CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
78
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:1
Front airbags
2 Side airbags in backrests
3 Head airbags at the front and rear
Protective effect
Observe the instructions on page 37 to
ensure the best possible personal protec-
tion. <
The front airbags help protect the driver and
front passenger by re sponding to frontal
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the head
and side airbags help provide protection in the
event of side impact. The relevant side airbag
supports the side upper body area. The respec-
tive head airbag supports the head.
The airbags are designed to not be triggered in
every type of collision, e.g. not in minor acci-
dents, certain rollover situations or rear impacts.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way.
Keep the dashboard and window on the passen-
g e r s i d e f r e e f r o m o b s t r u c t i o n , i . e . d o n o t c o v e r i t
with adhesive film or co verings, and do not affix
any holders such as for a navigation device or a
mobile phone.
Do not attach seat cove rs, cushions or other
objects not specifically approved for seats with
integral side airbags to the front seats. Do not
hang items of clothing su ch as coats or jackets
over the backrests. Do not attempt to remove
the airbag retention system from the vehicle. Do
not modify the individual components of the syste m o r its w iring in any way. Th is includ es the
upholstery in the center of the steering wheel,
on the instrument cluster, the doors, and the
roof pillars as well as the sides of the headliner.
Do not attempt to remove or dismantle the
steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or
triggering of the airbag
restraint system, have
the testing, repair, remova l, and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a MINI dealer
or a workshop that work s according to repair
procedures of the manufacturer of your MINI
with correspondingly trained personnel and has
the required explosives licenses. Otherwise,
unprofessional attempts to service the system
could lead to failure in an emergency or undes-
ired airbag activation, either of which could
result in personal injury. <
Warning notices and information about the air-
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
98
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. Please follow the instructions below
in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do
not exceed the following:
> Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distan ce driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Close Split Rear Barn Doors
Only drive with the Split Rear Barn Doors
closed. Failure to do so may endanger
passengers or other road users or may damage
the vehicle in the event of an accident or a brak-
ing and evasive maneuver. In addition, exhaust
gas may flow into the passenger compart-
ment. <
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the Split Rear Barn Doors
open:
1. Close all windows and the glass roof
*.
2. Switch off the recirculated-air mode and sig-
nificantly increase the air flow rate of the
automatic climate control, page 88.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated on the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them.
Make sure that when driving, idling or when
parking, no easily flamma ble materials, such as
hay, leaves, grass, etc. come into contact with
the hot exhaust system. Such contact could lead
to a fire, with the risk of serious personal injuries
and property damage. Do not touch hot exhaust
tail pipes. Otherwise, there is a risk of burns. <
Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
103
Stowing cargo
>Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the
rear seat backrests.
> Cover sharp edges and corners.
> For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
respective opposite buckle.
> Do not stack higher than the top edge of the
backrests.
> Use the cargo net, refer to page 101. Ensure
that no objects can penetrate through the
net.
Securing cargo
By way of example, the illustration shows the
cargo compartment in the MINI.
> Secure smaller and lighter items using
retaining or draw straps
*.
> Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing larger
and heavier objects ar e available at your
MINI dealer. Four lashing eyes are provided
for attaching the cargo straps. Two of them
are located on the forward wall of the cargo
area. Comply with the information enclosed with
the load-securing devices.
Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or swerves are necessary.
Do not exceed the approved gross vehicle
weight and axle loads, page 228; otherwise, the
vehicle's operating safety is no longer assured
and the vehicle will not be in compliance with
the construction and use regulations.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown
around, for example as a re sult of heavy braking,
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants. Do not secure ca rgo using the fastening
points for the tether strap, page 44; they may
become damaged. <
Roof-mounted luggage
rack*
A special rack system is available as an option for
your MINI. Your MINI dealer will be glad to
advise you. Comply with the installation instruc-
tions supplied with the rack system.
Mounting points
By way of example, the illustration shows the
roof of the MINI.
Remove the cover panel.
DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
104
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect
on vehicle handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads
when loading the rack.
You can find the applicable data under Weights
on page 228.
