
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.
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Things to remember when driving
86
With convenient access and automatic
transmission
Insert the key into the ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off when the selec-
tor lever is in position N. Refer also to page26.
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.<
When you open the tailgate, the cargo bay cover
is raised.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be
removed.
1.Unhook the lift straps from the tailgate.
2.Pull the cover out of the holders toward the
rear.
Expanding the cargo bay
The rear set backrest is split. Both sides can be
folded separately to expand the cargo bay.
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.
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.
If the rear seat backrests are positioned at
a steeper angle, do not install child-
restraint systems in the rear of the vehicle as
their protective features may be ineffective.<
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REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
131
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
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Indicator and warning lamps
136
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 Overriding 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 orOverriding 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
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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
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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
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From A to Z
150
Head restraints31
– sitting safely29
Headlamp control,
automatic67
Headlamp flasher41
– indicator lamp11,128
Headlamps
– replacing bulb114
Headlamps, care110
Heated
– mirrors33
– rear window73,76
– seats32
Heating72
– mirrors33
– rear window73,76
– seats32
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo87
Height adjustment
– seats30
– steering wheel34
Height, refer to
Dimensions143
High beams69
– headlamp flasher69
– indicator lamp128
– replacing bulb114
High water, refer to Driving
through water85
Hill Start Assist58
Hills85
Holders for cups81
Homepage4
Horn10
Hot exhaust system84
Hydroplaning84
I
Ice warning47
Icy roads, refer to Outside
temperature warning47
Ignition37
– switched off37
– switched on37
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness37Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on37
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18
Ignition lock37
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13,128
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM62
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting70
Individual air distribution74
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM61
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM59
– glass sunroof, electric27
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays12
Instrument lighting70
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays12
Integrated key18
Integrated universal remove
control77
Interior lamps70
– remote control21
Interior rearview mirror33
– automatic dimming
feature33
Interlock40
Intermittent mode of the
wipers42
Internet page4
J
Jacking points121
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles44
Jump starting123
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting123
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
bulbs113
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams67
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo88
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system36
Leather care111
LEDs light-emitting diodes114
Length, refer to
Dimensions143
License plate lamp
– replacing bulbs in MINI117
Light switch67
Light-alloy wheels, care110
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs114
Lighter81
– socket81
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs113
– of the instruments70
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps67
Limit138
Load87
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo88
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking22
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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
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