ESP MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2008 Owners Manual

3OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Driving:
Ignition lock 53
Starting the engine 53
Switching off the engine 54
Parking brake 54
Manual transmission 55
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
Parking lamps/Low beams 60
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher 61
Instrument lighting 62
Fog lamps 62
Interior lamps 62
Washer/wiper system 63
Washer fluid64
Cruise control65
Everything under control:
Odometer 67
Clock 67
Fuel gauge 67
Coolant temperature gauge 68
Tachometer 69
Service interval display 69
Onboard computer70Technology for safety and driving
convenience:
Driving stability control systems72
Flat Tire Monitor 74
Tire Pressure Monitor76
Airbags 79
Park Distance Control (PDC)81
Controlling the climate for pleasant
driving:
Air conditioning system82
Automatic climate control85
Interior conveniences:
Glove compartment 88
Center armrest89
Drinks holders, ashtray 89
Cigarette lighter, 12 V power supply 90
Integrated universal remote control91
Loading and transporting cargo:
Luggage compartment in the MINI 93
Luggage compartment in the MINI
Convertible 94
Loading cargo 95
Roof-mounted luggage rack98
OPERATION, CARE, MAINTENANCESpecial operating instructions:
Break-in procedures 102
General driving notes 102
Refueling105
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure 108
Tire coding 112
Tire condition 113
Run-Flat Tires115
New wheels and tires 116
Snow chains117

7OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Editorial noticeThe manufacturer pursues a policy of con-
tinuous, ongoing development that is con-
ceived to ensure that MINI vehicles con-
tinue to embody the highest quality and
safety standards combined with advanced,
state-of-the-art technology. For this rea-
son, the features described in this Owner's
Manual could, in rare cases, differ from
those in your vehicle.For your own safetyFuels:
Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels
containing up to and including 10 %
ethanol or other oxygenates with up to
2.8 % oxygen by weight, i.e. 15 % MTBE or
3 % methanol plus an equivalent amount of
co-solvent, will not void the applicable war-
ranties with respect to defects in materials
or workmanship. Field experience has indi-
cated significant differences in fuel quality,
i.e. volatility, composition, additives, etc.,
among gasolines offered for sale in the
United States and Canada. The use of
poor-quality fuels may result in driveabil-
ity, starting and stalling problems espe-
cially under certain environmental condi-
tions, 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.
Failure to comply with these recommenda-
tions may result in unscheduled mainte-
nance.
Obey pertinent safety rules when you are
handling gasoline.<
Maintenance and repair:
Advanced technology, e.g. the use of
modern materials and powerful elec-
tronics, requires specially adapted mainte-
nance and repair methods. Have the neces-
sary work on your MINI carried out by a
MINI Dealer or a workshop that has spe-
cially trained personnel working in accor-
dance with the specifications of the MINI
manufacturer. Work that is improperly car-
ried out could result in consequential dam-
age and pose safety hazards.<
California Proposition 65 warning:
California laws require us to state the fol-
lowing warning.
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of
automobile components and parts,
including components found in the interior
furnishings in a vehicle, contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain flu-
ids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling. Used
engine oil contains chemicals that have
caused cancer in laboratory animals.
Always protect your skin by washing thor-
oughly with soap and water.<
NOTES

8
NOTESParts and accessories:
For your own safety, use genuine
parts and accessories approved by
the manufacturer of the MINI.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by the manufacturer of the
MINI and Original MINI Parts, you simulta-
neously acquire the assurance that they
have been thoroughly tested by the manu-
facturer of the MINI to ensure optimum
performance when installed on your vehi-
cle.
The manufacturer of the MINI warrants
these parts to be free from defects in mate-
rial and workmanship.
The manufacturer of the MINI will not
accept any liability for damages resulting
from installation of parts and accessories
not approved by the manufacturer
of the MINI.
The manufacturer of the MINI cannot test
every product from other manufacturers to
verify if it can be used on a MINI safely and
without risk to either the vehicle, its opera-
tion, or its occupants.
Original MINI Parts, MINI Accessories and
other products approved by the manufac-
turer of the MINI, together with profes-
sional advice on using these items, are
available from all MINI Dealers.
Installation and operation of non-MINI
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels,
suspension components, brake dust
shields, telephones, including operation of
any portable cellular phone from within
the vehicle without using an externally
mounted antenna, or transceiver equip-
ment, e.g. CB, walkie-talkie, ham radio or
similar, may cause extensive damage to the
vehicle, compromise its safety, interfere
with the vehicle's electrical system or affect
the validity of the MINI Limited Warranty.
See your MINI Dealer for additional infor-
mation.<
Maintenance, replacement, or repair
of the emission control devices and
systems must be performed by an autho-
rized MINI Dealership or individual using
certified MINI parts. Indicates that you should consult the
relevant section of this Owner's Man-
ual for information on a particular part or
assembly.
Service and warrantyThis manual is supplemented by a Service
and Warranty Information Booklet for US
models or a Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models.
We recommend that you read this publica-
tion thoroughly.
Your MINI is covered by the following war-
ranties:
>New Vehicle Limited Warranty
>Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
>Federal Emissions System Defect War-
ranty
>Federal Emissions Performance War-
ranty
>California Emission Control System Lim-
ited Warranty.
Detailed information about these warran-
ties is listed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or in the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models.

