MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2008 Owner's Manual
Manufacturer: MINI, Model Year: 2008, Model line: Hardtop 2 Door, Model: MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2008Pages: 164, PDF Size: 2.66 MB
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ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
 119
The illustration shows the fog lamp in the 
bumper of the MINI Cooper.
1.Screw out the bulb holder counterclockwise.
2.Screw out and replace the bulb.
3.To insert the new bulb and bulb holder, pro-
ceed in reverse order.
In the MINI Clubman, the rear fog lamp is 
located in the left tail lamp, refer to Tail 
lamps, page118.<
License plate lamps in MINI
5 watt bulb, C 5 W
1.Using a screwdriver, push the lamp to the 
left in the tab of the lamp housing, arrow1.
2.Remove the lamp, arrow 2.
3.Replace the bulb.
4.Insert the lamp.
License plate lamps in MINI Clubman
5watt bulb, C5W
1.Using a screwdriver, push the lamp to the 
left in the tab of the lamp housing, arrow1.
2.Remove the lamp, arrow 2.
3.Replace the bulb.
4.Insert the lamp.
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation. In 
the event of a malfunction, contact your MINI 
Dealer or a workshop that has specially trained 
personnel working in accordance with the spec-
ifications of your MINI manufacturer.
Repairing a flat tire
Safety measures in the event of a break-
down: 
Park the vehicle as far as possible from moving 
traffic and switch on the hazard warning flash-
ers.
Turn the steering wheel until the front wheels 
are in the straight-ahead position and engage 
the steering wheel lock. Engage the parking 
brake and shift into 1st or reverse gear or place 
the selector lever in position P.
All passengers should be outside the vehicle and 
in a safe place, e.g. behind a guardrail.
Erect a warning triangle or warning flasher at the 
appropriate distance if necessary. Comply with 
all safety guidelines and regulations.<
In the event of a flat tire, different procedures 
should be followed depending on the equip-
ment included in your vehicle: 
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Replacing components
120
>MINI Mobility System, refer to the following 
section
>Run-Flat Tires, page104
>Tire change with space-saver spare tire, 
page122
MINI Mobility System with onboard tool 
kit and tire change set*
MINI
The MINI Mobility System with onboard tool kit 
and tire change set
* is located under the floor 
mat in the cargo bay.
1Filling canister
2Allen wrench
*/screwdriver
3Vehicle jack
*
4Wheel stud wrench
5Wrench, screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver, 
towing eyelet
6Compressor, hose with manometer and plug 
for cigarette lighter socket
7Package with filling hose, valve remover and 
valve core
MINI Clubman
The MINI Mobility System with tire change set 
and onboard tool kit is located under the floor 
mat or the level load floor in the cargo bay.1Compressor, hose with manometer and plug 
for cigarette lighter socket
2Filling hose
3Wheel stud wrench
*
4Vehicle jack*
5Torx insert bit for screwdriver
6Wrench
7Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver, towing 
eyelet
8Hub cover remover
9Filling canister
Use of the MINI Mobility System may be 
ineffective if the tire puncture measures 
approx. 1/8 in/4 mm or more. Contact the near-
est MINI Dealer if the tire cannot be made driv-
able with the MINI Mobility System.<
Liquid sealant
1Filling hose
2Filling canister
Filling
1.Shake the filling canister.
2.Screw the filling hose onto the filling canis-
ter. 
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3.Unscrew the dust cap from the valve of the 
defective tire.
4.Screw out the valve core with the valve 
remover. The valve remover is located in a 
package with the filling hose.
5.Remove the cap from the filling hose.
6.Push the filling hose onto the tire valve.
7.Hold the filling canister with the cap down 
and squeeze.
8.Squeeze the entire contents of the canister 
into the tire.
9.Remove the filling hose.
10.Screw the valve core into the tire valve with 
the valve remover.
In the event of a lost or dirty valve core 
you will find another valve core in the 
package with the filling hose. 
Remember that the liquid canister must be 
replaced every four years if the equipment has 
not been used.<
Compressor
1Hose with manometer
2Compressor
3Connector for power supply
Reinflating the tire
1.Screw hose1 with manometer onto the tire 
valve.
2.Insert connector 3 into the lighter socket in 
the interior of the vehicle, page80.
3.Switch on compressor2.
4.Inflate the tire to at least 26 psi/180 kPa and 
at most 36 psi/250 kPa.To check the air pressure, shut off the device 
for a short time.
Do not run the compressor for longer 
than 6 minutes, otherwise the device 
will overheat and possibly be damaged.<
If an air pressure of 26 psi/180 kPa is not 
reached:
1.Unscrew hose 1 and drive the vehicle for-
ward and backward about 33 ft/10 m to dis-
tribute the liquid sealant in the tires evenly.
2.Repeat the procedure.
