
ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
 19
>Pathway lighting59
>Daytime running lamps60
>Triple turn signal activation40
>Audio volume, refer to separate Owner's 
Manual
>Speed-dependent volume, refer to separate 
Owner's Manual
Central locking system
The concept
The central locking system is ready for operation 
whenever the driver's door is closed.
The system simultaneously engages and 
releases the locks on the following:
>Doors
>Tailgate
>Fuel filler door
Operating from outside
>Via the remote control
>Via the door lock
>In cars with convenient access
*, via the door 
handles on the driver's and passenger's 
sides
The anti-theft system is also operated at the 
same time. It prevents the doors from being 
unlocked using the lock buttons or door han-
dles. The remote control can also be used to 
switch on/off the welcome lamps and interior 
lamps.
Operating from inside
Button for central locking system, page22.
In the event of a sufficiently severe accident, the 
central locking system unlocks automatically. In 
addition, the hazard warning flashers and inte-
rior lamps come on.
Opening and closing: 
from outside
Using the remote control
Persons or animals in a parked vehicle 
could lock the doors from the inside. Take 
the key with you when you leave the vehicle so 
that the vehicle can be opened from the out-
side.<
Unlocking
Press the   button.
The welcome lamps and interior lamps come on.
Unlocking mode
You can also set which parts of the car are 
unlocked. The setting is stored for the remote 
control in use.
1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page35.
2.Briefly press the button in the turn indicator 
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
3.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
4.Briefly press the button repeatedly until the 
symbol and "SET" are displayed. 

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
 21
8.Briefly press the button to select:
>
The hazard warning flashers light up dur-
ing unlocking/locking.
>
An acoustic signal sounds during unlock-
ing/locking.
>
The hazard warning flashers light up and 
an acoustic signal sounds during unlock-
ing/locking.
>
The function is deactivated.
9.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes. The setting is stored.
Switching on interior lamps
While the car is locked: 
Press the   button. 
You can also use this function to locate your 
vehicle in parking garages, etc.
Unlocking the tailgate
Press the   button.
In order to avoid damage, make sure 
there is sufficient clearance before open-
ing the tailgate.
A previously locked tailgate is locked again after 
closing.
Before and after each trip, check that the tail-
gate has not been inadvertently unlocked.<
Malfunctions
The remote control may malfunction due to 
local radio waves. If this occurs, unlock and lock 
the car at the door lock with the integrated key.
If the car can no longer be locked with a remote 
control, the battery in the remote control is dis-
charged. Use this remote control during an 
extended drive; this will recharge the battery, 
page18.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with 
part 15 of the FCC/Federal Communications Commission regulations. Operation is governed 
by the following:
FCC ID:
LX8766S 
LX8766E 
LX8CAS
Compliance statement: 
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC 
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two 
conditions:
>This device must not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and
>This device must accept any interference 
received, including interference that may 
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications or 
changes to these devices could void the 
user's authority to operate this equipment.<
Using the door lock
You can set which parts of the car are unlocked, 
page19.
Convenient operation
You can operate the windows and glass sun-
roof
* via the door lock.
Hold the key in the position for unlocking or 
locking.
Watch during the closing process to be 
sure that no one is injured. Releasing the 
key stops the operation.<
Manual operation
In the event of an electrical malfunction, the 
driver's door can be unlocked or locked by turn- 

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
 23
locks the vehicle after some time if no 
door has been opened.
>
The central locking system automatically 
locks the vehicle as soon as you drive off.
>
The central locking system automatically 
locks the vehicle after some time if no 
door has been opened, or as soon as you 
drive off.
>
The central locking system remains 
unlocked.
9.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes. The setting is stored.
Tailgate
In order to avoid damage, make sure 
there is sufficient clearance before open-
ing the tailgate.<
Opening
Press the button in the handle, arrow, or the 
 button of the remote control, for an 
extended period. The tailgate is unlocked and 
can be opened.
In some national-market versions, the tail-
gate cannot be unlocked using the remote 
control unless the vehicle is unlocked first.<
Opening manually
In the event of an electrical malfunction.1.Fold the rear seat bench upward.
2.Pull the ring.
The tailgate is released.
The tailgate is locked as soon as it is pressed 
shut.
Closing
The handle recesses on the interior trim panel of 
the tailgate make it easier to pull it down.
Make sure that the closing path of the tail-
gate is clear, otherwise injuries may 
result.< 

