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
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.
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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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From A to Z
152
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC56
Parking brake39
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb115
Parking lamps/low beams67
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle4
Pathway lighting67
Personal Profile18
Pinch protection system
– windows28
Plastic parts, care111
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner74
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control76
Power failure122
Power windows28
Power windows, refer to
Windows28
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM61
Pressure monitoring, tires59
– Flat Tire Monitor59
Pressure, tires94
Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– windows28
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor59
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness37
Radio readiness37
– switched off37
– switched on37
Rain sensor43
Range, refer to Cruising
range48
Reading lamps70Rear fog lamp70
– indicator lamp128
– replacing bulb117
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps116
Rear seat backrest, folding86
Rear seats
– folding the backrests86
Rear window heating73,76
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors33
Recirculated-air mode73,75
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode73,75
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest30
Refueling92
Releasing
– bonnet103
Remote control18
– battery renewal27
– convenient access25
– garage door opener77
– malfunctions21,26
– service data107
– tailgate21
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs113
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires101
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge48
Reservoir for washer
systems44
Restraint systems
– for children35
– refer to Safety belts32
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– manual transmission39
Roadside Assistance123
Roadside parking lamps69
– replacing bulb115Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements52
Roof load capacity144
Roof-mounted luggage
rack88
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away126
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires101
Rubber parts, care110
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires101
Run-Flat Tires101
– flat tire60
– new tires101
– tire inflation pressure94
– winter tires102
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-Flat
Tires101
S
Safety belts32
– damage32
– indicator lamp32
– reminder32
– sitting safely29
Safety belts, care111
Safety systems
– airbags64
– Antilock Brake System
ABS57
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC57
– safety belts32
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires101
Screw thread for tow
fitting125
Seat adjustment
– mechanical30
Seats29
– adjusting the seats30
– heating32
– sitting safely29
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