Controls overview
54
1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page40.
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
corresponding symbol and "SERVICE-INFO"
are displayed.
5.Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
6.Briefly press the button to display the indi-
vidual service items, refer to the following
information.
Possible displays
1Button for selecting information
2Engine oil
3Front brakes
4Rear brakes
5Vehicle check6Roadworthiness test
7Brake fluid
8Exit display52
9Next setting or item of information52
More information on the MINI Maintenance Sys-
tem can be found on page108.
Wheels and tires
104
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
Run-flat tires*
When mounting new tires or changing over from
summer to winter tires and vice versa, mount
run-flat tires for your own safety. Keep in mind
that no space-saver spare tire is available in the
event of a flat. Your MINI dealer will be glad to
advise you.
Special characteristics of winter tires
The manufacturer of MINI recommends the use
of winter tires on snowy roads or if temperatures
drop below 457/ +76. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view. Spe-
cialist tire dealers and your MINI dealer can sup-
ply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres-
sure indicated on the sidewall of the tire.
Swapping wheels among the axles
Depending on the individual use, front and rear
tires may exhibit different wear and tear.
In order to maintain an even wear and tear, the
wheels may be rotated between the axles. Your
MINI dealer will be glad to advise you.Always check the inflation pressure after the tire
rotation, if necessary change the pressure.
Snow chains*
Only certain types of fine-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI,
classified as road-safe and recommended. Con-
tact your MINI dealer for more details.
Only attach snow chains in pairs to the front
wheels with the following tires.
>175/65 R 15 M+S
>175/60 R 16 M+S
John Cooper Works:
>185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph or 50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted; otherwise, the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, it can be useful
to briefly deactivate the DSC or activate the DTC,
refer to page59.<
Under the bonnet
106
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Battery, under the cover125
2Engine oil dipstick106
3Engine oil filler neck1074Coolant expansion tank107
5Reservoir for washer fluid for the headlamp
and window washer system47
6Engine compartment fuse box123
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking engine oil level
1.With the vehicle's engine at normal operat-
ing temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted
driving for at least 6 miles/10 km, park the
vehicle on a level surface.
2.Switch off the engine.
3.Pull the dipstick out after approx. 5 minutes
and wipe it off with a lint-free cloth, paper
towel or similar material.
4.Carefully push the dipstick all the way into
the guide tube and pull it out again.
The oil level should be between the two
marks on the dipstick.The oil quantity corresponding to the difference
between the two marks on the dipstick is 1 US
quart/1 liter.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the
dipstick. Excess oil will damage the
engine.<
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
107
Adding engine oil
Do not add the maximum quantity of 1 US
quart/1 liter of engine oil until the oil level has
dropped to just above the lower mark on the
dipstick, page106.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km;
otherwise, the engine could be
damaged.<
Keep oils, greases, etc. out of the reach of
children and comply with the warnings on
the containers. Otherwise, health hazards may
result.<
Oil change
Have the oil changed only by a MINI dealer or a
workshop that has specially trained personnel
working in accordance with the specifications of
the MINI manufacturer.
Oil types
Do not use oil additives as this could result
in engine damage.<
Approved engine oils
Your dealer can advise you on which engine oils
have been approved by the manufacturer of
your MINI.
The engine oil quality is critical for the life of the
engine.
Only use approved High Performance oil.
The approved oils are SAE 0W-40, 0W-30,
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
Alternative oil types
If the approved engine oils are not available, up
to 1 US quart/1 liter of another oil with the fol-
lowing specification may be used:
API SM or higher
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of half water and half additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your MINI. Your MINI dealer knows
which additives are suitable and will be glad to
advise you.
Only use suitable additives; otherwise,
engine damage may result. Because addi-
tives are harmful to your health, it is important
to follow the instructions on the containers.<
Comply with the appropriate environmen-
tal protection regulations when disposing
of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.Do not open the hood until the engine has
cooled down.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated
pressure to escape, then continue turning
to open.
3.The coolant level is correct if it is between
the Min and Max markings.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level; do not overfill.
5.Turn the cap until there is an audible click.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Care
110
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
alcohol or solvents as these may cause
damage.<
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 automatic high-pressure car
washes; otherwise, water may drip into
the vehicle 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 35.
>Maximum permissible tire width
Avoid car washes with tracks higher than
4 in/10 cm; otherwise, the chassis could
be damaged.<
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
>Unscrew the rod antenna.
