
Opening and closing
28
Tilt alarm sensor
The vehicle's inclination is monitored. The alarm 
is triggered, for instance, if an attempt is made 
to steal the car's wheels or tow it away.
Interior movement detector
Before the interior movement detector can 
operate correctly, the windows and glass roof 
must be closed.
MINI Convertible
The passenger compartment is monitored up to 
the height of the seat's surface. This way, the 
anti-theft alarm system including the interior 
motion sensor are armed, even if the convertible 
top is open. Falling objects, e.g. tree leaves, may 
trigger a false alarm, refer to Avoiding false 
alarms.
Avoiding false alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and the interior movement 
detector can be switched off together.
This prevents false alarms, e.g. in the following 
situations:
>In duplex garages
>When being transported on car-carrying 
trains, ferries or trailers
>If pets are to remain inside the car
Switching off the tilt alarm sensor and 
interior movement detector
>Press the  button on the remote con-
trol twice in succession.
>Lock the vehicle twice with the inte-
grated key.
LEDs flash in short succession for approx. 
2seconds.
The tilt alarm sensor and the interior movement 
detector are switched off until the car is next 
unlocked and locked.
Comfort Access*
Comfort Access enables you to enter your vehi-
cle without having to hold the remote control in your hand. All you need to do is wear the remote 
control close to your body, e.g. in your jacket 
pocket. The vehicle automatically detects the 
remote control within the immediate vicinity or 
in the passenger compartment.
Comfort Access supports the following func-
tions:
>Unlocking/locking the vehicle
>Unlocking the tailgate by itself
>Starting the engine
>MINI Convertible: Convenient closing
>MINI Convertible: Convertible top operation
Functional requirements
>The vehicle or the tailgate can only be 
locked when the vehicle detects that the 
remote control currently in use is outside of 
the vehicle.
>The vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked 
again until after approx. 2 seconds.
>The engine can only be started when the 
vehicle detects that the remote control is 
inside the vehicle.
>The doors and tailgate must be closed to 
be able to operate the windows and glass 
sunroof
*.
Comparison to standard remote controls
In general, there is no difference between using 
Comfort Access or pressing the buttons on the 
remote control to carry out the functions men-
tioned above. 
Instructions on opening and closing are found 
starting on page20.
Special features regarding the use of Comfort 
Access are described below.
If you notice a brief delay while opening or 
closing the windows, the glass sunroof or 
the convertible top, the system is checking 
whether a remote control is inside the vehicle. 
Repeat the opening or closing procedure, if nec-
essary.< 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 51
1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page46.
2.Briefly press the button in the turn indicator 
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
3.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
4.Briefly press the button repeatedly until the 
symbol and "SET" are displayed.
5.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
6.Briefly press the button repeatedly until the 
display shows the illustrated symbol, arrow.
7.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.8.Briefly press the button to select:
>
Brief indication of a turn.
>
Triple turn signal.
9.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes. The setting is stored.
Wiper system
1Switching on wipers
2Switching off wipers or brief wipe
3Activating/deactivating intermittent mode 
or rain sensor
*
4Cleaning windshield and headlamps*
Switching on wipers
Press the lever upward, arrow1.
The lever automatically returns to its initial posi-
tion when released.
Normal wiper speed
Press once.
The system switches to intermittent operation 
when the vehicle is stationary.
Fast wiper speed
Press twice or press beyond the resistance point.
The system switches to normal speed when the 
vehicle is stationary. 

Driving
52
Intermittent wipe or rain sensor*
If the car is not equipped with a rain sensor, the 
intermittent-wipe time is preset.
If the car is equipped with a rain sensor, the time 
between wipes is controlled automatically and 
depends on the intensity of the rainfall. The rain 
sensor is mounted on the windshield, directly in 
front of the interior rearview mirror.
Activating intermittent wipe or rain 
sensor
Press button, arrow3.
Deactivate the rain sensor before entering 
an automatic car wash. Failure to do so 
could result in damage caused by undesired 
wiper activation.<
Adjusting the sensitivity of the rain 
sensor
1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page46.
2.Briefly press the button in the turn indicator 
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
3.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
4.Briefly press the button repeatedly until the 
symbol and "SET" are displayed.5.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
6.Press the button to select the desired sensi-
tivity.
7.Wait, or press and hold the button until the 
display changes.
The settings are stored.
Deactivating intermittent wipe or rain 
sensor
Press the button again, arrow3.
Brief wipe
Press the lever downward once, arrow2.
Cleaning windshield and headlamps*
Pull the lever, arrow 4.
Washer fluid is sprayed onto the windshield and 
the wipers are operated briefly.
When the vehicle lighting system is switched on, 
the headlamps are cleaned at regular and 
appropriate intervals.
In cars equipped with an alarm system, the 
headlamps cannot be cleaned when the bonnet 
is open.
Do not use the washers when the washer 
fluid reservoir is empty; otherwise, you will 
damage the washer pump. 
Only use the washers if the bonnet has been 
completely closed; otherwise, the headlamp 
washer system
* may be damaged. Do not use 
the washers if there is any danger that the fluid 
will freeze on the windshield. If you do, your 
vision could be obscured. For this reason, use 
antifreeze.< 

Technology for driving comfort and safety
64
Technology for driving comfort and 
safety
Park Distance 
Control PDC*
The concept
PDC assists you with parking backwards. Acous-
tic signals warn you of the presence of an object 
behind the vehicle. To measure the distance, 
there are four ultrasonic sensors in either 
bumper.
However, an acoustic warning does not sound 
until an object is approx. 24 in/60 cm from the 
corner sensors, or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m from the 
center sensors.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate 
objects when they are approached slowly, 
as is usually the case when parking. Avoid 
approaching an object at high speed; otherwise, 
physical circumstances may lead to the system 
warning being issued too late.<
Automatic mode
With the engine running or the ignition switched 
on, the system is activated automatically after 
approx. 1 second when you engage reverse gear 
or move the automatic transmission selector 
lever to position R. Wait this short period before 
driving.
Acoustic signals
As the distance between vehicle and object 
decreases, the intervals between the tones 
become shorter. If the distance to the nearest 
object falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a 
continuous tone sounds.
If the distance remains constant, e.g. when driv-
ing parallel to a wall, the acoustic signal stops 
after approx. 3 seconds.
Adjustments
The volume of the acoustic signals can be 
adjusted, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio.
Malfunction
Indicator lamp comes on: PDC is mal-
functioning. Have the system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors 
clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure 
that they will continue to operate effectively. 
When using a high-pressure cleaner, do not 
direct the jet toward the sensors for lengthy 
periods and only spray from a distance of at least 
4in/10cm.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for esti-
mating the distance between the vehicle 
and any obstructions always remains with the 
driver. Sensors, too, have blind spots in which 
objects cannot be detected. Moreover, ultra-
sonic detection can reach its physical limits with 
objects such as trailer tow bars and couplings, 
thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low 
objects already indicated, such as curbs, may 
enter the sensors' blind spots before or after a 
continuous audible signal is given. Higher, pro-
truding objects, such as wall ledges, may not be 
detectable. Therefore, always drive cautiously; 
otherwise, there is a risk of personal injury or 
property damage. Loud sound sources outside 
or inside the car can drown out the PDC signal.<
Driving stability control 
systems
Your MINI has a number of systems that help to 
maintain the vehicle's stability even in adverse 
driving conditions.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, 
even with driving stability control systems. 
An appropriate driving style always remains the 
responsibility of the driver. Therefore do not 
reduce the additional safety margin by engaging  

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 119
Maintenance
MINI Maintenance System
The MINI Maintenance System supports the 
preservation of the traffic and operating safety 
of your MINI. The objective is to optimize efforts 
with respect to minimal vehicle maintenance 
costs.
If and when you come to sell your MINI, a com-
prehensive record of servicing will prove a signif-
icant benefit.
Condition Based Service CBS
Sensors and special algorithms take the different 
driving conditions of your MINI into account. 
Condition Based Service uses this to determine 
the current and future service requirements. By 
letting you define a service and maintenance 
regimen that reflects your own individual 
requirements, the system builds the basis for 
trouble-free driving.
In the tachometer, you can have the remaining 
times or distances for selected maintenance 
tasks and any legally prescribed dates displayed, 
page60.
Service data in the remote control
Your vehicle continuously stores service-
requirement information in the remote control 
while you are driving. Your MINI dealer can read 
out this data from the remote control unit, and 
propose an optimized maintenance approach. 
Whenever you take your car in for servicing you 
should therefore hand your MINI dealer the 
remote control unit that you last used.Make sure that the date in the tachometer 
is always set correctly, page62; otherwise, 
the effectiveness of Condition Based Service CBS 
is not assured.<
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models and Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian 
models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models for 
additional information on service requirements.
The manufacturer of the MINI recom-
mends that you have service and repair 
operations performed at your MINI dealer. 
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet 
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries ver-
ify that your vehicle has received the specified 
regular maintenance.<
Socket for Onboard 
Diagnosis OBD
The primary components that make up the 
emissions can be checked by a device via the 
OBD socket. 

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. 

