Practical interior accessoriesCONTROLS
85
If the LED2 does not flash rapidly after
approx. 60 seconds, alter the distance and
repeat this step.
Canada: if the LED is not flashing rapidly
after 60 seconds, change the distance and
repeat the step or, if the programming was
interrupted by the hand-held transmitter,
press and hold the memory button and
press the button on the hand-held transmit-
ter for 2 seconds and release several times.
Glove compartment
Opening
Press the button to open the cover.
The light in the glove compartment comes on.
Closing
Fold cover up.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent, close the glove compartment after
use while the vehicle is being driven. <
Ventilation*
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the
glove compartment can be ventilated and, if the
cooling function
* is switched on, can also be
cooled.
Opening
Rotate the switch in the direction of the arrow.
Closing
Rotate the switch in the opposite direction of the
arrow until it is in the vertical position.
Depending on the temperature setting of the air
conditioner or the automatic climate control,
high temperatures may result in the glove com-
partment.
Connection for external
audio device
You can connect an external audio device such
as a CD or MP3 player an d play audio tracks over
the vehicle's speaker system, refer to the Enter-
tainment chapter, page 107.
Center armrest*
Storage compartment
The center armrest between the front seats con-
tains either a compartment or the cover for the
mobile phone base plate
* or the snap-in
adapter
*.
DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
90
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 air
conditioner or automa tic climate control,
page 79 or 81.
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. <
DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
92
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminan ts accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic climate
control is in operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
In the MINI Cooper S, the coolant pump may
continue to run for some time after the engine is
switched off. This will generate noise in the
engine compartment.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying ca pacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can
assume the form of a sudden blowout. <
Avoid fluid spills in the cargo area as they
could damage the vehicle. <
Luggage compartment roller cover
Do not place heavy or hard objects on the
luggage compartment roller cover. If you
do so, they may already po se a danger to vehicle
occupants during braking or evasive maneuvers.
Do not allow the luggage compartment roll-up
cover to snap back, ot herwise it can be dam-
aged. < The roll-up cover can be locked in place at the
intermediate positions
1to 3.
The roll-up cover can be removed to load bulky
luggage.
Removing
1. Pull on the handle to roll the cover up.
2. Pivot the roll-up cover upward at both ends,
arrow 1 and move it up out of the holders,
arrow 2.
Installing
1. Insert the left and right ends of the roll-up
cover into the mounts.
2. Push down until the roll-up cover is resting
on the holders.
Expanding the cargo area
The rear set backrest is split. Both sides can be
folded separately to expand the cargo area.
If necessary, remove th e third head restraint,
refer to Head restraints, Removing page 34.
MOBILITYWheels and tires
132
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the
US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B CAll passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades. <
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 γ) times as
well on the government co urse as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditio ns of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not incl ude acceleration, corner-
ing, hydroplaning, or pe ak traction characteris-
tics. <
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor labo ratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corre sponds to a level of
performance which all pa ssenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent lev-
els of performance on the laboratory test wheel
that exceed the minimum required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overlo aded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure. <
RSC - run-flat tires*
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side of
the tire, page 134.
For instance:
Manufacturer's
code for tire make
Tire size and tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 0211
180
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
INDEX
A
ABS Antilock Brake System61
Accessories, refer to Your individual vehicle 4
Acknowledgment signals for
locking/unlocking vehicle 22
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 82
Adaptive Light Control 74
Additives
– coolant 139
– engine oil 138
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 79
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 80
Air conditioner 78
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 79
– automatic cl imate control80
– ventilation 82
Air distribution
– automatic 81
– individual 80
– manual 80
Air flow rate 79,81
– air conditioning system 79
– automatic cl imate control81
– heating, ventilation 79
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 78
Air pressure, checking, refer to Tire inflation pressure 128
Air recirculation, refer to Recir-
culated-air mode 79,81
Air supply
– air conditioner 79
– automatic cl imate control80
– ventilation 82 Air vents
78
Airbags 69
– sitting safely 32
– warning lamp 71
Airing, refer to Ventilation82
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 127
Alarm system 27
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 135
Ambient air, refer to Recircu- lated-air mode 79,81
Ambient lighting 77
Antenna, care 142
Antifreeze
– coolant 139
– washer fluid 49
Anti
lock Brake System ABS 61
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system 27
Anti-theft system 21
Approved axle loads, refer to Weights 178
Approved engine oils 138
Approved gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 178
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest 85
Ashtray 87
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 61
Audio device, external 85
AUTO program for automatic climate control 81
Auto radio, refer to Radio MINI
Boost CD 100
Automatic
– air distribution 81
– air flow rate 81
– cruise control 49
– headlamp control 72Automatic climate control
78
– automatic air distribution 81
Automatic station search 101
Automatic station storage 102
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 43
– interlock 44