Opening and closing
24
Alarm system prepara-
tion package*
In vehicles with an alarm system preparation 
package, LEDs are located on the tachometer. If 
the vehicle is equipped with an alarm system, 
the LEDs indicate the various functional states.
For more information on the alarm system, refer 
to the separate Owner's Manual for the alarm 
system.
Convenient access*
Convenient access enables you to enter your 
vehicle without having to hold the remote con-
trol in your hand. All you need to do is wear the 
remote control close to your body, e.g. in your 
jacket pocket. The vehicle automatically detects 
the remote control within the immediate vicinity 
or in the passenger compartment.
Convenient access supports the following func-
tions:
>Unlocking/locking the vehicle
>Unlocking the tailgate separately
>Starting the engine
>Convenient operation
Functional requirement
>The vehicle or the tailgate can only be 
locked when the vehicle detects that the 
remote control currently in use is outside of 
the vehicle.
>The vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked 
again until after approx. 2 seconds.>The engine can only be started when the 
vehicle detects that the remote control is 
inside the vehicle.
>Doors and tailgate must be closed to be able 
to operate the windows and glass sunroof.
Comparison to standard remote controls
In general, there is no difference between using 
convenient access or pressing the buttons on 
the remote control to carry out the functions 
mentioned above. 
Instructions on opening and closing are found 
starting on page18.
Special features regarding the use of convenient 
access are described below.
If you notice a brief delay while opening or 
closing the windows or glass sunroof, the 
system is checking whether a remote control is 
inside the vehicle. Repeat the opening or closing 
procedure, if necessary.<
Unlocking
Press button 1.
If a remote control is detected inside the car 
after the vehicle is unlocked, the electric steer-
ing wheel lock is audibly released.
For convenient opening, press and hold 
button1.
Locking
Press button 1.
For convenient closing, press and hold button 1.
Unlocking the tailgate separately
Press the button on the outside of the tailgate. 

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
 25
If the vehicle detects that a remote control 
has been accidentally left inside the 
locked vehicle's cargo area after the tailgate is 
closed, the tailgate will reopen. The hazard 
warning flashers flash and an acoustic signal
* 
sounds.<
Windows and glass sunroof, electric*
If the engine is switched off, you can still operate 
the windows and glass sunroof so long as a door 
or the tailgate has not been opened.
If the doors and tailgate are closed again and the 
remote control is located inside the vehicle, the 
windows and the glass sunroof can be operated 
again.
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock to 
be able to operate the windows or glass sunroof 
when the engine is switched off and the doors 
are open.
Switching on radio readiness
Switch on radio readiness by briefly pressing the 
start/stop button, page35.
Do not depress the brake or the clutch, 
otherwise the engine will start.<
Starting the engine
The engine can be started or the ignition can be 
switched on when a remote control is inside the 
vehicle. It is not necessary to insert a remote 
control into the ignition lock, page35.
Switching off the engine in cars with 
automatic transmission
The engine can only be switched off when the 
selector lever is in position P, page36.
To switch the engine off when the selector lever 
is in position N, the remote control must be in 
the ignition lock.
Before driving a vehicle with automatic 
transmission into a car wash
1.Insert remote control into ignition lock.
2.Depress the brake.
3.Move the selector lever to position N.
4.Switch off the engine.The vehicle can roll.
Malfunction
Convenient access may malfunction due to local 
radio waves.
If this happens, open or close the vehicle via the 
buttons on the remote control or using the inte-
grated key. 
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock 
and start the engine.
Warning lamps
The warning lamp comes on when an 
attempt is made to start the engine: the 
engine cannot be started. The remote 
control is not inside the vehicle or is malfunc-
tioning. Take the remote control with you inside 
the vehicle or have it checked. If necessary, 
insert another remote control into the ignition 
lock.
The warning lamp comes on when the 
engine is running: the remote control is 
no longer inside the vehicle. After the 
engine is switched off, the engine can only be 
restarted within approx. 10 seconds.
The indicator lamp comes on: replace 
the battery in the remote control.
Replacing the battery
The remote control for convenient access con-
tains a battery that will need to be replaced from 
time to time.
1.Remove the cover.
2.Insert the new battery with the plus side fac-
ing up.
3.Press the cover on to close. 

