Page 122 of 174

Maintenance
120
Emissions
The warning lamps come on. The vehicle 
is producing higher emissions. You can 
continue your journey, but moderate 
your speed and exercise due caution. 
Have the car checked as soon as possible.
Under certain circumstances, one of the lamps 
will flash or light up continuously. This indicates 
excessive misfiring or a malfunction in the 
engine. If this happens, reduce your speed and 
visit the nearest MINI dealer as soon as possible. 
Severe misfiring can quickly lead to serious dam-
age of emissions-related components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter. In addition, 
mechanical engine components can become 
damaged.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system may conclude 
that fuel vapors are escaping, causing 
an indicator to light up. If the filler cap is then 
tightened, the indicator should go out within a 
few days.
Data recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring or diagnostic modules or a 
device for recording or sending certain vehicle 
data or information. 
     
        
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REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 139
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, page136. 
Vehicles with a catalytic converter should only 
be tow-started when the engine is cold, vehicles 
with an automatic transmission cannot be tow-
started at all.
1.Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply 
with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, page46.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch 
completely depressed and then slowly 
release the clutch. After the engine starts, 
immediately depress the clutch completely 
again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow 
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked. 
     
        
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REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 143
Remote control malfunctioning or, in 
cars with Comfort Access, not 
detectedThe engine cannot be started. 
Have the remote control checked, 
if necessary.
Remote control battery is discharged Use the remote control for a longer 
journey or, in cars with Comfort 
Access, replace the battery.
Belt tensioners and/or airbag system 
failedHave the system checked immedi-
ately. Fasten the safety belts anyway.
Power steering failed You can continue your journey, but 
moderate your speed and exercise 
due caution. Steering response will be 
markedly different. Have the system 
checked without delay.
Lights up in red:
Engine malfunction
Stop the car and switch off the 
engine. You cannot continue your 
journey. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Full engine power no longer available You can continue your journey, but 
moderate your speed and exercise 
due caution. Have the engine 
checked as soon as possible.
Indicator lamp1 flashes:
Engine malfunction under high load. 
High engine load will result in dam-
age to the catalytic converterYou can continue your journey, but 
moderate your speed and exercise 
due caution. Have the vehicle 
checked without delay.
Indicator lamp1 comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse 
effect on exhaust emissionsYou can continue your journey, but 
moderate your speed and exercise 
due caution. Have the car checked as 
soon as possible.
12Cause What to do 
     
        
        Page 163 of 174

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