
83
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
GENERAL DRIVING NOTESParking the vehicle Condensation forms in the air conditioner
system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed
water on the ground are therefore normal.Brakes
Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. Even light but
consistent pedal pressure can lead to high
temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water can form between tires and
road surface. This phenomenon is charac-
terized by a partial or complete loss of con-
tact between the tires and the road surface.
The ultimate results are loss of steering and
braking control.<
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 1 ft / 30 cm,
and then only at walking speed at the
most. Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the
electrical systems and the transmission
may be damaged.<
Clothes hooks
When suspending clothing from the
hooks, ensure that they will not
obstruct the driver's vision. Do not hang
heavy objects on the hooks. If you do so,
they could cause personal injury during
braking or evasive maneuvers.<
High temperatures
High temperatures occur in any vehi-
cle equipped with a catalytic con-
verter. Do not remove the heat protection
plates fitted in the area of the exhaust sys-
tem and do not apply body-cavity pro-
tectant to this area. When driving, standing
at idle, and parking the vehicle, take care to
avoid contact between the hot exhaust sys-
tem and flammable materials, e.g. hay,
grass, leaves, etc. Such contact could lead
to a fire resulting in serious personal injury
and property damage.<
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86
BRAKE SYSTEMBrake fluid levelIf the brake fluid level is too low and brake
pedal travel has become longer, there may
be a defect in one of the brake system's
hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest MINI Dealer.
Higher brake application pressure
may be necessary under these conditions,
there may be a slight pull to one side, and
brake pedal travel may be longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly.
vehicle is not used at all, and in operating
conditions where brake applications are
less frequent, there is an increased ten-
dency for corrosion of the brake rotors and
accumulation of contamination on the
brake pads. This occurs because the mini-
mal pressure that must be exerted by the
pads to clean the rotors by brake applica-
tions is not reached.
Corrosion on brake rotors is signaled by a
running or pulsation during braking; even
extended subsequent braking will not cure
this phenomenon.
It is a good idea to periodically dry the
brakes with a gentle application when driv-
ing in rain and on wet roads. Monitor traffic
conditions to ensure that this maneuver
does not endanger other road users. The
resulting heat dries the brake rotor and the
brake pads. Then if braking effect is
needed, it is immediately available.
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear or in the driv-
ing position in which only minimal periodic
brake application is required. This helps
avoid placing excessive loads on the brake
system. Stay within the allowable speed
range, refer to page 54.
Do not coast with the clutch pressed
or with the transmission or selector
lever in Neutral. Do not coast with the
engine switched off. The engine provides
no braking effect when the transmission is
in Neutral, and there is no power-assist for
braking when the engine is switched off.<
Brake padsBrake pad sensors in the left brake pads of
the front axle and in the right brake pads of
the rear axle monitor the brake pad condi-
tion. When the brake pads reach the wear
limit, the brake wear warning lights up,
refer to page 16.
For your own safety: use brake pads
which the manufacturer of your MINI
has approved for your particular vehicle
model. The manufacturer of your MINI can-
not evaluate non-approved brake pads to
determine if they are suitable for use, and
therefore cannot ensure the operating
safety of the vehicle in the event of their
use.<
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103
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLESuitable car-care products
Use the cleaning and car-care prod-
ucts available at your MINI Dealer.<
Washing your vehicleYou can wash your new MINI from the out-
set in automatic car washes. Preference
should be for cloth car washes. If, due to
lack of availability, brush car washes must
be used, modern systems with soft brushes
should be given preference.
When using steam cleaners or high-
pressure cleaners, maintain sufficient
distance to the vehicle and do not exceed a
maximum temperature of 1407/ 606 .
If the jet is too close or the pressure is too
high, this can lead to damage or initial
damage that can develop into more serious
damage. Water that enters vehicle compo-
nents can lead to damage over the long
term.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them, otherwise
water can reduce braking efficiency over
the short term and the brake rotors can cor-
rode.<
Switch the rain sensor off when pass-
ing through an automatic car wash,
refer to page 50. Failure to do so could
result in damage caused by undesired
wiper activation.<
Rod antenna
If necessary, for example before
entering a car wash or a garage with
elevator ramp, remove the rod antenna.
