REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
113
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.<
RSC – Run-Flat Tires
You will recognize Run-Flat Tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side of
the tire, page114.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Designation for specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires regularly for tread wear, signs
of damage and for foreign objects lodged in the
tread. Check the tread depth.
Tread depth
The tread depth should not drop below 0.12 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of
0.063 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 0.12 in/
3 mm there is an increased risk of high-speed
hydroplaning, even when only small amounts of
water are present on the road surface.
Winter tires
When winter tires wear down past a tread depth
of 0.16 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less
suitable for winter conditions. In the interest of
safety, new tires should be installed.
Minimum tread depth
Wear indicators in the base of the tread groove
are distributed around the tire's circumference;
the letters TWI, for Tread Wear Indicator, on the
tire's sidewalls identify tires that incorporate
these wear indicators. When tire tread is worn
down to the level of the wear indicators, the
remaining tread depth is 0.063 in/1.6 mm.
Tire damage
Due to low-profile tires, please note that wheels,
tires and suspensions parts are more susceptible
to road hazards and consequential damages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. The same
applies to any other abnormal road behavior,
such as pulling severely to the right or left.
In these cases, reduce speed immediately
and have wheels and tires thoroughly
checked. To do so, drive carefully to the nearest
MINI Dealer or tire shop that works according to
MINI repair procedures with correspondingly
trained personnel. If necessary, have the vehicle
towed there.
Otherwise tire damage can be extremely dan-
gerous for vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 0309 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 3 of 2009.
For various reasons, such as the development of
brittleness, the manufacturer of your MINI rec-
Wheels and tires
114
ommends tire replacement after no more than
6 years, regardless of the actual wear of the
tires.
Run-Flat Tires*
The symbol identifying Run-Flat Tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-Flat Tires comprise a conditionally self-sup-
porting tire and a special rim. The reinforcement
in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can con-
tinue to be used subject to certain restrictions,
even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page67.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires mounted only
by your MINI Dealer or a specialized tire
shop that has specially trained personnel work-
ing in accordance with the specifications of the
MINI manufacturer. If this work is not carried out
properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam-
age and related safety hazards. Make sure that
the new wheels are balanced.<
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends that you avoid using retreaded
tires, as this could impair driving safety. The
causes for this include potentially different tire
casing structures and often wide variations in
tire age, which can result in a limited service
life.<
Correct wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends mounting only wheels and tires
that it has specifically approved for use on your
particular model. Although other wheels and
tires may theoretically have the same dimen-
sions, variations in factors such as manufactur-
ing tolerances can result in contact between tire
and bodywork, ultimately leading to serious
accidents. The manufacturer of your MINI can-
not evaluate non-approved wheels and tires to
determine if they are suited for use, and there-
fore cannot ensure the operating safety of the
vehicle if they are mounted.<
Your MINI Dealer will be glad to inform you
about the correct wheel and tire combination for
your vehicle.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of
various vehicle systems such as ABS and DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand and
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM electronics
When mounting new tires or changing over from
summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only use
wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise the Tire
Pressure Monitor may not be able to detect a
puncture, refer to page69. Your MINI Dealer will
be glad to advise you.
Maintenance
120
Maintenance
MINI Maintenance System
The MINI Maintenance System supports the
preservation of the traffic and operating safety
of your MINI. The objective is to optimize efforts
with respect to minimal vehicle maintenance
costs.
If and when you come to sell your MINI, a com-
prehensive record of servicing will prove a signif-
icant benefit.
Condition Based Service CBS
Sensors and special algorithms take the different
driving conditions of your MINI into account.
Condition Based Service uses this to determine
the current and future service requirements. By
letting you define a service and maintenance
regimen that reflects your own individual
requirements, the system builds the basis for
trouble-free driving.
In the tachometer, you can have the remaining
times or distances for selected maintenance
tasks and any legally prescribed dates displayed,
page58.
Service data in the remote control
Your vehicle continuously stores service-
requirement information in the remote control
while you are driving. Your MINI Dealer can read
out this data from the remote control unit, and
propose an optimized maintenance approach.
Whenever you take your car in for servicing you
should therefore hand your MINI Dealer the
remote control unit that you last used.Make sure that the date in the tachometer
is always set correctly, page60; otherwise
the effectiveness of Condition Based Service CBS
is not assured.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models for
additional information on service requirements.
