Driving
38
>Before moving the lever away from P or N
with the vehicle stationary, first depress the
brake; otherwise the selector lever will
refuse to move: shiftlock.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping
after you select a driving position,
depress the brake until you are ready to
start.<
A lock prevents accidental shifting into selector
lever positions R and P.
Overriding the selector lever lock
Press the button on the front of the selector
lever, arrow.
P Park
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
The transmission locks to prevent the drive
wheels from turning.
R Reverse
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral, idle
Select this when you are in a car wash, for exam-
ple. The vehicle can roll.
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehicle operation. All for-
ward gears are selected automatically.
Under normal operation conditions, fuel con-
sumption is lowest when you drive in position D.
Kick-down
Kick-down enables you to achieve maximum
performance. Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the full-
throttle resistance point.
Sport program and manual operation
M/S
Move the selector lever from position D to the
left into the M/S shifting slot:
The Sport program is activated and DS is dis-
played.
Shifting with the selector lever
Push the selector lever forward or pull it back to
activate manual operation. Steptronic shifts the
gear.
>Pull the selector lever in the + direction.
Transmission shifts up.
>Push the selector lever in the – direction.
Transmission shifts down.
M1 to M6 is displayed in the gear indicator.
To use the automatic mode again, move the
selector lever to the right into position D.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only when
they will result in a plausible combination of
engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example, a
downshift that would cause the engine to over-
rev will not be executed by the system. The
selected gear is displayed briefly, followed by
the actual gear.
Shifting on the steering wheel
With the selector lever in position D, automatic
drive, you can shift gears using the shift paddles
on the steering wheel. The transmission auto-
matically switches to manual mode.
If you do not shift gears with the shift paddles or
accelerate for a certain amount of time, the
ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
39
transmission automatically returns to D, auto-
matic drive.
>Pull one of the shift paddles.
Transmission shifts up.
>Push one of the shift paddles.
Transmission shifts down.
M1 to M6 is displayed in the gear indicator.
Overriding the selector lever lock
Should the selector lever refuse to move out of
position P although the button on the selector
lever is pressed, the selector lever lock can be
overridden:
1.Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.
2.Pull the sleeve up over the selector lever
until the sleeve is inside out. Disconnect the
cable connector if necessary.
3.Depress the brake.
4.Pull up the loop on t he passeng er side w hile
at the same time moving the selector lever
into the desired position.
Sport button*
Pressing the button causes your MINI to respond
even more sportily.>Engine responds more spontaneously to
movements of the accelerator.
>Steering response is more direct.
With automatic transmission:
>More rapid gear shifting in Sport program
Activating the system
Press the SPORT button.
Deactivating the system
>Press the SPORT button again or
>switch off the engine.
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
1Turn signal indicators
2Headlamp flasher
Using turn signals
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
To turn off manually, press the lever to the resis-
tance point.
Unusually rapid flashing of the indicator
lamp indicates that a bulb has failed.<
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.<
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.
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.
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
ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
141
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance112
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance112
Service data in the remote
control98
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS98
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS98
Service requirements49
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode47
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic38
– manual transmission37
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions38
Side airbags57
Side turn signal indicator
– replacing bulb105
Side windows, refer to
Windows26
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely28
– airbags28
– safety belts28
– with head restraint28
Size, refer to Dimensions131
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric26
Slot for remote control35
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray72
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment71
Snow chains93
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances72
Socket for Onboard Diagnosis
OBD98Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires108
– inflation pressure86
Spare fuses111
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils96
Speed130
– with winter tires93
Speed control, refer to Cruise
control42
Speedometer12
Split rear seat backrest, refer to
Expanding the cargo area78
Sport button39
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems53
Start/stop button35
– starting the engine36
– switching off the engine36
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine36
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting112
Starting difficulties, refer to
Special starting
conditions36
Starting the engine
– start/stop button35
Start-off assistance, refer to
– ASC54
– Hill Start Assist55
Start-off assistance, refer to
DSC54
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steering wheel32
– adjustment32
– buttons on steering wheel11
– lock35
– shift paddles38
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic37
Storage compartment, front
passenger side72
Storage compartments71Storage space
– cargo area78
– storage compartments71
Storing the vehicle101
Storing tires93
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments71
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires86
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine36
Switching off the engine
– start/stop button35
Switching the cooling function
on and off68
Symbols4T
Tachometer44
Tailgate23
– convenient access24
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually23
– opening/closing23
– opening from outside23
– opening manually23
– unlocking with remote
control21
Tail lamps105
– replacing bulb105
Tank volume, refer to
Capacities133
Technical data130
Technical modifications5
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest71
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Telephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature display
– ice warning44
– outside temperature44
– setting the units47