
Lamps
68
Setting the duration or deactivating the 
function
1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page37.
2.Briefly press the button in the turn indicator 
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
3.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
4.Briefly press the button repeatedly until the 
symbol and "SET" are displayed.
5.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
6.Briefly press the button repeatedly until the 
display shows the illustrated symbol.
7.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.8.Briefly press the button to select:
>
The function is deactivated.
> ... 
Select the corresponding duration, e.g. 
40 seconds.
9.Press the   button for a longer period.
The setting is stored.
Daytime running lamps*
The light switch can remain in the lamps off, 
parking lamps or automatic headlamp control
* 
position.
In the lamps off position, the exterior lighting is 
automatically switched off after the vehicle is 
parked. In the parking lamps position, the park-
ing lamps will stay on after the ignition is 
switched off.
Switch on the parking lamps separately if 
needed.
Activating/deactivating daytime 
running lamps
The setting is stored for the remote control in 
use, refer to Personal Profile, page18.
1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page37.
2.Briefly press the button in the turn indicator 
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
3.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
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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.
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REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 77
Practical interior accessories
Integrated universal re-
mote control*
The concept
The integrated universal remote control can 
replace as many as three hand-held transmitters 
for various remote-controlled devices, such as 
garage and gate openers and lighting systems. 
The integrated universal remote control regis-
ters and stores signals from the original hand-
held transmitters.
The signal of an original hand-held transmitter 
can be programmed on one of the three mem-
ory buttons1. The system in question can then 
be operated by means of the programmed 
memory button1. The LED2 flashes to confirm 
transmission of the signal.
If you decide to sell your vehicle one day, in the 
interest of your own security, remember to clear 
the stored programs before the vehicle leaves 
your possession, page78.
To prevent possible damage or injury, 
before programming or using the inte-
grated universal remote control, always inspect 
the immediate area to make certain that no 
people, animals or objects are within the pivot-
ing or travel range of the device being operated. 
Comply also with the safety instructions supplied 
with the original hand-held transmitter.<
Checking compatibility
If this symbol appears on the package 
or in the instructions supplied with the 
original hand-held transmitter, you can 
assume that the radio remote control device will 
be compatible with the integrated universal 
remote control.
For additional information, please contact your 
MINI Dealer or call: 1-800-355-3515.
You can also obtain information on the Internet 
at: 
www.MINI.com orwww.homelink.com
HomeLink is a registered trademark of Johnson 
Controls, Inc.
Programming
1Memory buttons
2LED
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters
1.Switch on the ignition, page37.
2.When starting operation for the first time: 
press both outer memory buttons1 for 
approx. 20 seconds until the LED2 flashes 
rapidly. All stored programs are cleared.
3.Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a 
distance of approx. 2 to 12 in/5 to 30 cm 
from the memory buttons1.
The required distance between the 
hand-held transmitter and the mem-
ory buttons1 depends on the system of the 
respective original hand-held transmitter 
used.<
4.Simultaneously press the transmit key on 
the original hand-held transmitter and the 
desired memory button 1 on the integrated 
universal remote control. The LED 2 flashes 
slowly at first. As soon as the LED2 flashes 
rapidly, release both buttons. If the LED2 
does not flash rapidly after approx. 15 sec-
onds, alter the distance.
5.To program other original hand-held trans-
mitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.
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Practical interior accessories
78
The corresponding memory button 1 is now 
programmed with the signal of the original 
hand-held transmitter.
You can operate the system with the engine 
running or with the ignition switched on.
If the system fails to function even after 
repeated programming, check whether 
the original hand-held transmitter uses an alter-
nating-code system. To do so, either read the 
instructions for the original hand-held transmit-
ter or hold down the programmed memory 
button1 of the integrated universal remote con-
trol. If the LED2 on the integrated universal 
remote control flashes rapidly and then remains 
lit for about two seconds, the original hand-held 
transmitter uses an alternating-code system. If it 
uses an alternating-code system, program the 
memory buttons1 as described under Alternat-
ing-code hand-held transmitters.<
Alternating-code hand-held 
transmitters
To program the integrated universal remote 
control, consult the operating instructions for 
the device to be set. You will find information 
there on the possibilities for synchronization or 
programming of additional hand-held transmit-
ters.
When programming hand-held transmitters that 
employ an alternating code, please observe the 
following supplementary instructions:
Programming will be easier with the aid of 
a second person.<
1.Park your vehicle within the range of the 
remote-controlled device.
2.Program the integrated universal remote 
control as described above in the section 
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters.
3.Locate the button on the receiver of the 
device to be set, e.g. on the drive unit.
4.Press the button on the receiver of the 
device to be set. After step 4, you have 
approx. 30 seconds for the next step 5.
5.Press the programmed memory button1 of 
the integrated universal remote control 
three times.The corresponding memory button 1 is now 
programmed with the signal of the original 
hand-held transmitter.
Clearing stored programs
Press both outer memory buttons1 for approx. 
