Rover Group 1999 Mini User guide

Owner's Handbook
Instruktieboekje
Manuel du Conducteur
Betriebsanleitung
Manuale di Istruzioni
Manual del Conductor
Manual do Proprietário

MINI
Important Information
The information below replaces that shown in the Cooling System section of
the Owner’s Handbook, RCL 0179ENG.
Anti-freeze
The anti-freeze content of the coolant
must be maintained between 50% and
60% all year round (not just in cold
conditions). To ensure that the
anti-corrosion properties of the coolant
are retained, the anti-freeze content
should be checked by your dealer once
a year (regardless of mileage).
The coolant should be completely
renewed every four years.
Coolant specification
For maximum corrosion prevention,
top-up using an ethylene glycol based
long-life antifreeze, incorporating silicate
based corrosion inhibitors. The anti-freeze
must NOT contain methanol or
phosphate corrosion inhibitors.
WARNING!
DO NOT use anti-freeze to any specification other than that indicated
above.
DO NOT add rust inhibitors or other additives to the coolant - these may
not be compatible with the coolant or engine components.
Publication Part No. RCL 0179ENG/3 Rover Group Limited 1999
10.99 Mini

1
In addition to this handbook, your literature pack contains the
following documents:
•Service Portfolio
This book includes important information about Rover warranty
and vehicle maintenance requirements, as well as containing a
unique record of your own car’s service history. Ensure that
your Rover dealer completes the appropriate servicerecord slip
after every service.
•In-Car Entertainment
This book contains operating instructionsfor the audio
equipment fitted to your Mini.
•Security Information Card
Your Rover dealer should have filled in all the relevant serial
numbers concerning your car before delivery.These are
important aids to vehicle security; keep the card in a safe place -
NOT IN THE CAR.
Rover Group Limited 1999
Publication Part No. RCL 0179ENG
04.99 Mini - 5th Edition

BEFORE YOU DRIVE
DRIVING CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
TECHNICAL DATA
Contents
1
Controls 3
Locks & Alarm 4
Seats 10
Seat Belts 12
Airbag SRS 15
Mirrors 18
Windows 20
Sunroof 21
Heating & Ventilation 23
Interior Equipment 25
In-Car Entertainment 28
Load Carrying 29
Instruments 30
Warning Lights 32
Starting & Driving 34
Catalytic Converter 37
Gearbox 39
Fuel System 40
Wipers 42
Lights & Indicators 43
Switches 45
Brakes 46
Maintenance 48
Bonnet Opening 50
Engine Compartment 51
Engine 52
Cooling System 53
Brakes & Clutch 54
Washers 56
Wipers 58
Battery 59
Tyres 62
Cleaning & Car Care 64
Emergency Towing 69
Wheel Changing 71
Fuses 74
Bulb Replacement 78
Parts & Accessories 85
Vehicle Identification 86
Technical Data 87 Index 90

Introduction
2
Welcome to your new Mini. This handbook, together with the other
publications in the literature pack, provides all the information you
need to gain maximum pleasure from owning and driving your new
car.
For your convenience, the handbook is divided into sections, each
dealing with a particular aspect of driving or caring for the car. Take
a little time to read each one and get to know your new Mini as
soon as you possibly can.
•’Before you drive’ - covers seat adjustment, seat belts and
heating controls and deals with everything you need to know to
settle comfortablyinto the car before you drive.
•’Driving controls’ - describes the functions and operation of the
switches, instruments and driving controls.
•’Maintenance’ - includes information about the checksthat you
should carry out on a regular basis.
•’Emergency information’ - will help to solve some of those
unavoidable little emergencies that occur from time to time, like
replacing bulbs and fuses, or changing a wheel.
•’Technical data’ - here you will find the technicalspecification
for your car.
Rover operate a policy of constant product improvement and therefore reserve the
right to change specifications without notice at any time. Whilst every effortis
made to ensure complete accuracy of the information in this handbook, no
liabilities for inaccuracies or the consequences thereof, including loss or damage
to property, or injury to persons, can be accepted by the manufacturer or the
dealer who supplied the handbook, except in respect of personal injury caused by
the negligence of the manufacturer or dealer.
WARNING!
Warning boxes and safety
information are included in
the handbook. These
indicate either a procedure
which must be followed
precisely, or information
that should be considered
with great care in order to
avoid personal injury or
damage to the vehicle.
IMPORTANT
The specification of each
Rover vehicle will vary
according to territorial
requirements and also from
model to model within the
vehicle range. Some of the
information published in this
handbook, therefore, may not
apply to your car. Contact your
dealer if you are in any doubt.

