
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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71
Ambient lighting*
The color of the ambient lighting can be
changed.
>Press the switch forward.
The color changes in stages, ultimately to
orange.
>Press the switch toward the rear.
The color changes in stages, ultimately to
blue.
Intermediate settings and colors are possible.
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REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
75
Air flow rate, manual
Press the – button to reduce air flow. Press
the + button to increase it.
You can reactivate the automatic mode
for the air flow rate with the AUTO button.
The air flow rate is lowered or switched off
entirely to save on battery power. The display
remains the same.
Switching the system on/off
Reduce the air flow by pressing the – button
repeatedly until the system is switched off. All
indicators go out.
Press the AUTO button to switch the automatic
climate control back on.
AUTO program
The AUTO program adjusts the air
distribution to the windshield and
side windows, towards the upper body area and
into the footwell for you. The air flow rate and
your temperature specifications will be adapted
to outside influences in accordance with sea-
sonal changes, e.g. sunlight.
The cooling function is automatically switched
on along with the AUTO program.
Automatic recirculated-air control AUC/
Recirculated-air mode
Switch on the desired operating
mode by pressing the button
repeatedly.
Display of operating modes
No display: outside air flows in continuously.
AUC mode: a sensor detects pollutants in
the outside air. If necessary, the system
blocks the supply of outside air and recir-
culates the inside air. As soon as the concentra-
tion of pollutants in the outside air has
decreased sufficiently, the system automatically
switches back to outside air supply.
At outside temperatures below approx. 417/
+56, the AUC mode may be restricted due to
the increased risk of window condensation.Recirculated-air mode: the supply of out-
side air is permanently shut off. The sys-
tem then recirculates the air currently
within the vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces, press the AUTO
button or switch off the recirculated-air mode
and, if necessary, increase the air flow rate.
The recirculated-air mode should not be used
over an extended period of time, otherwise the
air quality inside the car will deteriorate contin-
uously.<
Maximum cooling
At outside temperatures above
327/06 and when the engine is
running, you obtain a maximum
cooling effect as soon as possible.
The automatic climate control goes into recircu-
lated-air mode at the lowest temperature. Air
flows at maximum rate from the vents for the
upper body area. You should therefore open
them for maximum cooling.
Air distribution, manual
The flow of air is directed to the
windows, to the upper body area or
to the footwell as selected.
You can switch the automatic air
distribution back on by pressing the AUTO but-
ton.
Temperature
Set the desired temperature individually.
The automatic climate control achieves
this temperature as quickly as possible
regardless of the season, using maximum
cooling or heating power if necessary, and then
maintains it.
If you switch between different tempera-
ture settings in quick succession, the auto-
matic climate control does not have enough
time to achieve the set temperature.<
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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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REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
79
Glove compartment
Opening
Press the button to open the cover.
The light in the glove compartment comes on.
Closing
Fold cover up.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent, close the glove compartment after
use while the vehicle is being driven.<
Ventilation*
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, it may
be possible to ventilate the glove compartment.
Opening
Turn the switch to the horizontal position, arrow.
Closing
Turn the switch to the vertical position.
Depending on the temperature setting of the air
conditioning or the automatic climate control,
high temperatures may result in the glove com-
partment.
Center armrest*
Storage compartment
The center armrest between the front seats con-
tains either a compartment or the cover for the
mobile phone base plate
* or the snap-in
adapter
*.
Opening
The cover slides along guide rails and can be
opened fully by pushing it back and lifting it.
Closing
Push the cover forwards.
Connection for external
audio device
>iPods/iPhones or USB devices such as MP3
players and USB memory sticks: Connect via
the USB audio interface
>iPhone/mobile phone music players: Con-
nect via the snap-in adapter
* (see separate
owner's manual). Playback is only possible if
there is no device connected to the USB
audio interface.
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REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
81
Cup holders and
ashtray*
Cup holders
Two cup holders are located in the front of the
center console, another is in the rear at the back
of the center console.
Do not place glass containers in the cup
holders, as this increases the risk of injury
in the event of an accident.<
Ashtray*
The ashtray is located in one of the cup holders
in the center console.
Emptying
Remove the entire ashtray.
Lighter
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, press in the cigarette lighter.
The lighter can be pulled out as soon as it pops
back out.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by
the knob only. Holding or touching it in
other areas could result in burns.
When leaving the car, always remove the key so
that children cannot operate the cigarette
lighter and burn themselves.<
Connecting electrical
appliances
In your MINI, you can use electrical devices such
as a flashlight, car vacuum cleaner, etc., up to
approx. 200 watts at 12 volts, as long as one of
the following sockets is available. Avoid damag-
ing the sockets by attempting to insert plugs of
unsuitable shape or size.
Cigarette lighter socket
Remove the lighter* or cover from the socket.
Power socket in cargo bay
Pull out the cover.
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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
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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