51
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
IGNITION LOCK
STARTING THE ENGINE
0 Steering locked
The key can be inserted or removed in this
position only.To lock the steering:1. Remove the key2. Turn the steering wheel slightly to the
left or right until the lock engages.A sound alarm goes off if the key remains in
the ignition after opening the driver's door.Interlock Vehicles with Continuously Variable auto
-
matic Transmission (CVT):
The ignition key cannot be turned to
position
0 and removed until the selector
lever is in position
P.
1 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.
2 Ignition switched on
All electrical accessories are ready for oper
-
ation.3 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.
When driving, standing at idle, and parking
the vehicle, take care to avoid contact
between the hot exhaust system and flam
-
mable materials, e.g. hay, grass, leaves, etc.
Such contact could lead to a fire resulting in
serious personal injury and property dam
-
age.
vehicle at a standstill. Move off immedi
-
ately at a moderate engine speed.
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52
STARTING THE ENGINE
SWITCHING OFF THE ENGINE
StartingWhen starting the engine, do not press the
accelerator pedal.
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.
hot or cold:When starting the engine, press the gas
pedal down halfway.Cold start at very low temperatures, above
approx. +5
7
/ –15
6, at high altitudes
above 3,300
ft / 1,000 m:
>For the initial start attempt, allow the
starter to remain engaged somewhat
longer, approx. 10
seconds.
>When starting the engine, press the gas
pedal down halfway.
Manual transmission1. Engage the parking brake2. Put the manual gearshift lever in neutral3. Depress the clutch pedal, especially at
low temperatures4. Start the engine.
Move the gearshift lever to neutral position and engage the parking
brake before leaving your vehicle with the
engine running.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the engine running. This is a safety haz
-
ard.
P or N
3. Start the engine.
Move the selector lever to position
P
and engage the parking brake before
leaving your vehicle with the engine run
-
ning.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the engine running. This is a safety haz
-
ard.<
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.
Continuously Variable automatic
Transmission (CVT)Engage selector lever position
P, turn the
ignition key to position
1 or 0.
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54
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (CVT)
*
Reverse gearBefore selecting reverse gear, ensure the
vehicle is stationary; then, fully depress the
clutch pedal and pause briefly before mov
-
ing 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.As you do this, the backup lamps will come
on automatically when the ignition key is
in position
2.
Do not hold the vehicle in place on slopes by slipping or 'riding' the
clutch. Use the parking brake instead. Oth
-
erwise, a high degree of clutch wear could
result.<
In addition to the fully automatic mode,
you can shift gears manually using Step
-
tronic, refer to page
55.
Selector lever positionsP R N D M/S
+ –
Range selection Inadvertent engaging of certain selector
lever positions is prevented by a lock.Press the button on the front side of the
selector lever knob. The lock is released.
While the vehicle is stationary, and before shifting out of P or N, press the
brake pedal in order to disengage the selec
-
tor lever lock mechanism, shiftlock.
If the engine speed is too high when the
vehicle is at a standstill, the selector lever is
also blocked to protect the transmission.
Hold the brake pedal down until starting
off. Otherwise the vehicle will 'creep' when
a drive position is engaged.<
To prevent the vehicle from starting off on its own, always move the
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62
CRUISE CONTROL
*
Press and hold button
3.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure
on the accelerator pedal. When you release
the button, the system maintains and
stores the current speed.
If, on a downhill gradient, the engine braking effect is not sufficient, the
controlled speed may be exceeded. Speed
can drop on uphill grades if the engine out
-
put is insufficient.
If you are already driving with active cruise
control, the speed is decreased by approx.
1 mph
/ 2
km/h every time you briefly tap
the button.
Press and hold button
4.
With the cruise control active, the system
automatically reduces the throttle opening
to slow the vehicle. When you release the
button, the system maintains and stores
the current speed.To cancel the cruise controlThe cruise control is automatically can
-
celed:
>When the brakes are applied>When the clutch pedal is depressed>If the cruising speed is either exceeded or
not met for an extended length of time,
for example if you press the accelerator
pedal and exceed the stored speed.The indicator lamp stays lit.
You can use the cruise control again as
required.On the multifunction steering wheel, the
cruise control can be interrupted manually:When the system is activated, press
button
2.
To continue cruise controlPress button
1.
The vehicle accelerates to and maintains
the last speed stored.
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92
BREAK-IN PROCEDURES To ensure that your vehicle provides maxi
-
mum economy throughout a long service
life, we request that you comply with the
following information: EngineUp to 1,250
miles
/ 2,000
km:
Drive at varying engine and road speeds,
but do not exceed the following engine or
road speeds:4,500
rpm or
95 mph
/ 150
km/h.
Comply with the local speed limits.Absolutely avoid putting the accelerator in
full-throttle or kickdown position.After having driven 1,250
miles
/ 2,000
km,
engine and road speeds can be gradually
increased.
TiresDue to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve
their full traction potential until after an
initial break-in period. Therefore drive care
-
fully during the first 200
miles
/ 300
km.
Brake systemApprox. 300
miles
/ 500
km must be driven
before the brake pads and rotors achieve
the optimum pad-surface and wear pat
-
terns required for trouble-free operation
and an extended service life.ClutchRoughly 300
miles
/ 500
km must be driven
before the clutch starts to operate at opti
-
mum efficiency. Remember to engage the
clutch carefully during this initial period.After a part replacementYou should again comply with these break-
in procedures if parts mentioned above
have to be replaced later in the vehicle's
life.
