
Things to remember when driving
92
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 the tailgate
Drive the vehicle only when the tailgate is 
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could 
penetrate the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the tailgate 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, 
page81 or82. 
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
 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. 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 121
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, page155
>If necessary: Fold in the outside mirrors, 
page 41.
>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
 161
Bottle holders, refer to 
Cupholders89
Brake Assist65
Brake fluid, refer to Service 
requirements60
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs129
Brake pads, breaking in92
Brake rotors93
– brakes92
– breaking in92
Brake system92
– breaking in92
– disc brakes93
– MINI Maintenance 
System119
Brakes
– ABS65
– breaking in92
– MINI Maintenance 
System119
– parking brake47
– service requirements60
Brakes, refer to Braking 
safely93
Breakdown service, refer to 
Roadside Assistance136
Break-in period92
Breaking in the clutch92
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps 
and bulbs125
Button for starting the 
engine46
Buttons on the steering 
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65 
warning5
Can holders, refer to 
Cupholders89
Capacities158
Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery135
Car care121
Car key, refer to Keys/remote 
controls20Car phone
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest87
– refer to separate Owner's 
Manual
Car wash, care121
Car washes121
Care121
– car washes121
– car-care products121
– CD/DVD drives124
– external121
– high-pressure washers122
– internal123
– leather123
– manual washing122
– upholstery and fabrics123
– windows122
– wiper blades122
Cargo area
– capacity157
Cargo bay94
– Comfort Access29
– cover94
– lamp78
– opening from outside26
Cargo bay, expanding94
Cargo bay lamp78
Cargo bay lid, refer to 
Tailgate26
Cargo loading95
– securing cargo96
– stowing cargo96
– vehicle94
Cargo, securing96
Carpets, care123
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system92
Center armrest87
Center brake lamp129
Center console, refer to 
Around the center 
console14
Central locking system21
– Comfort Access28
– from inside25
– from outside21
Changing bulbs
125
Changing wheels132Chassis number, refer to 
Engine compartment117
Check Control62
Child restraint systems43
Child seats43
Child-restraint fixing system 
LATCH44
Chock, folding
– space-saver spare tire132
Chrome parts, care123
Chrome parts, refer to 
Care121
Cigarette lighter89
Cleaning headlamps52
– washer fluid53
Clock55
– 12h/24h mode59
– setting time62
Closing
– from inside25
– from outside21
Clothes hooks88
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the 
engine47
Comfort Access28
– replacing the battery30
– what to observe before 
entering a car wash29
Comfort area, refer to Around 
the center console14
Compartment for remote 
control, refer to Ignition 
lock46
Computer56
Condensation, refer to When 
the vehicle is parked93
Condition Based Service 
CBS119
Configuring settings, refer to 
Personal Profile20
Confirmation signals for 
vehicle locking/unlocking23
Connecting vacuum cleaner, 
refer to Connecting electrical 
appliances89
Consumption indicator
– average fuel consumption56