Things to remember when driving
84
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. Please follow the instructions below
in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do
not exceed the following:
>Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Close splitdoor
Drive the vehicle only when the splitdoor
is closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could
penetrate the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the splitdoor open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof
*.
2.Switch off the recirculated-air mode and sig-
nificantly increase the air flow rate of the air
conditioner or automatic climate control,
page73 or74.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact between
the hot exhaust system and any highly flamma-
ble materials such as hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such
contact could lead to a fire, with the risk of seri-
ous personal injuries and property damage. Do
not touch hot exhaust tail pipes. Otherwise,
there is a risk of burns.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can
cause partial or complete loss of tire contact
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
89
operating safety is no longer assured and the
vehicle will not be in compliance with the certifi-
cation 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, page38; 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
By way of example, the illustration shows the
roof of the MINI.
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.
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.
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.
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
123
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate
climate.
Battery replacement
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manu-
facturer; otherwise, the vehicle could be dam-
aged and systems or functions may not be fully
available.<
After a battery replacement, have the battery
registered on the vehicle by your dealer to
ensure that all comfort functions are fully
available.
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle when the
engine is off. Connections, refer to Jump-start-
ing on page124.
Disposal
After replacing old batteries, return the
used batteries to your MINI dealer or to a
recycling point. Maintain the battery in an
upright position for transport and storage.
Always secure the battery against tipping over
during transport.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, some equipment
may not be fully functional and may require ini-
tialization. Individual settings are also lost and
must be reprogrammed:
>Time and date
These values must be updated, page55.
>Radio
Stations must be stored again, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual for Radio.
>Glass sunroof
*, electric
It may only be possible to raise the sunroof,
if applicable. The system must be initialized.
Contact your nearest MINI dealer.
Fuses
Do not attempt to repair a blown fuse or
replace it with a fuse of a different color or
Ampere rating. To do this could cause a fire in
the vehicle resulting from a circuit overload.
Have the fuse changed only by a MINI dealer or
a workshop that has specially trained personnel
working in accordance with the specifications of
the MINI manufacturer.<
A fuse allocation diagram is located on the inside
of the fuse box cover panels.
In the engine compartment
Opening the cover
Press the latch.
In the vehicle interior
On the right side of the footwell.
Opening the cover
Press out at the recess.
Technical data
144
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
CooperCooper SJohn Cooper Works
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 2,723/1,235 2,855/1,295 2,888/1,310
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg 2,800/1,270 2,900/1,315 –
Approved gross weight
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 3,539/1,605 3,671/1,665 3,704/1,680
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg 3,616/1,640 3,715/1,685 –
Approved front axle load
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 1,830/830 1,918/870 1,962/875
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg 1,907/865 1,962/890 –
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 1,830/830 1,841/835 1,863/845
Approved roof load
capacitylbs/kg 165/75 165/75 165/75
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/l 9.2 - 32.8/
260 - 9309.2 - 32.8/
260 - 9309.2 - 32.8/
260 - 930
US gal/US quartsLitersNotes
Fuel tank 13.2/– approx. 50 Fuel grade: page95
including reserve of 2.1/– approx. 8
Window washer system incl.
headlamp washer system –/4.8 approx. 4.5 For more details: page47
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
149
Engine
– breaking in84
– data142
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature49
– speed142
– starting41
– starting, Comfort Access27
– switching off41
Engine compartment106
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant107
Engine oil
– adding107
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils107
– alternative oil types107
– approved engine oils107
– capacity107
– checking level106
– dipstick106
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements53
– MINI Maintenance
System108
Engine oil level, checking106
Engine output, refer to Engine
data142
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine41
Error messages, refer to Check
Control55
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC58
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system84
Exterior mirrors35
– adjusting35
– automatic heating35
– folding in and out35
External audio device79
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away125
– for tying down loads88F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control55
Failure of an electrical
consumer123
Fasten safety belts reminder,
refer to Seat belt
reminder34
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts34
Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner74
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control76
Fine wood, care112
First aid pouch124
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock40
Flash when locking/
unlocking22
Flat tire
– run-flat tires103
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM62
Flat Tire Monitor FTM60
– indicating a flat tire61
– initializing the system60
– snow chains60
– system limits60
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition102
Floor mats, care112
Floor plate, refer to Level load
floor87
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb116,118
Folding rear seat backrest86
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely85
Footwell lamps70
For your own safety5
Front airbags65
Front fog lamps69
– indicator lamp128
– replacing bulb116Front seat adjustment31
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows74,75
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor60
Fuel95
– gauge50
– high-quality brands95
– quality95
– specifications95
– tank capacity144
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge50
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge50
Fuel filler flap94
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction94
Fuses123
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control77
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption50
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge50
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel95
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic42
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission42
– manual transmission42
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic42
– manual transmission42
General driving notes84
Glass sunroof, electric29
– convenient operation22,24
– opening, closing29
– raising29
– remote control22
From A to Z
150
Glove compartment78
Grills, refer to Air vents72
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights144
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb115
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake41
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags65
Head restraints33
– sitting safely31
Headlamp control,
automatic67
Headlamp flasher44
– indicator lamp11,128
Headlamps
– replacing bulb115
