
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.

Things to remember when driving
84
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can
assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Avoid fluid spills in the cargo bay as they
could damage the vehicle.<
Cargo bay cover
Do not place any objects on the cover,
otherwise they could endanger the car's
occupants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden
swerving, or they may damage the cover.<
The luggage compartment cover can be locked
in intermediate positions 1to3.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be
removed.
1.Pull on the handle, arrow1, to detach the
cargo bay cover.
2.Lift the cargo bay cover up out of the hold-
ers, arrows 2.
Expanding the cargo bay
The rear set backrest is split. Both sides can be
folded separately to expand the cargo bay.
If necessary, remove the third head restraint,
refer to Head restraints, Removing page31.
By way of example, the illustration shows the
cargo compartment in the MINI.
1.Pull the lever.
2.Fold rear seat backrests forward.
When folding the backrest back up, make
sure that the seat's locking mechanisms
engage properly. Otherwise, cargo could be
thrown around in the event of sharp braking or
swerving and endanger the occupants.<
Adjusting rear seat backrest*
Expand the cargo bay by raising the split rear
seat backrests to a steeper angle.
By way of example, the illustration shows the
cargo compartment in the MINI.
1.Pull the lever, arrow1, and fold the rear seat
backrest forward.
2.Fold up the lever of the backrest lock until it
audibly engages, arrow2.
3.Fold back the backrest until it engages.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
129
Indicator lamp1 flashes:
Engine malfunction under high load.
High engine load will result in dam-
age to the catalytic converterYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the vehicle
checked without delay.
Indicator lamp1 comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse
effect on exhaust emissionsYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the car checked as
soon as possible.
Lights up in red:
Engine overheating Carefully bring the car to a stop,
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down. Do not open the bonnet,
otherwise there would be a risk of
injury by scalding. Contact your
MINI Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Engine too hot Continue driving at more moderate
speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked with-
out delay if the situation reoccurs.
Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunctionSwitch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers. Have the battery checked
without delay.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connectedHave the battery checked as soon
as possible.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied
12Cause What to do

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
135
Lights up in red:
>Transmission limp-home pro-
gram active with restricted range
of gears, possibly with reduced
accelerationYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system
checked without delay.
>Gears can be engaged without
depressing the brakeAlways depress the brake to engage
a gear.
>Automatic selector lever locked Manually unlock the selector lever
lock, page41.
Lights up in yellow: Have the system checked as soon
as possible.
>Automatic selector lever locked:
Selector lever locked in position P
with engine running and brake
depressed orManually unlock the selector lever
lock, page41.
>brake signal malfunctioning: gear
can be engaged without depress-
ing the brakeTo engage a gear while the vehicle is
at a standstill, always depress the
brake. Before leaving the vehicle,
move the selector lever to position P
and switch off the engine.
Lights up in red:
Transmission overheating Bring the car to a stop and move the
selector lever to position P. Allow the
transmission to cool down. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Have the system checked if the situa-
tion reoccurs.
Lights up in yellow:
Transmission too hot Avoid high engine loads. You can con-
tinue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Vehicle not prevented from rolling
12Cause What to do

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

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

From A to Z
148
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights142
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb113
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake38
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags63
Head restraints31
– sitting safely29
Headlamp control,
automatic65
Headlamp flasher41
– indicator lamp11,126
Headlamps
– replacing bulb113
Headlamps, care109
Heated
– mirrors33
– rear window71,73
– seats31
Heating70
– mirrors33
– rear window71,73
– seats31
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo86
Height adjustment
– seats30
– steering wheel33
Height, refer to
Dimensions141
High beams67
– headlamp flasher67
– indicator lamp126
– replacing bulb113
High water, refer to Driving
through water83
Hill Start Assist57
Hills83
Holders for cups79
Homepage4
Horn10
Hot exhaust system82
Hydroplaning82
I
Ice warning46
Icy roads, refer to Outside
temperature warning46
Ignition37
– switched off37
– switched on37
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness37
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on37
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18
Ignition lock37
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13,126
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM61
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting68
Individual air distribution72
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM60
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM58
– glass sunroof, electric28
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays12
Instrument lighting68
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays12
Integrated key18
Integrated universal remove
control75
Interior lamps68
– remote control21
Interior rearview mirror33
– automatic dimming
feature33
Interlock39
Intermittent mode of the
wipers42Internet page4J
Jacking points119
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles44
Jump starting122
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting122
K
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile18
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18
Keyless go, refer to Convenient
access25
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Convenient
access25
Kick-down40
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
Knock control93
L
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs112
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams65
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo86
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system35
Leather care110
LEDs light-emitting diodes113
Length, refer to
Dimensions141
Level load floor85
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement116
Light switch65
Light-alloy wheels, care109
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs113

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