Controls
3
1. Voltmeter (if fitted)
2. Clock
3. Ashtray
4. Oil temperature gauge
(if fitted)
5. Instrument panel &
warning lights
6. Lighting & direction
indicator switch
7. Horn
8. Headlight levelling switch
9. Wiper & washer controls
10. Radio/cassette player
11. Auxiliary switches
12. Heater controls
13. Heater temperature control
14. Gear lever
15. Handbrake
16. Bonnet release
1234567 89
10 11 12 13
15
14
16
H2108B

Locks & Alarm
4
ALARM SYSTEM
Your car is fitted with a sophisticated electronic anti-theft alarm and
engine immobilisation system. In order to ensure maximum
security and minimum inconvenience, you are strongly advised to
gain a full understanding of the alarm system, by thoroughly
reading this section of the handbook.
ENGINE IMMOBILISATION
Engine immobilisation is an important aspect of the car’s security
system and includesa feature known as ’passiveimmobilisation’,
designed to safeguard the car from theft should the driver forget to
lock the doors. The engine is automatically immobilised whenever
the alarm is armed, and also thirty seconds after the starter switch
is turned off AND the driver’s door is opened.
It is almost impossible to leave the car unattended without the
engine being immobilised automatically. For this reason, it is
important that all drivers are fully aware that the engine can only be
re-mobilisedby pressing the plain button on the handset. The
engine will not be re-mobilised if the car is unlocked with the key.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
If the starter will not operate:
Press the handset unlock button and try again.
If the starter still does not operate:
Press the handset unlock button at least four times (to
resynchronisethe handset) and try again.
Care Points .........
Always adopt this simple
’five-point’ drill, whenever you
leave your car - even for just a
few minutes:
•Fully close all windows,
bonnet and sunroof.
•Remove any valuables (or
hide them in the luggage
compartment).
•Remove the starter key and
handset.
•Engage the steering lock
(by slightly turning the
steering wheel until it
locks).
•Lock all the doors and the
luggage compartment and
arm the alarm.

Locks & Alarm
5
LOCKING THE CAR
Before locking the car, ensure all doors, windows, sunroof, bonnet
and luggage compartment apertures are securely closed.
THE KEY MUST ALWAYS BE USED TO LOCK THE CAR. USING THE
HANDSET TO ARM THE ANTI-THEFT ALARM, WILL NOT LOCK THE
CAR.
Door locks
From outside the car, the door locks can only be operated with the
appropriate key. Turn the key towards the front to lock and towards
the rear to unlock. Press the releasebutton to open the door.
Operating Tip ..........
After locking the car and
arming the alarm, there is
much you can do to make your
car a less inviting target for the
thief:
•Try to park where your car
can be seen by
householders or
passers-by.
•At night, always park in well
lit areas and try to avoid
dimly lit side streets.
•Never leave vehicle
documents in the car -
these are a real bonus for
the thief.
•If you have a garage, use it
- and don’t risk leaving the
key and handset in the
starter switch.
H2156

Locks & Alarm
6
Interior locking
Both doors can be locked from inside the car by moving the latch
rearwards (move the latch forwards to unlock).
Luggage compartment lock
Turn the appropriate key anti-clockwiseto lock and clockwiseto
unlock. turn the handle anti-clockwiseto open.
IMPORTANT
Using the key to operate the
door and luggage
compartment locks, will NOT
arm or disarm the anti-theft
alarm system. Therefore,
once armed, the alarm will
sound if either door or the
luggage compartment are
unlocked with the key AND
opened - ALWAYS disarm the
alarm by pressing the plain
handset button, BEFORE
unlocking the car.
H2118
H2157