Things to remember when driving
76
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to 
each other. Please follow the instructions below 
in order to achieve the optimal service life and 
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do 
not exceed the following:
>4,500/min or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the 
transmission's kick-down mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually 
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their 
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in 
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the 
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of 
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized 
contact and wear patterns between brake pads 
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in 
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal 
level only after a distance driven of approx. 
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period, 
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be 
observed if any of the components mentioned 
above have to be renewed in the course of the 
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Close the tailgate
Drive the vehicle only when the tailgate is 
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could 
penetrate the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the tailgate open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2.Increase the air flow rate of the air condi-
tioner or automatic climate control consid-
erably, page65 or66. 
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed 
adjacent to various sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them. 
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact between 
the hot exhaust system and any highly flamma-
ble materials such as hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such 
contact could lead to a fire, with the risk of seri-
ous personal injuries and property damage. Do 
not touch hot exhaust tail pipes. Otherwise 
there is a risk of burns.<
Mobile phones in the vehicle
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends that you do not use mobile 
devices, e.g. mobile phones, inside the vehicle 
without directly connecting them to an outside 
antenna. Otherwise, the vehicle electronics and 
mobile communications device can influence 
one another. In addition, there is no assurance  

Things to remember when driving
78
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the 
vehicle are therefore normal.
In the Cooper S, the coolant pump may continue 
to run for some time after the engine is switched 
off. This will generate noise in the engine com-
partment.
Before driving into a car wash
For general information about vehicle care for 
your MINI, refer to the chapter beginning on 
page100.
With convenient access and automatic 
transmission
Insert the key into the ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off when the selec-
tor lever is in position N. Refer also to page25.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their 
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage 
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can 
assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Cargo area cover
When the tailgate is opened, the cargo area 
cover is raised.
Do not place any objects on the cover, 
otherwise they could endanger the car's 
occupants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden 
swerving.<
Removing
To load bulky luggage, the cargo area cover can 
be removed.1.Unhook the lift straps from the tailgate.
2.Pull the cover out of the holders toward the 
rear.
Expanding the cargo area
The rear seat backrest is split and can be folded. 
Both sides can be folded separately to expand 
the cargo area.
1.Pull the lever.
2.Fold rear seat backrests forward.
When folding the backrest back up, make 
sure that the seat's locking mechanisms 
engage properly. Otherwise, cargo could be 
thrown around in the event of sharp braking or 
swerving and endanger the occupants.<
Adjusting rear seat backrest*
To expand the cargo area without keeping the 
rear seat backrests folded forward. 

Things to remember when driving
80
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is 
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the 
respective opposite buckle.
Securing cargo
>Secure smaller and lighter items using 
retaining or draw straps
*.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing larger 
and heavier objects are available at your 
MINI Dealer. Four lashing eyes are provided 
for attaching the cargo straps. Two of them 
are located on the sidewalls of the cargo 
area.
Comply with the information enclosed with 
the load-securing devices.
Always position and secure the cargo as 
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden 
braking or swerves are necessary. 
Do not exceed the approved gross weight and 
axle loads, page132; otherwise the vehicle's 
operating safety is no longer assured and it will 
not be in compliance with the certification regu-
lations. 
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried 
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown 
around, for example as a result of heavy braking, 
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants.<
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack*
A special rack system is available as an option for 
your MINI. Your MINI Dealer will be glad to 
advise you. Comply with the installation instruc-
tions supplied with the rack system.
Mounting points
Remove the cover panel
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of 
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect 
on vehicle handling and steering response. 
You should therefore always remember not to 
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the 
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads 
when loading the rack.
You can find the applicable data under Weights 
on page132.
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and 
should not be too large in area. Heavy items 
should always be placed at the bottom.
When loading, make sure that there is sufficient 
space for the movement of the glass sunroof 
and that no objects protrude into the swiveling 
area of the tailgate; otherwise damage can 
occur.
Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and 
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off 
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and 
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.