
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
85
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page100.
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 page58.
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.
This strategy helps you avoid placing excessive
loads on the brake system. Downshifting in man-
ual mode of the automatic transmission, 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.
Before driving into a car wash
Avoid car washes with tracks higher than
4 in/10 cm, otherwise the chassis could be
damaged.<
For general information about vehicle care for
your MINI, refer to the chapter beginning on
page109.
ProCarManuals.com

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
99
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 traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, corner-
ing, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteris-
tics.<
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 e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter, in
front of the R on ZR tires
225/45 R 17 91 V
e.g.
Manufacturer's
code for tire make
Tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 3408
ProCarManuals.com

From A to Z
146
From A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control76
Additives
– coolant105
– engine oil105
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner73
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control74
Air conditioner72
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner73
– automatic climate control74
– ventilation76
Air distribution
– automatic75
– individual74
– manual74
Air flow rate73,75
– air conditioning system73
– automatic climate control75
– heating, ventilation73
Air outlets, refer to Air vents72
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure94
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode73,75
Air supply
– air conditioner73
– automatic climate control74
– ventilation76
Air vents72
Airbags64
– sitting safely29
– warning lamp66
Airing, refer to Ventilation76AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications93
Alarm system24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires102
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode73,75
Ambient lighting71
Antenna, care109
Antifreeze
– coolant105
– washer fluid44
Antilock Brake System ABS57
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system24
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights144
Approved engine oils105
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights144
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest79
Arrival time
– computer49
Ashtray81
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC57
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control75
Audio device, external79
AUTO program for automatic
climate control75
Automatic
– air distribution75
– air flow rate75
– cruise control45
– headlamp control67
Automatic climate control72
– automatic air distribution75Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC75
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– interlock40
– overriding selector lever
lock41
– shiftlock40
– sport program40
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device79
Average fuel consumption48
– setting the units50
Average speed49
Axle loads, refer to
Weights144B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting71
Backrests, refer to Seats29
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb116
– replacing bulbs in MINI116
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch123
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away126
Battery122
– charging122
– disposal27,122
– jump starting123
– temporary power failure122
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed125
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts32
Belts, refer to Safety belts32
Beverage holders, refer to Cup
holders81
ProCarManuals.com

From A to Z
148
Consumption indicator
– average fuel consumption48
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption48
Control Display
– settings49
Controls and displays10
Convenience start, refer to
Starting the engine38
Convenient access25
– replacing the battery27
Convenient operation
– windows20
Coolant105
– checking level105
– filling105
Coolant temperature47
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant105
Cooling, maximum75
Copyright2
Cruising range48
Cup holders81
Curb weight, refer to
Weights144
Current fuel consumption49
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting70
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data142
– capacities144
– dimensions143
– engine142
– weights144
Date
– setting54
Daytime running lamps68
DBC Dynamic Brake Control,
refer to Brake assist57
Deactivating front passenger
airbags65
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
Defogging windows74,76
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows74,76
Defrosting windows74,76
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner74
– automatic climate control76
Differential, breaking in84
Digital clock47
Dimensions143
Dipstick, engine oil104
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals41
Displacement, refer to Engine
data142
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting70
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care111
Disposal
– of coolant105
– remote control battery27
– vehicle battery122
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements52
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC56
Diving stability control
systems56
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Door lock
22
Door lock, confirmation
signals20
Doors, manual operation22
DOT Quality Grades99
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders81
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Start Assist58
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button59Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams67
Driving notes84
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Start Assist58
Driving through water85
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes84
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function76
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC58
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake assist57
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC57
Dynamic Traction Control58
E
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
Electronic brake-force
distribution57
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC57
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission41
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance123
Engine
– breaking in84
– data142
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature47
– speed142
– starting38
– starting, convenient
access25
– switching off38
Engine compartment104
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant105
ProCarManuals.com

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
149
Engine oil
– adding105
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils105
– approved engine oils105
– capacity105
– checking level104
– dipstick104
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements52
– MINI Maintenance
System107
Engine oil level, checking104
Engine output, refer to Engine
data142
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine38
Error messages, refer to Check
Control54
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC57
Event data recorders108
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system84
Exterior mirrors33
– adjusting33
– automatic heating33
– folding in and out33
External audio device79
External care
– 109
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away125
– for tying down loads88
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control54
Failure of an electrical
consumer122
Fasten safety belts reminder,
refer to Seat belt
reminder32
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts32Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner74
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control76
Fine wood, care111
First aid pouch123
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock37
Flash when locking/
unlocking20
Flat tire
– Run-Flat Tires101
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM61
Flat Tire Monitor FTM59
– indicating a flat tire60
– initializing the system59
– malfunction60
– snow chains59
– system limits59
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition100
Floor mats, care111
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb115,117
Folding rear seat backrest86
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely85
Footwell lamps70
For your own safety4
Front airbags64
Front fog lamps70
– indicator lamp128
– replacing bulb115
Front seat adjustment29
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows74,76
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor59
Fuel93
– gauge48
– high-quality brands93
– quality93
– specifications93
– tank capacity144
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge48Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge
48
Fuel filler door92
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction92
Fuses122
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control77
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption48
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge48
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel93
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission40
– manual transmission39
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– manual transmission39
General driving notes84
Glass sunroof, electric27
– convenient operation20,22
– opening, closing27
– raising27
– remote control20
Glove compartment79
Grills, refer to Air vents72
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights144
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb114
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake39
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags64
ProCarManuals.com

