brake MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2006 Owner's Manual

3
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Driving:
Ignition lock53
Starting the engine53
Switching off the engine54
Parking brake54
Manual transmission55
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
Parking lamps/Low beams59
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher60
Instrument lighting61
Fog lamps61
Interior lamps61
Washer/wiper system62
Washer fluid63
Cruise control64
Everything under control:
Odometer66
Clock66
Fuel gauge66
Coolant temperature gauge67
Tachometer68
Service interval display68
Onboard computer69Technology for safety and driving
convenience:
Driving stability control systems71
Flat Tire Monitor73
Airbags75
Park Distance Control (PDC)77
Controlling the climate for pleasant
driving:
Air conditioning system78
Automatic climate control81
Interior conveniences:
Glove compartment84
Center armrest84
Drinks holders, ashtray85
Cigarette lighter, 12 V power supply85
Integrated universal remote control86
Loading and transporting cargo:
Luggage compartment in the MINI88
Luggage compartment in the MINI
Convertible89
Loading cargo90
Roof-mounted luggage rack93OPERATION, CARE, MAINTENANCE
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures96
General driving notes96
Refueling99
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure101
Tire coding105
Tire condition106
Run Flat tires108
New wheels and tires109
Snow chains110

CONTENTS
4
In the engine compartment:
Bonnet111
Engine compartment:
MINI COOPER and
MINI COOPER Convertible112
MINI COOPER S and
MINI COOPER S Convertible113
Engine oil114
Coolant115
Brake system117
Maintenance and care:
MINI Maintenance System118
Socket for Onboard Diagnostics
OBD119
Caring for your vehicle119
Vehicle storage122OWNER SERVICE PROCEDURES
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit126
Wiper blades126
Lamps and bulbs127
Repairing a flat tire131
Space-saver spare tire131
Changing tires133
MINI Mobility System135
Vehicle battery138
Fuses139
Giving and receiving assistance:
Jump-starting140
Towing and tow-starting141
TECHNICAL DATA
Engine data146
Dimensions:
MINI147
MINI Convertible148
Weights:
MINI149
MINI Convertible150
Capacities151

8
NOTES
Parts 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.<
Symbol on vehicle 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 warranty
This 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 LAMPS
Technology that monitors itself
The 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
page117. Have the system checked imme-
diately.
Display of the malfunction
described above in Canadian mod-
els.
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 page67. Have the system checked
immediately.

17
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPS
Yellow: stop immediately
Flat Tire Monitor +
The warning lamp indicates a flat
tire or a system malfunction. In the
event of a flat tire, an acoustic signal also
sounds.
Reduce speed immediately and stop the
vehicle.
It is possible that the acoustic signal was
not heard. In this case, in order to deter-
mine if there is a flat tire or a system mal-
function:
1. Switch off the ignition, ignition key posi-
tion 0
2. Switch the ignition back on, ignition key
position 2, or start the engine.
If an acoustic signal sounds, you have a flat
tire. Otherwise, the system has a malfunc-
tion or has failed.
For instructions on how to proceed further,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor, page74 ff.
Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously
Brake warning light together with
yellow indicator lamp for ABS, CBC,
EBD and ASC/DSC:
The driving stability control has
failed. Drive cautiously and defen-
sively. Avoid full brake applications.
Have the system checked as soon
as possible.
More information on page71.
Display of the malfunction
described above in Canadian mod-
els.
Red: an important reminder
Brake warning lamp with parking
brake applied.
More information on the parking
brake on page54.
Warning lamp in Canadian models.
Fasten safety belts
+
Lights up for several seconds or
until the safety belt has been fas-
tened.
A signal
* also sounds depending on the
version.
More information on page46.
Bonnet/Tailgate
Lights up when the bonnet and/or
tailgate are open.
More information on pages29, 111.

18
INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPS
Red: check as soon as possible
Airbags +
There is a malfunction in the airbag
system. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
More information on page76.
Brake pads
The brake pads have reached the
minimum safe limit for lining wear.
Have the brake pads replaced immediately.
More information on page117.
Yellow: check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) +
The ABS has failed. Conventional
braking efficiency is available. Have
the system checked as soon as possible.
More information on page71.
Display of the malfunction
described above in Canadian mod-
els.
All Season traction Control (ASC)/
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
+
Indicator lamp flashes:
System active: drive and braking forces are
regulated.
The indicator lamp stays lit: ASC/DSC deac-
tivated with button or defective.
In the event of a defect: have the system
checked as soon as possible.
More information on page71.
Engine+
The exhaust emissions have deteri-
orated.
Have the vehicle checked as soon as possi-
ble.
Display of the malfunction
described above in Canadian mod-
els.
Engine electronics
* +
The engine electronics are mal-
functioning. You can continue to
drive with reduced engine output or engine
speed. Have the vehicle checked as soon as
possible.

