Lamps
70
Fog lamps*
1Fog lamps*
2Rear fog lamp*
Press the respective switch to turn the lamps on/off.
Fog lamps*
The parking lamps or low beams must be
switched on for the fog lamps to operate. The
green indicator lamp comes on when the fog
lamps are switched on.
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the fog
lamps are switched off when you activate the
headlamp flasher or switch on the high beams.
If the automatic headlamp control is acti-
vated, the low beams will come on auto-
matically when you switch on the fog lamps.<
Rear fog lamp*
The low beams or parking lamps with fog lamps
must be switched on. The yellow indicator lamp
comes on when the rear fog lamp is switched on.
Instrument lighting
You can adjust the brightness of the instrument
lighting only when the parking lamps or the low
beams are on.
Increasing brightness
Press and hold the button until the desired
brightness is reached.
Reducing brightness
Press the button briefly.
The brightness decreases every time the button
is pressed briefly.
Interior lamps
The interior lamps, the footwell lamps* and the
cargo bay lamp are controlled automatically.
To avoid draining the battery, all lamps
inside the car are switched off about
8 minutes after the ignition is switched off, refer
to Start/stop button on page37.<
Switching interior lamps on/off manually
To switch the interior lamps on/off.
Press the switch.
To switch off the interior lamps permanently,
press the button for about 3 seconds.
Reading lamps*
To switch the reading lamps on and off.
Press the switch.
ProCarManuals.com
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
89
Remove unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove attached parts no longer in use
Remove auxiliary mirrors, roof- or rear-mounted
luggage racks whenever you are not using
them.
Attached parts on the vehicle affect its aerody-
namics and increase fuel consumption.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check and, if necessary, correct tire inflation
pressure at least twice a month and before start-
ing on a long trip.
Low inflation pressure increases rolling resis-
tance and thus leads to greater fuel consump-
tion and tire wear.
Drive off immediately
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engine speeds. This is the
fastest way for the cold engine to reach its oper-
ating temperature.
Think ahead while driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking by
maintaining a suitable distance to the vehicle
driving ahead.
Driving smoothly and anticipating impending
traffic situations reduces fuel consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
Use first gear only for driving off. In second and
higher gears, accelerate smoothly to a suitable
engine and road speed. In doing so, avoid high
engine speeds and shift up early.
When you reach your desired traveling speed,
shift to the highest suitable gear and drive at
constant speed.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red traffic light, take your
foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast
to a halt in the highest suitable gear.
On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the
accelerator and let the vehicle coast in a suitable
gear.
Fuel supply is shut off automatically when the
vehicle is coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings or
in traffic congestions.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. The man-
ufacturer of your MINI recommends having the
vehicle serviced by a MINI Dealer. Also note the
MINI Maintenance System, page107.
ProCarManuals.com
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
127
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, page123.
Vehicles with a catalytic converter should only
be tow-started when the engine is cold, vehicles
with an automatic transmission cannot be tow-
started at all.
1.Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply
with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, page37.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
completely depressed and then slowly
release the clutch. After the engine starts,
immediately depress the clutch completely
again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
ProCarManuals.com
Indicator and warning lamps
130
Window washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible,
page44.
Lights up in yellow:
The engine will start the next time the
start/stop button is touched, possibly
without the brake or clutch being
depressed
Remote control malfunctioning or, in
cars with convenient access, not
detectedThe engine cannot be started. Have
the remote control checked, if neces-
sary.
Battery in remote control discharged Use the remote control for a longer
journey or, in cars with convenient
access, replace the battery.
Belt tensioners and/or airbag system
failedHave the system checked immedi-
ately. Fasten the safety belts anyway.
Power steering failed You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Steering response will be
markedly different. Have the system
checked without delay.
Lights up:
Emergency calling system failed or
malfunctioningHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Lights up in red:
Engine malfunction
Stop the car and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your
journey. Contact your MINI Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Full engine power no longer available You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the engine
checked as soon as possible.
