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 109
Care
Car-care products
Regular cleaning and care helps to maintain the 
value of your MINI.
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends 
using manufacturer-approved products to clean 
and care for your vehicle.
MINI Service would be pleased to advise you on 
cleaning and care products and services for your 
MINI.
The ingredients of original MINI CareProd-
ucts have been tested, and the products 
have been tested in the laboratory and in prac-
tice. They offer optimum care and protection for 
your vehicle.<
Do not use any cleansers containing alco-
hol or solvents as these may cause dam-
age.<
Cleaning agents may contain hazardous 
or health-damaging substances. Follow 
the warning and hazard instructions on the 
packaging. For interior cleaning, always open 
the doors or windows of the vehicle. 
Do not use any products that are not intended 
for cleaning the vehicle.<
External care
Washing your vehicle
Especially during the winter months the 
vehicle should be frequently washed. Dirt 
and road salt can damage the vehicle.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the 
brakes briefly to dry them, otherwise 
water can reduce braking efficiency over the 
short term and the brake rotors can corrode.<
Car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.Do not use high-pressure car washes 
because drops of water can penetrate 
around the windows.<
Before driving into the car wash, check if the sys-
tem is suitable for your MINI. Observe the fol-
lowing points:
>Dimensions of the vehicle, page143
>If necessary: Fold in the outside mirrors 
(page 33)
>Maximum permissible tire width
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
>Unscrew the rod antenna.
>Deactivate the rain sensor
* to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
>Deactivate the rear windshield wiper and 
protect it from damage. Ask the car wash 
operator about measures that can be taken 
to protect the wipers.
>Remove additional detachable body com-
ponents such as spoilers or telephone 
antennas that could be damaged.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, make sure that 
the vehicle can roll:
1.Place the remote control, even with conve-
nient access, in the ignition lock.
2.Move the selector lever to position N.
3.Release the parking brake.
4.Switch off the engine.
5.Insert the remote control in the ignition lock 
so that the vehicle can roll.
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure 
washers, ensure that you maintain a suffi-
cient distance to the vehicle and do not exceed a 
maximum temperature of 1407/606.
If the distance is too close, the pressure too high, 
or the temperature too high, parts of the vehicle 
can be damaged, or water can penetrate. 
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Care
110
Observe the operating instructions for high-
pressure washers.<
Do not spray sensors such as Park Dis-
tance Control with high-pressure washers 
for a long time or at a distance of less than
1 ft/30 cm.<
Manual washing
Use a great deal of water and, if necessary, car 
shampoo when washing your car by hand. Clean 
the vehicle with a sponge or a washing brush 
applying a slight amount of pressure.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or turn off the ignition 
to prevent unintentional wiping.<
Observe local regulations regarding wash-
ing vehicles by hand.<
Headlamps
Do not wipe dry and do not use abrasive or cor-
rosive cleaning agents. Remove dirt and con-
tamination, such as insects, by soaking with 
shampoo and then washing with plenty of 
water.
Do not remove accumulated ice and snow with 
an ice scraper; use window de-icers instead.
Windows
Clean the outside and inside of the windows and 
mirrors with a window cleaner.
Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners 
containing quartz.<
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and change regularly to 
prevent the formation of streaks
Wax, preservatives and dirt on the win-
dows cause streaks when the windshield 
wipers are on, and can cause premature wear of 
the wiper blades and interfere with the rain sen-
sor.<
Paintwork, care
Regular care contributes greatly to driving safety 
and value retention.In some regions, environmental factors can 
affect the vehicle paintwork and damage it. It is 
therefore important to adjust the frequency and 
extent of vehicle care correspondingly.
Immediately remove aggressive materials such 
as spilled fuel, oil, grease, brake fluid, tree sap or 
bird droppings to prevent damage to the paint-
work.
Removing paintwork damage
Depending on the severity of the damage, 
immediately repair stone damage or 
scratches to prevent rusting.<
The manufacturer of the MINI recommends 
repairing paint damage professionally according 
to factory specifications with original MINI 
paints.
Preservation
Preservation is necessary when water no longer 
beads on the clean paint surface. To preserve 
the paint, only use preservatives that contain 
carnauba or synthetic waxes.
Rubber seals
Only treat with water or rubber care products.
Do not use silicon sprays or other silicon-
containing care products on rubber seals, 
otherwise noise and damage could occur.<
Chrome parts*
Carefully clean vehicle parts such as the radiator 
grill and door handles with copious quantities of 
water and, if necessary, a shampoo additive, 
especially when contaminated with road salt. 
For additional treatment, use chrome polish.
Light-alloy wheels*
The system produces brake dust that collects on 
the light alloy wheels. Clean them regularly with 
acid-free wheel cleaner.
Do not use aggressive, acid-containing 
highly alkaline or abrasive cleansers or 
steam jets above 1407/606 as they may 
cause damage.<
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REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
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External sensors
Keep the outside sensors on the vehicle 
such as the Park Distance Control clean 
and ice-free to ensure that they function prop-
erly.<
Internal care
Upholstery/Fabrics
Regularly use a vacuum cleaner to remove sur-
face dirt.
In case of serious spots such as liquid stains, use 
a soft sponge or lint-free microfiber cloth and 
suitable interior cleaners. Observe the instruc-
tions on the packaging.
Clean upholstery up to the seams. Do not 
rub forcefully.<
Velcro fasteners on pants or other items of 
clothing can damage seat covers. Make 
sure that all Velcro fasteners are closed.<
Leather/leather coverings*
The leather processed by the manufac-
turer of your MINI is a high-quality natural 
product. Light variations in the grain is one of 
the typical properties of natural leather.<
Dust and road grit in the pores and folds of the 
leather have an abrasive effect, leading to 
increased wear and causing the leather surface 
to become brittle prematurely. The leather 
should therefore be regularly cleaned with a 
cloth or a vacuum cleaner.
Especially when the leather has a light color, it 
should be cleaned regularly since it tends to get 
heavily soiled.
Treat the leather twice a year using a leather 
lotion since dirt and grease will gradually attack 
the leather's protective layer.
Carpets/floor mats*
You can use a vacuum cleaner on carpets and 
floor mats, or clean them with interior cleaners 
when they are very dirty.Floor mats can be removed to be cleaned. When 
putting the floor mats, back in, make sure that 
the seat rails do not extend over the floor mats 
as this may damage them.
Lint on floor mats arises from manufacturing 
and can be removed by repeated vacuuming.
Interior plastic parts
These include:
>Plastic surfaces
>Lamp glass
>Display panes
>Matte parts
Only clean with water and, if necessary, solvent-
free plastic cleaners.
Do not use solvents such as alcohol, lac-
quer thinner, cold cleaners, fuel, or similar, 
as these will damage the surfaces.<
Decorative strips*
Only clean decorative strips with moist cloths. 
Wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Safety belts
Do not use cleansers since they can 
destroy the fabric.<
Displays
To clean displays such as radios or display ele-
ments, use a display cleaning cloth or a soft, 
non-scratching, lint-free cloth.
Avoid pressing too hard when cleaning 
the display as this can cause damage.<
Do not use chemical or abrasive house-
hold cleaning agents. Keep fluids of any 
kind away from the device. Surfaces or electrical 
components may otherwise become corroded 
or damaged.<
CD/DVD drives
Do not use cleaning CDs as this could 
damage parts of the drive.<
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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
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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
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REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
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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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