lock MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2008 Service Manual

106
REFUELINGThis gasoline is highly recommended.
However, you may also use gasoline with
less AKI. The minimum AKI rating is 87.
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI
rating, the engine may produce knocking
sounds when starting at high outside tem-
peratures. This has no effect on the engine
life.Use high-quality brandsField experience has indicated significant
differences in fuel quality: volatility, com-
position, additives, etc., among gasolines
offered for sale in the United States and
Canada. Fuels containing up to and includ-
ing 10 % ethanol or other oxygenates with
up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight, that is, 15 %
MTBE or 3 % methanol plus an equivalent
amount of co-solvent, will not void the
applicable warranties with respect to
defects in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may
result in driveability, starting and
stalling problems especially under certain
environmental conditions such as high
ambient temperature and high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems which you suspect could be related to
the fuel you are using, we recommend that
you respond by switching to a recognized
high-quality brand such as gasoline that is
advertised as Top Tier Detergent Gasoline.
Failure to comply with these recommenda-
tions may result in unscheduled mainte-
nance.<
Manual release with the MINIIn the event of an electrical malfunction,
the fuel filler door can be unlocked manu-
ally.
1. Remove the side trim panel on the left-
hand side of the luggage compartment
2. Pull the white lever toward the rear.
The fuel filler door is released
3. Open the fuel filler door.

107
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
REFUELINGManual release with the MINI
ConvertibleIn the event of an electrical malfunction,
the fuel filler door can be unlocked manu-
ally.
1. Remove the cover of the side trim panel
on the left-hand side, see arrow 1
2. Pull the green strap toward the rear, see
arrow 2.
The fuel filler door is released
3. Open the fuel filler door.

118
BONNET
Do not attempt to service your vehi-
cle if you do not have the required
technical background. If you are not famil-
iar with the regulations to be observed,
have the necessary work on your vehicle
carried out only by a MINI Dealer or a work-
shop that has specially trained personnel
working in accordance with the specifica-
tions of the MINI manufacturer.
Work that is improperly carried out could
result in consequential damage and pose
safety hazards.<
To unlockPull the lever in the right door area beneath
the instrument panel.
To open1. Reach under the bonnet
2. Pull the release lever
3. Open the bonnet.To closeAllow the bonnet to fall from a height of
approx. 1 ft/30 cm.
Make sure that the closing range of
the bonnet is unobstructed, other-
wise personal injury could result.
If it is determined that the bonnet is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely, also refer
to page17.<

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.

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.

139
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
SPACE-SAVER SPARE TIRE
*
CHANGING TIRES
9. Pull out the space-saver spare tire
towards the rear underneath the vehi-
cle
10. Position the space-saver spare tire with
the valve facing upwards
11. Unscrew the valve extension from the
valve of the space-saver spare tire
12. Unscrew the dust cap from the exten-
sion and place it on the valve of the
space-saver spare tire.
Due to its different dimensions, the
damaged wheel cannot be placed in
the recess for the space-saver spare tire.<
Driving with the space-saver spare tireDrive cautiously. Do not exceed a speed of
50 mph / 80 km/h.
You must expect changes in vehicle han-
dling such as lower track stability during
braking, longer braking distances and
changes in self-steering properties when
close to the handling limit. These effects
are more pronounced when driving with
winter tires.
Only one space-saver spare tire may
be mounted at one time. Reinstall a
wheel and tire of the original size as soon
as possible.<
Check the tire inflation pressure at
the earliest opportunity and correct it
if necessary. Replace the defective tire as
soon as possible and have the new wheel/
tire assembly balanced.<
Additional safety measures in the
event of a tire change:
Change tires only on a flat, solid and non-
slippery surface.
The vehicle or the jack could slip sideways
on soft or slippery support surfaces, such as
snow, ice, flagstones, etc..
Do not use a wooden block or similar object
as a support base for the jack, as this would
prevent it from extending to its full support
height and reduce its load-carrying capac-
ity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported by
the jack – risk of fatal injury.<
Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions
regarding flat tires on page137.<
1. For vehicles with a space-saver spare
tire:
Place the folding chock behind the front
wheel on the other side of the vehicle;
on downward inclines, place it in front of
this wheel. If the wheel is changed on a
surface with a more severe slope, take
additional precautions to secure the
vehicle from rolling
2. Loosen the lug bolts by a half turn.

141
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
MINI MOBILITY SYSTEM
*
MINI Mobility System
The MINI Mobility System is provided to
help you repair a flat tire. With the help of
this system you can apply a liquid sealant
on the inside of the tire, which seals the
damaged area and enables you to continue
to drive.Preparing for tire repair
Before using the MINI Mobility Sys-
tem read the warning and danger
precautions on the equipment.<
If possible, leave objects in which have
been forced into the tire.
Take off the tag regarding speed limits and
stick it onto the steering wheel.
Using the MINI Mobility SystemIn order to repair a flat tire with the MINI
Mobility System, proceed as follows:
>Pump in liquid sealant, refer to page142
>Reinflate the tire, refer to page142
>Distribute liquid sealant, refer to
page143
>Check tire inflation pressure, refer to
page143
>Drive on, refer to page143.
MINI Mobility System with onboard
tools The MINI Mobility System with tire change
set and onboard tools is located in the lug-
gage compartment under the floor mat:
1Jack
2 Wheel stud wrench
3 Hubcap remover
4 Wrench, screwdriver/Phillips screw-
driver, towing eyelet
5 Compressor, hose with manometer and
plug for cigarette lighter socket
6 Package with filling hose, valve remover
and valve core
7 Filling canister
8 Hex wrench/screwdriver
9 Adapter for wheel lug lock

144
VEHICLE BATTERYStorage locationMINI COOPER and MINI COOPER Convert-
ible:
The battery is located in the engine com-
partment, refer to page119.
MINI COOPER S and MINI COOPER S Con-
vertible:
The battery is located in the luggage com-
partment under the floor mat.Battery careThe battery is absolutely maintenance-free,
that is, the original electrolyte will normally
last for the service life of the battery under
moderate climatic conditions. Your MINI
Dealer will be glad to advise you if you have
any questions regarding the battery.Charging the batteryOnly charge the battery in the vehicle via
the terminals in the engine compartment
with the engine switched off, refer to
'Jump-starting', page146.
Disposal
After replacing old batteries, return
the used batteries to your MINI
Dealer or to a recycling point. Maintain the
battery in an upright position for transport
and storage. Secure the battery to prevent
it from tilting during transport.<
Power failureAfter a temporary power failure, e.g. due to
a discharged battery, some of your vehicle's
equipment will function only to a limited
extent and must be reinitialized or read-
justed. Individual settings are also lost and
must be reprogrammed:
>The clock must be reset, refer to page67
>The power windows must be reinitial-
ized, refer to page32
>Radio
*:
The stations must be reset, refer to the
Owner's Manual for Radio
>Navigation system
*:
It may take some time for its operability
to be restored, refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Navigation System.

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