12Cause What to do
ProCarManuals.com
Indicator and warning lamps
132
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied
Indication in US models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Brake pedal travel may be markedly
longer. Stop immediately. Contact the
nearest MINI Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Hill Start Assist failed. The car will not
be held in place after the brake is
releasedHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in Canadian models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Brake pedal travel may be markedly
longer. Stop immediately. Contact the
nearest MINI Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Hill Start Assist failed. The car will not
be held in place after the brake is
releasedHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
Indication in Canadian models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
12Cause What to do
ProCarManuals.com
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
135
Vehicles with Flat Tire Monitor*
Light up in yellow and red:
>Tire damageCarefully bring the car to a stop.
Observe the information starting on
page59.
>Flat Tire Monitor not initializedInitialize Flat Tire Monitor, page59.
Light up in yellow:
Flat Tire Monitor failed. Punctures are
not indicatedHave the system checked.
Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor
*
Light up in yellow and red:
There is a flat tire or substantial loss
in tire pressureCarefully bring the car to a stop.
Observe the information starting on
page61.
Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor
*
Light up in yellow:
Tire Pressure Monitor not initializedInitialize the Tire Pressure Monitor,
page62.
The small lamp flashes yellow and
then stays on, the large lamp lights
up in yellow:
Tire Pressure Monitor failed. Punc-
tures are not indicatedHave the system checked. Observe
the information starting on page62.
12Cause What to do
ProCarManuals.com
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
137
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Ignition cannot be switched offEngage selector lever position P when
you wish to switch off the ignition,
page37.
Lights up in red:
Electric steering wheel lock malfunc-
tioningThe engine can no longer be started. If
applicable, do not switch off the
engine. Contact your MINI Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Electric steering wheel lock engaged Move the steering wheel before start-
ing the engine.
Cruise control system failed Have the system checked.
Park Distance Control failed Have the system checked.
Bulb of exterior lighting system failed Have the exterior lighting checked as
soon as possible.
Low-beam headlamp or fog lamp
failedHave the lamps checked as soon as
possible.
High-beam headlamp failed Have the high-beam headlamps
checked.
Rear fog lamp failed Have the rear fog lamp checked.
Headlamp beam throw adjustment
system failedHave the headlamp beam throw
adjustment system checked.
Coolant level too low Add coolant immediately, page105.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your
journey. Contact your MINI Dealer.
12Cause What to do
ProCarManuals.com
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
153
Securing the vehicle
– from inside22
– from outside19
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock40
– overriding manually41
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance123
Service data in the remote
control107
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS107
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance123
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS107
Service requirements52
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode50
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– manual transmission39
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions40
Side airbags64
Side turn signal indicator
– replacing bulb116
Side windows, refer to
Windows28
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely29
– airbags29
– safety belts29
– with head restraint29
Size, refer to Dimensions143Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric27
Slot for remote control37
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray81
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment79
Snow chains102
Socket for Onboard Diagnosis
OBD107
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances81
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires119
– inflation pressure94
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire119
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils105
Speed142
– with winter tires102
Speed control, refer to Cruise
control45
Speedometer12
Split rear seat backrest, refer to
Expanding the cargo bay86
Sport button59
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems56
Start/stop button37
– starting the engine38
– switching off the engine38
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting123
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine38
Starting the engine
– start/stop button37
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC57
– Hill Start Assist58
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing4Steering wheel34
– adjustment34
– buttons on steering wheel11
– lock37
– shift paddles41
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic39
Storage area
– cargo bay86
Storage compartment, front
passenger side80
Storage compartments80
Storage space
– storage compartments80
Storing the vehicle112
Storing tires102
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments80
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 off76
Symbols4
T
Tachometer47
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps116
– replacing bulb116
Tail lamps116
– replacing bulbs in MINI116
Tailgate23
– convenient access26
– opening from outside23
– opening/closing23
– unlocking with remote
control21
Tank volume, refer to
Capacities144
Technical data142
Technical modifications4
ProCarManuals.com