If an air pressure of 26 psi/180 kPa still 
cannot be reached, the tire is too severely 
damaged. Please contact the nearest MINI 
Dealer.<
Distributing liquid sealant
Immediately drive for approx. 10 minutes, so 
that the liquid sealant is uniformly distributed.
Do not exceed speeds of 40 mph/
60 km/h.
If possible, do not drop below 10 mph/
20 km/h.<
Checking tire inflation pressure
1.After driving for approx. 10 minutes, pull 
over at a suitable location.
2.Screw the hose with manometer back onto 
the tire valve.
3.Check the tire inflation pressure.
The tire pressure must be at least 
18 psi/130 kPa. If it is not, do not con-
tinue driving.<
If a tire pressure of at least 18 psi/130 kPa is dis-
played:
1.Switch on the compressor. Correct the tire 
inflation pressure to the specified value, 
page96.
2.Replace the tire as soon as possible.
Driving on
Do not exceed the permitted maximum 
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h; doing so may 
result in an accident.< 
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Replacing components
122
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible 
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.
Have the MINI Mobility System refilled.
Tire change set
When changing a tire, always observe the safety 
measures and the procedure for changing tires 
described below.
In case of a flat tire the tire change set is 
not needed due to the availability of the 
MINI Mobility System.<
Changing wheels
Space-saver spare tire*
To change a space-saver spare tire, proceed as 
follows:
>Remove space-saver spare tire, page122
>Prepare for tire change, page124
>Jack up vehicle, page124
>Mount space-saver spare tire, page124
>Tighten lug bolts, page125
>Drive with space-saver spare tire, page124
MINI tire change set with space-saver 
spare tire*
On vehicles with a space-saver spare tire, the 
tire change set with onboard tools is stored 
under the floor mat in the cargo bay.
1Chock, folding
2Hub cover remover
3Wheel stud wrench
4Vehicle jack5Special wrench for removing the space-
saver spare tire
6Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver
7Towing eyelet
8Wrench
9Lifting handle
The onboard tool kit includes a pouch with a 
plastic bag in which you can place the damaged 
wheel.
Removing the space-saver spare tire
The screw connection of the space-saver spare 
tire is under the floor mat in the cargo bay, on 
the base of the storage compartment for the tire 
change set.
1.Unscrew the screw connection with the spe-
cial wrench.
2.Take out the cover panel.
3.Screw the lifting handle from the onboard 
tool kit onto the thread.
4.Raise the lifting handle slightly. 
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5.Squeeze the securing spring.
6.The space-saver spare tire is released and 
must be held by the lifting handle.
7.Lower the space-saver spare tire with the 
lifting handle.
8.Unscrew the lifting handle.
9.Pull the space-saver spare tire underneath 
the vehicle out towards the rear.
10.Position the space-saver spare tire with the 
valve facing upward.
11.Unscrew the valve extension from the valve 
of the space-saver spare tire.
12.Unscrew the dust cap from the extension 
and place it on the valve of the space-saver 
spare tire.
Due to its different dimensions, the dam-
aged wheel cannot be placed in the recess 
for the space-saver spare tire.
In vehicles with the space-saver spare tire, the 
tire change set with the onboard tool kit is 
located beneath the floor mat or level load floor 
in the cargo bay.
1Folding chock and cover for defective wheel
2Vehicle jack
3Wrench
4Wheel stud wrench
5Hub cover remover
6Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver
7Torx insert bit for screwdriver
8Towing eyelet
The onboard tool kit includes a pouch with a 
plastic bag in which you can place the damaged 
wheel.
Removing the space-saver spare tire
The space-saver spare tire is located under the 
tire change set in the cargo bay.
1.Fold up the floor mat.
2.Unscrew the nut, arrow, and remove the 
space-saver spare tire. 
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124
Driving with the space-saver spare tire
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a speed of 
50 mph/80 km/h.
You must expect changes in vehicle handling 
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. Mount a wheel and 
tire of the original size as soon as possible, to 
avoid any safety risks.<
Check the tire inflation pressure at the ear-
liest opportunity and correct it if neces-
sary. Replace the defective tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire assembly 
balanced.<
Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions regarding 
flat tires on page119.<
Additional safety measures when chang-
ing tires: 
Only change the tire when parked on a surface 
that is level, firm and not slippery.
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 capacity. 
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the engine 
when the vehicle is supported by the jack; other-
wise there is a risk of fatal injury.<
1.Place the foldable chock
* behind the front 
wheel on the other side of the vehicle or in 
front of the wheel if the vehicle is on an 
incline. If the wheel is changed on a surface 
with a more severe slope, take additional 
precautions to secure the vehicle from roll-
ing.
2.Uncover the lug bolts if necessary.If the wheel is equipped with a hub cover, 
pry it off using the screwdriver from the tire 
change kit.
3.Loosen the lug bolts by a half turn.
