
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.

Wheels and tires
90
Tire coding
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Speed code letter
Q = up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph or 190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph or 210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph or 240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph or 270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph or 300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the
US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1γ) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, corner-
ing, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteris-
tics.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter, in
front of the R on ZR tires
225/45 R 17 91 V
e.g.
Manufacturer's code
for tire make
Tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 4706

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
101
Do not use silicon sprays or other silicon-
containing care products on rubber seals,
otherwise noise and damage could occur.<
Fine wood parts*
Clean fine wood trim and fine wood parts with a
damp cloth only. Wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Plastic parts
These include:
>Plastic surfaces
>Headliner
>Lamp glass
>Display panes
>Parts with matt black coating
Clean using water and plastic cleaning agents if
necessary. Do not dampen seats or the head-
liner.
Do not use solvents such as lacquer thin-
ner, cold cleaners, fuel, or similar, as these
will damage the surfaces.<
CDs/DVDs
Clean the reflective signal side as needed by
wiping it with a commercially available cleaning
tissue in straight lines from the center of the disc
outwards.
Safety belts
Dirty safety belts resist being reeled in and thus
compromise safety.
Do not dry clean, as the fabric can be
destroyed.<
Only clean using mild soap, leaving the belts
installed.
A l lo w s a f e t y be l t s t o b e r e e le d in o n ly w h e n t h e y
are dry.
Floor carpets and mats*
Floor mats can be removed to allow the vehicle
interior to be cleaned.
Clean with interior cleaner if very soiled.
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water. Replace wiper blades
twice a year, before and after the cold season.
This is particularly important on vehicles fitted
with a rain sensor.
Leather care
The leather* used by the manufacturer of your
MINI is a high quality natural product processed
according to the latest methods in leather prep-
aration.
Dust and road grit in the pores and folds of the
leather have an abrasive effect, leading to
increased wear and causing the leather surface
to become brittle prematurely.
Frequently clean the leather of dust using a cloth
or vacuum cleaner.
Treat the leather twice a year using a leather
care product as dirt and grease will gradually
attack the leather's protective layer. This pre-
serves the quality of the leather and prevents
electrostatic charges.
Vehicle storage
Your MINI Dealer will be glad to advise you on
what is important if the vehicle is to be decom-
missioned for longer than three months.

Indicator and warning lamps
116
Indicator and warning lamps
Indicator and warning lamps appear in indicator
area 1 and on display 2. See the table for infor-
mation on causes and how to react. Note
whether a lamp comes on alone or in combina-tion with another. Some lamps can light up in
different colors. Corresponding distinctions are
made in the text.
12Cause What to do
Turn signals
High beams/headlamp flasher
switched on
Fog lamps switched on
Fasten safety belts Fasten your safety belt, refer also to
page31.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
Danger of icy roads Drive cautiously, refer also to page44.
Lights up briefly:
Approx. 2.1 US gallons/8 l of fuel
remain in the tank
Remains on:
Cruising range is no more than
30 miles/50 km, page45
Engine refuses to start Depress the brake or clutch in order to
start the engine, page35.

Indicator and warning lamps
118
Belt tensioners and/or airbag system
failedHave the system checked immedi-
ately. Fasten the safety belts anyway.
Power steering failed You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Steering response will be
markedly different. Have the system
checked without delay.
Lights up:
Emergency calling system failed or
malfunctioningHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Lights up in red:
Engine malfunction Stop the car and switch off the engine.
You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your MINI Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Full engine power no longer available You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the engine
checked as soon as possible.
Indication in US 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.
12Cause What to do

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
135
Battery111
– charging111
– disposal26,111
– jump starting112
– temporary power failure111
Battery renewal
– remote control26
Being towed114
Belts, refer to Safety belts30
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts30
Beverage holders, refer to Cup
holders72
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate65,66
Bonnet94
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders72
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements49
Brake lamps
– replacing bulb105
Brake pads, breaking in76
Brake rotors77
– brakes76
– breaking in76
Brakes
– ABS54
– breaking in76
– MINI Maintenance System98
– parking brake37
– service requirements49
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely77
Brake system76
– breaking in76
– disc brakes77
– MINI Maintenance System98
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance112
Breaking in the clutch76
Break-in period76
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs102
Button for starting the
engine35
Buttons on the steering
wheel11C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders72
Capacities133
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery111
Car care100
Car-care products, refer to
Suitable car-care
products100
Care100
Cargo, securing80
Cargo area78
– capacity132
– convenient access24
– cover78
– lamp62
– lid, refer to Tailgate23
– opening from outside23
Cargo area, expanding78
Cargo loading
– securing cargo80
– stowing cargo79
– vehicle78
Car jack
– jacking points110
Car key, refer to Key/remote
control18
Carpets, care101
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest71
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash78
Car wash, refer to Care100
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system76
CBS Condition Based
Service98
CDs/DVDs, care101
Cell phones, use inside the car,
refer to Mobile phone in the
vehicle76
Center armrest71
Center brake lamp106Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking system19
– convenient access24
– from inside22
– from outside19
Changing bulbs102
Changing wheels108
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment95
Check Control51
Child's seats33
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH34
Child-restraint systems33
Chock, folding
– space-saver spare tire108
Chrome parts, care100
Chrome parts, refer to
Care100
Cigarette lighter72
Cleaning headlamps41
– washer fluid42
Clock44
– 12h/24h mode47
– setting time50
Closing
– from inside22
– from outside19
Clothes hooks72
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine36
Comfort access, refer to
Convenient access24
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock35
Computer45
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked77
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Confirmation signals for
vehicle locking/unlocking20

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
137
Engine oil
– adding96
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils96
– approved engine oils96
– capacity96
– checking level95
– dipstick95
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements49
– MINI Maintenance System98
Engine oil level, checking95
Engine output, refer to Engine
data130
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine36
Error messages, refer to Check
Control51
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability Control54
Event data recorders99
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system76
Exterior mirrors31
– adjusting31
– automatic heating31
– folding in and out31
External audio device71
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away113
– for tying down loads80
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control51
Failure of an electrical
consumer111
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts30
Fasten safety belts reminder,
refer to Seat belt
reminder31Filter
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control68
– microfilter for air
conditioner66
Fine wood, care101
First aid pouch112
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock35
Flash when locking/
unlocking20
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor56
– indicator/warning lamp56
– Run-Flat Tires56,92
Flat Tire Monitor FTM55
– indicating a flat tire56
– initializing the system55
– malfunction56
– snow chains55
– system limits55
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition91
Floor mats, care101
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb104,106
Folding rear seat backrest78
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely77
Footwell lamps62
For your own safety5
Front airbags57
Front fog lamps62
– indicator lamp116
– replacing bulb104
Front seat adjustment28
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows66,67
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor55
Fuel85
– gauge45
– high-quality brands85
– quality85
– specifications85
– tank capacity133
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge45Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge45
Fuel filler door84
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction84
Fuses111
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control69
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption45
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel85
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge45
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic37
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission37
– manual transmission37
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic37
– manual transmission37
General driving notes76
Glass sunroof, electric26
– convenient operation20,21
– opening, closing26
– raising26
– remote control20
Glove compartment70
Grills, refer to Air vents64
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights132
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb103
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake37
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags57

From A to Z
140
Pathway lighting59
PDC Park Distance Control53
Personal Profile18
Plastic parts, care101
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control68
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner66
Power failure111
Power windows26
Power windows, refer to
Windows26
Pressure, tires86
Pressure monitoring, tires55
– Flat Tire Monitor55
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor55
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness35
Radio readiness35
– switched off35
– switched on35
Rain sensor40
Range, refer to Cruising
range45
Reading lamps63
Rear fog lamp62
– replacing bulb106
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps105
– replacing bulb105
Rear seat backrest, folding78
Rear seats
– folding the backrests78
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors31
Rear window defroster65,67
Recirculated-air mode65,67
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode65,67Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest29
Refueling84
Releasing
– bonnet94
Remote control18
– battery renewal25
– convenient access24
– garage door opener69
– malfunctions21,25
– service data98
– tailgate21
Replacement fuses, refer to
Fuses111
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs102
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires92
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge45
Reservoir for washers42
Restraint systems
– for children33
– refer to Safety belts30
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic38
– manual transmission37
Roadside Assistance112
Roadside parking lamps61
– replacing bulb104
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements49
Roof load capacity132
Roof-mounted luggage
rack80
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away114
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires92
Rubber parts, care100
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires92Run-Flat Tires92
– puncture56
– replacing92
– tire inflation pressure86
– winter tires93
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-Flat
Tires92
S
Safety belts30
– damage31
– indicator lamp31
– reminder31
– sitting safely28
Safety belts, care101
Safety systems
– airbags57
– All-Season Traction Control
ASC54
– Antilock Brake System
ABS54
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC54
– safety belts30
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires92
Screw thread for tow
fitting113
Seat adjustment
– mechanical29
Seats28
– adjusting the seats29
– heating30
– sitting safely28
Securing the vehicle
– from inside22
– from outside19
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic37
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock37
– manual override39
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic37