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
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.
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
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
From A to Z
134
From A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake System54
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle5
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control68
Additives
– coolant96
– engine oil96
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner65
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control66
Airbags57
– sitting safely28
– warning lamp58
Air conditioner64
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner65
– automatic climate control66
– ventilation68
Air distribution
– automatic67
– individual65
– manual65
Air flow rate65,66
– air conditioning system65
– automatic climate control66
– heating, ventilation65
Airing, refer to Ventilation68
Air outlets, refer to Air vents64
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure86
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode65,67
Air supply
– air conditioner65
– automatic climate control66
– ventilation68Air vents64
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications85
Alarm system, preparation
package24
Alarm system preparation
package24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires93
All-Season Traction Control
ASC54
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode65,67
Âmbient lighting63
Antenna, care100
Antifreeze
– coolant96
– washer fluid
42
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights132
Approved engine oils96
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights132
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest71
Arrival time
– computer46
ASC All-Season Traction
Control54
Ashtray72
Assistant systems, refer to
– All-Season Traction Control
ASC54
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC54
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control67
Audio device, external71Automatic
– air distribution67
– air flow rate67
– cruise control42
– headlamp control59
Automatic climate control64
– automatic air distribution67
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC67
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic37
– interlock37
– overriding selector lever
lock39
– shiftlock38
– sport program38
AUTO program for automatic
climate control67
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device71
Average fuel consumption45
– setting the units47
Average speed46
Axle loads, refer to
Weights132
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting63
Backrests, refer to Seats28
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb105
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps105
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch112
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away114
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
138
Headlamp control,
automatic59
Headlamp flasher39
– indicator lamp11,116
Headlamps
– replacing bulb103
Headlamps, care100
Head restraints30
– sitting safely28
Heated
– mirrors31
– rear window65,67
– seats30
Heating64
– mirrors31
– rear window65,67
– seats30
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo80
Height, refer to
Dimensions131
Height adjustment
– seats29
– steering wheel32
High beams61
– headlamp flasher61
– indicator lamp116
– replacing bulb103
High water, refer to Driving
through water77
Hills77
Hill Start Assist55
Holders for cups72
Homepage4
Horn10
Hot exhaust system76
Hydroplaning77
I
Ice warning44
Icy roads, refer to Outside
temperature warning44
Ignition35
– switched off35
– switched on35
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness35
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on35
Ignition lock35
Indicator and warning
lamps13,116
Individual air distribution65
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM55
– glass sunroof, electric27
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays12
Instrument lighting62
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays12
Integrated key18
Integrated universal remote
control operation69
Interior lamps62
– remote control21
Interior rearview mirror32
– automatic dimming
feature32
Interlock37
Intermittent mode of the
wipers41
Internet page4
J
Jacking points110
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles41
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting112
Jump starting112
K
Key, refer to Key/remote
control18
Keyless go, refer to Convenient
access24Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Convenient
access24
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile18
Kick-down38
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic38
Knock control85
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams59
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs102
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo80
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system34
LEDs light-emitting diodes103
Length, refer to
Dimensions131
License plate lamp
– replacing bulb106
Light-alloy wheels, care100
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs103
Lighter72
– socket72
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs102
– of the instruments62
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps59
Light switch59
Limit126
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo80
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking22
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal20
– from inside22
– from outside20
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access24
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