>Deactivate the rain sensor
* to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
>Deactivate the rear window wiper
* and pro-
tect it from damage. Ask the car wash oper-
ator about measures that can be taken to
protect the wipers.
>Remove additional attachments, e.g. spoil-
ers or telephone antennas, if there is a pos-
sibility that they 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 Comfort
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.
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
137
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Ignition cannot be switched offEngage selector lever position P when
you wish to switch off the ignition,
page40.
Cruise control system failed Have the system checked.
Park Distance Control failed Have the system checked.
Bulb of exterior lighting system failed Have the exterior lighting checked as
soon as possible.
Low-beam headlamp or fog lamp
failedHave the lamps checked as soon as
possible.
High-beam headlamp failed Have the high-beam headlamps
checked.
Rear fog lamp failed Have the rear fog lamp checked.
Headlamp beam throw adjustment
system failedHave the headlamp beam throw
adjustment system checked.
Coolant level too low Add coolant immediately, page107.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your
journey. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in red:
Service appointment overdue Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page53.
Lights up in yellow:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page53.
12Cause What to do
From A to Z
146
From A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control76
Additives
– coolant107
– engine oil107
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner73
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control74
Air conditioner72
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner73
– automatic climate control74
– ventilation76
Air distribution
– automatic75
– individual74
– manual74
Air flow rate73,74
– air conditioning system73
– automatic climate control74
– heating, ventilation73
Air outlets, refer to Air vents72
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure96
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode73,75
Air supply
– air conditioner73
– automatic climate control74
– ventilation76
Air vents72
Airbags65
– sitting safely31
– warning lamp66Airing, refer to Ventilation76
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications95
Alarm system26
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires104
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode73,75
Ambient lighting71
Antenna, care110
Antifreeze
– coolant107
– washer fluid47
Antilock Brake System ABS58
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system26
Anti-theft system
21
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights144
Approved engine oils107
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights144
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest79
Ashtray81
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC58
Audio device, external79
AUTO program for automatic
climate control75
Automatic
– air distribution75
– air flow rate75
– cruise control47
– headlamp control67
Automatic climate control72
– automatic air distribution75Automatic transmission with
Steptronic42
– interlock42
– overriding selector lever
lock44
– shiftlock42
– sport program43
AUX-IN, refer to External audio
device79
Average fuel consumption50
– setting the units52
Average speed50
Axle loads, refer to
Weights144
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting71
Backrests, refer to Seats31
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb117
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch124
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away126
Battery123
– charging123
– disposal29,123
– jump-starting124
– temporary power failure123
Battery renewal
– remote control29
Being towed126
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts34
Belts, refer to Safety belts34
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders81
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate73,74
Bonnet105
From A to Z
148
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances81
Consumption indicator
– average fuel consumption50
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption50
Control Display
– settings51
Controls and displays10
Convenient access, refer to
Comfort Access27
Convenient operation
– windows22
Convenient start, refer to
Starting the engine41
Coolant107
– checking level107
– filling107
Coolant temperature49
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant107
Cooling, maximum75
Copyright2
Cruising range50
Cupholders81
Curb weight, refer to
Weights144
Current fuel consumption50
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting70
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data142
– capacities144
– dimensions143
– engine142
– weights144
Data recorders109
Date
– setting55
Daytime running lights68
DBC Dynamic Brake Control,
refer to Brake Assist58Deactivating front passenger
airbags65
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking22
Defect
– door lock24
– fuel filler flap94
Defogging windows74,75
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows74,75
Defrosting windows74,75
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner74
– automatic climate control75
Differential, breaking in84
Digital clock49
Dimensions143
Dipstick, engine oil106
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals44
Displacement, refer to Engine
data142
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting70
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care113
Disposal
– of coolant107
– remote control battery29
– vehicle battery123
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements53
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC57
Diving stability control
systems57
Door
– rear, refer to Clubdoor25
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control
20
Door lock24
Door lock, confirmation
signals22Doors, manual operation24
DOT Quality Grades101
Double doors, refer to
Splitdoor25
Drinks holders, refer to
Cupholders81
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Assist59
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button60
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams67
Driving notes84
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Assist59
Driving through water85
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes84
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function76
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC59
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake Assist58
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC58
Dynamic Traction Control59
E
Electrical malfunction
– door lock24
– fuel filler flap94
Electronic brake-force
distribution58
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC58
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock24
– fuel filler flap94
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission44
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance124