transmission MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2008 User Guide

103
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
GENERAL DRIVING NOTESSafe braking Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a stan-
dard feature. If you are in a situation which
requires full braking, it is best to brake
using maximum brake pressure. Since the
vehicle remains maneuverable, you can still
go around any obstacles with the smallest
possible steering movements.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together
with the sound of hydraulic regulation,
indicates to you that ABS is actively taking
effect.
Wet roads:
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 hinder other road users. The
resulting heat dries 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 pres-
sure on the brake can lead to high tempera-
tures, brake wear and possibly even brake
failure.<
The braking effect of the engine can be
increased by downshifting in the manual
mode of the automatic transmission, to
first gear if necessary, refer to page58. This
protects the brakes from excessive loads.
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed, the transmission in idle or
the engine switched off. Otherwise, the
engine provides no braking effect, and
there is no power-assist for braking or
steering.
Make sure that there are no floor mats,
floor carpets or other objects in the vicinity
of the pedals; otherwise pedal function
could be impeded.<
Corrosion on the brake rotors:
When 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.Brake pads
Sensors in the left front and right
rear brake pads monitor pad condi-
tion. When the brake pads have
worn to the permissible limit, this is indi-
cated by the brake wear warning light,
refer to page18.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water can form between tires
and road surface. This phenomenon is char-
acterized by a partial or complete loss of
contact between the tires and the road sur-
face. The ultimate results are loss of steer-
ing and braking control.<

104
GENERAL DRIVING NOTESMobile communications in the vehicle
The manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends that you do not use mobile
devices, e.g. mobile phones, inside the vehi-
cle without directly connecting them to an
outside antenna. Otherwise, interference
between the vehicle electronics and the
mobile device cannot be ruled out. In addi-
tion, it is not ensured that the radiation
emitted during mobile transmission will be
directed outside of the vehicle.<
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm,
and then only at walking speed at the
most. Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the
electrical systems and the transmission
may be damaged.<
Use the parking brake on inclines
Do not hold the vehicle in place on
slopes by slipping or 'riding' the
clutch. Use the parking brake instead. Oth-
erwise, a high degree of clutch wear could
result.<
Clothes hooks
When suspending clothing from the
hooks, ensure that they will not
obstruct the driver's vision. Do not hang
heavy objects on the hooks. If you do, they
could injure the occupants during braking
or evasive maneuvers.<
Hot exhaust system
High temperatures occur in every
vehicle's exhaust system. Do not
remove the heat protection plates fitted in
the area of the exhaust system and do not
apply body-cavity protectant to this area.
When driving, standing at idle, and parking
the vehicle, take care to avoid contact
between the hot exhaust system and flam-
mable materials, e.g. hay, grass, leaves, etc.
Such contact could lead to a fire resulting in
serious personal injury and property dam-
age. Do not touch hot exhaust pipes. Other-
wise there is a risk of burns.<
Parking the vehicleCondensation forms in the air conditioning
system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed
water on the ground are therefore normal.
Close the tailgate
Drive the vehicle only when the tail-
gate is completely closed. Otherwise,
exhaust fumes could penetrate the interior
of the vehicle.<
Should it be absolutely necessary to drive
with the tailgate open:
1. Close all windows as well as the glass
sunroof or the sliding sunroof of the
MINI Convertible
2. Sharply increase the air supply for the
heater, the air conditioning or the auto-
matic climate control, refer to page82
or85.

148
TOWING AND TOW-STARTINGAccess to the threaded socket The illustration shows by way of example
the MINI COOPER and the MINI COOPER
Convertible.
Pry out the cover in the front or rear
bumper by inserting a screwdriver into the
recess.Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in
position 1; otherwise the steering
lock could engage and prevent the vehicle
from being steered. There is no power
assist while the engine is off. Therefore,
you will need to exert more force to brake
and steer the vehicle.<
Turn on the hazard warning flashers, if
required by national regulations. If the
electrical system has failed, clearly identify
the vehicle being towed, e.g. by placing a
sign or a warning triangle in the rear win-
dow.
MINI or MINI Convertible with manual
transmission:
Put the gearshift lever in idle position.
MINI or MINI Convertible featuring auto-
matic transmission with Steptronic:
Only tow vehicles featuring auto-
matic transmission with Steptronic
with a tow truck; otherwise the transmis-
sion can be damaged, refer to page149.<
Overriding the selector lever lock, refer to
page59.Towing methodsIn some countries, it is not permitted to
tow the vehicle with a tow bar or tow rope
on public roads.
Familiarize yourself with the applicable
towing regulations for the country in which
you are driving.
With a tow bar:
The towing vehicle must not be
lighter than the vehicle being towed;
otherwise, vehicle handling can no longer
be controlled.<
The towing eyelets of both vehicles should
be on the same side. If the tow bar can only
be used in a diagonal position, please note
the following:
>Clearance and maneuverability will be
strictly limited in corners
>The inclination of the tow bar produces
lateral force.
Attach the tow bar to the towing eye-
let only. Attaching it to other parts of
the vehicle can result in damage.<
With a tow rope:
When the towing vehicle is driving off,
make sure that the tow rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or straps for towing
because they prevent sudden jerking
movements. Attach the tow rope to the
towing eyelet only. Attaching it to other
parts of the vehicle can result in damage.<

149
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
TOWING AND TOW-STARTINGWith a tow truck:
Have the MINI or MINI Convertible trans-
ported by a tow truck with a lift sling, or on
a flatbed.
Only tow vehicles featuring auto-
matic transmission with Steptronic
with the front wheels raised or on a special
transport vehicle; otherwise the transmis-
sion can be damaged.
Do not lift the vehicle by the towing eyelet,
nor by parts of the body or chassis. Other-
wise damage could result.<
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles featuring
automatic transmission with Step-
tronic.
Jump-starting, refer to page146.<
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever
possible. Jump-start the engine instead,
refer to page146. Vehicles with a catalytic
converter should only be tow-started if the
engine is cold. Vehicles with an automatic
transmission cannot be tow-started.
1. Turn on the hazard warning flashers;
comply with national regulations
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2
3. Engage the 3rd gear
4. Have the vehicle towed with the clutch
completely depressed and then slowly
release the clutch. After the engine has
started, immediately depress the clutch
again completely
5. Pull over at a suitable location, remove
the tow bar or tow rope, and turn off the
hazard warning flashers
6. Have the vehicle checked.

155
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
WEIGHTS: MINI
MINI COOPER MINI COOPER S
Curb weight, with all optional special equipment
with manual transmission
automatic transmission with Steptroniclbs/kg
lbs/kg2,524/1,145
2,557/1,1602,679/1,215
2,723/1,235
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
automatic transmission with Steptroniclbs/kg
lbs/kg3,340/1,515
3,373/1,5303,494/1,585
3,538/1,605
Cargo and luggage load capacity lbs/kg 816/370 816/370
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 1,918/870 1,962/890
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 1,609/730 1,698/770
Approved roof load, with special MINI roof rack lbs/kg 165/75 165/75
Luggage compartment volume
with rear backrest folded downcu ft/liters
cu ft/liters5.3/150
23.7/6705.3/150
23.7/670

156
WEIGHTS: MINI CONVERTIBLE
MINI COOPER Convertible MINI COOPER S Convertible
Curb weight, with all optional special equipment
with manual transmission
automatic transmission with Steptroniclbs/kg
lbs/kg2,700/1,225
2,734/1,2402,844/1,290
2,888/1,310
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
automatic transmission with Steptroniclbs/kg
lbs/kg3,472/1,575
3,505/1,5903,616/1,640
3,660/1,660
Cargo and luggage load capacity lbs/kg 771/350 771/350
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 1,918/870 1,962/890
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 1,697/770 1,763/800
Approved roof load, with special MINI roof rack lbs/kg – –
Luggage compartment volume
with luggage compartment cover hooked in above
with rear backrest folded downcu ft/liters
cu ft/liters
cu ft/liters4.2/120
5.8/165
21.4/6054.2/120
5.8/165
21.4/605