The manufacturer of the MINI recom-
mends that you have service and repair
operations performed at your MINI Dealer.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries ver-
ify that your vehicle has received the specified
regular maintenance.<
Socket for Onboard
Diagnosis OBD
Primary components that make up exhaust
emissions can be checked by a device via the
OBD socket.
This socket is located to the left of the driver's
side, on the bottom of the instrument panel.
From A to Z
162
From A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control83
Additives
– coolant118
– engine oil118
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner80
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control81
Air conditioner79
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control81
– ventilation83
Air distribution
– automatic82
– individual81
– manual81
Air flow rate80,81
– air conditioning system80
– automatic climate control81
– heating, ventilation80
Air outlets, refer to Air vents79
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure104
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,82
Air supply
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control81
– ventilation83
Air vents79
Airbags71
– sitting safely35
– warning lamp73
Airing, refer to Ventilation83AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications103
Alarm system24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires115
Always Open Timer55
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,82
Ambient lighting78
Antenna, care122
Antifreeze
– coolant118
– washer fluid51
Antilock Brake System ABS64
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system
24
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights159
Approved engine oils118
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights159
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest86
Ashtray88
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC64
Audio device, external86
AUTO program for automatic
climate control82
Automatic
– air distribution82
– air flow rate82
– cruise control51
– headlamp control74
Automatic climate control79
– automatic air distribution82Automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– interlock46
– overriding selector lever
lock48
– shiftlock46
– sport program47
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device86
Average fuel consumption54
– setting the units57
Average speed55
Axle loads, refer to
Weights159B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting78
Backrests, refer to Seats35
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb129,130
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch137
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away139
Battery135
– charging135
– disposal27,135
– jump starting137
– temporary power failure135
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed139
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts38
Belts, refer to Safety belts38
Beverage holders, refer to Cup
holders88
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate80,81
Bonnet116
From A to Z
164
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption54
Control Display
– settings56
Controls and displays10
Convenience operation
– convertible top22
Convenience start, refer to
Starting the engine44
Convenient access26
– replacing the battery27
Convenient operation
– windows20
Convertible top30
Coolant118
– checking level118
– filling118
Coolant temperature53
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant118
Cooling, maximum82
Copyright2
Cruising range54
Cup holders88
Curb weight, refer to
Weights159
Current fuel consumption55
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting77
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data156
– capacities160
– dimensions157
– engine156
– weights159
Date
– setting60
Daytime running lamps75
DBC Dynamic Brake Control,
refer to Brake assist64
Deactivating front passenger
airbags72
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler door102
Defogging windows81,82
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows81,82
Defrosting windows81,82
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner81
– automatic climate control82
Differential, breaking in92
Digital clock53
Dimensions157
Dipstick, engine oil117
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals48
Displacement, refer to Engine
data156
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting77
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care125
Disposal
– of coolant118
– remote control battery27
– vehicle battery135
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements58
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC63
Diving stability control
systems63
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Door lock22
Door lock, confirmation
signals20
Doors, manual operation22
DOT Quality Grades112
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders88
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Start Assist65
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button65Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams74
Driving notes92
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Start Assist65
Driving through water93
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes92
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function83
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC64
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake assist64
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC64
Dynamic Traction Control64
E
Electric power windows
– initializing29
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler door102
– trunk lid24
Electronic brake-force
distribution64
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC64
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler door102
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission48
– trunk lid24
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance137
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
165
Engine
– breaking in92
– data156
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature53
– speed156
– starting44
– starting, convenient
access26
– switching off45
Engine compartment117
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant118
Engine oil
– adding118
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils118
– approved engine oils118
– capacity118
– checking level117
– dipstick117
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements58
– MINI Maintenance
System120
Engine oil level, checking117
Engine output, refer to Engine
data156
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine44
Error messages, refer to Check
Control60
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC64
Event data recorders121
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system92
Exterior mirrors39
– adjusting39
– automatic heating39
– folding in and out39
External audio device86
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away138
– for tying down loads96F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control60
Failure of an electrical
consumer135
Fasten safety belts reminder,
refer to Seat belt
reminder38
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts38
Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner81
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control83
Fine wood, care125
First aid pouch137
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock44
Flash when locking/
unlocking20
Flat tire
– Run-Flat Tires114
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM68
Flat Tire Monitor FTM66
– indicating a flat tire67
– initializing the system66
– snow chains66
– system limits66
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition113
Floor mats, care124
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb128,130
Folding rear seat backrest94
Folding roof, refer to
Convertible top with
integrated sliding sunroof30
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely93
Footwell lamps77
For your own safety4
Front airbags71
Front fog lamps77
– indicator lamp141
– replacing bulb128
Front seat adjustment35Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows81,82
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor66
Fuel103
– gauge54
– high-quality brands103
– quality103
– specifications103
– tank capacity160
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge54
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge54
Fuel filler door102
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction102
Fuses135
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control84
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption54
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge54
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel103
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission46
– manual transmission46
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– manual transmission46
General driving notes92
Glass sunroof, electric27
– convenient operation20,22
– opening, closing28
– raising28
– remote control20
Glove compartment85
Grills, refer to Air vents79
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
167
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs126
– of the instruments77
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps74
Limit153
Load95
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo96
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking22
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal20
– from inside22
– from outside20
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access26
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals20
– from inside22
– from outside19
Low beams74
– automatic74
– replacing bulb127
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support36
Luggage compartment
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual release24
– increasing the capacity95
– opening from the inside24
Luggage compartment lid
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual release24
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Tailgate23
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo bay23
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack97
Lumbar support36
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires115
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system120Malfunction
– convertible top32
– trunk lid24
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control60
Manual air distribution81
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door102
– power convertible top32
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission48
– trunk lid24
Manual transmission46
Manual washing123
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling82
Maximum speed
– with winter tires115
Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch137
Microfilter
– for air conditioner81
– for automatic climate
control83
– MINI Maintenance
System120
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance
System120
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System120
Mirror dimming feature39
Mirrors39
– exterior mirrors39
– heating39
– interior rearview mirror39
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest86
– refer to separate Owner's
ManualMobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest86
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System131
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety4
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor66
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
48
– refer to Wiper system49
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints37
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments87
New tires114
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data156
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope139
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
Onboard Diagnosis120
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications103
Odometer53
Oil consumption117
Oil level117
Oil, refer to Engine oil117
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal135
Onboard tool kit126
From A to Z
168
Opening and closing
– convenient access26
– from inside22
– from outside19
– using the door lock22
– via the remote control19
Opening and unlocking
– from inside22
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation83
Outlets, refer to Air vents79
Output, refer to Engine
data156
Outside temperature
display53
– changing unit of measure57
– on onboard computer57
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control82
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature53
P
Paintwork, care123
Park Distance Control PDC63
Parking
– vehicle45
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC63
Parking brake45
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb128
Parking lamps/low beams74
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle4
Pathway lighting74
Personal Profile18
Pinch protection system
– windows29
Plastic parts, care125
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner81
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control83
Power convertible top30
Power failure135Power windows28
Power windows, refer to
Windows28
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM68
Pressure monitoring, tires66
– Flat Tire Monitor66
Pressure, tires104
Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– windows29
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor66
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness44
Radio readiness44
– switched off44
– switched on44
Rain sensor49
Range, refer to Cruising
range54
Reading lamps78
Rear fog lamp77
– indicator lamp141
– replacing bulb130
Rear lamps
– bulb replacement130
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps129
Rear luggage rack*97
Rear seat backrest, folding94
Rear seats
– folding the backrests94
Rear window heating80,82
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors39
Recirculated-air mode80,82
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,82
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest36
Refueling102Releasing
– bonnet116
Remote control18
– battery renewal27
– convenient access26
– garage door opener84
– malfunctions21,27
– service data120
– tailgate21
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs126
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires114
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge54
Reservoir for washer
systems51
Restraint systems
– for children41
– refer to Safety belts38
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic
47
– manual transmission46
Roadside Assistance137
Roadside parking lamps76
– replacing bulb128
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements58
Roof load capacity159
Roof-mounted luggage
rack97
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away139
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires114
Rubber parts, care124
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires114
Run-Flat Tires114
– flat tire67
– new tires114
– tire inflation pressure104
– winter tires115