MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2008 Owners Manual

119
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
1 Reservoir for windshield and rear
window washer system
*
64
2 Vehicle identification number
3 Coolant expansion tank1224 Engine oil filler neck121
5 Battery144
6 Brake fluid reservoir1247 Reservoir for headlamp cleaning
system
*
64
8Engine oil dipstick121
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: MINI COOPER AND MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE

120
1 Reservoir for windshield and rear
window washer system
*
64
2 Vehicle identification number3 Coolant expansion tank122
4 Engine oil filler neck121
5 Auxiliary terminal for
jump-starting1466 Brake fluid reservoir124
7 Reservoir for headlamp cleaning
system
*
64
8 Engine oil dipstick121
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: MINI COOPER S AND MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE

121
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
ENGINE OILMeasuring the oil level1. With the vehicle's engine at normal
operating temperature, i.e. after unin-
terrupted 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.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption is
directly influenced by your driving style and
vehicle operating conditions.
The oil volume between the two marks
MIN, MAX on the dipstick corresponds to
approx. 1.1 quarts/1 liter.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on
the dipstick. Excess oil will damage
the engine. Only top up oil when the oil level has
dropped to just above the lower mark
of the dipstick. However, never allow the
level to drop below the lower mark.<
Add oil within the next 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise the engine could be
damaged.<
Always store oil, grease, etc., out of
reach of children. Comply with all
warning labels and information on lubri-
cant containers, otherwise health risks may
result.<
Oil changeHave 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.

122
ENGINE OIL COOLANTApproved engine oilsThe quality of the engine oil selected has
critical significance for the operation and
service life of an engine. Based on exten-
sive testing, the manufacturer of your MINI
approves only certain 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 a specification
of API SH or higher.
If you have any further questions
regarding MINI High Performance
Synthetic Oil or approved synthetic oils,
your MINI Dealer will be glad to advise
you.<
Do not use any oil additives, as they
could cause engine damage under
some circumstances. and is classified into SAE grades.
The correct SAE grade for your MINI is
determined by the climatic conditions of
the region in which you normally drive your
MINI.
Approved oils feature the SAE grades
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils can be used for driving at all out-
side temperatures.
Do not open the cooling system when
the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of water and a coolant
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, other-
wise the engine can be damaged. The
additives are hazardous to your health.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal
of coolant additives.<

123
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
COOLANTAs an example, the illustration shows the
coolant tank of the MINI COOPER and the
MINI COOPER Convertible.Checking coolant level 1. The engine must be at ambient temper-
ature
2. MINI COOPER and MINI COOPER Con-
vertible:
Slowly pull the cap of the expansion
tank by the tab until the excess pressure
can escape. Then remove the cap com-
pletely.
MINI COOPER S and MINI COOPER S Con-
vertible:
Slightly unscrew the cap of the expan-
sion tank counterclockwise until the
excess pressure can escape. Then
remove the cap completely
3. The coolant level is correct if it is
between the MIN and MAX markings on
the transparent expansion tank
4. If necessary, slowly add coolant until the
correct level is reached; do not overfill
5. MINI COOPER and MINI COOPER Con-
vertible:
Reattach the cap and press it down
firmly
MINI COOPER S and MINI COOPER S Con-
vertible:
Screw the cap back on and tighten it
firmly
6. Have the cause of the coolant loss
removed as soon as possible.

124
BRAKE SYSTEMBrake fluid level
The warning lamp comes on
although the parking brake is not
engaged:
The brake fluid level in the reservoir is too
low, refer to page16. At the same time,
brake pedal travel may become signifi-
cantly longer.
Have the system checked immediately.
If 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.
Canadian models display this
warning lamp.
If you continue driving, higher brake
application pressure may be neces-
sary, and there may be a slight pull to one
side. Brake pedal travel may also be longer.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.<

125
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
MINI MAINTENANCE SYSTEMThe MINI maintenance system helps main-
tain your vehicle's road safety and opera-
tional safety.
Please bear in mind that regular mainte-
nance is not only necessary for the safety of
your vehicle, but also plays a significant
role in maintaining the resale value of the
vehicle.
Service interval displayWhile conventional systems determine
maintenance intervals according to fixed
kilometer readings, the MINI Maintenance
System takes the vehicle's driving condi-
tions into account because not every mile is
the same as another in this respect.
From a maintenance standpoint,
60,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated
through short-distance driving cannot be
treated the same as 60,000 miles/
100,000 km accumulated through long-dis-
tance highway travel.
The condition-based MINI Maintenance
System includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual use of the vehicle
covers every kind of operating situation.
People who drive very little, i.e. much less
than 6,000 miles/10,000 km per year,
should have the engine oil changed at least
every 2 years since oil deteriorates over
time, regardless of use.
For more information on the service inter-
val display, refer to page69.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian
models For additional information on maintenance
intervals and procedures, please refer to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models or the Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
As a precaution against rust, it is advisable
to have the body checked for damage from
rocks or gravel at the same time, depending
upon operating conditions.
The manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends having maintenance and
repair work carried out only by a MINI
Dealer or a workshop that has specially
trained personnel working in accordance
with the specifications of the MINI manu-
facturer.
Make sure that maintenance work is con-
firmed with an entry in the Service and
Warranty Information Booklet for
US models or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models. These
entries are your proof that the vehicle has
received regular maintenance.<

