the driver and front passenger sides:
front2 Front airbags on the driver and passen
-
ger sides
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73
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
AIRBAGSProtective 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 protec
-
tion afforded by the belts alone may no
longer be sufficient. When needed, the
head and side airbags help to furnish pro
-
tection in the event of side impact. Each of
the side airbags is designed to help support
the seat occupant's upper body. The corre
-
sponding side/head airbag in the MINI Con
-
vertible or the head airbag in the MINI sup
-
ports the head.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 posi
-
tion, refer to page
41.
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 clothing, e.
g. jackets, over the
backrests.

Do not attempt to remove the airbag
restraint system from the vehicle. Do not
touch the individual components directly
after the system has been triggered, as oth
-
erwise there is a danger of burns. In the
event of malfunctions, deactivation or
deployment of the airbag restraint system,
have the system checked, repaired or disas
-
sembled only by a MINI Dealer or a work
-
shop with specially trained personnel work
-
ing in accordance with the specifications of
the MINI manufacturer and having the nec
-
essary permits for handling explosive
devices. Unprofessional attempts to service
the system could lead to failure in an emer
-
gency or undesired airbag activation, either
of which could result in personal injury. -
vided on the sun visors.Airbag system operational
The warning lamp in the display elements shows the status of the
entire airbag system and the seat
belt tensioners starting from ignition key
position 1. The warning lamp goes out after
several seconds.
Airbag system malfunctioning >The warning lamp does not come on
starting from ignition key position
1
>The warning lamp stays lit>The warning lamp lights up while driv
-
ing.
In the event of a malfunction, have the airbag system checked immedi
-
ately. Otherwise, there is a risk that the sys
-
tem will not function as intended in
response to a severe impact occurring
within the system's normal triggering
range.<
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76
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
*
Air volume/Blower
You can select blower speeds from 1 to 4. Position
0: fan is
turned off. The button for recir
-
culated air mode fully blocks the
supply of air from outside.
The heating, ventilation and air condition
-
ing operate in position 1 or higher.Temperature
Turn to the right, red, to increase the temperature of the passen
-
ger compartment.Rapid heating: turn to the
extreme right. Then select a pleasant inte
-
rior temperature.Air distribution
Air distribution in upper body region
, upper body region
and footwell
, footwell
,
footwell and windows
, and
windows
.
All intermediate positions are possible,
refer to illustration and overview on
page
75.
Rear window defroster
Rear window defroster switched on:

Indicator lamp lights up.

As long as the indicator lamp is lit, the win
-
dow heater is operating.

The heater switches off automatically after
a short time.Windshield heating*
Windshield heating switched on:

Indicator lamp lights up.

As long as the indicator lamp is
lit, the window heater is operating.

The heater switches off automatically after
a short time.
Air conditioning
Air conditioning switched on: indicator lamp lights up.

The air is cooled and dehumidi
-
fied and, depending on the temperature
setting, rewarmed.

After the engine has started, the wind
-
shield can temporarily fog over. Condensa
-
tion on the windows is reduced when the
air conditioning is turned on.
When the air conditioning is on, con
-
densation is formed which then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed
water on the ground are therefore nor
-
mal. Supply of outside air into the vehicle is blocked:

Indicator lamp lights up.

The air within the vehicle is recirculated.
If the windows fog up in the recircu
-
lated air mode, turn the recirculated
air mode off and if necessary increase the
air supply. The recirculated air mode should
not be constantly used over a longer period
of time, as the air quality in the vehicle's
interior will otherwise gradually deterio
-
rate.<
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83
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
INTEGRATED UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL
*
The conceptThe integrated universal remote control
takes the place of up to three different con
-
trol devices for different radio-remote-con
-
trolled systems such as gate openers and
household alarm systems. The integrated
universal remote control detects and learns
the signal transmitted by the original con
-
trol device.The signal of an original control device can
be programmed onto one of the three
memory buttons
1. The system in question
can then be operated by means of the pro
-
grammed memory button
1. Signal trans
-
mission is indicated by indicator lamp
2.
If you decide to sell your vehicle one day, in
the interest of your own security, remem
-
ber to delete the programs before the vehi
-
cle leaves your possession, refer to page
84.
While programming is in progress and before operating any pro
-
grammed system by remote control using
the integrated universal remote control,
make sure that the movement area of the
system in question is clear of people, ani
-
mals and inanimate obstructions, in order
to avoid possible injury or damage. Also
comply with the safety precautions issued
for the original control device.<
Checking compatibility
If this symbol is depicted on the packaging or in the operating
instructions of the original control
device, it is safe to assume that the remote-
controlled system is compatible with the
integrated universal remote control.If you have additional questions, please consult your MINI center or
call 1-800-355-3515.