53
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
IGNITION LOCK STARTING THE ENGINE
0 Steering locked
1 Steering unlocked
2 Ignition switched on
3 Starting the engine
Steering locked
The key can be inserted or removed in this
position only.
To lock the steering:
1. Remove the key
2. Turn the steering wheel slightly to the
left or right until the lock engages.
An alarm goes off if the key remains in the
ignition after opening the driver's door.
Interlock for automatic transmission with
Steptronic:
The ignition key cannot be turned to
position 0 and removed until the selector
lever is in position P.
Steering unlocked
Individual electrical accessories are ready
for operation.
You will find that it is often easier to turn
the ignition key from position 0 to
position 1 when you move the steering
wheel slightly to help disengage the lock.
Ignition switched on
All electrical accessories are ready for oper-
ation.
Starting the engine
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Step on the clutch when starting the
vehicle. A lockout prevents the engine from
starting if the clutch is not depressed.<
Do not allow the engine to run in
enclosed spaces. Breathing the nox-
ious exhaust gases can lead to uncon-
sciousness and death. The exhaust gases
contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and
colorless, but highly toxic gas.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the engine running. This is a safety hazard.
Before getting out of the vehicle with the
engine running, put the transmission in
idle or position P, and apply the parking
brake. If you fail to do this, the vehicle
could move.<
Do not let the engine warm up with the
vehicle at a standstill. Move off immedi-
ately at a moderate engine speed.
Do not stop the starting procedure
too early, and do not continue it for
more than approx. 20 seconds. Release the
ignition key immediately when the engine
starts.
Extended starting attempts, characterized
by excessively frequent or long periods
with the starter engaged, can lead to dam-
age in the catalytic converter.<

54
STARTING THE ENGINE SWITCHING OFF THE ENGINE PARKING BRAKE
Manual transmission
1. Engage the parking brake
2. Gearshift lever in idle position
3. Depress the clutch
4. Start the engine.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
1. Press the footbrake
2. Put the selector lever in position P or N
3. Start the engine.
Special starting conditions
In the following situations, depress the
accelerator pedal halfway and continue
starting the engine for up to approx.
10 seconds:
>If the engine does not start on the first
attempt, for instance if the engine is very
hot or cold.
>The engine is started at very low temper-
atures, below approx. +57/–156, at
high altitudes above 3,300 ft/1000 m.You should never remove the ignition
key when the vehicle is in motion, as
the steering lock could engage.
When you leave the vehicle, always remove
the ignition key and engage the steering
lock.
When parking on inclines, engage the park-
ing brake, or the vehicle could roll.<
Manual transmission
Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
Engage selector lever position P, turn the
ignition key to position 1 or 0.
The parking brake is designed primarily to
prevent the vehicle from rolling when it is
parked. It operates against the rear wheels.
To engage
Lever automatically locks in position.
The indicator lamp in the instrument clus-
ter lights up from ignition key position 2,
refer to page17.
To release
1. Pull up slightly
2. Press the button
3. Push the lever downwards.
If, in exceptional circumstances, it
should be necessary to engage the
parking brake while the vehicle is in
motion, do not pull the lever with excessive

55
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
PARKING BRAKE MANUAL TRANSMISSION
force. Keep your thumb pressed against the
release button while pulling the lever up
carefully.
Otherwise, excessive force could lead to
overbraking and loss of traction, i.e. fish-
tailing, at the rear axle.<
To avoid corrosion and one-sided
braking, apply the parking brake
lightly from time to time when coasting to
a standstill, for instance at a traffic light,
provided that it is safe to do so. The brake
lamps do not come on when the parking
brake is engaged.<
6-speed transmission*
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear,
press the gearshift lever to the right.
Otherwise, the engine could be damaged
by accidentally engaging 3rd or 4th gear.<
Reverse gear
Before selecting reverse gear, ensure the
vehicle is stationary; then, fully depress the
clutch and pause briefly before moving the
gearshift lever into position.
5-speed transmission:
Press the gearshift lever to the right and to
the back.
6-speed transmission:
Press the gearshift lever towards the left.
Thereby overcome the slight resistance and
press forward.

56
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH STEPTRONIC*
In addition to the fully automatic mode,
you can shift gears manually using Step-
tronic, refer to page57.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Range selection
>The selector lever can be moved out of
position P when the ignition is switched
on or the engine is running: interlock.
>While the vehicle is stationary and
before shifting out of P or N, depress the
footbrake in order to disengage the
selector lever's lock mechanism: shift-
lock.
Keep your foot on the brake until start-
ing off, otherwise the vehicle will start
to move when a drive position is
engaged.
A lock prevents the selector lever from
being inadvertently moved into the R and P
positions. To override the lock, press the
button on the front of the selector lever
knob, see arrow.
If the engine speed is too high when
the vehicle is at a standstill, the selec-
tor lever is also blocked to protect the
transmission.
If the selector lever is not placed in
position P when the vehicle is parked, the
position display of the selector lever stays
on. This can lead to battery discharge.<
PPark
Select only when the vehicle is completely
stopped. The transmission locks to prevent
the drive wheels from turning.
RReverse
Select only when the vehicle is completely
stopped.
NNeutral, idle
Select this when you are in a car wash, for
example. The vehicle can roll.
D Drive: automatic driving position
This position is designed for driving under
all normal operating conditions.
Under normal operation conditions, fuel
consumption is lowest when you drive in
position D.