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
151
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 beams67
– automatic67
– replacing bulb114
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support30
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Tailgate23
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo bay23
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack88
Lumbar support30
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires102
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system107
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control54
Manual air distribution74
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission41
Manual transmission39
Manual washing110
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling75
Maximum speed
– with winter tires102Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch123
Microfilter
– for air conditioner74
– for automatic climate
control76
– MINI Maintenance
System107
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance
System107
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System107
Mirror dimming feature33
Mirrors33
– exterior mirrors33
– heating33
– interior rearview mirror33
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest79
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest79
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System117
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety4
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor59
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
restraints31Nets, refer to Storage
compartments80
New tires101
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data142
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope126
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
Onboard Diagnosis107
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications93
Odometer47
Oil consumption104
Oil level104
Oil, refer to Engine oil104
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal122
Onboard tool kit113
Opening and closing
– convenient access25
– from inside22
– from outside19
– using the door lock22
– via the remote control19
Opening and unlocking
– from inside22
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation76
Outlets, refer to Air vents72
Output, refer to Engine
data142
Outside temperature
display47
– changing unit of measure50
– on onboard computer50
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control75
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature47
P
Paintwork, care110
Park Distance Control PDC56
Parking
– vehicle38
ProCarManuals.com

From A to Z
152
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC56
Parking brake39
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb115
Parking lamps/low beams67
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle4
Pathway lighting67
Personal Profile18
Pinch protection system
– windows28
Plastic parts, care111
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner74
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control76
Power failure122
Power windows28
Power windows, refer to
Windows28
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM61
Pressure monitoring, tires59
– Flat Tire Monitor59
Pressure, tires94
Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– windows28
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor59
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness37
Radio readiness37
– switched off37
– switched on37
Rain sensor43
Range, refer to Cruising
range48
Reading lamps70Rear fog lamp70
– indicator lamp128
– replacing bulb117
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps116
Rear seat backrest, folding86
Rear seats
– folding the backrests86
Rear window heating73,76
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors33
Recirculated-air mode73,75
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode73,75
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest30
Refueling92
Releasing
– bonnet103
Remote control18
– battery renewal27
– convenient access25
– garage door opener77
– malfunctions21,26
– service data107
– tailgate21
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs113
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires101
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge48
Reservoir for washer
systems44
Restraint systems
– for children35
– refer to Safety belts32
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– manual transmission39
Roadside Assistance123
Roadside parking lamps69
– replacing bulb115Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements52
Roof load capacity144
Roof-mounted luggage
rack88
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away126
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires101
Rubber parts, care110
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires101
Run-Flat Tires101
– flat tire60
– new tires101
– tire inflation pressure94
– winter tires102
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-Flat
Tires101
S
Safety belts32
– damage32
– indicator lamp32
– reminder32
– sitting safely29
Safety belts, care111
Safety systems
– airbags64
– Antilock Brake System
ABS57
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC57
– safety belts32
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires101
Screw thread for tow
fitting125
Seat adjustment
– mechanical30
Seats29
– adjusting the seats30
– heating32
– sitting safely29
ProCarManuals.com

From A to Z
154
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest79
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Telephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature display
– ice warning47
– outside temperature47
– setting the units50
Temperature of coolant, refer
to Coolant temperature47
Temperature setting
– air conditioner73
– automatic climate control75
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo88
The individual vehicle4
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp117
Three-point safety belt32
Tightening the lug bolts
– keys119
– torque121
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening the lug bolts121
Tire change set
– MINI Mobility System119
– space-saver spare tire119
Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor60
– indicator/warning lamp60
– MINI Mobility System117
– Run-Flat Tires60
– space-saver spare tire119
– Tire Pressure Monitor61
Tire inflation pressure94
– loss60
– space-saver spare tire94
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM61
– limitations of system61
– resetting system61
– warning lamp62
Tire pressure monitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor59
Tire Quality Grading99Tires
– age100
– breaking in84
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels119
– condition100
– damage100
– inflation pressure94
– inflation pressure loss62
– minimum tread depth100
– new tires101
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor59
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM61
– puncture60
– Run-Flat Tires101
– size99
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth100
– winter tires102
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-Flat Tires101
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit113
Torque142
– lug bolts121
Tow bar126
Tow fitting125
– screw thread125
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away125
Tow rope126
Towing124
– car with automatic
transmission126
– methods126
Tow-starting124
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor61
Track width, refer to
Dimensions143
Traction control, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC57
Trailer operation
– Trailer loads and gross
vehicle weight144Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– manual transmission39
– overriding selector lever lock
for automatic transmission
with Steptronic41
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo88
Transporting children safely35
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread100
Trip odometer47
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer47
Triple turn signal activation42
Turn signal indicator41
– front, replacing bulb115
– indicator lamp12
– rear, replacing bulb116
– side, replacing bulb116
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions143
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading88
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
UTQR99
Units
– average fuel consumption50
– temperature50
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control77
Universal remove control77
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking26
Unlocking
– from inside22
– from outside19
– tailgate26
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access25
Upholstery, care110
USB-audio interface80
ProCarManuals.com