Locks & Alarm
7
ARMING THE ALARM
The handset has two buttons which, when pressed, send a coded
radio signal to a receiver in the car. The ’padlock’symbol button
activates, and the plain button de-activatesthe following security
features:
•The perimetric alarm (protects the door, bonnet, and luggage
compartment apertures).
•Electronic engine immobilisation (described previously).
If the alarm sounds
To silence the alarm, press the plain handset button. Once activated
the alarm will sound for approximately 30 seconds before switching
itself off, and can be triggeredup to three times in total before
needing to be reset.
Anti-theft alarm indicator light
The RED indicator light on the instrument panel flashes rapidly
while the alarm system is arming itself.
After approximately10 seconds, the indicator light adjusts to a
slower frequency, and continues flashing as an anti-theft deterrent
until the alarm is next disarmed.
If the alarm is armed when a door or other aperture is stillopen, the
indicator light will not flash for the first 10 seconds but will flash at
the slower frequency.The alarm will still be armed, but the open
aperture will not be protected. Close the open aperture; the alarm
indicator light will flash rapidly and the alarm will automaticallyarm
itself as normal.
H2130

Locks & Alarm
8
KEY AND HANDSET NUMBERS
You have been supplied with two handsets and two sets of keys,
comprising:
•A large plastic handled key for operating the starter switch.
•A small all-metalkey which operatesthe door and luggage
compartment locks.
•A larger all-metal key which operates the fuel filler cap lock.
The starter key and handset number is stamped on a tag attached to
the key ring. The other key numbers are stamped onto the keys. All
key numbers should be entered in the appropriate spaces provided
on the Security Information card.
If a key or handset is lost, contact a Rover dealer, who can supply
replacement or additional keys and handsets.
WARNING!
Keep the Security
Information card, key tag,
spare handset and keys in a
safe place - NOT in the car.
H2155

Locks & Alarm
9
HANDSET BATTERY
The handset battery should last for approximately three years,
dependent upon use. When the battery needs replacing, the
operating range of the handset will reduce.
Only fit a Rover YWK 10003 or a Panasonic CR2032 replacement
battery (availablefrom a Rover dealer) and adopt the following
replacement procedure:
1) Carefully prise the handset apart, start from the keyring end
using a small coin or screwdriver.Avoid damaging the seal between
the two halves of the case and DO NOT allow dirt or moisture to get
inside the handset.
2) Slide the battery out of its clip, taking care to avoid touching the
circuit board or the contact surfacesof the clip.
3) Press and hold each button in turn for at least five seconds to
drain any residual power from the handset.
4) Fit the new battery, ensuring that correctpolarity is maintained
(positive ’+’ side facing up). Finger marks will adverselyaffect
battery life; avoid touching the flat surfacesof the battery or wipe
them clean before fitting.
5) Reassemblethe two halves of the handset.
6) Unlock the car, then press the handset lock button at least four
times to resynchronise the handset to the car.
The handset is now ready for use.
WARNING!
The handset contains
delicate electronic circuits
and must be protected from
impact and water damage,
high temperatures and
humidity, direct sunlight
and the effects of solvents,
waxes and abrasive
cleaners.
IMPORTANT
Battery disconnection
If the car battery is
disconnected for any reason,
the status of the security
system prior to disconnection,
will be memorised and
automatically reset when the
battery is reconnected.
H2121

Seats
10
Forward/backward adjustment
Lift the lever (1) and slide the seat into position. Make sure the seat
is locked in position before driving.
Backrest adjustment
Rotate the handwheel (2) to adjust.
Head restraint adjustment
Lift or push down on the restraint, until level with the back of the
head.
Head restraint removal
Turn the right hand mounting (3) a quarter turn anti-clockwiseand
pull the restraint upwards.
WARNING!
DO NOT adjust the seats
when the car is moving.
DO NOT allow front seat
occupants to travel with the
seat backs reclined steeply
rearwards.
For Your Safety .........
Where possible, adjust the
head restraint so that the
cushion is level with the back
of the head - NOT THE NECK!
2
1
3
H2127