To do so, grip the rod antenna at the base
and unscrew it from the antenna foot by
turning it to the left.<
Headlamps
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following: do not
rub them dry, and never use abrasives or
strong solvents. Remove dirt and contami-
nation, such as insects, by soaking with
shampoo and then rinsing with plenty of
water. Always use a deicer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow; never use a
scraper.<
Vehicle paintwork Regular care contributes greatly to driving
safety and value retention.
Environmental influences varying from one
region to the next can affect the vehicle
paintwork. Please base the frequency and
scope of car care on these various influ-
ences.Care of upholsteryDepressions that come about on the uphol-
stery material of the seats in daily use can
be brushed out using a slightly damp brush
against the grain.
The fact that velour lays down is not a qual-
ity defect, but rather is inevitable in the
case of home textiles or clothing materials.
In the case of strong sunlight and longer
parking periods, cover the seats or all win-
dows to prevent discoloration.
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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
139
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Brakes 86
ABS 61
brake fluid 101
break-in procedures 82
handbrake 43
indicator/warning
lamps 15, 16
Breaking in 82
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 111
Buttons in multifunction
steering wheel 18
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 46
C
California Proposition
65 warning 107
Capacities 135
Car care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle 103
Car keys, refer to Keys 22
Car radio, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Car telephone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner,
connecting, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket 74
Car wash 103 Car wash, refer to Washing
your vehicle 103
Car-care products 103
Care, vehicle 103
Cargo area 75
cover 75
emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation 27
foldable rear backrest 75
lid, refer to Tailgate 27
volume, refer to Weights 134
Cargo area lamps
bulb replacement 116
Cargo area net 77
Carpet care 104
Cassette operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Catalytic converter, refer to
High temperatures 83
CBC Cornering Brake Control 61
warning lamp 16
CD changer, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
CD operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Center high-mount brake lamp
bulb replacement 114
Central locking system 23
interior 26
Changing bulbs, refer to Lamps
and bulbs 111 Changing tires
space-saver spare tire 117
Charge-current indicator
light 15
Child seat, refer to Child-
restraint systems 38
Child-restraint systems 38
Chock, folding
MINI Mobility System 121
Run Flat tires 93
space-saver spare tire 117
Chrome parts, refer to Caring
for your vehicle 104
Chrome-plated parts, care 104
Cigarette lighter 74
Cigarette lighter socket 74
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated air mode 68, 71
Cleaning the rear window 51
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to
Caring for your vehicle 103
Clock 56
Closing
from inside 26
from outside 23
Clothes hooks 83
Clutch
break-in procedures 82
Cockpit 12
Cold start, refer to
Starting the engine 41 Compact disk operation, refer
to Owner's Manual for Radio
Compartments 73
Compression, refer to Engine
data 132
Compressor, refer to MINI
Mobility System
operation, refer to
Reinflating tires 122
storage location 110
Computer, refer to Onboard
computer 57
Condensed water, refer to Air
conditioning 68, 71
Configuring settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory 37
Consumption, refer to Average
consumption 58
Consumption, refer to Current
consumption 58
Contents 2
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 45
ignition 41
indicator lamp 47
interlock 41
selector lever lock 45
shiftlock 45
towing 129
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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
140
Control elements, refer to
Cockpit 12
Convenience operation
from outside 24, 25
glass sunroof, electric 29
window 28
Coolant 100
indicator lamp 15
level 100
temperature 55
Coolant temperature gauge 55
Cooling system, refer to
Capacities 135
Cooling, refer to Air
conditioning 68, 71
Copyright 2
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 61
warning lamp 16
Cosmetic mirror, refer to
Illuminated vanity mirror 36
Cruise control 52
indicator lamp 17
multifunction steering
wheel 18
sports steering wheel 18