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96
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.<
Disc brakesWhen the vehicle is driven only occasion
-
ally, during extended periods when the
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 rotors and pads. Then if the braking
force is needed, it is immediately available.Driving downhill
To prevent overheating and the resulting reduced efficiency of the
brake system, drive down extended or
steep mountain gradients in the gear
which requires the least brake applications.
Otherwise, even light but consistent pedal
pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake fail
-
ure.
ther utilized by downshifting, to first gear if
necessary, in the manual mode of the auto
-
matic transmission, refer to page
55. This
protects the brakes from excessive loads.
Do not coast with the clutch pedal pressed or with the transmission or
selector lever in Neutral. Do not coast with
the engine switched off. The engine pro
-
vides no braking effect when the transmis
-
sion is in Neutral, and there is no power-
assist for braking or steering when the
engine is switched off.
Make sure that there are no floor mats,
floor carpets or other objects in the vicinity
of the brake or accelerator pedal, as the
travel path of the pedals could otherwise
be impeded.
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
18.
Use brake pads which the manufac
-
turer of your MINI has approved for
your particular vehicle model. The manu
-
facturer of your MINI cannot 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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137
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
TOWING AND TOW-STARTINGWith a tow bar:
The towing vehicle must not be lighter than the vehicle being towed;
otherwise, vehicle handling can no longer
be controlled.<
The towing eyelets of both vehicles should
be on the same side. If the tow bar can only
be used in a diagonal position, please note
the following:>Clearance and maneuverability will be
strictly limited in corners>The inclination of the tow bar produces
lateral force.
Only attach the tow bar to the towing eyelets. Other parts of the vehicles
could otherwise be damaged.<
With a tow rope: When the towing vehicle is driving off,
make sure that the tow rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or straps for towing because they prevent sudden jerking
movements. Attach the tow rope only to
the towing eyelets. Other parts of the vehi
-
cles could otherwise be damaged.<
With a tow truck:Have the MINI or MINI Convertible trans
-
ported by a tow truck with a lift sling, or on
a flatbed.
Only tow vehicles with Continuously Variable automatic Transmission
(CVT) with the front wheels raised or on a
special transport vehicle, otherwise the
transmission can be damaged.
Do not lift the vehicle by the towing eyelet,
nor by parts of the body or chassis. Other
-
wise damage could result.<
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with Con
-
tinuously Variable automatic Trans
-
mission (CVT).
Jump-starting, refer to page
134
.<
Only tow-start vehicles with catalytic con
-
verters if the engine is cold. It is better to
have the engine jump-started, refer to
page
134
.
1. Turn on the hazard warning flashers;
comply with national regulations2. Turn the ignition key to position
2
3. Engage the 3rd
gear
4. Have the vehicle towed with the clutch
pedal completely depressed and then
slowly release the clutch pedal. After the
engine has started, immediately depress
the clutch pedal again completely5. Pull over at a suitable location, remove
the tow bar or tow rope, and turn off the
hazard warning flashers6. Have the vehicle checked.
ProCarManuals.com
EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
149
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Brakes
96
ABS
70
brake fluid
111
brake pads
96
break-in procedures
92
handbrake
53
indicator/warning
lamps
16, 17, 18
Breaking in
92
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs
121
Buttons in multifunction
steering wheel
20
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT)
56
C California Proposition 65
warning
7
Capacities
145
Car care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle
113
Car keys, refer to Keys
24
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
82
Car wash
113
Car wash, refer to Washing
your vehicle
113
Car-care products
113
Care of plastics
114
Care of synthetic leather
114
Care, vehicle
113
Cargo area cover, refer to
Luggage compartment
cover
85
Cargo area, refer to Luggage
compartment in the MINI
85
Cargo area, refer to Luggage
compartment in the MINI
Convertible
86
Carpet care
115
Cassette operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system
93
CBC Cornering Brake Control
70
CD changer, refer to Owner's Manual for Radio
CD operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Central locking system
24
interior
28
Changing bulbs
121
Changing the wiper
blades
120
, 121
Changing tires
127
space-saver spare tire
125
Charge-current indicator
light
16
Child seat, refer to Installing
child-restraint systems
49
Children, transporting
48
Child-restraint mounting
system, LATCH
50
Child-restraint systems
48
Chock, folding
space-saver spare tire
125
Chrome parts, refer to Caring
for your vehicle
114
Chrome-plated parts, care
114
Cigarette lighter
82
Cigarette lighter socket
82
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated air mode
76, 79
Cleaning the rear window
60
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
113
Clock
63
12-hour/24-hour mode
63
changing the time
63
Closing
from inside
28
from outside
25
Clothes hooks
93
Clutch
51
break-in procedures
92
Cockpit
12
Coding, tires
99
Cold start, refer to
Starting the engine
52
Compact disk operation, refer to Owner's Manual for Radio
Compartments
81
Computer, refer to Onboard
computer
66
Condensed water, refer to Air
conditioning
76, 79
Configuring settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory
47
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption
67
Current fuel consumption
67
Contents
2
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT)
54
ignition
51
indicator lamp
56
interlock
51
selector lever lock
54
shiftlock
54
towing
136
tow-starting
137
Control elements, refer to
Cockpit
12
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