20 seconds until the LED2 flashes: All stored 
programs are cleared.
It is not possible to clear individual programs.
Reassigning individual programs
1.Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a 
distance of approx. 2 to 12 in/5 to 30 cm 
from the memory buttons1.
The required distance between the 
hand-held transmitter and the mem-
ory buttons1 depends on the system of the 
respective original hand-held transmitter 
used.<
2.Press the desired memory button1 of the 
integrated universal remote control.
3.If the LED 2 flashes slowly after approx. 
20 seconds, press the transmit key of the 
original hand-held transmitter and release 
both buttons as soon as the LED2 flashes 
rapidly.
If the LED 2 does not flash rapidly after 
approx. 15 seconds, alter the distance and 
repeat this step.
ProCarManuals.com 

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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REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 87
Determining cargo limit
1.Locate the following statement on your 
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants 
and cargo should never exceed 
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, overloading 
can result in damage to the vehicle and un-
stable driving conditions.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the 
driver and passengers that will be riding in 
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver 
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY 
pounds.
4.The resulting figure equals the available 
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. 
For example, if the XXX amount equals 
1,400 lbs. and there will be four 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is 
650 lbs: 
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage 
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That 
weight may not safely exceed the available 
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated 
in step 4.
6.I f  y o u r  v e h icl e  w i ll  be  t o w in g  a  t r a il e r , pa r t  o f  
the load from your trailer will be transferred 
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for 
transporting a trailer to determine how this 
may reduce the available cargo and luggage 
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permissible load is the sum of the occu-
pants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The 
greater the weight of the occupants, the less 
cargo/luggage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the 
rear seat backrests.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is 
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the 
respective opposite buckle.
>Do not stack higher than the top edge of the 
backrests.
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Things to remember when driving
88
Securing cargo
>Secure smaller and lighter items using 
retaining or draw straps
*.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing larger 
and heavier objects are available at your 
MINI Dealer. Four lashing eyes are provided 
for attaching the cargo straps. Two of them 
are located on the forward wall of the cargo 
bay.
Comply with the information enclosed with 
the load-securing devices.
Always position and secure the cargo as 
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden 
braking or swerves are necessary. 
Do not exceed the approved gross weight and 
axle loads (see page 144); otherwise the vehi-
cle's operating safety is no longer assured and it 
will not be in compliance with the certification 
regulations. 
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried 
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown 
around, for example as a result of heavy braking, 
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants. Do not secure cargo using the fastening 
points for the tether strap (page36); they may 
become damaged.<
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack*
A special rack system is available as an option for 
your MINI. Your MINI Dealer will be glad to 
advise you. Comply with the installation instruc-
tions supplied with the rack system.
Mounting points
Remove the cover panel.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of 
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect 
on vehicle handling and steering response. 
You should therefore always remember not to 
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the 
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads 
when loading the rack.
You can find the applicable data under Weights 
on page 144.
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and 
should not be too large in area. Heavy items 
should always be placed at the bottom.
When loading, make sure that there is sufficient 
space for the movement of the glass sunroof 
and that no objects protrude into the swiveling 
area of the tailgate; otherwise damage can 
occur.
Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and 
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off 
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and 
braking maneuvers, and take corners gently.
Saving fuel
Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif-
ferent factors. The implementation of certain 
measures, your driving style and regular mainte-
nance can have an influence on fuel consump-
tion and on the environmental impact.
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REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 93
Fuel tank capacity
If the range displayed is less than 
30 miles/50 km, be sure to refuel; other-
wise engine functions are not guaranteed and 
damage could occur.<
MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S
Approx. 13.2 US gallons/50 liters, including the 
reserve capacity of 2.1 US gallons/8 liters.
Fuel specifications
Do not fill the tank with leaded fuel, as this 
would cause damage to the catalytic con-
verter.
Do not fill the tank with E85, i.e. fuel containing 
85% ethanol, nor with FlexFuel. Otherwise the 
engine and fuel supply system will be dam-
aged.<
Required fuel
Super Premium gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is highly recommended.
However, you may also use gasoline with less 
AKI. The minimum AKI Rating is 87.
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI Rat-
ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds 
when starting at high outside temperatures. This 
has no effect on the engine life.
Do not use any gasoline below the speci-
fied minimum fuel grade. Otherwise the 
engine could be damaged.<
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant differ-
ences in fuel quality: volatility, composition, 
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale 
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10 % ethanol or other 
oxygenates with up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight, 
that is, 15 % MTBE or 3 % methanol plus an 
equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void 
the applicable warranties with respect to defects 
in materials or workmanship.The use of poor-quality fuels may result in 
driveability, starting and stalling problems 
especially under certain environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and 
high altitude. 
Should you encounter driveability problems 
which you suspect could be related to the fuel 
you are using, we recommend that you respond 
by switching to a recognized high-quality brand 
such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier 
Detergent Gasoline. 
Failure to comply with these recommendations 
may also result in unscheduled maintenance.<
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