Technology for driving comfort and safety
80
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:1Front airbags
2Side airbags in backrests
3Head airbags at the front and rear
Protective effect
Observe the instructions on page37 to
ensure the best possible personal pro-
tection.<
The front airbags help protect the driver and
front passenger by responding to frontal
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the head
and side airbags help provide protection in the
event of side impact. The relevant side airbag
supports the side upper body area. The head air
bag supports the head.
The airbags are designed to not be triggered in
every type of collision, e.g. not in minor acci-
dents, certain rollover situations or rear impacts.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way.
Keep the dashboard and window on the passen-
g e r s i d e f r e e f r o m o b s t r u c t i o n , i . e . d o n o t c o v e r i t
with adhesive film or coverings, and do not affix
any holders such as for a navigation device or a
mobile phone.
Do not attach seat covers, cushions or other
objects not specifically approved for seats with
integral side airbags to the front seats. Do not
hang items of clothing such as coats or jackets
over the backrests. Do not attempt to remove
the airbag retention system from the vehicle. Do
not modify the individual components of the
syste m o r its w iring in any way. Th is includ es the
upholstered covers on the steering wheel, instrument panel, seats and roof posts, as well as
the sides of the roof lining. Do not attempt to
remove or dismantle the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a MINI Dealer
or a workshop that works according to repair
procedures of the manufacturer of your MINI
with correspondingly trained personnel and has
the required explosives licenses. Otherwise,
unprofessional attempts to service the system
could lead to failure in an emergency or undes-
ired airbag activation, either of which could
result in personal injury.<
Warning notices and information about the air-
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the front
passenger airbags
An analysis of the impression in the front pas-
senger seat cushion determines whether and
how the seat is occupied. The front and side air-
bags for the front passenger are activated or
deactivated by the system accordingly.
The indicator lamp above the interior rear-
view mirror shows the current status of
the front passenger airbags, deactivated or acti-
Things to remember when driving
96
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:
>Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm 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 splitdoor
Drive the vehicle only when the splitdoor
is closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could
penetrate the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the splitdoor open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2.Switch off the recirculated-air mode and sig-
nificantly increase the air flow rate of the
automatic climate control, page87.
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.<
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.<
MOBILITYAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS ENTERTAINMENT
101
NAVIGATION REFERENCE
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants. Do not secure cargo using the fastening
points for the tether strap, page44; they may
become damaged.<
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
By way of example, the illustration shows the
roof of the MINI.
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 page194.
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.
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, and take corners gently.
Saving fuel
Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif-
ferent factors. The implementation of certain
measures, your driving style and regular mainte-
nance can have an influence on fuel consump-
tion and on the environmental impact.
Remove unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove attached parts no longer in use
Remove auxiliary mirrors, roof- or rear-
mounted luggage racks whenever you are not
using them.
Attached parts on the vehicle affect its aerody-
namics and increase fuel consumption.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check and, if necessary, correct tire inflation
pressure at least twice a month and before start-
ing on a long trip.
Low inflation pressure increases rolling resis-
tance and thus leads to greater fuel consump-
tion and tire wear.
Drive off immediately
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engine speeds. This is the
fastest way for the cold engine to reach its oper-
ating temperature.
Think ahead while driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking by
maintaining a suitable distance to the vehicle
driving ahead.
Driving smoothly and anticipating impending
traffic situations reduces fuel consumption.
Replacing components
184
of any kind. To do so could cause accidents and
personal injury.<
1.Place the jack at the jacking point closest to
the wheel.
The jack base must be perpendicular to the
surface beneath the jacking point.
2.During jacking up, insert the jack head in the
square recess of the jacking point.
3.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are
changing is raised off the ground.
Mounting the space-saver spare tire
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel.
2.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub. Clean the lug bolts.
3.Lift the new wheel into place.
4.Screw at least two lug bolts finger-tight into
opposite bolt holes.
5.Screw in the remaining bolts.
6.Tighten all the lug bolts firmly in a diagonal
pattern.
7.Lower the vehicle.
8.Remove the jack.
Tightening the lug bolts
Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
Immediately have the wheels checked
with a calibrated torque wrench to ensure
that the lug bolts are firmly seated. Otherwise,
incorrectly tightened lug bolts can present a
safety hazard.<
Tightening torque: 103.3 lb ft or 140 Nm.Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.
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 page186.
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, page63.
>Radio
In some cases, stations may have to be
stored again, page137.
>Navigation system
Operability must be waited for, page106.
>Glass sunroof, electric
It may only be possible to raise the sunroof,
Technical data
194
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
CooperCooper SJohn Cooper Works
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 2,723/1,235 2,855/1,295 2,888/1,310
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg2,800/1,270 2,900/1,315 -
Approved gross weight
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 3,539/1,605 3,671/1,665 3,704/1,680
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg3,616/1,640 3,715/1,685 -
Approved front axle load
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 1,830/830 1,918/870 1,962/875
>Automatic transmis-
sion lbs/kg1,907/865 1,962/890 -
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 1,830/830 1,841/835 1,863/845
Approved roof load
capacitylbs/kg165/75 165/75 165/75
Cargo bay capacity
cu ft/l9.2 - 32.8/
260 - 9309.2 - 32.8/
260 - 9309.2 - 32.8/
260 - 930
US gal/US quartsLitersNotes
Fuel tank 13.2/– approx. 50 Fuel grade: page157
including reserve of 2.1/– approx. 8
Window washer system incl.