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
160
A
ABS Antilock Brake System72
indicator lamp17
,18
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle6
Activated-charcoal filter87
Adjusting interior
temperature83
,86
Airbags79
passenger airbag status
lamp80
safe seating position42
warning lamp18
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated air mode83
,86
Air conditioning system82
Air distribution
air conditioning system83
automatic climate control86
individual87
manual83
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation84
,87
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure108
Air volume
air conditioning system83
automatic climate control86
AKI, refer to Fuel quality105
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires117All Season traction Control
(ASC)72
indicator lamps17
,18
Antenna127
Antifreeze
coolant122
washer fluid64
Antilock Brake System (ABS)72
indicator lamp17,18
Anti-theft system24
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights155
,156
Approved engine oils122
Approved gross vehicle weight,
refer to Weights155
,156
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest89
ASC All Season traction
Control72
indicator lamps17
,18
Assistant systems, refer to
All Season traction Control
(ASC)72
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
Automatic
air distribution86
air volume86
cruise control65
Automatic car washes126
Automatic climate control85Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
ignition53
indicator lamp57
interlock53
selector lever lock56
shiftlock56
towing148
tow-starting149
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution86
Aux-In socket88
Average consumption71
setting units71
Average speed71
setting units71
Axle loads, refer to
Weights155
,156
B
Backrests, refer to
Adjusting seats44
Backup lamp
bulb replacement135
Bar, towing148
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone89Battery144
charging144
disposal144
indicator lamp16
jump-starting146
power failure144
Battery care69
,125
Being towed148
Belts, refer to Safety belts46
Beverage holders89
Black ice, refer to Temperature
warning70
Blower
air conditioning system83
automatic climate control86
Blower, refer to Air volume83
Blowers, refer to Draft-free
ventilation84,87
Bonnet118
indicator lamp17
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders89
Brake discs
brake system103
break-in procedures102
Brake fluid124
level124
warning lamp16
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement135

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
161
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Brake pads103
break-in procedures102
warning lamp18
Brakes124
ABS72
brake fluid124
brake pads103
break-in procedures102
CBC72
indicator/warning
lamps16
,17,18
parking brake54
Brake system124
brake fluid124
brake pads103
break-in procedures102
disc brakes103
warning lamp17
Brake wear warning
brake pads103
warning lamp18
Breaking in102
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs133
Buttons on multifunction
steering wheel20
automatic transmission with
Steptronic58C
California Proposition 65
warning7
Capacities157
Car care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle126
Car-care products126
Care, vehicle126
Care of plastics127
Care of synthetic leather127
Cargo area
opening from the outside29
opening with the remote
control26
volume155
,156
Cargo area, refer to Luggage
compartment in the MINI93
Cargo area cover, refer to
Luggage compartment
cover93
Car keys, refer to Keys24
Carpet care128
Car radio, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Car telephone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner,
connecting, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket90
Car wash126Car wash, refer to Washing
your vehicle126
Cassette operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system104
CBC Cornering Brake Control72
CD changer, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio
CD operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Center armrest89
Central locking system24
interior28
Changing bulbs133
Changing the wiper
blades132
,133
Changing tires139
space-saver spare tire137
Charge-current indicator
light16
Children, transporting50
Child-restraint fixing system,
LATCH52
Child-restraint systems50
Child seat, refer to Installing
child-restraint systems50
Chock, folding
space-saver spare tire137
Chrome parts, refer to Caring
for your vehicle127Chrome-plated parts, care127
Cigarette lighter90
Cigarette lighter socket90
Cigarette tray, refer to
Ashtray89
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated air mode83
,86
Cleaning the rear window64
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to
Caring for your vehicle126
Clock67
12-hour/24-hour mode67
changing the time67
Closing
from inside28
from outside25
Clothes hooks104
Clutch53
break-in procedures102
Cockpit12
Coding, tires112
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine53
Compact disk operation, refer
to Owner's Manual for Radio
Compartments, refer to
Storage compartments88
Computer, refer to Onboard
computer70
Condensed water, refer to Air
conditioning83
,86