126
SOCKET FOR ONBOARD DIAGNOSTICS OBD CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLEPrimary components of 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 instru-
ment panel underneath a cover.Exhaust emission values
The warning lamp comes on. The
exhaust emissions have deterio-
rated. Have the vehicle checked as
soon as possible.
Canadian models display this
warning lamp.
Under some circumstances, the lamp will
flash. This indicates severe engine misfir-
ing. In this case, you should reduce your
speed and visit your nearest MINI Dealer as
soon as possible. Severe engine misfiring
can quickly lead to serious damage of emis-
sions-related components, especially the
catalytic converter.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system may con-
clude that fuel vapors are escaping, causing
an indicator to light up. If the filler cap is
then tightened, the indicator should go out
within a few days.<
Suitable car-care products
Use the cleaning and car-care prod-
ucts available at your MINI Dealer.<
Washing your vehicleYou can wash your new MINI or MINI Con-
vertible in automatic car washes from the
beginning. Preference should be for cloth
car washes. If, due to lack of availability,
brush car washes must be used, modern
systems with soft brushes should be given
preference.
When using steam cleaners or high-
pressure cleaners, maintain sufficient
distance to the vehicle and do not exceed a
maximum temperature of 1407/606. If
the jet is too close or the pressure is too
high, this can lead to damage or initial
damage that can develop into more serious
damage. Water that enters vehicle compo-
nents can lead to damage over the long
term.
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.
Switch the rain sensor off when passing
through an automatic car wash, refer to
page63. Failure to do so could result in

127
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLEdamage caused by undesired wiper activa-
tion. If necessary, for example before
entering a car wash or a garage with
elevator ramp, remove the rod antenna.
To do so, grip the rod antenna at the base
and unscrew it from the antenna foot by
turning it to the left.<
Headlamps
When cleaning the headlamps,
please note: do not rub the head-
lamps dry and do not use any abrasive or
caustic cleaning products. Remove dirt and
contamination, such as insects, by soaking
with shampoo and then rinsing with plenty
of water. Always use a deicer spray to
remove accumulated ice and snow; never
use a scraper.<
Vehicle paintwork Regular care contributes greatly to driving
safety and value retention.
Environmental influences varying from one
region to the next can affect the vehicle
paintwork. Please base the frequency and
scope of car care on these various influ-
ences.Care of upholsteryDepressions that come about on the uphol-
stery material of the seats in daily use can
be brushed out using a slightly damp brush
against the grain.
The fact that velour lays down is not a qual-
ity defect, but rather is inevitable in the
case of home textiles or clothing materials.
In the case of strong sunlight and longer
parking periods, cover the seats or all win-
dows to prevent discoloration.
Care of special parts>Light-alloy wheels
*:
Use wheel cleaner especially during the
winter months, but do not use any
aggressive, acidic, strong alkali or rough
cleansers or steam jets above 1407/
606. Observe the manufacturer's
instructions
>Chrome parts
* such as the bonnet grille,
door handles, and similar parts:
Particularly if they were exposed to road
salt, clean these parts carefully with
plenty of water and shampoo additive, if
necessary. For additional treatment, use
chrome polish
>Rubber components:
Treat only with water or rubber care
products.
Do not use silicon sprays or other
silicon-containing care products,
otherwise noise and damage could
occur.<
>Plastic parts, artificial leather surfaces,
headliner, lamp lenses, cover glass over
display elements as well as matt-black
die-cast parts:
Clean these parts with water and plastic
care products, if necessary. Do not
dampen seats and the headliner.
Never use solvents such as lacquer thin-

128
CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLEner, heavy-duty grease remover, fuel or
similar
>Fine-wood parts
*:
Please clean wood paneling and other
wood parts only with a damp cloth. Dry
off with a soft cloth
>Safety belts:
Only clean using mild soap, leaving the
belts installed.
Do not dry clean, as the fabric can be
destroyed.
Always roll up safety belts only when
dry.
Dirty safety belts prevent unrolling and
thus negatively affect safety
>Floor carpets and floor mats
*:
Use an interior cleaner to clean these
items if they are heavily soiled. Floor
mats can be removed to allow the inte-
rior to be cleaned
>Wiper blades:
Clean with soap and water. Replace
wiper blades twice a year, before and
after the cold season. This is particularly
important on vehicles fitted with a rain
sensor.
Caring for leather* and imitation
leatherThe leather and imitation leather used by
the manufacturer of your MINI are high quality products processed using state-of-
the-art methods and will retain their qual-
ity level for many years if cared for prop-
erly.
Regular cleaning and care are necessary, as
dust and road dirt scratch in pores and
creases and lead to heavy wear as well as
premature brittleness of the leather and
imitation leather surface.
This is why you should use a cloth or vac-
uum cleaner to remove dust on a regular
basis.
Since dirt and oil slowly destroy the protec-
tive layer of the leather and imitation
leather, a treatment with a leather care
product is necessary twice a year. This pre-
serves the quality of the leather and pre-
vents electrostatic charging.
Cleaning agents can contain hazard-
ous or health-damaging substances.
For this reason, always observe the warn-
ings on the package. 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.<
Care of the MINI Convertible's top The appearance and service life of the con-
vertible top largely depend on the proper
care and operation of the convertible top.
You should therefore observe the following
notes in particular:
>Whenever possible, park your vehicle in
the shade to protect it from intense sun-
light
>Do not fold the convertible top when it is
wet, dirty or frozen; otherwise water
marks, moisture stains and chafing could
result
>If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed
area for a longer period of time, make
sure that there is sufficient ventilation
>Remove bird droppings immediately
because they have corrosive properties.
Never use spot removers, paint thin-
ner, solvents, cleaning fuel or similar
since these products can destroy the rubber
seals and cause leaks.<