3
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Driving:
Ignition lock 42
Starting the engine 42
Switching off the engine 43
Parking brake 44
Manual transmission 45
Continuously Variable automatic
Transmission (CVT) 46
Parking lamps/Low beams 49
Indicator/Headlamp flasher 49
Instrument lighting 50
Fog lamps 50
Interior lamps 50
Light-emitting diodes 51
Washer/Wiper system 51
Cruise control 53
Everything under control:
Odometer 55
Tachometer 55
Fuel gauge 55
Coolant temperature gauge 56
Service Interval Display 57
Clock 57
Computer 58
Technology for safety and driving
convenience:
Automatic Stability Control plus Traction
(ASC+T) 60
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 61
Flat Tire Monitor 62
Park Distance Control (PDC) 63
Controlling the climate for pleasant
driving:
Air conditioner system 64
Automatic climate control 67
Interior conveniences:
Glove compartment 70
Ashtray/Beverage holder 70
Cigarette lighter 70
Loading and transporting cargo:
Luggage compartment cover 71
Foldable rear backrest 71
Loading cargo 72
Roof-mounted luggage rack 73
Care and maintenance
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures 76
General driving notes 76
Refueling 77
Fuel specifications 78
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 78
Brake system 79
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure 80
Tire condition 82
Tire replacement 83
Wheel and tire combinations 84
Winter tires 85
Snow chains 85
15
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPS
Technology
that monitors itself
The system runs a check on the warning
and indicator lamps marked by "
l
" each
time you switch on the ignition. 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 how to react correctly to this
below.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current
l
The battery is no longer being
charged. Indicates a defective alter-
nator drive belt or a problem with the
charge circuit. Please contact the nearest
MINI center.
If this lamp lights up, the power-assist for
steering can be deactivated.
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
l
Stop immediately. Switch off
engine. Check the engine oil and
top up as required. Please contact the
nearest MINI center.
Do not continue driving, otherwise,
the engine could be damaged
because of inadequate lubrication.
<
Brake warning lamp
l
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
Check the brake fluid level. Before driving
further, be sure to comply with the infor-
mation on pages 79, 57 and 92.
Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models.
With navigation system option:
Coolant temperature warning
lamp in the speedometer
l
If the lamp comes on while oper-
ating the vehicle, the engine has over-
heated. Switch off the engine immediately
and allow to cool down, see also page 56.
22
KEYS
Depending on the equipment fitted, your
MINI has up to three key variations:
1 Master key with remote control and
battery
If the battery is discharged, please
consult your MINI center. Battery
changing, see next column.
<
2 Door and ignition key
This key can only be used to open the
doors mechanically
3 Spare key for storage in a safe place, such
as in your wallet. This key is not intended
for constant use
Changing battery
Replace if it is no longer possible to unlock
the vehicle via the remote control.
Only use a battery of the type speci-
fied on the battery (CR 2032) and
make absolutely sure that it is fitted in the
correct position.
<
1. Apply a screwdriver at the recess
2. Use the screwdriver to lever out the
cover.
Return used batteries to a recycling
point or your MINI center.
<
Initializing the master key with remote
control
When you activate a master key with
remote control (replacement, additional
key or after a battery change), it must be
initialized.
This initialization can be performed in two
ways:
Press button 1 or button 2, see page 24,
four times in succession
or
if the vehicle is unlocked:
1. Switch the ignition on briefly (position 2)
and then off
2. Within 10 seconds, press button 1 and
button 2, see page 24, in succession.
In the event of a system malfunction,
please contact your MINI center. You
can also obtain replacement keys and
batteries there.
<
26
OPENING AND CLOSING Ð FROM INSIDE With this switch, you operate the central
locking system when the doors are closed.
The doors and tailgate are unlocked or
locked only.
The anti-theft system is not activated. Also,
the fuel filler door remains unlocked to
allow refueling.
If the remote control has been used
to unlock only the driver's door, see
page 24, and you touch the switch when
the driver's door is open, the other door,
the tailgate, and the fuel filler door are
unlocked.
