3OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Driving:
Ignition lock53
Starting the engine53
Switching off the engine54
Parking brake54
Manual transmission55
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
Parking lamps/Low beams60
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher61
Instrument lighting62
Fog lamps62
Interior lamps62
Washer/wiper system63
Washer fluid64
Cruise control65
Everything under control:
Odometer67
Clock67
Fuel gauge67
Coolant temperature gauge68
Tachometer69
Service interval display69
Onboard computer70Technology for safety and driving
convenience:
Driving stability control systems72
Flat Tire Monitor74
Airbags76
Park Distance Control (PDC)78
Controlling the climate for pleasant
driving:
Air conditioning system79
Automatic climate control82
Interior conveniences:
Glove compartment85
Center armrest85
Drinks holders, ashtray86
Cigarette lighter, 12 V power supply87
Integrated universal remote control88
Loading and transporting cargo:
Luggage compartment in the MINI90
Luggage compartment in the MINI
Convertible91
Loading cargo92
Roof-mounted luggage rack95
OPERATION, CARE, MAINTENANCESpecial operating instructions:
Break-in procedures98
General driving notes98
Refueling101
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure104
Tire coding108
Tire condition109
Run-Flat Tires111
New wheels and tires112
Snow chains113
7OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Editorial noticeThe manufacturer pursues a policy of con-
tinuous, ongoing development that is con-
ceived to ensure that MINI vehicles con-
tinue to embody the highest quality and
safety standards combined with advanced,
state-of-the-art technology. For this rea-
son, the features described in this Owner's
Manual could, in rare cases, differ from
those in your vehicle.For your own safetyFuels:
Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels
containing up to and including 10 %
ethanol or other oxygenates with up to
2.8 % oxygen by weight, i.e. 15 % MTBE or
3 % methanol plus an equivalent amount of
co-solvent, will not void the applicable war-
ranties with respect to defects in materials
or workmanship. Field experience has indi-
cated significant differences in fuel quality,
i.e. volatility, composition, additives, etc.,
among gasolines offered for sale in the
United States and Canada. The use of
poor-quality fuels may result in driveabil-
ity, starting and stalling problems espe-
cially under certain environmental condi-
tions, such as high ambient temperature
and high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems which you suspect could be related to
the fuel you are using, we recommend that
you respond by switching to a recognized
high-quality brand.
Failure to comply with these recommenda-
tions may result in unscheduled mainte-
nance.
Obey pertinent safety rules when you are
handling gasoline.<
Maintenance and repair:
Advanced technology, e.g. the use of
modern materials and powerful elec-
tronics, requires specially adapted mainte-
nance and repair methods. Have the neces-
sary work on your MINI carried out by a
MINI Dealer or a workshop that has spe-
cially trained personnel working in accor-
dance with the specifications of the MINI
manufacturer. Work that is improperly car-
ried out could result in consequential dam-
age and pose safety hazards.<
California Proposition 65 warning:
California laws require us to state the fol-
lowing warning.
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of
automobile components and parts,
including components found in the interior
furnishings in a vehicle, contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain flu-
ids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling. Used
engine oil contains chemicals that have
caused cancer in laboratory animals.
Always protect your skin by washing thor-
oughly with soap and water.<
NOTES
13
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
1Tachometer69
with indicator and warning lamps,
page16ff
2 Display for onboard computer70
without onboard computer:
Display of outside temperature and cur-
rent speed
3 Speedometer with indicator and warn-
ing lamps, page16 ff4Indicator for
>Odometer67
>Trip odometer67
>Service interval69
>Program indicator for automatic
transmission with Steptronic57
>Clock
5 Trip odometer, reset to zero67
Setting the clock676 Fuel gauge68
7 Engine coolant temperature gauge68DISPLAY ELEMENTS
15
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
DISPLAY ELEMENTS WITH NAVIGATION SYSTEM
* OR COCKPIT CHRONO PACK
*
1 Indicator and warning lamps, page16 ff
2 Fuel gauge68
For more information about the navigation
system, refer to the Owner's Manual for
Navigation System.3 Engine oil temperature
4 Engine oil pressure
5Coolant temperature6 Indicator and warning lamps, page16 ff
7 Fuel gauge68
24
KEYS CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEMDepending on your vehicle's equipment
vesion, you will have received the following
keys:
1 Master keys with remote control
2Spare keyMaster keys with remote controlIn every master key with remote control,
there is an extended-life battery as a power
supply that is charged automatically in the
ignition lock as you drive.
You should therefore use each master key
at least twice a year to maintain the charge
status.
