REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
83
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 page99.
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 page57.
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, page40.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine brak-
ing 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
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
In the MINI 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 compartment.
Wheels and tires
98
Tire coding
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the
tire makes it easier to identify and choose the
right tires.
Tire size
Speed code letter
Q = up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph or 190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph or 210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph or 240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph or 270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph or 300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the
US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1γ) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking trac-
tion tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction char-
acteristics.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.<
e.g.
Manufacturer's
code for tire make
Tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 0309
From A to Z
144
From A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control74
Additives
– coolant105
– engine oil104
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner71
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control72
Air conditioner70
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner71
– automatic climate control72
– ventilation74
Air distribution
– automatic73
– individual72
– manual72
Air flow rate71,72
– air conditioning system71
– automatic climate control72
– heating, ventilation71
Air outlets, refer to Air vents70
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure94
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode71,73
Air supply
– air conditioner71
– automatic climate control72
– ventilation74
Air vents70
Airbags63
– sitting safely29
– warning lamp64
Airing, refer to Ventilation74AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications93
Alarm system24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires101
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode71,73
Ambient lighting69
Antenna, care108
Antifreeze
– coolant105
– washer fluid44
Antilock Brake System ABS56
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system24
Anti-theft system
19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights142
Approved engine oils104
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights142
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest77
Ashtray79
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC56
Audio device, external77
AUTO program for automatic
climate control73
Automatic
– air distribution73
– air flow rate73
– cruise control44
– headlamp control65
Automatic climate control70
– automatic air distribution73Automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– interlock39
– overriding selector lever
lock41
– shiftlock39
– sport program40
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device77
Average fuel consumption47
– setting the units49
Average speed48
Axle loads, refer to
Weights142B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting69
Backrests, refer to Seats29
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb115
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch122
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away124
Battery120
– charging120
– disposal27,120
– jump starting122
– temporary power failure120
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed124
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts32
Belts, refer to Safety belts32
Beverage holders, refer to Cup
holders79
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate71,72
Bonnet102
From A to Z
146
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances79
Consumption indicator
– average fuel consumption47
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption47
Control Display
– settings48
Controls and displays10
Convenience start, refer to
Starting the engine37
Convenient access25
– replacing the battery27
Convenient operation
– windows20
Coolant105
– checking level105
– filling105
Coolant temperature46
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant105
Cooling, maximum73
Copyright2
Cruising range47
Cup holders79
Curb weight, refer to
Weights142
Current fuel consumption48
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting68
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data140
– capacities142
– dimensions141
– engine140
– weights142
Date
– setting53
Daytime running lamps66
DBC Dynamic Brake Control,
refer to Brake assist56
Deactivating front passenger
airbags63Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20
Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
Defogging windows72,73
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows72,73
Defrosting windows72,73
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner72
– automatic climate control73
Differential, breaking in82
Digital clock46
Dimensions141
Dipstick, engine oil103
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals41
Displacement, refer to Engine
data140
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting68
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care110
Disposal
– of coolant105
– remote control battery27
– vehicle battery120
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements51
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC55
Diving stability control
systems55
Door
– rear, refer to Clubdoor23
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control
18
Door lock21
Door lock, confirmation
signals20
Doors, manual operation22
DOT Quality Grades98
Double doors, refer to
Splitdoor23Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders79
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Start Assist57
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button57
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams65
Driving notes82
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Start Assist57
Driving through water83
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes82
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function74
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC57
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake assist56
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC56
Dynamic Traction Control57
E
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
Electronic brake-force
distribution56
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC56
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission41
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance122
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
147
Engine
– breaking in82
– data140
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature46
– speed140
– starting37
– starting, convenient
access25
– switching off38
Engine compartment103
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant105
Engine oil
– adding104
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils104
– approved engine oils104
– capacity104
– checking level103
– dipstick103
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements51
– MINI Maintenance
System106
Engine oil level, checking103
Engine output, refer to Engine
data140
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine37
Error messages, refer to Check
Control53
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC56
Event data recorders107
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system82
Exterior mirrors32
– adjusting32
– automatic heating33
– folding in and out33
External audio device77
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away123
– for tying down loads86F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control53
Failure of an electrical
consumer121
Fasten safety belts reminder,
refer to Seat belt
reminder32
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts32
Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner72
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control74
Fine wood, care110
First aid pouch122
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock37
Flash when locking/
unlocking20
Flat tire
– Run-Flat Tires100
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM60
Flat Tire Monitor FTM58
– indicating a flat tire59
– initializing the system58
– snow chains58
– system limits58
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition99
Floor mats, care110
Floor plate, see Level load
floor85
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb114,116
Folding rear seat backrest84
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely83
Footwell lamps68
For your own safety4
Front airbags63
Front fog lamps68
– indicator lamp126
– replacing bulb114
Front seat adjustment29Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows72,73
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor58
Fuel93
– gauge47
– high-quality brands93
– quality93
– specifications93
– tank capacity142
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge47
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge47
Fuel filler door92
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction92
Fuses121
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control75
