ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
65
Air conditioner
1Air flow rate
2Cooling function
3Recirculated-air mode
4Temperature5Rear window defroster
6Air distribution
7Windshield heating
Air flow rate
Adjust the air flow rate. The higher the
rate, the more effective the heating or
cooling will be.
Switching the system on/off
Turn the air flow rate rotary switch to 0. Blower
and air conditioner are completely switched off
and the air supply is cut off.
Set any desired air flow rate to switch on the air
conditioner.
Cooling function
When the cooling function is on,
the air is cooled, dried, then
reheated according to the temper-
ature setting. The recirculated-air mode may be
switched on automatically.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may
fog over briefly when the engine is started.
Recirculated-air mode
If the air outside the car has an
unpleasant odor or contains pollut-
ants, shut off the supply to the inte-
rior of the car temporarily. The system then
recirculates the air currently within the vehicle.If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces, switch off the
recirculated-air mode and, if necessary, switch
on the cooling function
or increase the air flow
rate.<
To prevent the air quality inside the vehi-
cle from deteriorating during extended
use of the recirculated-air mode, fresh air is
added briefly at regular intervals.<
Temperature
Turn upward, red, to increase the temper-
ature.
Turn downward, blue, to decrease the
temperature.
Rear window defroster
The defroster is switched off auto-
matically after a certain time.
Air distribution
Direct the flow of air to the win-
dows , to the upper body area
or to the footwell . Interme-
diate settings are possible.
Climate
66
Windshield heating*
The windshield heating is switched
off automatically after a short time.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
1.Set air flow rate to the maximum level.
2.Set air distribution to position .
Condensation is removed from the windows more quickly when the cooling function
* is
also activated.
3.Set to the highest temperature, red.
4.Deactivate recirculated-air mode.
5.Turn on windshield heating if necessary.
6.Turn on rear window defroster if necessary.
Microfilter
The microfilter captures dust and pollen. The
microfilter is changed by your MINI Dealer dur-
ing routine maintenance work.
Automatic climate control*
1Air flow rate, manual
2AUTO program
3AUC Automatic recirculated-air control/
Recirculated-air mode
4Maximum cooling
5Air distribution, manual6Temperature
7Defrosting windows and removing conden-
sation
8Cooling function
9Rear window defroster
10Windshield heating
*
Comfortable interior climate
AUTO program2 offers the ideal air distribution
and air flow rate for almost all conditions, refer
to AUTO program below. All you need to do is
select an interior temperature which is comfort-
able for you.
The following sections inform you in detail about
how to adjust the settings.
Most settings are stored for the remote control
currently in use, refer also to Personal Profile set-
tings on page18.
Air flow rate, manual
Press the – button to reduce air flow. Press
the + button to increase it.
You can reactivate the automatic mode
for the air flow rate with the AUTO button.
Switching the system on/off
Reduce the air flow by pressing the – button
repeatedly until the system is switched off. All
indicators go out.
Press the AUTO button to switch the automatic
climate control back on.
ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
67
AUTO program
The AUTO program adjusts the air
distribution to the windshield and
side windows, towards the upper body area and
into the footwell for you. The air flow rate and
your temperature specifications will be adapted
to outside influences in accordance with sea-
sonal changes, e.g. sunlight.
The cooling function is automatically switched
on along with the AUTO program.
AUC Automatic recirculated-air control/
Recirculated-air mode
Switch on the desired operating
mode by pressing the button
repeatedly.
Display of operating modes
No display: outside air flows in continuously.
AUC mode: a sensor detects pollutants in
the outside air. If necessary, the system
blocks the supply of outside air and recir-
culates the inside air. As soon as the concentra-
tion of pollutants in the outside air has
decreased sufficiently, the system automatically
switches back to outside air supply.
At outside temperatures below approx. 417/
+56, the AUC mode may be restricted due to
the increased risk of window condensation.
Recirculated-air mode: the supply of out-
side air is permanently shut off. The sys-
tem then recirculates the air currently
within the vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces, switch off the
recirculated-air mode and, if necessary, switch
on the cooling function or increase the air flow
rate. <
To prevent the air quality inside the vehi-
cle from deteriorating during extended
use of the recirculated-air mode, fresh air is
added briefly at regular intervals.<
Maximum cooling
At outside temperatures above
327/06 and when the engine is
running, you obtain a maximum
cooling effect as soon as possible.
The automatic climate control switches to the
lowest temperature and operates in recircu-
lated-air mode. Air flows at maximum rate only
from the vents for the upper body area. You
should therefore open them for maximum cool-
ing.
Air distribution, manual
The flow of air is directed to the
windows, to the upper body area or
to the footwell.
You can switch the automatic air
distribution back on by pressing the AUTO but-
ton.
Temperature
Set the desired temperature individually.
The automatic climate control achieves
this temperature as quickly as possible
regardless of the season, using maximum
cooling or heating power if necessary, and then
maintains it.
If you switch between different tempera-
ture settings in quick succession, the auto-
matic climate control does not have enough
time to achieve the set temperature.<
Rear window defroster
The defroster is switched off auto-
matically after a certain time.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
Quickly removes ice and condensa-
tion from the windshield and front
side windows. The windshield heat-
ing
* is switched on automatically.
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
ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
95
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Vehicle identification number
2Battery, under the cover112
3Engine oil dipstick95
4Engine oil filler neck965Coolant expansion tank96
6Reservoir for washer fluid for the headlamp
and window washer system42
7Fuses111
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking engine oil level
1.With the vehicle's engine at normal operat-
ing temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted
driving for at least 6 miles/10 km, park the
vehicle on a level surface.
2.Switch off the engine.
3.Pull the dipstick out after approx. 5 minutes
and wipe it off with a lint-free cloth, paper
towel or similar material.
4.Carefully push the dipstick all the way into
the guide tube and pull it out again.
The oil level should be between the two
marks on the dipstick.The oil quantity at a level between the two
marks on the dipstick is approx. 1 US quart/
1liter.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the
dipstick. Excess oil will damage the
engine.<
Care
100
Care
Suitable car-care products
Use the cleaning and car-care products
available at your MINI Dealer.<
Cleaning agents may contain hazardous
or health-damaging substances. Follow
the warning and hazard instructions on the
packaging. For interior cleaning, always open
the doors or windows of the vehicle.
Do not use any products that are not intended
for cleaning the vehicle.<
Washing your vehicle
You can wash your new MINI in an automatic car
wash from the first day. Preference should be
given to cloth car washes. If, due to lack of avail-
ability, brush car washes must be used, modern
systems with soft brushes should be given pref-
erence.
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, ensure that you maintain a suffi-
cient distance to the vehicle. If the jet is too close
or the pressure is too high, this can lead to dam-
age or initial damage that can develop into more
serious damage. Water that enters vehicle com-
ponents can lead to damage over the long term.
After washing the vehicle, apply the brakes
briefly to dry them, otherwise water can reduce
braking efficiency over the short term and the
brake rotors can corrode.
Switch the rain sensor off when passing through
an automatic car wash, page40. Failure to do so
could result in damage caused by undesired
wiper activation.<
Rod antenna
If necessary, for example before entering a car
w a s h o r a g a r a g e w i t h a n e l e v a t o r r a m p , r e m o v e
the rod antenna.
Headlamps
Do not wipe dry and do not use abrasive or cor-
rosive cleaning agents. Remove dirt and con-
tamination, such as insects, by soaking with
shampoo and then rinsing with plenty of water. Always use a deicer spray to remove accumu-
lated ice and snow; never use a scraper. Use
window de-icers.
Vehicle paintwork
Regular care contributes greatly to driving safety
and value retention.
Environmental influences varying from one
region to the next can affect the vehicle paint-
work. Base the frequency and scope of car care
on these various influences.
Care of upholstery
Depressions that come about on the upholstery
material of the seats in daily use can be brushed
out using a slightly damp brush against the
grain.
The fact that velour lays down is not a quality
defect but rather is inevitable, as it is with home
textiles or clothing.
In the case of strong sunlight and longer parking
periods, cover the seats or all windows to pre-
vent discoloration.
Care of special parts
Light-alloy wheels*
Especially in the winter months, care for the
wheel rims with wheel rim cleaner. Do not use
acidic, strongly alkaline and abrasive cleaning
agents or steam jets. Follow the manufacturer's
instructions.
Chrome parts*
Carefully clean vehicle parts such as the radiator
grill and door handles with copious quantities of
water and, if necessary, a shampoo additive,
especially when contaminated with road salt.
For additional treatment, use chrome polish.
Rubber parts
Treat only with water or rubber care products.
ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
117
Ignition switched on and driver's door
openSwitch off the ignition, page35, or
close the driver's door.
Lamps still on
Roadside parking lamps on
Door open
Bonnet open
Tailgate open
Gas cap missing or loose Make sure that the gas cap is correctly
positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks. Do not jam the strap between
the gas cap and the vehicle.
Window washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible,
page42.
Lights up in yellow:
The engine will start the next time the
start/stop button is touched, possibly
without the brake or clutch being
depressed
Remote control malfunctioning or, in
cars with convenient access, not
detectedThe engine cannot be started. Have
the remote control checked, if neces-
sary.
Battery in remote control discharged Use the remote control for a longer
journey or, in cars with convenient
access, replace the battery.
12Cause What to do
ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
133
Capacities
US gal/US quartsLitersNotes
Fuel tank Fuel grade: page85
>MINI Cooper 10.6/– approx. 40
>MINI Cooper S 13.2/– approx. 50
including reserve of 2.1/– approx. 8
Window washer system incl.
headlamp washer system –/4.8 approx. 4.5For more details:
page42