Opening and closing
26
Take the old battery to a battery collection
point or to your MINI Dealer.<
Windows
To prevent injuries, exercise care when
closing the windows and keep them in
your field of vision until they are shut.
Take the remote control with you when you
leave the car, otherwise children could operate
the electric windows and possibly injure them-
selves.<
If, after a window is opened and closed
several times in close succession, the win-
dow can only be closed and not opened, the sys-
tem is overheated. Let the system cool for sev-
eral minutes with the ignition switched on or the
engine running.<
Opening, closing
>Press the switch downwards.
The window opens until you release the
switch.
>Tap the switch downwards.
The window opens automatically if the igni-
tion is switched on. Briefly press the switch
again to stop the opening movement.
To close, press the switch upwards. The window
closes until you release the switch.
After switching off the ignition
When the ignition is switched off, the windows
can still be operated for approx. 1 minute as
long as no door is opened.
For information on convenient operation via the
remote control or door lock, page20 or21.Take the key with you when you leave the
car, otherwise children could operate the
electric windows and possibly injure them-
selves.<
Glass sunroof, electric*
The glass sunroof is operational when the igni-
tion is switched on, page35.
To prevent injuries, exercise care when
closing the glass sunroof and keep it in
your field of vision until it is shut.
Take the key with you when you leave the car,
otherwise children could operate the sunroof
and possibly injure themselves.<
Raising
With the ignition switched on, press the switch
back beyond the pressure point.
Both closed sunroofs are automatically raised.
Opening, closing
With the glass sunroof raised, press the switch
back as far as the pressure point and hold it
there.
The front glass sunroof opens.
The rear glass sunroof is closed.
Releasing the switch stops the movement.
The glass sunroof can be closed in the same way
by pressing the switch forward.
The front glass sunroof remains in a raised posi-
tion. The rear glass sunroof is raised. Pressing on
the switch again closes both sunroofs com-
pletely.
Convenient operation via door lock or conve-
nient access, refer to page20,21,24.
ProCarManuals.com
Driving
36
Starting the engine
Do not allow the engine to run in enclosed
spaces; otherwise inhalation of the nox-
ious exhaust gases can lead to unconsciousness
and death. Exhaust gases contain carbon mon-
oxide, an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic
gas. Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, otherwise such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.
Before leaving the car with the engine running,
place the transmission in idle or move the selec-
tor lever to position P and apply the parking
brake to prevent the car from moving.<
When starting the engine, do not depress the
accelerator pedal.
Do not let the engine warm up with the vehicle
at a standstill. Move off immediately at a moder-
ate engine speed.
The engine is started immediately when
you briefly press the start/stop button and
depress the brake if the car has automatic trans-
mission, or the clutch if the car has manual
transmission. Do not depress either the brake or
the clutch until you are ready to start the
engine.<
Manual transmission
1.Depress the brake or apply the parking
brake.
2.Depress the clutch.
3.Briefly press the start/stop button.
The starter operates automatically for a certain
time, and stops automatically as soon as the
engine has started.
Automatic transmission
1.Depress the brake.
2.Move the selector lever to position P.
3.Briefly press the start/stop button.
The starter operates automatically for a certain
time, and stops automatically as soon as the
engine has started.
Special starting conditions
In the following situations, press the accelerator
pedal halfway down when starting the engine:
>If the engine does not start on the first
attempt, for instance when it is extremely
hot or cold.
>If the engine is started at very low tempera-
tures, below approx. + 57/–156, at high
altitudes above approx. 3,300 ft/1,000 m.
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion or repeated start attempts in which
the engine does not start. Otherwise, the fuel is
not burned or inadequately burned and there is
a danger of overheating and damaging the cat-
alytic converter.<
Switching off the engine
Always take the key with you when you
leave the vehicle.
When parking on a downhill incline, apply the
parking brake, otherwise the vehicle could roll
away.<
Manual transmission
1.Depress the brake or apply the parking
brake.
2.With the car at a standstill, briefly press the
start/stop button.
3.Shift into first gear or reverse.
Automatic transmission
1.With the car at a standstill, move the selector
lever to position P.
2.Briefly press the start/stop button.
3.Apply the parking brake.
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ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
77
that the radiation which results from transmis-
sion will be dissipated from the vehicle inte-
rior.<
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 sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can
cause partial or complete loss of tire contact
with the road surface, so that the car cannot be
steered or braked properly.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page91.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not 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.<
Parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-
wise greater clutch wear will result.<
For information on driving off using Hill Start
Assist
*, refer to page55.
Braking safely
Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a
situation which requires full braking, it is best to
brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the
vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you
can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with
the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that
ABS is actively taking effect.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger other
road users. The heat generated in this process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that
Then full braking force will be immediately avail-
able when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mode of the automatic transmis-
sion, page38.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in idle or with the
engine switched off; otherwise, engine braking
action will not be present or there will be no
power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
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 tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic climate
control is in operation, and then exits under the
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ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
119
Indication in Canadian models
Indicator lamp1 flashes:
Engine malfunction under high load.