16
INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPSTechnology that monitors itselfThe system runs a check on the indicator
and warning lamps marked by
+ when you
turn the key in the ignition lock. They each
light up once for different periods of time.
If a malfunction should occur in one of
these systems, the corresponding lamp
does not go out after the engine is started
or it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see below the correct way to react
to this.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current
+
The battery is no longer being
charged. Indicates a defective alter-
nator drive belt or a problem with the
charge circuit. Please contact your MINI
Dealer.
If the drive belt is defective, do not
continue driving. The engine could be
damaged due to overheating. When the
power-assist is deactivated, increased
steering effort is required.<
Engine oil pressure
+
The engine oil pressure is too low.
Pull over immediately and switch
off the engine. Please contact your MINI
Dealer.
Do not continue driving; otherwise,
the engine could be damaged
because of inadequate lubrication.<
Brake warning lamp
+
Lights up although the parking
brake is released. The brake fluid
level is too low. Before driving further, be
sure to comply with the information on
page124. Have the system checked imme-
diately.
Canadian models display this
warning lamp.
If equipped with a navigation system or
Cockpit Chrono Pack:
Coolant temperature warning
lamp in the navigation system or
Cockpit Chrono Pack+
Lights up while driving:
engine is too hot. Pull over to the side of
the road immediately, switch off the
engine and allow it to cool down, refer also
to page68. Have the system checked
immediately.

28
OPENING AND CLOSING: FROM INSIDEThis switch locks or unlocks the doors and
tailgate when the front doors are closed,
but the anti-theft system is not activated.
The fuel filler door remains unlocked.
To lock>Briefly press the switch downward or
>push down the safety lock button on the
passenger door. To prevent yourself from
being locked outside the vehicle acciden-
tally, the driver's door cannot be locked
with its safety lock button while it is
open.
After you have driven off, the central
locking system automatically locks
your vehicle once a certain speed has been
reached.<
You can have this function activated/
deactivated and the speed set.<
People or animals inside the vehicle
could lock the doors from the inside.
Always take the vehicle's keys with you so
that you can open the vehicle again from
the outside at any time.<
To unlock and open the doors1. Briefly press the switch upward
2. Pull the respective door handle above
the armrest or pull the door handle
twice on each door:
The first pull unlocks the door, the sec-
ond opens it.Convenience opening modePress the central locking switch and hold it
pressed.
MINI:
Windows and glass sunroof are opened.
MINI Convertible:
Windows and sliding sunroof are opened.
To open the convertible top:
Release the switch, then press it upwards
until the convertible top is completely open
and the windows are again closed.

34
GLASS SUNROOF, ELECTRIC
*
ROLLER SUN BLIND
*
Pinch protection system
If, while closing, the glass sunroof encoun-
ters resistance within roughly the last 8 in/
20 cm, the closing procedure is interrupted
and the roof reopens.
Despite the pinch protection system,
make sure that the travel path of the
sunroof is not obstructed whenever it is
closed. Otherwise, it is not guaranteed that
the closing procedure will be interrupted,
for instance if the obstructions are thin.<
Closing without the pinch protection sys-
tem:
You can disable the pinch protection sys-
tem by pressing the switch past the pres-
sure point and holding it. When closing the
sunroof from the raised position, ensure
that its travel path is not obstructed, since
the pinch protection system is not active in
this position.Convenience operationFor convenience operation using the
remote control refer to page26, for opera-
tion via the door lock refer to page27.
Manual opening and closing In the event of an electrical malfunction,
you can also open and close the glass sun-
roof manually:
1. Slide the cover panel towards the inte-
rior and remove it
2. Move the glass sunroof in the desired
direction using the hexagon wrench
from the onboard tool kit, refer to
page132.
To open1. Press the button in the handle, see
arrow 1;
the cap is unlocked
2. Guide the roller sun blind towards the
back.To close1. Use the handle to pull the roller sun
blind forwards
2. Engage the handle in the device, see
arrow 2.

