
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.

Things to remember when driving
94
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can
assume the form of a sudden blowout.<
Avoid fluid spills in the cargo bay as they
could damage the vehicle.<
MINI: Cargo bay
Cargo bay cover
Do not place any objects on the cover;
otherwise, they could endanger the car's
occupants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden
swerving, or they may damage the cover.<
When you open the tailgate, the cargo bay cover
is raised.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be
removed.
1.Unhook the lift straps from the tailgate.
2.Pull the cover out of the holders toward
the rear.
Expanding the cargo bay
The rear set backrest is split. Both sides can be
folded separately to expand the cargo bay.1.Pull the lever.
2.Fold rear seat backrests forward.
When folding the backrest back up, make
sure that the seat's locking mechanisms
engage properly. Otherwise, cargo could be
thrown around in the event of sharp braking or
swerving and endanger the occupants.<
Adjusting rear seat backrest*
Expand the cargo bay by raising the split rear
seat backrests to a steeper angle.
1.Pull the lever, arrow1, and fold the rear seat
backrest forward.
2.Fold up the lever of the backrest lock until it
audibly engages, arrow2.
3.Fold back the backrest until it engages.
If the rear seat backrests are positioned at
a steeper angle, do not install child-
restraint systems in the rear of the vehicle as
their protective features may be ineffective.<
MINI Convertible: Luggage
compartment
Do not place any objects on the luggage
compartment roller cover, as this may
damage the cover or the convertible top.<

Indicator and warning lamps
144
Lights up in red:
Engine overheating Carefully bring the car to a stop,
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down. Do not open the bonnet;
otherwise, there is a risk of injury from
scalding. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Engine too hot Continue driving at more moderate
speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked with-
out delay if the situation reoccurs.
Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunctionSwitch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers. Have the battery checked
without delay.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connectedHave the battery checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied
12Cause What to do

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
149
Lights up in red:
>Transmission limp-home pro-
gram active with restricted range
of gears, possibly with reduced
accelerationYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system
checked without delay.
>Gears can be engaged without
depressing the brakeAlways depress the brake to engage a
gear.
>Automatic selector lever locked Manually unlock the selector lever
lock, page50.
Lights up in yellow: Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
>Automatic selector lever locked:
Selector lever locked in position P
with engine running and brake
depressed orManually unlock the selector lever
lock, page50.
>brake signal malfunctioning: gear
can be engaged without depress-
ing the brakeTo engage a gear while the vehicle is
at a standstill, always depress the
brake. Before leaving the vehicle,
move the selector lever to position P
and switch off the engine.
Lights up in red:
Transmission overheating Bring the car to a stop and move the
selector lever to position P. Allow the
transmission to cool down. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Have the system checked if the situa-
tion reoccurs.
Lights up in yellow:
Transmission too hot Avoid high engine loads. You can con-
tinue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Vehicle not prevented from rolling
12Cause What to do

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

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

From A to Z
164
Glove compartment86
Grills, refer to Air vents80
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights157
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb126
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake47
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags72
Head restraints39
– sitting safely37
Headlamp control,
automatic75
Headlamp flasher50
– indicator lamp11,140
Headlamps
– replacing bulb126
Headlamps, care122
Heated
– mirrors41
– rear window81,83
– seats40
Heating80
– mirrors41
– rear window81,83
– seats40
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo96
Height adjustment
– seats38
– steering wheel42
Height, refer to
Dimensions155
High beams77
– headlamp flasher77
– indicator lamp140
– replacing bulb126
High water, refer to Driving
through water93
Hill Assist66
Hills93
Holders for cups89
Homepage4Horn10
Hot exhaust system92
Hydroplaning92
I
Ice warning55
Icy roads, refer to Outside
temperature warning55
Ignition46
– switched off46
– switched on46
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness46
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on46
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control20
Ignition lock46
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13,140
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM70
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting78
Individual air distribution82
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile20
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM69
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM67
– glass sunroof, electric30
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays12
Instrument lighting78
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays12
Integrated key20
Integrated universal remote
control85
Interior lamps78
– remote control23Interior rearview mirror41
– automatic dimming
feature42
Interlock48
Intermittent mode of the
wipers51
Internet page4
J
Jacking points134
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles53
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting136
Jump-starting136
K
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile20
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls20
Keyless go, refer to Comfort
Access28
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access28
Kickdown49
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
Knock control103
L
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs125
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams75
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo96
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system44
Leather care123
LEDs light-emitting diodes126
Length, refer to
Dimensions155
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement129

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