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and
should not be too large in area. Heavy items
should always be placed at the bottom.
When loading, make sure that there is sufficient
space for the movement of the glass roof.
Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid su dden acceleration and
braking maneuvers, and take corners gently.
Saving fuel
Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif-
ferent factors. The implementation of certain
measures, your driving style and regular mainte-
nance can have an influence on fuel consump-
tion and on the environmental impact.
Remove unnecessary cargo
Additional weight incr eases fuel consumption.
Remove attached parts no longer in use
Remove auxiliary mirrors, roof- or rear-mounted
luggage racks whenever you are not using
them.
Attached parts on the ve hicle affect its aero-
dynamics and increase fuel consumption.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check and, if necessary, correct tire inflation
pressure at least twice a month and before start-
ing on a long trip. Low inflation pressure increases rolling resis-
tance and thus leads to greater fuel consump-
tion and tire wear.
Drive off immediately
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engi
ne speeds. This is the
fastest way for the cold engine to reach its oper-
ating temperature.
Think ahead while driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking by
maintaining a suitable di stance to the vehicle
driving ahead.
Driving smoothly and an ticipating impending
traffic situations reduces fuel consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
Use first gear only for driving off. In second and
higher gears, accelerate smoothly to a suitable
engine and road speed. In doing so, avoid high
engine speeds and shift up early.
When you reach your desired traveling speed,
shift to the highest suit able gear and drive at
constant speed.
As a rule: driving at lo w engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red traffic light, take your
foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast
to a halt in the highest suitable gear.
On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the
accelerator and let the vehicle coast in a suitable
gear.
Fuel supply is shut off automatically when the
vehicle is coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic li ghts, railroad crossings or
in traffic jams.
Mobile phone preparation BluetoothCommunications
175
Delete all entries.
Listen to and select the entries:
Select an entry.
Adjusting volume
Turn knob during announcement.
>The volume remains the same, even if the
volume of other audio sources is changed.
> The volume is stored for the remote control
currently in use.
Notes
Do not use the voice activation system to initiate
an emergency call. In st ressful situations, the
voice and vocal pitch can change. This can
unnecessarily delay the establishment of a tele-
phone connection.
Ambient conditions
> Say the commands, numbers and letters
smoothly and with normal volume, empha-
sis and speed.
> Always say the commands using the lan-
guage of the system. The language for voice
operation is preset and can not be changed
via the Control Display. >
Keep doors, windows, glass sunroof
*/pan-
oramic sunroof
*, or convertible top* closed
to avoid noise interference.
> Avoid ambient noise in the vehicle while
speaking.
Snap-in adapter*
Installation location
In the center armrest.
Inserting snap-in adapter
1.Press the button an d remove the cover.
2. Insert the snap-in adapter at the front,
arrow 1, and press downward, arrow 2, until
it clicks into place.
1.
{Delete phonebook }.
The dialog for deleti ng phone book is
opened.
2. Confirm the query with {Yes }.
3. Confirm the query again with {Yes }.
1. {Read phonebook }.
The dialog for reading phone book is
opened.
2. Say {Dial number } when the desired
entry is read.
1. {Dial name }.
2. Say the name when prompted.
3. Confirm the query with {Yes }.
Replacing componentsMOBILITY
217
3.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are
changing is raised off the ground.
Mounting the space-saver spare tire
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel.
2. Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub. Clean the lug bolts.
3. Lift the new wheel into place.
4. Screw at least two lug bolts finger-tight into
opposite bolt holes.
5. Screw in the remaining bolts.
6. Tighten all the lug bolts firmly in a diagonal
pattern.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Remove the jack.
Tightening the lug bolts
Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
Immediately have the wheels checked
with a calibrated torque wrench to ensure
that the lug bolts are firmly seated. Otherwise,
incorrectly tightened lug bolts can present a
safety hazard. <
Tightening torque: 103.3 lb ft or 140 Nm.
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate.
Battery replacement
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manu-
facturer; otherwise, the vehicle could be dam-
aged and systems or func tions may not be fully
available. <
After a battery replacement, have the battery
registered on the vehicle by your dealer to
ensure that all comfort functions are fully avail-
able.