High engine load will result in dam-
age to the catalytic converterYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the vehicle
checked without delay.
Indicator lamp1 comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse
effect on exhaust emissionsYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
Lights up in red:
Engine overheating Carefully bring the car to a stop,
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down. Do not open the bonnet,
otherwise there would be a risk of
injury by scalding. Contact your MINI
Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Engine too hot Continue driving at more moderate
speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked with-
out delay if the situation reoccurs.
Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunctionSwitch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers. Have the battery checked
without delay.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connectedHave the battery checked as soon as
possible.
12Cause What to do
ProCarManuals.com
Indicator and warning lamps
124
Lights up in red:
>Transmission limp-home pro-
gram active with restricted range
of gears, possibly with reduced
acceleration You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system
checked without delay.
>Gears can be engaged without
depressing the brakeAlways depress the brake to engage a
gear.
>Automatic selector lever locked Overriding the selector lever lock,
page39
Lights up in yellow: Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
>Automatic selector lever locked:
Selector lever locked in position P
with engine running and brake
depressed orOverriding the selector lever lock,
page39
>brake signal malfunctioning: gear
can be engaged without depress-
ing the brakeTo engage a gear while the vehicle is
at a standstill, always depress the
brake. Before leaving the vehicle,
move the selector lever to position P
and switch off the engine.
Lights up in red:
Transmission overheating Bring the car to a stop and move the
selector lever to position P. Allow the
transmission to cool down. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Have the system checked if the situa-
tion reoccurs.
Lights up in yellow:
Transmission too hot Avoid high engine loads. You can con-
tinue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Vehicle not prevented from rolling
12Cause What to do
ProCarManuals.com
From A to Z
136
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances72
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption45
Consumption display
– average fuel consumption45
Control Display
– settings46
Controls and displays10
Convenience start, refer to
Starting the engine36
Convenient access24
– replacing the battery25
– what to observe before
entering a car wash25
Convenient operation
– windows20
Coolant96
– checking level96
– filling96
Coolant temperature44
Cooling, maximum67
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant96
Cruising range45
Cup holders72
Curb weight, refer to
Weights132
Current fuel consumption46
D
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting62
Data130
– capacities133
– dimensions131
– engine130
– weights132
Date
– setting51
Daytime running lamps60
Deactivating front passenger
airbags57Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20
Defect
– door lock21
– fuel filler door84
Defogging windows66,67
Defrosting windows66,67
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner66
– automatic climate control67
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows66,67
Differential, breaking in76
Digital clock44
Dimensions131
Dipstick, engine oil95
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals39
Displacement, refer to Engine
data130
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting62
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– of coolant96
– remote control battery26
– vehicle battery111
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements49
Distance warning, refer to PDC
Park Distance Control53
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Door lock21
Door lock, confirmation
signals20
Doors, manual operation21
DOT Quality Grades90
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders72
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Start Assist55
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button39Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams59
Driving notes76
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Start Assist55
Driving stability control
systems53
Driving through water77
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes76
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function68
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control54
E
Electrical malfunction
– door lock21
– fuel filler door84
Electronic brake-force
distribution54
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock21
– fuel filler door84
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission39
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance112
Engine
– breaking in76
– data130
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature44
– speed130
– starting36
– starting, convenient
access24
– switching off36
Engine compartment95
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant96
ProCarManuals.com
ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
139
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals20
– from inside22
– from outside19
Low beams59
– automatic59
– replacing bulb103
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support29
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo area23
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Tailgate23
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack80
Lumbar support29
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires93
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system98
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control51
Manual air distribution65
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic38
Manual operation
– door lock21
– fuel filler door84
– tailgate23
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission39
Manual transmission37
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling67
Maximum speed
– with winter tires93
Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch112
Microfilter
– for air conditioner66
– for automatic climate
control68
– MINI Maintenance System98Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance System98
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System98
Mirror dimming feature32
Mirrors31
– exterior mirrors31
– heating31
– interior rearview mirror32
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest71
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest71
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobile phones in the
vehicle76
Mobility System106
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor55
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher39
– refer to Wiper system40
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints30
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments71
New tires92
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data130
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope114
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
Onboard Diagnosis98
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications85
Odometer44
Oil, refer to Engine oil95
Oil consumption95
Oil level95
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal111
Onboard tool kit102
Opening and closing
– convenient access24
– from inside22
– from outside19
– using the door lock21
– via the remote control19
Opening and unlocking
– from inside22
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation68
Outlets, refer to Air vents64
Output, refer to Engine
data130
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control67
Outside temperature
display44
– changing the unit of
measure47
– on computer47
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature44
P
Paintwork, care100
Parking
– vehicle36
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park
Distance Control53
Parking brake37
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb104
Parking lamps/low beams59
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle5
ProCarManuals.com