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption47
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge47
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel93
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission39
– manual transmission39
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– manual transmission39
General driving notes82
Glass sunroof, electric27
– convenient operation20,22
– opening, closing27
– raising27
– remote control20
Glove compartment76
Grills, refer to Air vents70
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
149
Lighter79
– socket79
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs112
– of the instruments68
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps65
Limit137
Load85
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo86
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking22
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal20
– from inside22
– from outside20
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access25
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals20
– from inside22
– from outside19
Low beams65
– automatic65
– replacing bulb113
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support30
Luggage compartment doors,
refer to Splitdoor23
Luggage compartment
partition net, refer to
Partition net85
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack87
Lumbar support30
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires101
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system106
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control53
Manual air distribution72Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission41
Manual transmission39
Manual washing109
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling73
Maximum speed
– with winter tires101
Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch122
Microfilter
– for air conditioner72
– for automatic climate
control74
– MINI Maintenance
System106
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance
System106
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System106
Mirror dimming feature33
Mirrors32
– exterior mirrors32
– heating33
– interior rearview mirror33
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest77
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest77
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System116
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety4Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor58
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher41
– refer to Wiper system42
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints31
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments78
New tires100
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data140
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope124
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
Onboard Diagnosis106
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications93
Odometer46
Oil consumption103
Oil level103
Oil, refer to Engine oil103
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal120
Onboard tool kit112
Opening and closing
– convenient access25
– from inside22
– from outside19
– using the door lock21
– via the remote control19
Opening and unlocking
– from inside22
Opening/closing the splitdoor
– 24
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation74
Outlets, refer to Air vents70
From A to Z
150
Output, refer to Engine
data140
Outside temperature
display46
– changing unit of measure49
– on onboard computer49
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control73
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature46
P
Paintwork, care109
Park Distance Control PDC55
Parking
– vehicle38
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC55
Parking brake38
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb114
Parking lamps/low beams65
Partition net85
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle4
Pathway lighting65
Personal Profile18
Pinch protection system
– windows28
Plastic parts, care110
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner72
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control74
Power failure120
Power windows28
Power windows, refer to
Windows28
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM60
Pressure monitoring, tires58
– Flat Tire Monitor58
Pressure, tires94Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– windows28
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor58
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness37
Radio readiness37
– switched off37
– switched on37
Rain sensor42
Range, refer to Cruising
range47
Reading lamps69
Rear door, refer to
Clubdoor23
Rear doors, refer to
Splitdoor23
Rear double doors, refer to
Splitdoor23
Rear fog lamp68
– indicator lamp126
– replacing bulb116
Rear lamps
– bulb replacement115
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps115
Rear seat backrest, folding84
Rear seats
– folding the backrests84
Rear window heating71,73
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors32
Recirculated-air mode71,73
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode71,73
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest30
Refueling92
Releasing
– bonnet102Remote control18
– battery renewal27
– convenient access25
– garage door opener75
– malfunctions21,26
– service data106
– splitdoor21
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs112
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires100
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge47
Reservoir for washer
systems44
Restraint systems
– for children34
– refer to Safety belts32
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– manual transmission39
Roadside Assistance122
Roadside parking lamps67
– replacing bulb114
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements51
Roof load capacity142
Roof-mounted luggage
rack87
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away124
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires100
Rubber parts, care109
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires100
Run-Flat Tires100
– flat tire59
– new tires100
– tire inflation pressure94
– winter tires101
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-Flat
Tires100
From A to Z
152
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires94
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine38
Switching off the engine
– start/stop button37
Switching the cooling function
on and off74
Symbols4
T
Tachometer46
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps115
– replacing bulb115
Tail lamps115
Tailgate
– convenient access26
Tailgate, see splitdoor21
Tank volume, refer to
Capacities142
Technical data140
Technical modifications4
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest77
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Telephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature display
– ice warning46
– outside temperature46
– setting the units49
Temperature of coolant, refer
to Coolant temperature46
Temperature setting
– air conditioner71
– automatic climate control73
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo86
The individual vehicle4
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp116
Three-point safety belt32Tightening the lug bolts
– keys119
– torque120
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening the lug bolts120
Tire change set
– MINI Mobility System118
– space-saver spare tire118
Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor59
– indicator/warning lamp59
– MINI Mobility System116
– Run-Flat Tires59
– space-saver spare tire118
– Tire Pressure Monitor60
Tire inflation pressure94
– loss59
– space-saver spare tire94
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM60
– limitations of system60
– resetting system60
– warning lamp61
Tire pressure monitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor58
Tire Quality Grading98
Tires
– age99
– breaking in82
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels118
– condition99
– damage99
– inflation pressure94
– inflation pressure loss61
– minimum tread depth99
– new tires100
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor58
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM60
– puncture59
– Run-Flat Tires100
– size98
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth99
– winter tires101
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-Flat Tires100Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit112
Torque140
– lug bolts120
Tow bar124
Tow fitting123
– screw thread124
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away123
Tow rope124
Towing123
– car with automatic
transmission124
– methods124
Tow-starting123
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor60
Track width, refer to
Dimension141
Traction control, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC56
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– manual transmission39
– overriding selector lever lock
for automatic transmission
with Steptronic41
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo86
Transporting children safely34
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread99
Trip odometer
46
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer46
Triple turn signal activation41
Turn signal indicator41
– front, replacing bulb114
– indicator lamp12
– rear, replacing bulb115
– side, replacing bulb115
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions141
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading86