
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 93
with the road surface, so that the car cannot be 
steered or braked properly.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining 
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread 
depth on page113.
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 Assist*, 
refer to page66.
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.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by 
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing 
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mode of the automatic transmis-
sion, page49.
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. 

Wheels and tires
112
Tire coding
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire 
makes it easier to identify and choose the right 
tires.
Tire size
Speed code letter
Q = up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph or 190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph or 210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph or 240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph or 270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph or 300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the 
US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable 
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and 
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA 
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear 
Traction AA A B C 
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to 
Federal Safety Requirements in addition 
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating 
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested 
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded 
150 would wear one and one-half (1γ) times as 
well on the government course as a tire graded 
100. The relative performance of tires depends 
upon the actual conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the 
norm due to variations in driving habits, service 
practices and differences in road characteristics 
and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are 
AA, A, B, and C. 
Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop 
on wet pavement as measured under controlled 
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C 
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is 
based on straight-ahead braking traction 
tests, and does not include acceleration, corner-
ing, hydroplaning, or peak traction characte-
ristics.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B, 
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the 
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate 
heat when tested under controlled conditions 
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause the material 
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and 
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire 
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of 
performance which all passenger car tires must  e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ 
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter, in
front of the R on ZR tires
225/45 R 17 91 V
For instance:
Manufacturer's 
code for tire make
Tire size and 
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 2809 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 135
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 page136.
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, page62.
>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. 

From A to Z
160
From A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your 
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for 
automatic climate control84
Additives
– coolant118
– engine oil118
Adjusting temperature inside 
the car, refer to Air 
conditioner81
Adjusting temperature inside 
the car, refer to Automatic 
climate control82
Air conditioner80
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner81
– automatic climate control82
– ventilation84
Air distribution
– automatic83
– individual82
– manual82
Air flow rate81,82
– air conditioning system81
– automatic climate control82
– heating, ventilation81
Air outlets, refer to Air vents80
Air pressure, checking, refer to 
Tire inflation pressure104
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode81,83
Air supply
– air conditioner81
– automatic climate control82
– ventilation84
Air vents80
Airbags72
– sitting safely37
– warning lamp74Airing, refer to Ventilation84
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications103
Alarm system27
All-season tires, refer to Winter 
tires115
Always Open Timer57
Ambient air, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode81,83
Ambient lighting79
Antenna, care121
Antifreeze
– coolant118
– washer fluid53
Antilock Brake System ABS65
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system27
Anti-theft system21
Approved axle loads, refer to 
Weights157
Approved engine oils118
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights157
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest87
Ashtray89
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC65
Audio device, external87
AUTO program for automatic 
climate control83
Automatic
– air distribution83
– air flow rate83
– cruise control53
– headlamp control75
Automatic climate control80
– automatic air distribution83Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic48
– interlock48
– overriding selector lever 
lock50
– shiftlock48
– sport program49
AUX-IN, refer to External audio 
device87
Average fuel consumption56
– setting the units59
Average speed56
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights157
B
Background lighting, refer to 
Ambient lighting79
Backrests, refer to Seats37
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb128,129
Band-aids, refer to First aid 
pouch136
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, 
towing away138
Battery135
– charging135
– disposal30,135
– jump-starting136
– temporary power failure135
Battery renewal
– remote control30
Being towed138
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety 
belts40
Belts, refer to Safety belts40
Beverage holders, refer to 
Cupholders89
Blower, refer to Air flow 
rate81,82
Bonnet116 

From A to Z
162
Consumption, refer to Average 
fuel consumption56
Control Display
– settings58
Controls and displays10
Convenient access, refer to 
Comfort Access28
Convenient operation
– convertible top24
– windows22
Convenient start, refer to 
Starting the engine47
Convertible top32
Coolant118
– checking level118
– filling118
Coolant temperature55
Cooling fluid, refer to 
Coolant118
Cooling, maximum83
Copyright2
Cruising range56
Cupholders89
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights157
Current fuel consumption56
D
Dashboard instruments, refer 
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting78
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data154
– capacities158
– dimensions155
– engine154
– weights157
Data recorders120
Date
– setting62
Daytime running lights76
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, 
refer to Brake Assist65
Deactivating front passenger 
airbags73Deadlocking, refer to 
Locking22
Defect
– door lock24
– fuel filler flap102
Defogging windows82,83
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting windows82,83
Defrosting windows82,83
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation
– air conditioner82
– automatic climate control83
Differential, breaking in92
Digital clock55
Dimensions155
Dipstick, engine oil117
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signals50
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data154
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting78
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care124
Disposal
– of coolant118
– remote control battery30
– vehicle battery135
Distance remaining to service, 
refer to Service 
requirements60
Distance warning, refer to Park 
Distance Control PDC64
Diving stability control 
systems64
Door key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control
20
Door lock24
Door lock, confirmation 
signals23
Doors, manual operation24
DOT Quality Grades112
Drinks holders, refer to 
Cupholders89Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill 
Assist66
Driving dynamics control, refer 
to Sport button67
Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams75
Driving notes92
Driving off on inclines, refer to 
Hill Assist66
Driving through water93
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
notes92
Dry air, refer to Cooling 
function84
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC66
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, 
refer to Brake Assist65
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC65
Dynamic Traction Control66
E
Electric power windows
– initializing31
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top34
– door lock24
– fuel filler flap102
– trunk lid26
Electronic brake-force 
distribution65
Electronic Stability Program 
ESP, refer to Dynamic 
Stability Control DSC65
Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– convertible top34
– door lock24
– fuel filler flap102
– transmission lock, automatic 
transmission50
– trunk lid26
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance136 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 163
Engine
– breaking in92
– data154
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
temperature55
– speed154
– starting47
– starting, Comfort Access28
– switching off47
Engine compartment117
Engine coolant, refer to 
Coolant118
Engine oil
– adding118
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils118
– alternative oil types118
– approved engine oils118
– capacity118
– checking level117
– dipstick117
– intervals between changes, 
refer to Service 
requirements60
– MINI Maintenance 
System119
Engine oil level, checking117
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data154
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting the engine47
Error messages, refer to Check 
Control62
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to Dynamic 
Stability Control DSC65
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system92
Exterior mirrors41
– adjusting41
– automatic heating41
– folding in and out41
External audio device87
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing 
away137
– for tying down loads96F
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control62
Failure of an electrical 
consumer135
Fasten safety belts reminder, 
refer to Seat belt 
reminder41
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts40
Filter
– microfilter for air 
conditioner82
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic 
climate control84
Fine wood, care124
First aid pouch136
Fixture for remote control, 
refer to Ignition lock46
Flash when locking/
unlocking23
Flat tire
– run-flat tires114
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM69
Flat Tire Monitor FTM67
– indicating a flat tire68
– initializing the system67
– snow chains67
– system limits67
Flat tires, refer to Tire 
condition113
Floor mats, care123
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb127,129
Folding rear seat backrest94
Folding roof, refer to 
Convertible top with 
integrated sliding sunroof32
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely93
Footwell lamps78
For your own safety5
Front airbags72
Front fog lamps77,78
– indicator lamp140
– replacing bulb127Front seat adjustment37
Frost on windows, refer to 
Defrosting windows82,83
FTM, refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor67
Fuel103
– gauge56
– high-quality brands103
– quality103
– specifications103
– tank capacity158
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel 
gauge
56
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge56
Fuel filler flap102
– releasing in the event of 
electrical malfunction102
Fuses135
G
Garage door opener, refer to 
Integrated universal remote 
control85
Gasoline
– refer to Average 
consumption56
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel 
gauge56
Gasoline, refer to Required 
fuel103
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic48
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission48
– manual transmission48
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic48
– manual transmission48
General driving notes92
Glass sunroof, electric30
– convenient operation22,24
– opening, closing30
– raising30
– remote control22 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 165
Light switch75
Light-alloy wheels, care123
Light-emitting diodes 
LEDs126
Lighter89
– socket89
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs125
– of the instruments78
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps75
Limit151
Load95
Load securing equipment, 
refer to Securing cargo96
Lock buttons of doors, refer to 
Locking25
Locking
– adjusting confirmation 
signal23
– from inside25
– from outside22
– without remote control, refer 
to Comfort Access28
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals23
– from inside25
– from outside21
Low beams75
– automatic75
– replacing bulb126
Lower back support, refer to 
Lumbar support38
Luggage compartment
– emergency operation, refer 
to Manual release26
– increasing the capacity95
– opening from the inside26
Luggage compartment lid
– emergency operation, refer 
to Manual release26
Luggage compartment lid, 
refer to Tailgate26
Luggage compartment, refer 
to Cargo bay26
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack97
Lumbar support38M
M+S tires, refer to Winter 
tires115
Maintenance, refer to Service 
Booklet
Maintenance system119
Malfunction
– convertible top34
– trunk lid26
Malfunction warnings, refer to 
Check Control62
Manual air distribution82
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic49
Manual operation
– door lock24
– fuel filler flap102
– power convertible top34
– transmission lock, automatic 
transmission50
– trunk lid26
Manual transmission48
Manual washing122
Master key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control20
Maximum cooling83
Maximum speed
– with winter tires115
Medical assistance, refer to 
First aid pouch136
Microfilter
– for air conditioner82
– for automatic climate 
control84
– MINI Maintenance 
System119
Microfilter/activated-charcoal 
filter
– MINI Maintenance 
System119
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System119
Mirror dimming feature42Mirrors41
– exterior mirrors41
– heating41
– interior rearview mirror41
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest87
– refer to separate Owner's 
Manual
Mobile phone, installation 
location, refer to Center 
armrest87
Mobile phone, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System130
Modifications, technical, refer 
to For your own safety5
Monitoring system for tire 
pressures, refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor67
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher50
– refer to Wiper system51
Multifunctional steering 
wheel, refer to Buttons on 
the steering wheel11
N
Neck support, refer to Head 
restraints39
Nets, refer to Storage 
compartments88
New tires114
Number of cylinders, refer to 
Engine data154
Nylon rope, refer to Tow 
rope138
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for 
Onboard Diagnosis119
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel 
specifications103
Odometer55 

From A to Z
166
Oil consumption117
Oil level117
Oil, refer to Engine oil117
Oil types118
Old batteries, refer to 
Disposal135
Onboard vehicle tool kit125
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access28
– from inside25
– from outside21
– using the door lock24
– via the remote control21
Opening and unlocking
– from inside25
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation84
Outlets, refer to Air vents80
Output, refer to Engine 
data154
Outside temperature 
display55
– changing unit of measure59
– on onboard computer59
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control83
Overheated engine, refer to 
Coolant temperature55
P
Paintwork, care122
Park Distance Control PDC64
Parking
– vehicle47
Parking aid, refer to Park 
Distance Control PDC64
Parking brake47
Parking lamps, replacing 
bulb127
Parking lamps/low beams75
Parts and accessories, refer to 
Your individual vehicle4
Pathway lighting75
Personal Profile20
Pinch protection system
– windows32
Plastic parts, care124Pollen
– refer to Microfilter for air 
conditioner82
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic 
climate control84
Power convertible top32
Power failure135
Power windows31
Power windows, refer to 
Windows31
Pressure monitoring of tires, 
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor 
TPM69
Pressure monitoring, tires67
– Flat Tire Monitor67
Pressure, tires104
Protective function, refer to 
Pinch protection system
– windows32
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor67
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control20
Radio position, refer to Radio 
readiness46
Radio readiness46
– switched off46
– switched on46
Rain sensor52
Range, refer to Cruising 
range56
Reading lamps79
Rear fog lamp78
– indicator lamp140
– replacing bulb129
Rear lamps
– bulb replacement129
Rear lamps, refer to Tail 
lamps128
Rear luggage rack97
Rear seat backrest, folding94
Rear seats
– folding the backrests94
Rear window heating81,83Rearview mirror, refer to 
Mirrors41
Recirculated-air mode81,83
Recirculation of air, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode81,83
Reclining seat, refer to 
Backrest38
Refueling102
Releasing
– bonnet116
Remote control20
– battery renewal30
– Comfort Access28
– garage door opener85
– malfunctions24,29
– service data119
– tailgate23
Replacement remote 
control20
Replacing bulbs, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs125
Replacing tires, refer to New 
wheels and tires114
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel 
gauge56
Reservoir for washer 
systems53
Restraint systems
– for children43
– refer to Safety belts40
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic49
– manual transmission48
Roadside Assistance136
Roadside parking lamps77
– replacing bulb127
Roadworthiness test, refer to 
Service requirements60
Roof load capacity157
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack97
Rope, refer to Tow-starting, 
towing away138
RSC Runflat System 
Component, refer to Run-flat 
tires114