Depending on which master key the vehicle
detects when it is unlocked, different set-
tings will be called up and executed inside
the vehicle, refer to Vehicle Memory on
page49.Spare keyFor keeping in a safe place, e.g. in your wal-
let. This key is not intended for constant
use.
The conceptThe central locking system is ready for
operation whenever the driver's door is
closed. The doors, the tailgate and the fuel
filler door are unlocked or locked.
The central locking system locks or unlocks
your vehicle:
>When operated from the outside via the
remote control as well as via the door
lock
>When operated from the inside via a
switch
>The vehicle is unlocked automatically
when the ignition key is pulled out of the
ignition switch.
If operated from outside, the anti-theft sys-
tem is activated at the same time. This pre-
vents the doors from being unlocked via
safety lock buttons or door handles.
In the event of a sufficiently severe acci-
dent, the central locking system unlocks
automatically. The hazard warning flashers
and interior lamps are also switched on.
27
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
OPENING AND CLOSING: FROM OUTSIDEMalfunctionLocal radio waves can interfere with func-
tions of the remote control.
If this occurs, lock and unlock the vehicle
via a door lock.
In the event of a system malfunction,
please contact your MINI Dealer. You can
also obtain replacement keys there.
If it is no longer possible to lock the
vehicle with the remote control, then
the battery is discharged. Use the corre-
sponding key for a longer journey so that
its battery can be recharged.<
Via the door lock1. Turn the key.
The driver's door is unlocked.
2. Turn the key again.
All other doors, the tailgate and the fuel
filler door are unlocked.
You can have this function activated/
deactivated.<
When the vehicle is locked, the hazard
warning flashers flash once.
When the vehicle is unlocked, the hazard
warning flashers flash twice
*.
Manual operationIn the event of an electrical malfunction,
the driver's door can be unlocked or locked
by turning the key in the door lock to the
end positions.Convenience closing via the door lockYou can also close the power windows,
glass sunroof or the convertible top via the
door lock.
With the door closed, hold the key in the
locking position.
In the MINI Convertible, the convertible top
is closed first and then the side windows.
You can have the closing of the win-
dows and glass sunroof via the door
lock activated/deactivated.<
28
OPENING AND CLOSING: FROM INSIDEThis switch locks or unlocks the doors and
tailgate when the front doors are closed,
but the anti-theft system is not activated.
The fuel filler door remains unlocked.
To lock>Briefly press the switch downward or
>push down the safety lock button on the
passenger door. To prevent yourself from
being locked outside the vehicle acciden-
tally, the driver's door cannot be locked
with its safety lock button while it is
open.
After you have driven off, the central
locking system automatically locks
your vehicle once a certain speed has been
reached.<
You can have this function activated/
deactivated and the speed set.<
People or animals inside the vehicle
could 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.<
To unlock and open the doors1. Briefly press the switch upward
2. Pull the respective door handle above
the armrest or pull the door handle
twice on each door:
The first pull unlocks the door, the sec-
ond opens it.Convenience opening modePress the central locking switch and hold it
pressed.
MINI:
Windows and glass sunroof are opened.
MINI Convertible:
Windows and sliding sunroof are opened.
To open the convertible top:
Release the switch, then press it upwards
until the convertible top is completely open
and the windows are again closed.
49
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
VEHICLE MEMORYHow the system functionsNo doubt you have often reflected on how
great it would be if you could configure
your vehicle's various adjustment settings
to meet your own personal requirements.
In developing this vehicle, the manufac-
turer of the MINI has incorporated a num-
ber of options which can be programmed
specifically for your vehicle.What the system can doYour MINI Dealer can provide you with
details on the capabilities of the Vehicle
Memory system.
Examples for Vehicle Memory:
>Automatic locking if none of the vehicle
doors are opened, refer to page26
>Automatic locking after starting to drive,
refer to page28
>Selective central locking system, refer to
pages26, 27
>Convenience operation, refer to
pages26, 27
>Pathway lighting, refer to page60
>Daytime running lamps, refer to page61
>Speed-dependent windshield wipers,
refer to page63
>Setting units for outside temperature
and fuel consumption display, refer to
page70>Setting units for display of temperatures
specified for automatic climate control
system, refer to page84
>Volume control PDC, refer to page78
>Acoustic alarm for starting PDC activa-
tion, refer to page78.
This symbol alerts you to Vehicle
Memory functions in the Owner's
Manual.<
After memory functions have been
reconfigured, your vehicle may oper-
ate slightly differently from the descrip-
tions used in this Owner's Manual. If you
decide to sell your vehicle one day, please
remember to have the memory functions
reset to their default configuration.<