headlamp washer system –/4.8 approx. 4.5 For more details: page52
205
MOBILITYAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS ENTERTAINMENT NAVIGATION REFERENCE
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic48
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission48
– manual transmission48
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic48
– manual transmission48
General driving notes96
Glass sunroof, electric34
– convenient operation28,29
– opening, closing35
– raising35
– remote control28
Glove compartment90
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system106
Grills86
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights194
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb177
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake47
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
"HD radio"138
HD radio, refer to High
Definition Radio138
Head airbags80
Head restraints39
– sitting safely37
Headlamp control,
automatic82
Headlamp flasher50
– indicator lamp11,13
Headlamps
– replacing bulb177
Headlamps, care173
Heated
– mirrors41
– rear window88
– seats39Heating
– mirrors41
– rear window88
– seats39
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo100
Height adjustment
– seats38
– steering wheel41
Height, refer to
Dimensions193
High beams83
– headlamp flasher83
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulb177
High Definition Radio, refer to
HD Radio138
High water, refer to Driving
through water97
Highways, refer to Route
criteria118
Hill Start Assist73
Hills97
Holders for cups92
Home address117
"Home address" in
navigation118
Homepage4
Horn10
Hot exhaust system96
"Hour memo"64
"House number" in
destination entry111
Hydroplaning96
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio138
Ice warning55
Icy roads, refer to Outside
temperature warning55
ID3 tag, refer to Information
about the track144
Ignition46
– switched off46
– switched on46
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness46Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on46
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control26
Ignition lock46
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM78
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting84
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile26
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM76
Information
– on another location114
– on country114
– on current position114
– on destination location114
"Information" in
navigation114
"Information on
destination"116
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM74
– glass sunroof, electric35
Installation location
– drive for navigation DVD and
audio CD106
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions123
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays12
Instrument lighting84
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays12
Integrated key26
Integrated universal remove
control89
Interesting destination for
navigation114
"Interim time"68
From A to Z
206
Interior lamps84
– remote control28
Interior rearview mirror41
– automatic dimming
feature41
Interlock48
Intermittent mode of the
wipers51
Internet page4
J
Jacking points183
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles52
Joystick, refer to Onboard
monitor16
Jump starting186
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting186
K
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile26
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls26
Keyless go, refer to Convenient
access32
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Convenient
access32
Kick-down49
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
Knock control157
L
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs176
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams82
"Language" in navigation123
"Languages" in
navigation106
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo100Last destinations, refer to
Destination list115
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system44
Leather care174
LEDs light-emitting diodes177
Length, refer to
Dimensions193
Level load floor99
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement180
Light switch82
Light-alloy wheels, care173
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs177
Lighter93
– socket93
"Lighting"83
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs176
– of the instruments84
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps82
"Limit"68
Limit, refer to Speed limit67
Load99
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo100
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking30
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal28
– from inside30
– from outside28
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access32
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals28
– from inside30
– from outside27
Low beams82
– automatic82
– replacing bulb177
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support38
Luggage compartment doors,
refer to Splitdoor31Luggage compartment
partition net, refer to
Partition net99
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack
101
Lumbar support38
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires165
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system170
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control65
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
"Manual" on the radio136
Manual operation
– door lock29
– fuel filler door156
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission50
Manual transmission48
Manual washing173
Map
– changing scale122
– destination entry113
"Map direction of travel"122
"Map facing north"122
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control26
Maximum cooling87
Maximum speed
– with winter tires165
Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch186
MENU button16
Menus, refer to Onboard
monitor16
Microfilter
– for automatic climate
control88
– MINI Maintenance
System170
209
MOBILITYAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS ENTERTAINMENT NAVIGATION REFERENCE
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs176
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires164
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge56
Reservoir for washer
systems52
"Reset"75
"Reset" for stopwatch68
"Reset" for tone settings134
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings134
Restraint systems
– for children43
– refer to Safety belts40
Reverse
– CD changer146
– CD player146
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
– manual transmission48
Road map121
Roadside Assistance186
Roadside parking lamps83
– replacing bulb178
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements60
Roof load capacity194
Roof-mounted luggage
rack101
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away188
Route118
– changing118,124
– display121
– displaying arrow view121
– displaying map view121
– displaying town123
– list123
– selecting118
– selecting criteria118
– taking detours124
Route selection118
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires164Rubber parts, care173
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires164
Run-Flat Tires164
– flat tire75
– new tires164
– tire inflation pressure158
– winter tires165
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-Flat
Tires
164
S
Safety belts40
– damage40
– indicator lamp40
– reminder40
– sitting safely37
Safety belts, care174
Safety systems
– airbags80
– Antilock Brake System
ABS71
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC71
– safety belts40
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires164
"SAT" on the radio132,140
Satellite radio140
– enabling channel140
– selecting channel140
– storing channel140
Scale for navigation,
changing122
"Scan"
– sampling radio stations136
Scan
– CD changer144
– CD player144
– radio136
"Scan all" for audio mode145
"Scan directory" for audio
mode145
Screen, refer to Onboard
monitor controls16
Screw thread for tow
fitting188SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio140
Seat adjustment
– mechanical38
Seats37
– adjusting the seats38
– heating39
– sitting safely37
Securing the vehicle
– from inside30
– from outside27
"Select as destination"114
"Select current speed"68
Selecting an audio source132
Selecting menu items19
Selecting the route118
Selection options for
navigation118
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic48
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock48
– overriding manually
50
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic48
"Service"67
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance186
Service data in the remote
control170
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS170
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance186
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS170
"Service requirements"61,62
Service requirements60
"Set date"65
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode64
– date format65