Cup holders, refer to Beverage
holders 74
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 134 Current fuel consumption
setting units 58
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 132
D
Daily odometer, refer to Trip
odometer 54
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 49
Data, technical
dimensions 133
engine data 132
weights 134
Date of the Owner's Manual 7
Daytime driving lamps 48
Deep water, refer to Water on
roadways 83
Defrost setting, refer to
Defrosting and demisting
windows 69, 72
Defrosting and demisting
windows
air conditioning system 69
automatic climate control 72
Defrosting windows 69, 72
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 71
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting and demisting
windows 69, 72 Demisting windows 69, 72
Digital clock 56
Dimensions 133
Dimming interior rearview
mirror 37
Dipstick, engine oil 98
Directional turn signal,
refer to Turn signal
indicators 49
Disc brakes 86
Displacement, refer to Engine
data 132
Display elements 13
with navigation system 14
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 49
Disposal
oil 99
remote control battery 22
vehicle battery 124
Distance covered, refer to
Odometer 54
Door keys 24
Door lock 25
Doors, locking and unlocking
from inside 26
from outside 24
DOT quality grades 89
Draft-free ventilation 69, 72
Drink holders, refer to Beverage
holders 74 Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 48
Driving notes 83
break-in procedures 82
Driving stability control 59, 60
Dry air, refer to Air
conditioning 68, 71
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 60
indicator lamp 16
DVD changer, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 60
indicator lamp 16
Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 60
E
Easy entry to the rear 34
EBD Electronic Brake Force
Distribution 61
indicator lamp 16
Electric glass sunroof 29
Electric power windows 28
initializing 28
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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
142
Gasoline, refer to Fuel
quality 85
Gear indicator 47
Gearshift lever
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 45
manual transmission 44
General driving notes 83
Glass sunroof, electric 29
convenience
operation 24, 25
pinch protection 30
Glove compartment 73
Glove compartment lamp
bulb replacement 116
Gross weight, refer to
Weights 134
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 43
Hazard warning flashers 12
Head airbags 65
Head restraints 33
Headlamp flasher 49
indicator lamp 17
Headlamp washer
cleaning headlamps 51
washer fluid 98 Headlamp washer reservoir 98
capacity, refer to
Capacities 135
Headlamps
bulb replacement 112
care 103
cleaning 51
Heated mirrors 36
Heated rear window
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 71
Heating 67
exterior mirrors 36
rear window 68, 71
seats 35
windshield 68, 71
Heavy load, refer to Loading
cargo 77
Height adjustment
seats 32
steering wheel 36
Height, refer to
Dimensions 133
Hex wrench 121
High beams 49
bulb replacement 112
headlamp flasher 49
indicator lamp 17 High Performance Synthetic
Oil, refer to Engine oil 99
alternative oils 99
capacity 135
recommended oils 99
specified oils 99
High temperatures 83
Holders for beverages 74
Horn 12
Hydroplaning 83
I
Ice warning 57
Identification mark
Run Flat tires 93
Ignition 41
Ignition key 22
Ignition lock 41
Illuminated vanity mirror 36
Illumination
of instruments 49
Imitation leather 104
Imprint 2
Index 138
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview 15 Indicator/warning lamp
airbags 65
ASC 59
brakes 101
coolant temperature 55
DSC 60
fasten safety belts 35
Flat Tire Monitor 63
fog lamps 49
reserve fuel capacity 54, 55
Individual air distribution 72
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory 37
Inflation pressure monitor,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor 62
Inflation pressure, tires 87
Inspection 56
Instrument cluster, refer to
Display elements 13
Instrument lighting 49
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit 12
Interior lamps 50
bulb replacement 115
Interior rearview mirror 36
automatic dimming 37
Interior temperature
settings 68, 71
Interlock, refer to Steering
locked 41
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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
144
Multifunction sports steering
wheel 19
Multifunction steering
wheel 18
Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/
headlamp flasher 49
washer/wiper system 50
N
Navigation system, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Neck restraints, refer to Head
restraints 33
New tires 92
Non-smoker's equipment
package, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket 74
Nylon rope 128
O
OBD interface socket 106
Octane number, refer to Fuel
quality 85
Odometer 54
Oil 56
Oil change intervals, refer to
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil consumption 99
Oil filter change 135
Oil level 98
indicator/warning lamp 15
Oil level, measuring 98
Oil pressure
indicator/warning lamp 15
Oil, refer to Engine oil
alternative oils 99
capacity 135
dipstick 98
indicator/warning lamp 15
recommended oils 99
Onboard computer 57
Onboard tool kit 110
MINI Mobility System 121
space-saver spare tire 117
Opening and closing
from inside 26
from outside 23
via remote control 23
via the door lock 25
Outlets, refer to
Ventilation 67, 70
Outside temperature
display 57
changing units 57
in the onboard computer 57 P
Paintwork care, refer to Vehicle
paintwork 103
Park Distance Control (PDC) 64
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control (PDC) 64
Parking brake 43
warning lamp 16
Parking lamps 48
bulb replacement 112
Parking lamps/Low beams 48
Parking lock, refer to
Transmission lock 46
Parking the vehicle 83
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle 6
PDC Park Distance Control 64
Pinch protection
glass sunroof, electric 30
Plastic 104
Pollen, refer to
Microfilter 69
Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter 72
Power output, refer to Engine
data 132
Power supply, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket 74
Power windows 28
Pressure monitor, tires
Flat Tire Monitor 62 Pressure, tires 87
production using MINI
Mobility System 122
Pumping in liquid sealant 122
Q
Quality grades, refer to
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 89
R
Radiator, refer to Coolant 100
Radio, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Rain sensor 50
Range 58
Reading lamps 50
bulb replacement 115
Rear backrests
folding 75
Rear fog lamp 49
bulb replacement 113
indicator lamp 49
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps 113
bulb replacement 113, 114
Rear seats
adjusting head restraints 33
Rear shelf, refer to Cargo area
cover 75
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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
145
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Rear turn signal indicator
bulb replacement 113
Rear window wiper 51
replacement 111
Rearview mirror 36
Recirculated air mode
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 71
Reclining seat, refer to Backrest
tilt 33
Refueling 84
Remaining distance for
service 56
Remaining distance, refer to
Range 58
Remote control 23
changing battery 22
initializing 22
malfunctions 25
Remote control key, refer to
Master key with remote
control 22
Replacement key 22
Replacement of tires 92
changing tires 117
Reporting safety defects 9
Reserve indicator light, refer to
Fuel gauge 54, 55
Reservoir
washer system 98 Restraint systems
for children 38
refer to Safety belts 35
Reverse
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 46
manual transmission 44
Rod antenna 103
Roller sun blind 30
Roof load, refer to Weights 134
Roof-mounted luggage rack 78
Rope, refer to Towing 128
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run Flat
tires 93
Rubber parts 104
Run Flat tires 93
tire failure 93
tire inflation pressure 87
Runflat System Component
(RSC), refer to Run Flat
tires 93
S
Safety belt height
adjustment 35 Safety belts 35
care 104
height adjustment 35
safe seating position 31
warning lamp 16, 35
Safety lock buttons, doors,
refer to Locking 26
Safety systems, refer to
All Season traction Control
(ASC) 59
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 61
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 60
Screwdriver, refer to Onboard
tool kit 110
Seat adjustment 32
Seat heating 35
Securing loads, refer to Loading
cargo 76
Securing the load 77
Securing the vehicle
from inside 26
from outside 24
Selector lever
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 45 Selector lever positions
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 45
Selector lever shiftlock, refer to
Shiftlock 45
Service 56
Service interval display 56, 102
Service, refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models 102
Shifting
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 46
manual transmission 44
Shifting gears, refer to
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 45
Shiftlock, refer to Range
selection 45
Side airbags 65
Side turn signal indicators
bulb replacement 113
Signal horn, refer to Horn 12
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