Jacking up the vehicle
The vehicle jack is designed for changing 
wheels only. Do not attempt to raise 
another vehicle model with it or to raise any load 
of any kind. To do so could cause accidents and 
personal injury.<
1.Place the jack at the jacking point closest to 
the wheel.
The jack base must be perpendicular to the 
surface beneath the jacking point.
2.During jacking up, insert the jack head in the 
square recess of the jacking point.
3.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are 
changing is raised off the ground.
Mounting the space-saver spare tire
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the 
wheel.
2.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from 
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and 
hub. Clean the lug bolts.
3.Lift the new wheel into place. 
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4.Screw at least two lug bolts finger-tight into 
opposite bolt holes.
5.Screw in the remaining bolts.
6.Tighten all the lug bolts firmly in a diagonal 
pattern.
7.Lower the vehicle.
8.Remove the jack.
Tightening the lug bolts
Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
Immediately have the wheels checked 
with a calibrated torque wrench to ensure 
that the lug bolts are firmly seated. Otherwise, 
incorrectly tightened lug bolts can present a 
safety hazard.<
Tightening torque: 103.3 lb ft or 140 Nm.
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible 
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.
Vehicle battery
Have any work on the battery, including 
battery replacement, carried out only by a 
MINI Dealer or a workshop that has specially 
trained personnel working in accordance with 
the specifications of the MINI manufacturer.<
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, the 
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery 
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate.
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle when the 
engine is off. Connections, refer to Jump starting 
on page128.
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. Always secure the battery against tipping over 
during transport.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, some equipment 
may not be fully functional and may require ini-
tialization. Individual settings are also lost and 
must be reprogrammed:
>Time and date 
These values must be updated, page54.
>Radio 
Stations must be stored again, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual for Radio.
>Glass sunroof, electric
It may only be possible to raise the sunroof, 
if applicable. The system must be initialized. 
Contact your nearest MINI Dealer.
Fuses
Do not attempt to repair a blown fuse or 
replace it with a fuse of a different color or 
Ampere rating. To do this could cause a fire in 
the vehicle resulting from a circuit overload. 
Have the fuse changed only by a MINI Dealer or 
a workshop that has specially trained personnel 
working in accordance with the specifications of 
the MINI manufacturer.<
A fuse allocation diagram is located on the inside 
of the fuse box cover panels.
In the engine compartment
Opening the cover
Press the latch. 
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126
In the vehicle interior
On the right side of the footwell.
Opening the cover
Press out at the recess. 
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Giving and receiving assistance
Roadside Assistance
The Roadside Assistance service is there to assist 
you around the clock in the event of a break-
down, including on weekends and public holi-
days.
The phone numbers of the Roadside Assistance 
in your home country can be found in the Con-
tact brochure.
First aid pouch*
Some of the articles contained in the first aid 
pouch have a limited service life. Therefore, 
check the expiration dates of the contents regu-
larly and replace any items in good time, if nec-
essary.
MINI
The first aid pouch is located on the cargo bay 
floor by the left side trim panel.
MINI Clubman
The first aid pouch is located on the cargo bay 
floor by the left side trim panel or under the level 
load floor.
Warning triangle*
MINI
On the inside of the tailgate.
Press the tab to take it out.
MINI Clubman
In the cargo bay under the loading sill.
Open the center lock to take it out. 
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Giving and receiving assistance
128
Jump starting
If the car's own battery is flat, your MINI's engine 
can be started by connecting two jumper cables 
to another vehicle's battery. You can also use 
the same method to help start another vehicle. 
Only use jumper cables with fully-insulated 
clamp handles.
Do not touch any electrically live parts 
when the engine is running, or a fatal acci-
dent may occur. Carefully adhere to the follow-
ing sequence, both to prevent damage to one or 
both vehicles, and to guard against possible per-
sonal injuries.<
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other vehi-
cle has a voltage of 12 volts and approxi-
mately the same capacitance in Ah. This 
information can be found on the battery.
2.Switch off the engine of the support vehicle.
3.Switch off any consumers in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between 
the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise 
there is a danger of shorting.<
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct 
order, so that no sparks which could cause 
injury occur.<
1.Open the battery cover in the engine com-
partment to access the positive terminal of 
your MINI.
2.Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+ 
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the 
battery or to a starting-aid terminal of the 
vehicle providing assistance.3.Attach the second terminal clamp of the 
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal 
of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of 
the vehicle to be started.
4.Attach one terminal clamp of the minus/– 
jumper cable to the negative terminal of the 
battery or to an engine or body ground of 
the assisting vehicle.
Body ground in MINI:
5.Attach the second terminal clamp of the 
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to the engine or body 
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the donor vehicle and 
allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly 
increased idle speed.
2.Start the engine of the other vehicle in the 
usual manner. 
If the first start attempt is not successful, 
wait a few minutes before another attempt 
in order to allow the discharged battery to 
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing 
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and 
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the 
engine.<