
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.< 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 53
Window washer nozzles
The window washer nozzles are heated auto-
matically
* while the engine is running or the 
ignition is switched on.
MINI: Rear window wiper
0Rear wipers parked
1To switch on intermittent wipe  :
Turn the cap to level1.
Operation is continuous in reverse gear.
Cleaning the rear window
2To clean the rear window during intermit-
tent wipe  :
Turn the cap further to level2 and hold it 
there.
3To clean the rear window when wipers are 
parked :
Turn the cap to level3 and hold it there.
Do not use the washers when the washer 
fluid reservoir is empty; otherwise, you will 
damage the washer pump.<
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable. 
Therefore, keep it away from ignition 
sources, store it only in the closed original con-
tainer and keep it out of reach of children; oth-
erwise, there is a risk of personal injury. Comply 
with the instructions on the container.<
Washer fluid reservoir
Only refill washer fluid that contains anti-
freeze when the engine is cool, to avoid 
contact with hot engine parts. Otherwise, fluid 
spills constitute a fire hazard and a risk to per-
sonal safety.<
Fill with water and, if required, with a washer 
antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
Mix the water and antifreeze before filling 
the washer fluid reservoir to make sure 
the correct concentration is maintained.<
Capacity
Approx. 2.6 US quarts/2.5 liters.
With headlamp washer system: 
Approx. 4.8 US quarts/4.5 liters.
Cruise control*
The concept
Cruise control is available at vehicle speeds of at 
least approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h. The car then 
stores and maintains the speed that you specify 
using the button on the steering wheel.
Do not use cruise control when driving at 
constant speed is prevented by adverse 
conditions, e.g. winding roads, dense traffic or 
poor road conditions due to, e.g., snow, rain, ice 
or loose surfaces. Otherwise, you could lose con-
trol of the vehicle and cause an accident as a 
result.< 

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.< 

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. 

Indicator and warning lamps
142
Sliding/tilting sunroof or soft top of 
MINI ConvertibleExcessive vehicle speed, activation 
not possible, reduce speed and con-
tinue activation.
Lights up in red:
Control system for convertible top 
failed!Position of convertible top and locking 
mechanism not recognized. If con-
vertible top securely locked, drive 
may be continued. Manually close 
convertible top/sliding roof, refer to 
page34. Have your MINI Service 
inspect the system.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive  of  convertible  top  overheated! Let drive of convertible top cool down, 
refer to page34.
Sliding/tilting sunroof or soft top of 
MINI ConvertibleControl system of convertible top/tilt 
roof malfunctioning. Close convertible 
top/tilt roof manually, refer to 
page34. Contact your MINI Service.
Tailgate of MINI Convertible not 
closedClose the tailgate.
Gas  cap  missing  or  loose Make sure that the gas cap is correctly 
positioned and close it until it audibly 
clicks. Do not jam the strap between 
the gas cap and the vehicle.
Window washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible, 
page53.
Lights up in red:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, 
page119.
Lights up in yellow:
The engine will start the next time the 
start/stop button is touched, possibly 
without the brake or clutch being 
depressed
12Cause What to do 

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
 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 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 169
Trailer operation
– trailer loads and gross vehicle 
weight157
Transmission
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic48
– manual transmission48
– overriding selector lever lock 
for automatic transmission 
with Steptronic50
Transport securing devices, 
refer to Securing cargo96
Transporting children safely43
Tread depth, refer to Minimum 
tire tread113
Trip odometer55
Trip-distance counter, refer to 
Trip odometer55
Triple turn signal activation50
Trunk lid
– emergency operation26
– releasing manually26
Trunk, refer to Luggage 
compartment in the MINI 
Convertible94
Turn signal indicator50
– front, replacing bulb127
– indicator lamp12
– rear, replacing bulb128
– side, replacing bulb128
Turning circle, refer to 
Dimensions155
Tying down loads, refer to 
Cargo loading96
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading 
UTQR112
Units
– average fuel consumption59
– temperature59
Universal garage door opener, 
refer to Integrated universal 
remote control85
Universal remote control85
Unlatching, refer to 
Unlocking29Unlocking
– from inside25
– from outside21
– tailgate29
– without remote control, refer 
to Comfort Access28
Upholstery, care123
USB audio interface87
V
Valve
– dust cap133
Vehicle
– battery135
– breaking in92
– cargo loading94
– dimensions155
– Identification Number, refer 
to Engine compartment117
– parking47
– storage124
– weight157
Vehicle jack132
– jacking points134
Ventilation
– air conditioner84
Vents, refer to Air vents80
Vents, refer to Ventilation84
Volume of cargo area157
W
Warning and indicator 
lamps13,140
Warning messages, refer to 
Check Control62
Warning triangle136
Washer fluid53
– capacity of reservoir53
Washer fluid reservoir53
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray89
Water on roads, refer to 
Driving through water93
Waterfall lighting, refer to 
Ambient lighting79
Wear indicators in tires, refer to 
Minimum tread depth113
Weights157Welcome lamps75
Wheel stud wrench
– space-saver spare tire132
Wheelbase, refer to 
Dimensions155
Wheels and tires104
Wheels, new114
Width, refer to 
Dimensions155
Wind deflector35
Window washer, refer to 
Washer fluid53
Window washer reservoir, 
refer to Washer fluid
– volume, refer to 
Capacities158
Windows31
– closing31
– convenient operation22
– opening31
– pinch protection system32
Windshield
– cleaning52
– defrosting and removing 
condensation82,83
Windshield, defrosting, refer to 
Defrosting windows82,83
Windshield washer system51
– washer fluid53
– washer nozzles53
Windshield wiper blades, 
changing125
Windshield wipers, refer to 
Wiper system51
Winter tires115
– storage115
Wiper blade replacement125
Wiper system51
Work in the engine 
compartment116
Wrench/screwdriver, refer to 
Onboard vehicle tool kit
125
X
Xenon lamps
– replacing bulb126