Seats
11
Rear seat access levers
Lift the lever (1) upwards to fold the backrest forwards.
Pull the lever (2) to fold the whole seat forwards.
For Your Safety .........
Make sure the backrest is
secure before driving.
1
2
H2159

Seat Belts
12
SEAT BELT SAFETY
The seat belts supplied with your car are intended for use by adult
sized occupants and must be used by one occupant only.
Ensure that all passengers are securelystrapped in at all times and
be sure to observe the following precautions:
•Adjust seat belts to eliminate any slack. Do not pull the belt away
from the body - to be fully effective,the seat belt must remain in
full contact with the body at all times.
•Fit the lap strap across the PELVIS (never across the abdomen),
ensuring that the diagonal strap passes across the CHEST and
SHOULDER.
•Always replace a seat belt assembly that has withstood the
strain of a severevehicle impact, or if the webbing shows signs
of fraying.
•DO NOT wear seat belts over hard, sharp or fragile items in
clothing, such as pens, keys, spectaclesetc.
•Where possible, use the seat belts to secure luggage carried on
the seats - in an accident,loose items can be thrown around
inside the car, causing serious injury.
•In most countries, all occupants are required by law to wear a
seat belt, unless they have been issued with a medical
exemption certificate. During pregnancy, women should wear
the lap belt across the hips below the baby, with the diagonal
belt passing across the shoulder, between the breasts and to
one side of the baby - if in doubt consult a doctor.
For Your Safety .........
Do not use a seat belt that is
twisted or obstructed in any
way.
Do not allow occupants to
travel with the seat backs
reclined steeply rearwards.
Do not allow foreign matter
(particularly sugary food and
drink particles) to enter the seat
belt buckles - such substances
can render the buckles
inoperative.

Seat Belts
13
Fastening the belt
Pull the seat belt steadily across the body and, ensuring the
webbing is not twisted, insert the metal tongue plate into the
appropriate buckle - a ’click’ indicates that the belt is securely
locked.
Releasing the belt
Press the red button attached to the seat belt buckle.
CHILD SEATS
For safety, it is very important that all infants and young children
are restrained in a suitable child safety seat. For further information
on child safety seats available for your car, please contact your
Rover dealer.
For Your Safety .........
Where possible, rear seat
passengers should adjust their
position (moving nearer to or
further away from the centre of
the car) to enable the seat belt
webbing to cross the shoulder
without pressing on the neck.
WARNING!
Ensure that all seat belts
are worn correctly - an
improperly worn seat belt
increases the risk of death
or serious injury in the
event of a collision.
Do not allow a baby or child
to be carried on the lap - in
an accident, it will be
impossible to hold on to the
child.
Accident statistics show
that children are safer when
properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than
in the front.
Never leave a child
unattended in the car.
H2123

Seat Belts
14
Caring for seat belts
Regularly inspect the belt webbing for signs of fraying, cuts and
wear, also pay particular attention to the condition of the fixing
points and adjusters.
Avoid contaminating the webbing with polish, oil and chemicals
(see ’Cleaning & car care’).
Three tests for checking seat belts
1. With the seat belt fastened, give the webbing near the buckle a
quick upward pull - the buckle should remain securely locked.
2. With the seat belt unfastened, unreel the webbing to the limit of
its travel. Check that unreeling is free from snatches and snags.
3. With the webbing half unreeled,hold the tongue plate and give
it a quick forward pull - the mechanism must lock automatically
and prevent any further unreeling.
If a seat belt should fail any of these tests, contact your dealer
immediately.
SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONERS
The seat belt pre-tensionersact in conjunction with the airbag SRS
system and provide additional protection in the event of a severe
frontal impact on the vehicle (see ’Airbag SRS’). The pre-tensioners
automaticallyretract the seat belts fitted to the front seats. This
reduces any slack in both the lap and diagonal portions of the belts,
thereby reducing forward movement of the belt wearerin the event
of a severe frontal collision.
The airbag SRS warning light on the instrument panel, described on
the following page, will alert you to any malfunction of the seat belt
pre-tensioners.
WARNING!
Always replace a seat belt
assembly that has
withstood the strain of a
severe vehicle impact, or
one where the webbing
shows signs of fraying.
For Your Safety .........
DO NOT wear seat belts fitted
with pre-tensioners directly
over bare skin. In the event of a
collision, friction burns could
occur when the pre-tensioners
are activated.
Operating Tip ..........
If the pre-tensioners have been
activated, the seat belts will still
function as conventional
restraints. If it is necessary for
the car to be driven to a dealer
for repair, the seat belts must
be worn.

