
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 115
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your MINI 
recommends certain tire brands. They are 
marked with a clearly visible MINI designation 
on the sidewall of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling 
characteristics.
Run-flat tires*
When mounting new tires or changing over from 
summer to winter tires and vice versa, mount 
run-flat tires for your own safety. Keep in mind 
that no space-saver spare tire is available in the 
event of a flat. Your MINI dealer will be glad to 
advise you.
Special characteristics of winter tires
The manufacturer of MINI recommends the use 
of winter tires on snowy roads or if temperatures 
drop below 457/ +76. Although all-season 
M+S tires provide better winter traction than 
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the 
same levels of cold-weather performance as 
winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the 
winter tires mounted on your car; failure 
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that 
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the 
maximum permitted speed for the mounted 
tires must be displayed in your field of view. Spe-
cialist tire dealers and your MINI dealer can sup-
ply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place 
with as little exposure to light as possible. 
Always protect tires against all contact with oil, 
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres-
sure indicated on the sidewall of the tire.
Swapping wheels among the axles
Depending on the individual use, front and rear 
tires may exhibit different wear and tear.
In order to maintain an even wear and tear, the 
wheels may be rotated between the axles. Your 
MINI dealer will be glad to advise you.
Always check the inflation pressure after the tire 
rotation, if necessary change the pressure.
Snow chains*
Only certain types of fine-link snow chains have 
been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI, 
classified as road-safe and recommended. Con-
tact your MINI dealer for more details.
Only attach snow chains in pairs to the front 
wheels with the following tires.
>175/65 R 15 M+S
>175/60 R 16 M+S
John Cooper Works:
>185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when 
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed 
of 30 mph or 50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if 
snow chains are mounted; otherwise, the 
instrument might issue an incorrect reading. 
When driving with snow chains, it can be useful 
to briefly deactivate the DSC or activate the DTC, 
refer to page66.< 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 117
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Battery, under the cover137
2Engine oil dipstick117
3Engine oil filler neck1184Coolant expansion tank118
5Reservoir for washer fluid for the headlamp 
and window washer system53
6Engine compartment fuse box135
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on 
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking engine oil level
1.With the vehicle's engine at normal operat-
ing temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted 
driving for at least 6 miles/10 km, park the 
vehicle on a level surface.
2.Switch off the engine.
3.Pull the dipstick out after approx. 5 minutes 
and wipe it off with a lint-free cloth, paper 
towel or similar material.
4.Carefully push the dipstick all the way into 
the guide tube and pull it out again. 
The oil level should be between the two 
marks on the dipstick.The oil quantity corresponding to the difference 
between the two marks on the dipstick is 1 US 
quart/1 liter.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the 
dipstick. Excess oil will damage the 
engine.< 

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 

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