37
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
CONVERTIBLE TOP WITH INTEGRATED SLIDING SUNROOFInterruptionThe automatic movement is immediately
interrupted when the buttons for convert-
ible top operation are released. The proce-
dure can be continued in the desired direc-
tion by pressing the appropriate buttons.
If the opening or closing procedure is inter-
rupted by releasing the respective button,
the convertible top stays in its current posi-
tion for several seconds before it slowly
moves into a more stable position. The pro-
cedure can be continued by pressing the
appropriate button.
Movement is also interrupted when there
is a mechanical blockage. In this case, in
order to operate the convertible top again:
1. Turn off the ignition and then switch it
on again
2. Press the button to continue the proce-
dure in the desired direction.Opening and closing procedure
Do not interrupt and restart the clos-
ing procedure several times one after
another, or the convertible top mechanism
could be damaged.<
If the convertible top can be moved in
only one direction after several con-
secutive attempts to operate it, the con-
vertible top system has overheated. Allow
the system to cool down for approx.
20 minutes.<
If the battery is disconnected, e.g. for
changing batteries or vehicle storage,
reinitialize the power windows, refer to
page32. Otherwise the windows will not
be lowered when the convertible top is
opened. remote control refer to page26, for opera-
tion via the door lock refer to page27.
Manual closing in the event of an
electrical malfunction
Only close the convertible top manu-
ally if it is absolutely necessary. Never
open it manually. Improper handling of the
convertible top can result in damage. The
closing procedure must be completely fin-
ished. Otherwise, damage or injury could
result.<

39
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
CONVERTIBLE TOP WITH INTEGRATED SLIDING SUNROOF WIND DEFLECTOR
*
Closing the convertible top
If possible, close the convertible top
with the help of a second person.<
1. Place both hands on the convertible top
on the respective side frame
2. Lift out both sides at the same time, and
swing the convertible top forward onto
the cowl
3. Inside the vehicle, use a screwdriver to
pry out the cover in the center of the
roof.
To close the sliding sunroof1. Insert the hexagon wrench into the des-
ignated socket in the middle of the roof
2. Knock the hexagon wrench in the direc-
tion of arrow 1 to uncouple the sliding
sunroof mechanism. The hexagon
wrench moves upwards
3. Turn the hexagon wrench in the direc-
tion of arrow 2.To lock the convertible topContinue to turn the hexagon wrench until
the convertible top is locked in place.
Please contact your MINI Dealer to
have the electrical malfunction
repaired.<
With the convertible top open, the wind
deflector keeps air movement in the pas-
senger compartment to a minimum, thus
providing you with a pleasant drive, even at
higher speeds. The wind deflector comes
folded in a protective pouch and can be
stored in the luggage compartment.
Do not allow the wind deflector to
come into contact with sharp objects,
as the net could otherwise be damaged. Do
not place any objects on the installed wind
deflector. When storing the wind deflector
in the luggage compartment, make sure
that it cannot be damaged by other
objects.<

40
WIND DEFLECTOR
*
Before installing
1. Take the wind deflector out of the pouch
2. Fold out the wind deflector, arrow 1
3. Press the locking device together until it
engages, arrow 2.
Installing and folding up1. Slide out securing pins 1 and 2 on one
side until they engage
2. Insert the wind deflector with the secur-
ing pins into the designated openings on
the corresponding side of the vehicle
3. Slide securing pins 1 and 2 on the other
side into the designated openings until
they engage
4. Fold up the upper part of the wind
deflector.
If a seat is in its rearmost position, do
not recline the backrest too far, oth-
erwise the wind deflector could be dam-
aged.<
Removing1. Fold down the upper part of the wind
deflector
2. Push back securing pin 1. To do so, turn
the handle forward, see arrow 1, and
push it back, see arrow 2
3. Push back securing pin 2 and remove the
wind deflector.

43
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
SEAT ADJUSTMENTImportant adjustment information
Never try to adjust your seat while
operating the vehicle. The seat could
respond with an unexpected movement,
and the ensuing loss of vehicle control
could lead to an accident.
While driving, do not recline the backrest
too far toward the rear; this especially
applies to the front passenger seat. Other-
wise there is a risk that you will slide under
the safety belt in an accident, thus reducing
the protection provided by the safety
belt.<
Comply with the instructions on head
restraint height adjustment on page44
and on damaged safety belts on page47.
Longitudinal adjustment1. Lift the handle
2. Push the seat into the desired position
3. After releasing the handle, apply pres-
sure to the seat to ensure that the latch
engages securely.
Height adjustment 1. Upward:
pull the handle repeatedly, continuing
until the seat reaches the desired height
2. Downward:
push the handle repeatedly, continuing
until the seat reaches the desired height.