service MINI COOPER 2009 User Guide

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
101
For various reasons, such as the development of
brittleness, the manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends tire replacement after no more than
6 years, regardless of the actual wear of the
tires.
Run-Flat Tires*
The symbol identifying Run-Flat Tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-Flat Tires comprise a conditionally self-sup-
porting tire and a special rim. The reinforcement
in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can con-
tinue to be used subject to certain restrictions,
even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page60.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires mounted only
by your MINI Dealer or a specialized tire
shop that has specially trained personnel work-
ing in accordance with the specifications of the
MINI manufacturer. If this work is not carried out
properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam-
age and related safety hazards. Make sure that
the new wheels are balanced.<
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends that you avoid using retreaded
tires, as this could impair driving safety. The
causes for this include potentially different tire
casing structures and often wide variations in
tire age, which can result in a limited service
life.<
Correct wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends mounting only wheels and tires
that it has specifically approved for use on your
particular model. Although other wheels and
tires may theoretically have the same dimen-
sions, variations in factors such as manufactur-
ing tolerances can result in contact between tire
and bodywork, ultimately leading to serious
accidents. The manufacturer of your MINI can-
not evaluate non-approved wheels and tires to
determine if they are suited for use, and there-
fore cannot ensure the operating safety of the
vehicle if they are mounted.<
Your MINI Dealer will be glad to inform you
about the correct wheel and tire combination for
your vehicle.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of
various vehicle systems such as ABS and DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand and
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor TPM
electronics
When mounting new tires or changing over from
summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only use
wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise the Tire
Pressure Monitor may not be able to detect a
puncture, refer to page62. Your MINI Dealer will
be glad to advise you.
ProCarManuals.com

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
105
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, page104.
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 approves only certain
grades of engine oil on a regular basis.
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 bonnet 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.
ProCarManuals.com

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
107
Maintenance
MINI Maintenance System
The MINI Maintenance System supports the
preservation of the traffic and operating safety
of your MINI. The objective is to optimize efforts
with respect to minimal vehicle maintenance
costs.
If and when you come to sell your MINI, a com-
prehensive record of servicing will prove a signif-
icant benefit.
Condition Based Service CBS
Sensors and special algorithms take the different
driving conditions of your MINI into account.
Condition Based Service uses this to determine
the current and future service requirements. By
letting you define a service and maintenance
regimen that reflects your own individual
requirements, the system builds the basis for
trouble-free driving.
In the tachometer, you can have the remaining
times or distances for selected maintenance
tasks and any legally prescribed dates displayed,
page52.
Service data in the remote control
Your vehicle continuously stores service-
requirement information in the remote control
while you are driving. Your MINI Dealer can read
out this data from the remote control unit, and
propose an optimized maintenance approach.
Whenever you take your car in for servicing you
should therefore hand your MINI Dealer the
remote control unit that you last used.Make sure that the date in the tachometer
is always set correctly, page54; otherwise
the effectiveness of Condition Based Service CBS
is not assured.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models for
additional information on service requirements.
The manufacturer of the MINI recom-
mends that you have service and repair
operations performed at your MINI Dealer.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries ver-
ify that your vehicle has received the specified
regular maintenance.<
Socket for Onboard
Diagnosis OBD
Primary components that make up exhaust
emissions can be checked by a device via the
OBD socket.
This socket is located to the left of the driver's
side, on the bottom of the instrument panel.
ProCarManuals.com

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
109
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 high-pressure car washes
because drops of water can penetrate
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, page143
>If necessary: Fold in the outside mirrors
(page 33)
>Maximum permissible tire width
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
>Unscrew the rod antenna.
>Deactivate the rain sensor
* to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
>Deactivate the rear windshield wiper and
protect it from damage. Ask the car wash
operator about measures that can be taken
to protect the wipers.
>Remove additional detachable body com-
ponents such as spoilers or telephone
antennas that 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
maximum temperature of 1407/606.
If the distance is too close, the pressure too high,
or the temperature too high, parts of the vehicle
can be damaged, or water can penetrate.
ProCarManuals.com

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
113
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
*117
>Tire change set with onboard tool kit for
space-saver spare tire119
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 wind-
shield.
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.To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the bonnet.<
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-
f o r m a n y w o r k t h a t y o u d o n o t f e e l c o m p e t e n t t o
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 consumer in
question, otherwise short circuits could result. To
avoid possible injury or equipment damage when
ProCarManuals.com

Replacing components
114
replacing bulbs, observe any instructions provided
by the bulb manufacturer.<
Caring for headlamps, refer to page110.
For any bulb replacement not described
below, contact a MINI Dealer or a work-
shop that has specially trained personnel work-
ing in accordance with the specifications of the
MINI manufacturer.<
For checking and adjusting headlamp aim,
please contact your MINI Dealer.<
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light sources for many of
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These
light-emitting diodes are related to conven-
tional laser diodes, and legislation defines them
as Class 1 light-emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers or expose the
eyes directly to the unfiltered light source
for several hours, otherwise this could cause irri-
tation to the retina.<
Bi-Xenon lamps*
The service life of these bulbs is very long and
the probability of failure very low, provided that
they are not switched on and off an excessive
number of times. If a xenon lamp fails neverthe-
less, switch on the fog lamps and continue the
journey with great care, provided that local leg-
islation does not prohibit this.
Have any work on the xenon lamp system,
including bulb replacement, carried out
only by a MINI Dealer or a workshop that has
specially trained personnel working in accor-
dance with the specifications of the MINI manu-
facturer. Due to high voltage, there is a risk of
fatal injury if work on the xenon lamps is carried
out improperly.<
Halogen low beams and high beams
H13 bulb, 60/55 watts
The H13 bulb is pressurized. Therefore,
wear safety glasses and protective gloves.
Otherwise there is a risk of injury if the bulb is
damaged. erwise leaks could occur and cause dam-
age to the headlamp system.<
Accessing the lamp from the engine
compartment
The low-beam/high-beam bulb can be changed
from the engine compartment.
Removing the cover:
1.Press the tab.
2.Flip open the cover and take it out of the
holder.
Follow the same steps in reverse order to reat-
tach the cover.
Be careful when installing the cover, oth-
erwise leaks could occur and cause dam-
age to the headlamp system.<
Replacing the bulb
1.Turn the lamp counterclockwise, arrow1,
and remove it, arrow2.
ProCarManuals.com