Airbag SRS
15
The airbag supplementary restraint system (SRS) provides
additional protection for the driverin the event of a SEVERE
FRONTAL IMPACT ON THE VEHICLE.
Airbag SRS warning light
The warning light, mounted on the instrument panel, will illuminate
for approximatelysix seconds when the starter switch is turned to
position ’II’. The warning light will also alert you to any malfunction
of the airbag SRS. The system should be checked by your Rover
dealer if any of the following symptoms occur:
•The warning light fails to illuminate when the starterswitch is
turned to position ’II’.
•The warning light fails to extinguish after approximatelysix
seconds.
•The warning light flashes or illuminates continuously while the
car is being driven.
For Your Safety .........
Always remember; the airbag
SRS provides ADDITIONAL
protection in a frontal impact
only; it does not replace the
need to wear a seat belt.
Inflation and deflation of the
airbag take place very quickly
and it will not protect against
the effects of secondary
impacts that may occur.
H2141

Airbag SRS
16
How the airbag SRS works
In a frontal collision, a sensor monitors the force of the impact to
determine whether the airbag should be inflated. The airbag,
contained within the steering wheel centre pad, will inflate in
SEVERE frontal collisions only, It will NOT inflate in the event of
side or rear impacts, roll over accidents, or minor frontal impacts.
Inflation is instantaneousand accompanied by a loud noise and
traces of smoke and powder, none of which are indicativeof an
airbag malfunction.
After inflation, the airbag module deflatesimmediately so that the
driver’s visibility is not impaired.
For Your Safety .........
After inflation, some airbag
components are hot - DO NOT
touch until they have cooled.
WARNING!
An inflating airbag can
cause facial abrasions and
other injuries. Minimise the
risk of injury by ensuring
the driver is wearing the
seat belt and is seated
correctly with the seat as
far back as is practical.
DO NOT attach accessory
items to the airbag module
cover (steering wheel
centre pad), which could
interfere with the inflation
of the airbag or, if the
airbag inflates, be
propelled inside the car
causing injury to the
occupants.
H2148B

Airbag SRS
17
Service information
After 10 years from the date of registration (or installationdate of a
replacement airbag SRS), some components will need to be
replaced by a Rover dealer (see airbag module replacement date
shown on page 2 of the Service Portfolio book), who should stamp
and sign the appropriate page once the work is completed.
In addition, ALWAYS contact your Rover dealer if;
•the airbag inflates.
•the front of the car is damaged (even if the airbag has not
inflated).
•any part of the airbag module cover shows signs of cracking or
damage.
If you sell your car, be sure to inform the new owner that the car
has an airbag SRS, and of the airbag module replacementdate
shown in the Service Portfolio.
If the car is to be scrapped; uninflated airbags are potentially very
dangerous and must be safelydeployed in a controlledenvironment
by qualified personnel before a vehicle is scrapped.
WARNING!
DO NOT service, repair,
replace, modify or tamper
with any part of the airbag
SRS or wiring in the vicinity
of an airbag SRS
component; this could
cause the system to
activate, resulting in
personal injury.
The components of the
airbag SRS are sensitive to
electrical and physical
interference; therefore,
ALWAYS seek the
assistance of a Rover
dealer to carry out any of
the following:
Removal or repair of any
wiring or component in the
vicinity of the airbag SRS
components (yellow wiring
harness), including the
steering wheel, steering
column and instrument
panel.
Installation of electronic
equipment such as a mobile
phone, two-way radio or
in-car entertainment
system.
Attachment of accessories
to, or modification of, the
front of the car.