brake MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2008 Owner's Manual

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

135
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
LAMPS AND BULBSSide turn signal indicators5 watt bulb
1. Slide the lamp toward the rear of the
vehicle and remove
2. Remove and replace the bulb.
Tail lampsTurn signal lamp 1: 21 watts
Rear lamp 2: 21/5 watt bulb
Backup lamp 3: 16 watts
1 Turn signal indicator yellow
2 Rear lamp/Brake lamp red
3Backup lamp white
Replacing bulbsTo access the bulb holder, remove the cover
on the side panel in the luggage compart-
ment for MINI and MINI Convertible.
1. Unplug the power supply, arrow 1
2. Squeeze the retaining clips together, see
arrows 2, and remove the bulb holder
3. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left
4. Remove and replace the bulb
5. Press the bulb holder into position until
you hear it engage
6. Plug in the power supply.

137
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
REPAIRING A FLAT TIRE SPACE-SAVER SPARE TIRE
*
Safety measures in the event of a
flat:
Park the vehicle as far away from flowing
traffic as possible, and switch on the haz-
ard warning flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead wheel position and engage the
steering lock. Engage the parking brake and
shift into 1st or reverse gear – selector lever
in P.
All passengers should be outside the vehi-
cle and well away from your immediate
working area – behind a guardrail, for
instance.
If a portable hazard warning lamp is avail-
able, set it up on the roadside at an appro-
priate distance from the rear of the vehicle.
Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.<
In the event of a flat tire, different proce-
dures should be followed depending on the
equipment included in your vehicle:
>Vehicles with Run-Flat Tires, refer to
page115
>Vehicles with a space-saver spare tire,
refer to the following section
>Vehicles with MINI Mobility System,
refer to page141.
To change a space-saver spare tire, proceed
as follows:
>Remove space-saver spare tire, refer to
the section after the next one
>Prepare for tire change, refer to page139
>Jack up the vehicle, refer to page140
>Mount the space-saver spare tire, refer
to page140
>Tighten the lug bolts, refer to page140
>Drive with space-saver spare tire, refer to
page139.
Tire change setOn vehicles with a space-saver spare tire,
the tire change set with onboard tools is
stored in the luggage compartment under
the floor mat.
1 Chock, folding
2 Hubcap remover
3 Wheel stud wrench
4Jack
5 Special wrench for removing the space-
saver spare tire
6 Towing eyelet
7 Lifting handle
The onboard tool kit includes a pouch with
a plastic bag in which you can place the
damaged wheel.

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.<

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
162
Configuring settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory49
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption71
Current fuel consumption71
Contents2
Control elements, refer to
Cockpit12
Convenience operation
convertible top37
from outside26
,27
glass sunroof, electric33
windows31
Convertible top35
care128
convenience operation37
electrical malfunction37
emergency closing37
malfunction37
Coolant122
indicator lamp16
level123
temperature gauge68
Coolant temperature68
Cooling
air conditioning mode86
cooling function83
Cooling function
air conditioning system83
automatic climate control86Cooling system, refer to
Capacities157
Copyright2
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)72
warning lamp17
Correct tires112
Cosmetic mirror, refer to
Illuminated vanity mirror48
Cruise control65
buttons on the steering
wheel20
indicator lamp19
Cup holders, refer to Beverage
holders89
Curb weight, refer to
Weights155
,156
Current fuel consumption71
setting units71
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data152
D
Daily odometer, refer to Trip
odometer67
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting62Data
capacities157
dimensions153
engine152
technical152
weights155
Date of the Owner's Manual7
Daytime running lamps61
Defrosting and demisting
windows
air conditioning system84
automatic climate control87
Defrosting front windows, refer
to Defrosting and demisting
windows84
,87
Defrosting windows84
,87
air conditioning system83
automatic climate control86
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting and demisting
windows84
,87
Defrost setting, refer to
Defrosting and demisting
windows84,87
Demisting windows84
,87
Digital clock67
Dimensions153
,154
Dimming interior rearview
mirror102
Dipstick, engine oil121Directional turn signal,
refer to Turn signal
indicators61
Disc brakes103
Disengaging the locks, refer to
Unlocking26
Displacement, refer to Engine
data152
Display elements13
with navigation system or
Cockpit Chrono Pack14
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting62
Disposal
coolant122
vehicle battery144
Distance covered, refer to
Odometer67
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control (PDC)81
Door keys24
Door lock27
Doors, locking and unlocking
acknowledgment
signals26
,27
from inside28
from outside26
DOT quality grades112
Draft-free ventilation84
,87
Drink holders, refer to Beverage
holders89

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

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
165
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
I
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature warning70
Ignition53
Ignition key24
Ignition key positions, refer to
Ignition lock53
Ignition lock53
Illuminated vanity mirror48
Imitation leather127
Imprint2
Index160
Indicator/warning lamp
airbags80
ASC73
brakes124
coolant temperature68
DSC73
fasten safety belts46
Flat Tire Monitor75
fog lamps62
reserve fuel capacity67
,68
Indicator and warning lamps
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM77
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview16
Individual air distribution87
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory49Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure108
Inflation pressure monitor,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor74
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM76
Inspection69
Instrument cluster, refer to
Display elements13
Instrument lighting62
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit12
Integrated universal remote
control91
Interior lamp, remote
control26
Interior lamps62
Interior rearview mirror48
automatic dimming102
Interlock, refer to Steering
locked53
Intermittent operation of the
wipers63
Interval
display, service125
J
Jack137
,141
points140Jack, refer to Tire change set
MINI Mobility System141
Run-Flat Tires115
space-saver spare tire137
Jacking points140
Jets, refer to Ventilation84
,87
Jets, refer to Windshield
washer jets64
John Cooper Works Kit152
Jump-starting146
K
Keys24
Kickdown57
Knock control105
L
Lamp defect133
Lamp replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs133
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams60
Lamps and bulbs133
Lashing eyelets, refer to
Securing the load97
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system52
Leather care128
LEDs light-emitting diodes136
Length, refer to
Dimensions153
,154License plate lamp, bulb
replacement136
Lifting handle, space-saver
spare tire137
Light-alloy wheels, care127
Light-emitting diodes
(LEDs)136
Lighter90
Lighting
lamps and bulbs133
Lighting of the instruments62
Lights on warning61
Light switch60
Loading
securing cargo97
stowing cargo97
Loading the vehicle95
Loads, refer to Loading cargo95
Load securing devices, refer to
Securing the load97
Locking
from inside28
from outside26
Locking/unlocking the vehicle,
acknowledgment
signals26
,27
Low beams60
bulb replacement134
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support44