Headlamps, care111
Heated
– mirrors35
– rear window73,75
– seats34
Heating72
– mirrors35
– rear window73,75
– seats34
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo88
Height adjustment
– seats32
– steering wheel36
Height, refer to
Dimensions143
High beams69
– headlamp flasher69
– indicator lamp128
– replacing bulb115
High water, refer to Driving
through water85
Hill Assist59
Hills85
Holders for cups81
Homepage4Horn10
Hot exhaust system84
Hydroplaning84
I
Ice warning49
Icy roads, refer to Outside
temperature warning49
Ignition40
– switched off40
– switched on40
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness40
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on40
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control20
Ignition lock40
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13,128
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM63
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting70
Individual air distribution74
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile20
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM62
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM60
– glass sunroof, electric30
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays12
Instrument lighting70
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays12
Integrated key20
Integrated universal remote
control77
Interior lamps70
– remote control23Interior rearview mirror35
– automatic dimming
feature35
Interlock42
Intermittent mode of the
wipers45
Internet page4
J
Jacking points122
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles47
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting124
Jump-starting124
K
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile20
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls20
Keyless go, refer to Comfort
Access27
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access27
Kickdown43
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic43
Knock control95
L
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs114
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams67
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo88
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system38
Leather care112
LEDs light-emitting diodes115
Length, refer to
Dimensions143
Level load floor87
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement118
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
151
Light switch67
Light-alloy wheels, care112
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs115
Lighter81
– socket81
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs114
– of the instruments70
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps67
Limit138
Load87
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo88
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking24
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal22
– from inside24
– from outside22
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access27
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals22
– from inside24
– from outside21
Low beams67
– automatic67
– replacing bulb115
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support32
Luggage compartment doors,
refer to Splitdoor25
Luggage compartment
partition net, refer to
Partition net87
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack89
Lumbar support32
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires104
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system108Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control55
Manual air distribution74
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic43
Manual operation
– door lock24
– fuel filler flap94
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission44
Manual transmission42
Manual washing111
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control20
Maximum cooling75
Maximum speed
– with winter tires104
Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch124
Microfilter
– for air conditioner74
– for automatic climate
control76
– MINI Maintenance
System108
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance
System108
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System108
Mirror dimming feature35
Mirrors35
– exterior mirrors35
– heating35
– interior rearview mirror35
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 System118Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor60
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher44
– refer to Wiper system45
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints33
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments80
New tires103
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data142
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope126
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
Onboard Diagnosis108
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications95
Odometer49
Oil consumption106
Oil level106
Oil, refer to Engine oil106
Oil types107
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal123
Onboard vehicle tool kit114
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access27
– from inside24
– from outside21
– using the door lock24
– via the remote control21
Opening and unlocking
– from inside24
Opening/closing the
splitdoor26
From A to Z
152
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation76
Outlets, refer to Air vents72
Output, refer to Engine
data142
Outside temperature
display49
– changing unit of measure52
– on onboard computer52
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control75
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature49
P
Paintwork, care111
Park Distance Control PDC57
Parking
– vehicle41
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC57
Parking brake41
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb116
Parking lamps/low beams67
Partition net87
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle4
Pathway lighting67
Personal Profile20
Pinch protection system
– windows30
Plastic parts, care112
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner74
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control76
Power failure123
Power windows30
Power windows, refer to
Windows30
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM62
Pressure monitoring, tires60
– Flat Tire Monitor60Pressure, tires96
Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– windows30
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor60
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control20
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness40
Radio readiness40
– switched off40
– switched on40
Rain sensor46
Range, refer to Cruising
range50
Reading lamps70
Rear door, refer to
Clubdoor25
Rear doors, refer to
Splitdoor25
Rear double doors, refer to
Splitdoor25
Rear fog lamp70
– indicator lamp128
– replacing bulb118
Rear lamps
– bulb replacement117
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps117
Rear seat backrest, folding86
Rear seats
– folding the backrests86
Rear window heating73,75
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors35
Recirculated-air mode73,75
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode73,75
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest32
Refueling94Releasing
– bonnet105
Remote control20
– battery renewal29
– Comfort Access27
– garage door opener77
– malfunctions23,28
– service data108
– splitdoor23
Replacement remote
control20
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs114
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires103
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge50
Reservoir for washer
systems
47
Restraint systems
– for children37
– refer to Safety belts34
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic43
– manual transmission42
Roadside Assistance124
Roadside parking lamps69
– replacing bulb116
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements53
Roof load capacity144
Roof-mounted luggage
rack89
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away126
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-flat
tires103
Rubber parts, care111
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires103
Run-flat tires103
– flat tire61
– new tires103
– tire inflation pressure96
– winter tires104