
Under the bonnet
118
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, page117.
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. 

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