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
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.
ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
111
Vehicle battery
Have any work on the battery, including
battery replacement, carried out only by a
MINI Dealer or a workshop that has specially
trained personnel working in accordance with
the specifications of the MINI manufacturer.<
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate.
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle when the
engine is off. Connections, refer to Jump starting
on page112.
Disposal
After replacing old batteries, return the
used batteries to your MINI Dealer or to a
recycling point. Maintain the battery in an
upright position for transport and storage.
Always secure the battery against tipping over
during transport.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, some equipment
may not be fully functional and may require ini-
tialization. Individual settings are also lost and
must be reprogrammed:
>Time and date
These values must be updated, page50.
>Radio
Stations must be stored again, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual for Radio.
>Glass sunroof, electric
It may only be possible to raise the sunroof,
if applicable. The system must be initialized.
Contact your nearest MINI Dealer.
Fuses
Do not attempt to repair a blown fuse or
replace it with a fuse of a different color or Ampere rating. To do this could cause a fire in
the vehicle resulting from a circuit overload.<
A fuse allocation diagram is located on the inside
of the fuse box cover panels.
In the engine compartment
Open the fuse box lid.
Press the latch.
In the vehicle interior
On the right side of the footwell.
Opening the cover
Press the catch.
If needed, use the screwdriver provided in the
onboard tool kit.
Technical data
132
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
MINI CooperMINI Cooper S
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 2,546/1,155 2,668/1,210
>Automatic transmission lbs/kg 2,634/1,195 2,723/1,235
Approved gross weight
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 3,362/1,525 3,483/1,580
>Automatic transmission lbs/kg 3,450/1,565 3,538/1,605
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 1,929/875 1,984/900
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 1,653/750 1,664/755
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg 165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/l 5.7/160 5.7/160
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
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