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
163
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Driving downhill103
Driving hints, refer to Driving
notes102
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams60
Driving notes102
Driving stability control
systems72
Driving through water104
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function83
,86
Drying air,
refer to Cooling
function83,86
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control72
indicator lamp17
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
indicator lamp17
E
Easy entry to the rear45
EBD Electronic Brake Force
Distribution72Electrical malfunction
automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
convertible top37
door lock27
driver's door27
fuel filler door106
,107
glass sunroof, electric34
tailgate30
Electric glass sunroof33
Electric power windows31
initializing32
Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD)72
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP), refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
convertible top37
driver's door27
fuel filler door106,107
glass sunroof, electric34
tailgate30
transmission lock, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56Engine
break-in procedures102
data152
electronics18
indicator lamp18
overheated, refer to
Coolant temperature
gauge68
speed69
starting53
switching off54
Engine compartment
MINI COOPER and MINI
COOPER Convertible119
MINI COOPER S and MINI
COOPER S Convertible120
Engine coolant122
Engine data152
Engine oil121
adding121
dipstick121
indicator/warning lamp16
recommended oils122
specified oil grades122
Engine oil level121
indicator/warning lamp16
Engine oil level, checking121
Engine oil pressure, indicator/
warning lamp16
Engine output, refer to Engine
data152Entry to the rear45
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)72
Exhaust system, refer to
Hot exhaust system104
Exterior mirrors48
adjusting48
automatic heating48
folding in and out48
External audio device88
Eyelet, for towing and tow-
starting147
F
Failure of an electrical
consumer144
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts46
Filling canister, refer to MINI
Mobility System142
Filling hose, refer to MINI
Mobility System142
Filter, refer to
Microfilter84
Microfilter/Activated-
charcoal filter
87
Flat
Run Flat tires77

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
164
Flat tire
Flat Tire Monitor74
,75
MINI Mobility System141
Run-Flat Tires75
space-saver spare tire137
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM76
Flat tire, refer to Changing
tires139
Flat tire, refer to Tire
condition113
Flat Tire Monitor74
indicator lamp17
issuing a flat tire warning75
malfunction75
,77
Floor coverings, carpets128
Floor mats128
Fog lamps62
indicator lamp62
Foldable rear backrest93
,94
Folding roof, refer to
Convertible top with
integrated sliding sunroof35
Foot braking, refer to General
driving notes103
Fresh air nozzles,
refer to Draft-free
ventilation84
Front airbags79
Front turn signal indicators,
bulb replacement134Fuel105
average consumption71
gauge67
,68
quality105
tank capacity157
Fuel filler door105
unlocking in the event of
electrical
malfunction106
,107
Fuses145
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control91
Gas, refer to Average
consumption71
Gas, refer to Fuel quality105
Gas cap105
Gasoline, refer to Fuel
quality105
Gasoline gauge, refer to Fuel
gauge67
,68
Gear indicator, for automatic
transmission with
Steptronic57
Gearshift lever
automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
manual transmission55Gear shifts, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56
General driving notes102
Glass sunroof, electric33
convenience operation27
opening and closing in the
event of an electrical
malfunction34
remote control26
Glove compartment88
Gross weight, refer to
Weights155
,156
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake54
Hazard warning flashers12
Head airbags79
Headlamp flasher61
indicator lamp19
Headlamps
bulb replacement134
care127
Headlamp washer reservoir64
capacity, refer to
Capacities157
Headlamp washer system
cleaning headlamps64
washer fluid64
Head restraints44Heated rear window
air conditioning system83
automatic climate control86
Heating82
exterior mirrors48
mirrors48
rear window83
,86
seats47
windshield83
,86
Heavy load, refer to Loading97
Height, refer to
Dimensions153,154
Height adjustment
seats43
steering wheel47
High beams61
bulb replacement134
headlamp flasher61
indicator lamp19
High Performance Synthetic
Oil, refer to Engine oil122
recommended oils122
specified oils122
Holders for beverages89
Horn12
Hot exhaust system104
Hydraulic brake124
Hydroplaning103