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
123
Giving and receiving assistance
Roadside Assistance
The Roadside Assistance service is there to assist
you around the clock in the event of a breakdown,
including on weekends and public holidays.
The phone numbers of the Roadside Assistance
in your home country can be found in the Con-
tact brochure.
First aid pouch*
Some of the articles contained in the first aid
pouch have a limited service life. Therefore,
check the expiration dates of the contents regu-
larly and replace any items in good time, if nec-
essary.
The first aid pouch is located on the cargo bay
floor by the left side trim panel.
The first aid pouch is located on the cargo bay
f l o o r b y t h e l e f t s i d e t r i m p a n e l o r u n d e r t h e l e v e l
load floor.
Warning triangle*
On the inside of the tailgate.
Press the tab to take it out.
In the cargo bay under the loading sill.
Open the center lock to take it out.
Jump starting
If the car's own battery is flat, your MINI's engine
can be started by connecting two jumper cables
to another vehicle's battery. You can also use
the same method to help start another vehicle.
Only use jumper cables with fully-insulated
clamp handles.
Do not touch any electrically live parts
when the engine is running, or a fatal acci-
dent may occur. Carefully adhere to the follow-
ing sequence, both to prevent damage to one or
both vehicles, and to guard against possible per-
sonal injuries.<
ProCarManuals.com

Indicator and warning lamps
138
Lights up in red:
Service appointment overdue Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page52.
Lights up in yellow:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page52.
No service due
Set speed limit exceeded
Time and date no longer correct Set the time and date, page53.
12Cause What to do
ProCarManuals.com

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
147
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate73,75
Bonnet103
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders81
Brake Assist57
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements52
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs in MINI116
Brake pads, breaking in84
Brake rotors85
– brakes84
– breaking in84
Brake system84
– breaking in84
– disc brakes85
– MINI Maintenance
System107
Brakes
– ABS57
– breaking in84
– MINI Maintenance
System107
– parking brake39
– service requirements52
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely85
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance123
Break-in period84
Breaking in the clutch84
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs113
Button for starting the
engine37
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders81
Capacities144
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery122
Car care109Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest79
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash85
Car wash, care109
Car washes109
Care109
– Car washes109
– Car-care products109
– CD/DVD drives111
– High-pressure washers109
– internal111
– Leather111
– Manual washing110
– Upholstery and fabrics111
– Windows110
– Wiper blades110
Cargo area
– capacity144
Cargo bay86
– convenient access26
– cover86
– lamp70
– opening from outside23
Cargo bay, expanding86
Cargo bay lamp70
Cargo bay lid, refer to
Tailgate23
Cargo loading87
– securing cargo88
– stowing cargo87
– vehicle86
Cargo, securing88
Carpets, care111
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system84
Center armrest79
Center brake lamp117
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking system19
– convenient access25
– from inside22
– from outside19Changing bulbs
113
Changing wheels119
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment104
Check Control54
Child's seats35
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH36
Child-restraint systems35
Chock, folding
– space-saver spare tire119
Chrome parts, care110
Chrome parts, refer to
Care109
Cigarette lighter81
Cleaning headlamps43
– washer fluid44
Clock47
– 12h/24h mode50
– setting time53
Closing
– from inside22
– from outside19
Clothes hooks80
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine38
Comfort access
– what to observe before
entering a car wash26
Comfort access, refer to
Convenient access25
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock37
Computer48
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked85
Condition Based Service
CBS107
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Confirmation signals for
vehicle locking/unlocking20
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances81
ProCarManuals.com

From A to Z
148
Consumption indicator
– average fuel consumption48
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption48
Control Display
– settings49
Controls and displays10
Convenience start, refer to
Starting the engine38
Convenient access25
– replacing the battery27
Convenient operation
– windows20
Coolant105
– checking level105
– filling105
Coolant temperature47
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant105
Cooling, maximum75
Copyright2
Cruising range48
Cup holders81
Curb weight, refer to
Weights144
Current fuel consumption49
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting70
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data142
– capacities144
– dimensions143
– engine142
– weights144
Date
– setting54
Daytime running lamps68
DBC Dynamic Brake Control,
refer to Brake assist57
Deactivating front passenger
airbags65
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
Defogging windows74,76
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows74,76
Defrosting windows74,76
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner74
– automatic climate control76
Differential, breaking in84
Digital clock47
Dimensions143
Dipstick, engine oil104
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals41
Displacement, refer to Engine
data142
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting70
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care111
Disposal
– of coolant105
– remote control battery27
– vehicle battery122
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements52
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC56
Diving stability control
systems56
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Door lock
22
Door lock, confirmation
signals20
Doors, manual operation22
DOT Quality Grades99
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders81
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Start Assist58
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button59Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams67
Driving notes84
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Start Assist58
Driving through water85
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes84
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function76
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC58
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake assist57
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC57
Dynamic Traction Control58
E
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
Electronic brake-force
distribution57
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC57
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission41
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance123
Engine
– breaking in84
– data142
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature47
– speed142
– starting38
– starting, convenient
access25
– switching off38
Engine compartment104
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant105
ProCarManuals.com