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle when the
engine is off. Connection s, refer to Jump-start-
ing on page 219.
Disposal
After replacing old batteries, return the
used batteries to your MINI dealer or to a
recycling center. Maintain the battery in an
upright position for transport and storage.
Always secure the battery against tipping over
during transport. <
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, some equipment
may not be fully functional and may require ini-
tialization. Individual se ttings are also lost and
must be reprogrammed:
> Time and date
These values must be updated, page 63.
> Navigation system
Operability must be waited for, page 108.
> Glass roof
*, electric
It may only be possible to raise the roof, if
applicable. The system must be initialized.
Contact your nearest MINI dealer.
REFERENCETechnical data
228
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the gross vehicle weight.
CooperCooper SJohn Cooper Works
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
> Manual transmission lbs./kg 2,7 12/1,230 2,833/1,285 2,833/1,285
> Automatic transmis-
sion lbs./kg 2,789/1,265 2,877/1,305 –
Approved gross weight
> Manual transmission lbs./kg 3,5 49/1,610 3,671/1,665 3,704/1,680
> Automatic transmis-
sion lbs./kg 3,627/1,645 3,726/1,690 –
Approved front axle load
> Manual transmission lbs./k g 1,830/830 1,918/870 1,929/875
> Automatic transmis-
sion lbs./kg 1,907/865 1,962/890
–
Approved rear axle load lb s./kg 1,830/830 1,841/835 1,863/845
Approved roof load
capacity lbs./kg
165/75165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/
liters 9.2 - 32.8/
260 - 930 9.2 - 32.8/
260 - 930 9.2 - 32.8/
260 - 930
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
243
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission49
– manual transmission 48
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 49
– manual transmission 48
General driving notes 98
Glass roof, electric 35
– convenient operation 28,29
– opening, closing 35
– remote control 28
– tilting 35
Glove compartment 92
GPS navigation, refer to Navigation system 108
Grills, refer to Air vents 85
Gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 228
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb 210
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 48
Hands-free device Bluetooth 154
Hands-free system 14,161 ,173
Hazard warning flashers 14
HD Radio 133
Head airbags 78
Head Light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 82
Head restraints 39
– sitting safely 37
Headlamp control, automatic 81
Headlamp flasher 51
– indicator lamp 11,13
Headlamp glass lens 209
Headlamps
– replacing bulb 210
Headlamps, care 205Heated
– mirrors
41
– rear window 86,88
– seats 40
Heating 85
– mirrors 41
– rear window 86,88
– seats 40
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing cargo 103
Height adjustment
– seats 38
– steering wheel 42
Height, refer to Dimensions 227
High beams 83
– headlamp flasher 83
– indicator lamp 13
– replacing bulb 210
High water, refer to Driving through water 99
Highway, refer to Route
criteria 118
Hill Assist 71
Hills 99
Holders for cups 94
Homepage 4
Hood 198
Horn 10
Hot exhaust system 98
Hydro
planing 99
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio 133
iDrive
– status information 19
Ignition 46
– switched off 47
– switched on 46
Ignition key position 1, refer to Radio readiness 46
Ignition key position 2, refer to Ignition on 46
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control 26 Ignition lock
46
Imprint 2
Incoming call 157,169
Indicator and warning
lamps 13
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 75
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 83
Individual air distribution 87
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile 26
Inflation pressure monitoring, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 74
Information
– on another location 112
– on current position 112
– on destination location 112
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM 72
– glass roof, electric 35
– radio, refer to Station,
storing 133
Instructions for navigation system, refer to Voice
instructions 122
Instrument cluster, refer to Displays 12
Instrument lighting 83
Instrument pane l, refer to
Cockpit 10
Instrument pane l, refer to
Displays 12
Integrated key 26
Integrated universal remote control 90
Interactive map 114
Interesting destination for navigation 112
Interior lamps 84
– remote control 28
Interior rearview mirror 41
– automatic dimming feature 41
Interlock 49
Intermittent mode of the wipers 51