engine coolant MINI COOPER 2011 Owners Manual

DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
98
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 contaminan ts 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.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying ca pacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can
assume the form of a sudden blowout. <
Avoid fluid spills in the cargo area as they
could damage the vehicle. <
MINI: cargo area
Cargo area cover
Do not place any objects on the cover;
otherwise, they could endanger the car's
occupants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden
swerving, or they may damage the cover. is raised.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be
removed.
1.
Unhook the lift straps from the liftgate.
2. Pull the cover out of the holders toward the
rear.
Expanding the cargo area
The rear set backrest is split. Both sides can be
folded separately to expand the cargo area.
1. Pull the lever.
2. Fold rear seat backrests forward.
When folding the backrest back up, make
sure that the seat's locking mechanisms
engage properly. Otherwise, cargo could be
thrown around in the event of sharp braking or
swerving and endanger the occupants.<

Under the hoodMOBILITY
147
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Vehicle identification number*
2Battery, under the cover 170
3 Engine oil dipstick 147
4 Engine oil filler neck 148 5
Coolant expansion tank 149
6 Reservoir for washer fl uid for the headlamp
and window washer system 53
7 Engine compartment fuse box 168
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on
driving style and driving conditions.
Check the engine oil level regularly, e.g. when
refueling.
Checking engine oil level
1.With the vehicle's engi ne at normal operat-
ing temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted
driving for at least 6 miles/10 km, park the
vehicle on a level surface.
2. Switch off the engine. 3.
Pull the dipstick out after approx. 5 minutes
and wipe it off with a lint-free cloth, paper
towel or similar material.
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the way into
the guide tube and pull it out again.
The oil level should be between the two
marks on the dipstick.

Under the hoodMOBILITY
149
The engine oil quality is critical for the life of the
engine.
Some types of oil may not be available in every
country.
Approved oil types
Additional information on approved types of oil
can be found at a dealer.
Alternative oil types
If the approved engine oi ls are not available, up
to 1 US quart/1 liter of another oil with the
following specifications may be used:
Oil change
Only dealers are to perform oil changes.
Coolant
Coolant consists of half water and half additive.
Not all commercially available additives are
suitable 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. <
Coolant temperature
If the coolant, and therefore the engine, should
overheat, then a warning li ght will go on, refer to
page 177.
Checking coolant level
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns. <
Do not open the hood until the engine has
cooled down.
The coolant level is correct if it is between the
Min and Max markings.
Gasoline engines
BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30
BMW Longlife-01
BMW Longlife-01 FE
Gasoline engines
API SM or higher specifications

MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
184
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Ignition cannot be switched offEngage selector lever position P when
you wish to switch off the ignition,
page
46.
Cruise control system fail edHave the system checked.
Park Distance Control fail edHave the system checked.
Bulb of exterior lighting system failed Have the exterior lighting checked as
soon as possible.
Low-beam headlamp or fog lamp
failed Have the lamps checked as soon as
possible.
High-beam headlamp failed Have the high-beam headlamps
checked.
Rear fog lamp failed Have the rear fog lamp checked.
Headlamp beam throw adjustment
system failed Have the headlamp beam throw
adjustment system checked.
Coolant level too low Add coolant immediately, page149.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your
journey. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in red:
Service appointment overdue Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page 62.
Lights up in yellow:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page 62.
12Cause What to do

194
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
INDEX
A
ABS Antilock Brake System67
Accessories, refer to Your individual vehicle 4
Acknowledgment signals for
locking/unlocking vehicle 23
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 88
Adaptive Light Control 80
Additives
– coolant 149
– engine oil 149
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 85
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 86
Airbags 75
– sitting safely 37
– warning lamp 77
Air conditioner 84
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 85
– automatic cl imate control86
– ventilation 88
Air distribution
– automatic 87
– individual 86
– manual 86
Air flow rate 85,87
– air conditioning system 85
– automatic cl imate control87
– heating, ventilation 85
Airing, refer to Ventilation88
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 84
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure 134Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 85,87
Air supply
– air conditioner 85
– automatic climate control 86
– ventilation 88
Air vents 84
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 133
Alarm system 27
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 145
Always Open Timer 58
Ambient air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 85,87
Ambient lighting 83
Antenna, care 153
Antifreeze
– coolant 14
9
– washer fluid 53
Antilock Brake System ABS 67
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system 27
Anti-theft system 21
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights 191
Approved engine oils 149
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights 191
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 92
Ashtray 93
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 67
Audio device, external 91Automatic
– air distribution
87
– air flow rate 87
– cruise control 54
– headlamp control 78
Automatic climate control 84
– automatic air distribution 87
Automatic station search 107
Automatic station storage 108
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 48
– interlock 49
– overriding selector lever lock 50
– shiftlock 49
– sport program 49
AUTO program for automatic climate control 87
Auto radio, refer to Radio MINI Boost CD 106
AUX-IN, refer to External audio device 91
AUX In connection 106
Average fuel consumption 57
– setting the units 61
Average speed 57
Axle loads, refer to Weights 191
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 83
Backrests, refer to Seats 38
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 161,162
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 169
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 172

REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
196
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 147
Check Control 64
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH 44
Child restraint systems 43
Child seats 43
Chrome parts, care 155
Chrome parts, refer to Care 153
Cigarette lighter 93
Cleaning headlamps 53
– washer fluid 54
Clock
– 12 h/24 h mode 61
– setting time 63
Closing
– from inside 25
– from outside 21
Clothes hooks 92
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine 47
Comfort Access 28
– replacing the battery 30
– what to observe before entering a car wash 29
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console 14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock 46
Compressed audio files 111
Computer 57
Condensation, refer to When the vehicle is parked 98
Condition Based Service CBS 151
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile 20
Connecting vacuum cleaner, refer to Connecting electrical
appliances 93
Consumption, refer to Average fuel consumption 57
Control Display
– settings 59 Controls and displays
10
Convenient access, refer to Comfort Access 28
Convenient operation
– convertible top 24
– windows 22
Convenient start, refer to
Starting the engine 47
Convertible top 32
Coolant 149
– checking level 149
– filling 149
Coolant temperature 149
Cooling, maximum 87
Cooli

ng fluid, refer to
Coolant 149
Copyright 2
Cornering light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 80
Cruising range 57
Cupholders 93
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 191
Current fuel consumption 57
D
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit 10
Dashboard instruments, refer to Displays 12
Dashboard lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 82
Data 188
– capacities 193
– dimensions 189
– engine 188
– weights 191
Data memory 152
Date
– setting 64
Date setting 107
Daytime running lights 79
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to Brake Assist 67
Deactivating front passenger
airbags 76 Deadlocking, refer to
Locking 22
Defect
– door lock 25
– fuel filler flap 132
Defogging windows 86,88
Defrosting windows 86,88
Defrosting windows and removing condensation
– air conditioner 86
– automatic climate control 88
Defrosting windshield, refer to Defrosting windows 86,88
Defrost positi on, refer to
Defrosting windows 86,88
Differential, breaking in 96
Digital radio, refer to HD Radio 109
Dimensions 189
Dipstick, engine oil 147
Directional indicators, refer to Turn signals 51
Displacement, refer to Engine data 188
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 82
Displays 12
– instrument cluster 12
Displays, care 156
Displays and controls 10
Disposal
– of coolant 149
– remote control battery 30
– vehicle battery 168
Distance remaining to service, refer to Service
requirements 62
Distance warning, refer

to Park
Distance Control PDC 66
Door key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 20
Door lock 24
Door lock, confirmation signals 23
Doors, manual operation 25
DOT Quality Grades 142

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
197
Drinks holders, refer to Cupholders 93
Drive-off assistan t, refer to Hill
Assist 69
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 69
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams 78
Driving notes 96
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Assist 69
Driving stability control systems 67
Driving through water 97
Driving tips, refer to Driving notes 96
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 88
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 67
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 68
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, refer to Brake Assist 67
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 67
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 68
E
Eject button 112
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top 34
– door lock 25
– fuel filler flap 132
– liftgate 26
Electric power windows
– initializing 31
Electronic brake-force distribution 67
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 67Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top 34
– door lock 25
– fuel filler flap 132
– liftgate 26
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 50
Emergency services, refer to Roadside Assistance 169
Engine
– breaking in 96
– data 188
– overheated, refer to Coolant temperature 149
– speed 188
– starting 47
– starting, Comfort Access 28
– switching off 47
Engine compartment 147
Engine coolant, refer to Coolant 149
Engine oil
– adding 148
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils 149
– alternative oil types 149
– approved engine oils 149
– capacity 148
– checking level 147
– dipstick 147
– intervals between changes, refer to Service
requirements 62
– MINI Maintenance System 151
Engine oil level, checking 147
Engine output, refer to Engine data 188
Engine starting, refer to Starting the engine 47
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 67
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system 96 Exterior mirrors
41
– adjusting 41
– automatic heating 41
– folding in and out 41
External audio
device91,106
External temperature display
– change units of measure 61
– in the on-board computer 61
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away 171
– for tying down loads 101
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 64
Failure of an electrical consumer 168
Fastening safety be lts, refer to
Safety belts 40
Fast forward
– CD 112
Fault messages, refer to Check
Control 64
Filter
– microfilter/activated- charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 88
– microfilter for air
conditioner 86
Fine wood, care 156
First aid pouch 169
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 46
Flash when locking/
unlocking 23
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 144
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 72
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 69
– indicating a flat tire 71
– initializing the system 70
– snow chains 70
– system limits 70
Flat tires, refer to Tire condition 143

REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
200
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter tires 145
Maintenance, refer to Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Maintenance system 151
Malfunction
– convertible top 34
– liftgate 26
Malfunction warn ings, refer to
Check Control 64
Manual air distribution 86
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 49
Manual operation
– door lock 25
– fuel filler flap 132
– liftgate 26
– power convertible top 34
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 50
Manual station search 107
Manual transmission 48
Manual washing 154
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 20
Maximum cooling 87
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 145
Medical assistance, refer to First aid pouch 169
Microfilter
– for air conditioner 86
– for automatic climate
control 88
– MINI Maintenance System 151
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
– MINI Maintenance
System 151
Microphone for telephone 14MINI Internet page
4
MINI Maintenance System 151
Mirror dimming feature 42
Mirrors 41
– exterior mirrors 41
– heating 41
– interior rearview mirror 42
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume 124
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing 120
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 92
– pairing 120
– refer to separate Owner's Manual
– What to do if… 123
Mobile phone, installation location, refer to Center
armrest 92
Mobil

e phone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System 163
Modifications, technical, refer to For your own safety 5
Monitoring syst em for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 69
MP3 111
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel 11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/ headlamp flasher 51
– refer to Wiper system 52
Music tracks
– playing a track 112
– random order 112
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 39
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments 92
New tires 144 Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data 188
Number of safety belts 37
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope 172
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
On-Board Diagnosis 152
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel specifications 133
Odometer 56
Oil, refer to Engine oil 147
Oil consumption 147
Oil level 147
Oil types 148
Old batteries, refer to Disposal 168
Onboard vehicle toolkit 157
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access 28
– from inside 25
– from outside 21
– using the door lock 24
– using the remote control 21
Opening and unlocking
– from inside 25
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation 88
Outlets, refer to Air vents 84
Output, refer to Engine data 188
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control 87
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature 149
P
Paintwork, care155
Park Distance Control PDC 66
Parking
– vehicle 47
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC 66
Parking brake 48

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
203
Starting assistance, refer to Jump-starting 169
Starting the engine
– Start/Stop button 46
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC 67
– Hill Assist 69
Stations, refer to Radio MINI Boost CD 108
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing 4
Steering wheel 42
– adjustment 42
– buttons on steering wheel 11
– lock 46
– shift paddles 50
Steptronic, refer to Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 48
Storage area
– cargo area 98
Storage compartment, front
passenger side 92
Storage compartments 92
Storage space
– storage compartments 92
Storage space, refer to
– Luggage compartment in the
MINI Convertible 99
Storing the vehicle 156
Storing tires 145
Stowage, refer to Storage compartments 92
Summer tires, re fer to Wheels
and tires 134
Switches, refer to Cockpit 10
Switching off
– engine 47
Switching off the engine
– Start/Stop button 46
Switching on
– CD player 106,111
– Radio MINI Boost CD 106
Switching the cooling function on and off 88
Symbols 4T
Tachometer 56
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps 161
– replacing bulb 161
Tail lamps 161
Tank volume, refer to Capacities 193
Technical data 188
Technical modifications 5
Telephone 118
– hands-free system 126
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 92
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
– voice commands 127
Telephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature display
– setting the units 61
Temperature of coolant, refer to Coolant temperature 149
Temperature setting
– air conditioner 85
– automatic climate control 87
Tempomat, refer to Cruise control 54
Tensioning straps, refer to Securing cargo 101
The individual vehicle 4
Third brake lamp, refer to Center brake lamp 163
Three-point safety belt 40
Tightening the lug bolts
– keys 157
– torque 167,168
Tightening torque, refer to Tightening lug bolts 167
Time
– setting 107
Tire change set
– space-saver spare tire 157Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor
71
– indicator/warning lamp 71
– MINI Mobility System 163
– run-flat tires 71
– space-saver spare tire 165
– Tire Pressure Monitor 72
Tire inflation pressure 134
– loss 71
– space-saver spare tire 134
Tire pressure monitoring, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 69
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 72
– limitations of system 72
– resetting system 72
– warning lamp 73
Tire Quality Grading 142
Tires
– age 14

3
– breaking in 96
– changing, refe r to Changing
wheels 165
– condition 143
– damage 143
– inflation pressure 134
– inflation pressure loss 73
– minimum tread depth 143
– new tires 144
– pressure monitoring, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 69
– pressure monitoring, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 72
– puncture 71
– size 141
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth 143
– winter tires 145
– with emergency operation
properties 144
Tires with emergency operation properties, refer to
Run-flat tires 144
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-flat tires 144