If the driver's door is closed, touching the
switch locks it.<
The central locking system can be
locked automatically as soon as you
begin to drive if you desire. This can be
adjusted to be vehicle-specific.<
To unlock and open the doors1. Touch the switch for the central locking
system
2. Pull the door handle above the armrest
or
pull the door handle for each door twice: to
unlock first and then open.Convenience opening modeFrom ignition key position 1:
Hold the switch in the "Unlock" position.
The windows and sliding/tilt sunroof open.
Convenience closing is not possible
by means of the central locking
system. You should therefore close all the
windows and the sliding/tilt sunroof indi-
vidually.<
To lockTouch the switch for the central locking
system
or
press the individual safety lock buttons
down.
Children might be able to 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.<
28
ELECTRIC POWER WINDOWSOpen and close windowsFrom ignition key position 1:
To open:
Press the switch downwards.
The window opens until you release the
switch
or
briefly press the switch downwards.
The window opens automatically.
Pressing the switch again stops the opera-
tion.
To close:
Press the switch upwards.
The window closes until you release the
switch
or
when the engine is running:
Briefly press the switch upwards.
The window closes automatically.
Pressing the switch again stops the opera-
tion.
The window on the front passenger
side cannot be closed automati-
cally.<
Watch during the closing process to
be sure that no one is injured.<
After the ignition has been switched off:
You can use the electric power windows as
long as no one opens any of the doors.
If a door is opened during operation, the
opening/closing process stops immedi-
ately.
When leaving the vehicle, always
remove the ignition key from the
lock and remember to close the doors to
prevent children from operating the power
windows and injuring themselves, etc.<
For the convenience mode via the door
lock, refer to page 25.
29
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
SLIDING/TILT SUNROOF
*
To prevent injuries, exercise care
when closing the sliding/tilt sunroof
and keep it in your field of vision until it is
shut.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the ignition key from the lock and
remember to close the doors to prevent
children from operating the sunroof and
injuring themselves, etc.
Be sure that adequate clearance is main-
tained for the opening path of the sliding/
tilt sunroof, otherwise damage can occur.<
For the convenience mode via the door
lock, refer to page 25.
Raising Ð Opening Ð ClosingFrom ignition key position 1:To raise:Press the switch
or
push the switch backwards to the resis-
tance point.Opening and closing1. Push the switch in the desired direction
until you feel resistance and hold in this
position
2. Release the switch when the desired
position has been reached.
Do not use force to close the sliding/
tilt sunroof in its raised position, as
damage to the mechanism could result.<
After the ignition has been switched off:
You can still operate the sliding/tilt sunroof
for up to one minute, as long as no one
opens any of the doors.
If a door is opened during operation, the
opening/closing stops immediately.
Automatic opening and closingTo open:
Push the switch past the resistance point:
The sunroof opens completely
To close:
1. Push the switch past the resistance
point:
The sunroof closes to the raised position
2. Push the switch again:
The sunroof closes completely.
Touching the switch briefly during opening
or closing stops the movement immedi-
ately.
34
HEATED SEATS
*
HEAD RESTRAINTS
The seat cushion and backrest can be
heated with the ignition key in position 2.
Select the temperature setting:
Press each button briefly.
Direct deactivation from second tempera-
ture setting.
Press the button for a longer period.
Adjusting the head restraintsTo raise: pull the head restraint upward.
To lower: press the button and push the
head restraint downward.
You can reduce the risk of spinal
injury and whiplash by adjusting the
head restraint to a height at which it is
centered roughly at ear level.
2. Press the button and remove the head
restraint at the same time.
Installation1. Press the button and at the same time
insert the head restraint in the reception
points
2. Adjust the head restraint.
To avoid possible violation of
traffic laws, never retract the head
restraints unless the rear seats are empty.
Always ensure that the head restraints are
raised before transporting passengers in
the rear seat.<
36
MIRRORS Adjusting exterior mirrors1 Switch for choosing between the left and
right mirror
2 Switch for 4-way adjustment.
Manual adjustmentThe mirrors can also be adjusted manually:
Press the edge of the lens.Electric heating*Both mirrors are heated automatically
when the ignition key is in position 2.
Interior rearview mirror To reduce glare from vehicles behind you
when you are driving at night:
Tilt the lever forward.Illuminated vanity mirrorFrom ignition key position 1:
1. Fold down the sun visor
2. Fold the cover panel upwards.Sun visorsCan be swung sideways.