Care
122
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure 
washers, ensure that you maintain suffi-
cient clearance to the vehicle and do not exceed 
a temperature of 1407/606.
If the distance is too close, the pressure too high, 
or the temperature too high, parts of the vehicle 
can be damaged, or water can penetrate. 
Observe the operating instructions for high-
pressure washers.<
Do not spray sensors such as Park Dis-
tance Control with high-pressure washers 
for a long time or at a distance of less than 
1 ft/30 cm.<
Manual washing
Use a great deal of water and, if necessary, car 
shampoo when washing your car by hand. Clean 
the vehicle with a sponge or a washing brush 
applying a slight amount of pressure.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or turn off the ignition 
to prevent unintentional wiping.<
Observe local regulations regarding wash-
ing vehicles by hand.<
Headlamps
Do not wipe dry and do not use abrasive or cor-
rosive cleaning agents. Remove dirt and con-
tamination, such as insects, by soaking with 
shampoo and then washing with plenty of 
water.
Do not remove accumulated ice and snow with 
an ice scraper; use window deicers instead.
Windows
Clean the outside and inside of the windows and 
mirrors with a window cleaner.
Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners 
containing quartz.<
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and change regularly to 
prevent the formation of streaks.Wax, preservatives and dirt on the win-
dows cause streaks when the windshield 
wipers are on, and can cause premature wear 
of the wiper blades and interfere with the rain 
sensor.<
Care of the convertible top
The appearance and service life of the convert-
ible top largely depends on its proper care and 
operation.
Please follow these instructions:
>Never attempt to fold and stow the convert-
ible top in the convertible compartment 
when the top is wet or frozen. Otherwise, 
water stains, mildew, and chafe marks may 
occur.
>If water spots occur on the inside headliner 
despite precautions, remove them using a 
microfiber cloth and interior cleaner.
>If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area 
for a longer period of time, make sure that 
there is sufficient ventilation.
>Remove any bird droppings immediately, 
since they have corrosive properties which 
will corrode the convertible top and damage 
the rubber seals.
When attempting to remove stains from 
the convertible top, do not use spot 
removers, paint thinners, solvents, gasoline, or 
similar fluids. These cleaners may damage the 
rubber seals. The improper care or cleaning 
methods may cause the convertible top and its 
seams to leak.<
Use special convertible top cleaning agents if 
attempting to remove heavy stains.
Always read and follow the manufacturer's 
instructions.
Use an impregnating agent to treat the convert-
ible top once a year.
Paintwork, care
Regular care helps your vehicle retain its value 
and protects the paint from the long-term 
effects of aggressive substances. 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 123
In some regions, environmental factors can 
affect the vehicle paintwork and damage it. It is 
therefore important to adjust the frequency and 
extent of vehicle care correspondingly.
Immediately remove aggressive materials such 
as spilled fuel, oil, grease, brake fluid, tree sap 
or bird droppings to prevent damage to the 
paintwork.
Removing paintwork damage
Depending on the severity of the damage, 
immediately repair stone damage or 
scratches to prevent rusting.<
The manufacturer of the MINI recommends 
repairing paint damage professionally according 
to factory specifications with original MINI 
paints.
Preservation
Preservation is necessary when water no longer 
beads on the clean paint surface. To preserve 
the paint, only use preservatives that contain 
carnauba or synthetic waxes.
Rubber seals
Only treat with water or rubber care products.
Do not use silicon sprays or other silicon-
containing care products on rubber seals; 
otherwise, noise and damage could occur.<
Chrome parts*
Carefully clean vehicle parts such as the radiator 
grill and door handles with copious quantities of 
water and, if necessary, a shampoo additive, 
especially when contaminated with road salt. 
For additional treatment, use chrome polish.
Light-alloy wheels*
The system produces brake dust that collects on 
the light alloy wheels. Clean them regularly with 
acid-free wheel cleaner.
Do not use aggressive, acid-containing 
highly alkaline or abrasive cleansers or 
steam jets above 1407/606 as they may 
cause damage.<
External sensors
Keep the outside sensors on the vehicle 
such as the Park Distance Control clean 
and ice-free to ensure that they function 
properly.<
Internal care
Upholstery/fabrics
Regularly use a vacuum cleaner to remove sur-
face dirt.
In case of serious spots such as liquid stains, use 
a soft sponge or lint-free microfiber cloth and 
suitable interior cleaners. Observe the instruc-
tions on the packaging.
Clean upholstery up to the seams. Do not 
rub forcefully.<
Velcro fasteners on pants or other items of 
clothing can damage seat covers. Make 
sure that all Velcro fasteners are closed.<
Leather/leather coverings*
The leather processed by the manufac-
turer of your MINI is a high-quality natural 
product. Light variations in the grain is one of 
the typical properties of natural leather.<
Dust and road grit in the pores and folds of the 
leather have an abrasive effect, leading to 
increased wear and causing the leather surface 
to become brittle prematurely. Use a cloth or 
vacuum cleaner to remove dust on a regular 
basis.
Especially when the leather has a light color, it 
should be cleaned regularly since it tends to get 
heavily soiled.
Treat the leather twice a year using a leather 
lotion since dirt and grease will gradually attack 
the leather's protective layer.
Carpets/floor mats*
You can use a vacuum cleaner on carpets and 
floor mats, or clean them with interior cleaners 
when they are very dirty.