You can also visit these websites:

www.miniusa.com or

www.homelink.com.

HomeLink is a registered trademark owned
by Johnson Controls, Inc.<
Programming1 Memory buttons2 Indicator lamp Fixed-code control device1. Switch on the ignition2. During initial operation: press and hold
both outer buttons
1 approx. 20 seconds
until indicator lamp 2 flashes. This clears
all three memory buttons
1
3. Hold the original control device approx.
2 to 8
in / 5 to 20
cm away from memory
buttons
1.
The required distance between the control device and memory
buttons 1 may vary, depending on the
system of the original control device in
question.<
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86
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT IN THE MINI CONVERTIBLE
LOADING CARGO
Loading aidWhen the convertible top is closed, you can
load the vehicle more easily by releasing
the convertible top and folding it up.1. Release the convertible top using the
handles, arrows 12. Lift the convertible top, arrow 23. Fold back the handles and place them on
brackets
3.
Lock the handles in place again com
-
pletely so that the convertible top
can be operated.<
Expanding the luggage compartment volumeYou can enlarge the luggage compartment
volume when the convertible top is closed. 1. Fold the convertible top upwards, refer
to Loading aid2. Remove the luggage compartment cover
from the brackets, arrow 1, and engage
it on the upper support pins, arrow 2.
Move the luggage compartment cover to its lower position again so
that the convertible top can be operated.<
Through-loading system To be able to transport larger objects, the
rear backrest can be folded.1. Unlock the catch for the rear backrest
with an ignition key or master key, refer
to Manual release in the MINI Convert
-
ible on page
30
2. Pull the lever to release the catch3. Fold the backrest forward.
When folding the backrest back into its original position, always ensure
that the catch engages securely. A loose
backrest might fail to prevent cargo from
entering the passenger compartment dur
-
ing sudden braking or evasive maneuvers,
posing a potential hazard to occupants.<
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89
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
ROOF-MOUNTED LUGGAGE RACK
*
Always position and secure the load as described above. If you do not, it
can pose a danger to the passengers during
braking and evasive maneuvers, for exam
-
ple.

Do not exceed the permissible gross weight
and axle load, refer to page
143
ff; other
-
wise the vehicle's operating safety is no
longer assured and it will not be in compli
-
ance with the certification regulations.

Do not stow heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment without first
securing them. Otherwise they would be
thrown around during braking and evasive
maneuvers and endanger the occupants.<
When loading a roof-mounted lug
-
gage rack on the MINI, make sure
that there is sufficient space for the move
-
ment of the glass sunroof and that no
objects protrude into the swiveling area of
the tailgate, as otherwise damage can
occur. Do not secure the roof-mounted lug
-
gage rack to the MINI's trim strips or to the
MINI Convertible top. Otherwise, the lack
of a secure hold could lead to damage or
accidents.<
Special roof-mounted luggage racks for your MINI are available as acces
-
sories from your MINI Dealer.<
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96
BRAKE SYSTEMBrake fluid levelIf the brake fluid level is too low and brake
pedal travel has become longer, there may
be a defect in one of the brake system's
hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest MINI Dealer. Higher brake application pressure
may be necessary under these conditions,
there may be a slight pull to one side, and
brake pedal travel may be longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
Disc brakesWhen the vehicle is driven only occasion
-
ally, 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 ten
-
dency for corrosion of the brake rotors and
accumulation of contamination on the
brake pads. This occurs because the mini
-
mal pressure that must be exerted by the
pads to clean the rotors by brake applica
-
tions is not reached. Corrosion on brake rotors is signaled by a
running or pulsation during braking; even
extended subsequent braking will not cure
this phenomenon.
It is a good idea to periodically dry the
brakes with a gentle application when driv
-
ing in rain and on wet roads.

Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that
this maneuver does not endanger other
road users. The resulting heat dries the
brake rotors and pads. Then if the braking
force is needed, it is immediately available.Driving downhill
To prevent overheating and the resulting reduced efficiency of the
brake system, drive down extended or
steep mountain gradients in the gear
which requires the least brake applications.
Otherwise, even light but consistent pedal
pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake fail
-
ure. -
ther utilized by downshifting, to first gear if
necessary, in the manual mode of the auto
-
matic transmission, refer to page
55. This
protects the brakes from excessive loads.
Do not coast with the clutch pedal pressed or with the transmission or
selector lever in Neutral. Do not coast with
the engine switched off. The engine pro
-
vides no braking effect when the transmis
-
sion is in Neutral, and there is no power-
assist for braking or steering when the
engine is switched off.

Make sure that there are no floor mats,
floor carpets or other objects in the vicinity
of the brake or accelerator pedal, as the
travel path of the pedals could otherwise
be impeded. the front axle and in the right brake pads of
the rear axle monitor the brake pad condi
-
tion. When the brake pads reach the wear
limit, the brake wear warning lights up,
refer to page
18.
Use brake pads which the manufac
-
turer of your MINI has approved for
your particular vehicle model. The manu
-
facturer of your MINI cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if they
are suitable for use, and therefore cannot
ensure the operating safety of the vehicle
in the event of their use.<
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97
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE Information for your safetyIt is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving safety and driving comfort that
depend on the condition of the tires and
the maintenance of the specified tire pres
-
sure.
Check tire inflation pressures regu
-
larly and correct them if necessary,
including the space-saver spare tire: at
least twice a month and before long jour
-
neys. Failure to observe this precaution can
result in incorrect tire pressures, which
cause unstable handling response as well
as tire damage, and can ultimately lead to
an accident.

Do not drive with deflated, i.e. flat, tires
except if Run Flat tires are fitted. A flat tire
greatly impairs steering and braking
response, and can lead to complete loss of
control over the vehicle. cold tires. This means after driving a maxi
-
mum of 1.25
miles / 2
km or when the
vehicle has been parked for at least 2
hours.
Warm tires have higher pressures.
After correcting the tire inflation pressure,
reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page
71.
Tire inflation pressures for original tiresThe tire inflation pressures for your stan
-
dard tires are shown on the driver's-side
door post, visible when the door is open.Tire inflation pressures for other tire
sizesIn the following tire pressure table, all pres
-
sures are given for the specified tire sizes at
ambient temperature.
In order to determine the correct inflation pressures for your tires,
refer to the values for the tire size in ques
-
tion.<
Checking the inflation pressure on the space-saver spare tireBehind the bumper there is a valve exten
-
sion accessible from the outside for check
-
ing the inflation pressure.Tire sizeThe tire inflation pressures apply to the tire
sizes approved and the tire brands recom
-
mended by the manufacturer of your MINI
or MINI Convertible. Your MINI Dealer will
be glad to advise you.
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98
TIRE INFLATION PRESSUREModel
Tire size
Pressures specified in psi / kPa
All pressure specifications in the table are
indicated
in psi / kilopascal with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperature
MINI COOPER
175/65 R 15 84 H175/65 R 15 84 Q M+S
30 / 210
35 / 240
35 / 240
35 / 240
195/55 R 16 87 H195/55 R 16 87 H M+S205/45 R 17 84 V205/45 R 17 84 V M+S
30 / 210
30 / 210
35 / 240
35 / 240
175/65 R 15 84 Q M+S175/60 R 15 82 Q M+S195/55 R 16 87 Q M+S205/45 R 17 84 Q M+S205/40 R 18 82 W
33 / 230
33 / 230
38 / 260
38 / 260
Space-saver spare tire T 115/70 R 15 90 M
61 / 420
61 / 420
61 / 420
61 / 420
MINI COOPER S
195/55 R 16 87 V195/55 R 16 87 V M+S
30 / 210
30 / 210
35 / 240
35 / 240
205/45 R 17 84 V205/45 R 17 84 Q M+S205/45 R 17 84 V M+S195/55 R 16 87 Q M+S
33 / 230
33 / 230
38 / 260
38 / 260
175/60 R 16 82 Q M+S205/40 R 18 82 W
36 / 250
36 / 250
41 / 280
41 / 280
More information about permissible loads and weights can be found on pages
143
, 144
.
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