– overriding selector lever lock 45
– shiftlock 44
– sport program 45
AUX In connection 100
AUX-IN, refer to External audio device 85
Average fuel consumption 52
– setting the units 55
Average speed 52
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 178
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 77
Backrests, refer to Seats 33
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 150
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 157
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 159
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 123
Battery 155
– charging 155
– disposal 30,155
– jump-starting 157
– temporary power failure 155
Battery renewal
– remote control 30
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
182
Child restraint systems38
Child seats 38
Chrome parts, care 144
Chrome parts, refer to
Care 142
Cigarette lighter 87
Cleaning headlamps 48
– washer fluid 49
Clock
– 12 h/24 h mode 55
– setting time 57
Closing
– from inside 24
– from outside 21
Clothes hooks 86
Club Door 26
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting the engine 42
Comfort Access 28
– replacing the battery 30
– what to observe before
entering a car wash 29
Comfort area, refer to Around the center console 14
Compartment for remote control, refer to Ignition
lock 41
Compressed audio files 105
Computer 52
Condensation, refer to When the vehicle is parked 92
Condition Based Service
CBS 140
Configuring settings, refer to Personal Profile 20
Connecting vacuum cleaner, refer to Connecting electrical
appliances 87
Consumption, refer to Average fuel consumption 52
Control Display
– settings 53
Controls and displays 10
Convenient access, refer to
Comfort Access 28 Convenient operation
– windows
22
Convenient start, refer to Starting the engine 42
Coolant 139
– checking level 139
– filling 139
Coolant temperature 139
Cooling fluid, refer to Coolant 139
Cooling, maximum 81
Copyright 2
Cornering light, refer to
Adaptive Light Control 74
Cruising range 52
Cupholders 87
Curb weight, refer to Weights 178
C
urrent fuel consumption 52
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays 12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 76
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit 10
Data 176
– capacities 179
– dimensions 177
– engine 176
– weights 178
Data memory 141
Date
– setting 58
Date setting 101
Daytime running lights 73
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to Brake Assist 61
Deactivating front passenger airbags 70
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking 22
Defect
– door lock 24
– fuel filler flap 126
Defogging windows 80,82 Defrost positi
on, refer to
Defrosting windows 80,82
Defrosting windows 80,82
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner 80
– automatic climate control 82
Defrosting windshield, refer to Defrosting windows 80,82
Differential, breaking in 90
Digital radio, refer to HD Radio 103
Dimensions 177
Dipstick, engine oil 137
Directional indicators, refer to Turn signals 46
Displacement, refer to Engine data 176
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 76
Displays 12
– instrument cluster 12
Displays and controls 10
Displays, care 145
Disposal
– of coolant 139
– remote control battery 30
– vehicle battery 155
Distance remaining to service, refer to Service
requirements 56
Distance warning, refer
to Park
Distance Control PDC 60
Door
– rear, refer to Club Door 26
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 20
Door lock 24
Door lock, confirmation
signals 22
Doors, manual operation 24
DOT Quality Grades 132
Double doors, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 26
Drinks holders, refer to
Cupholders 87
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
183
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Assist 63
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 63
Driving lamps, refer to Parking lamps/low beams 72
Driving notes 90
Driving off on inclines, refer to Hill Assist 63
Driving stability control
systems 60
Driving through water 91
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes 90
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 82
DSC Dynamic Stability Control 61
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 62
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, refer to Brake Assist 61
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 61
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC 62
E
Eject button 106
Electrical malfunction
– door lock 24
– fuel filler flap 126
Electronic brake-force distribution 61
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 61
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock 24
– fuel filler flap 126
– transmission lock, automatic transmission 45
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance 157Engine
– breaking in
90
– data 176
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature 139
– speed 176
– starting 42
– starting, Comfort Access 28
– switching off 42
Engine compartment 137
Engine coolant, refer to Coolant 139
Engine oil
– adding 138
– additives, refer to Approved engine oils 138
– alternative oil types 138
– approved engine oils 138
– capacity 138
– checking level 137
– dipstick 137
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements 56
– MINI Maintenance
System 140
Engine oil level, checking 137
Engine output, refer to Engine
data 176
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine 42
ESP Electronic Stability Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 61
Exhaust system, refer to Hot exhaust system 90
Exterior mirrors 36
– adjusting 36
– automatic heating 36
– folding in and out 36
External audio device 85,100
External temperature display
– change units of measure 55
– in the on-board computer 55Eyes
– for tow-
starting and towing
away 159
– for tying down loads 95
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 58
Failure of an electrical
consumer 156
Fast forward
– CD 106
Fastening safety be lts, refer to
Safety belts 35
Fault messages, refer to Check
Control 58
Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner 80
– microfilter/activated- charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 82
Fine wood, care 145
First aid pouch 157
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 41
Flash when locking/
unlocking 22
Flat load floor 94
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 134
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 65
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 63
– indicating a flat tire 64
– initializing the system 64
– snow chains 64
– system limits 64
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition 133
Floor mats, care 144
Floor plate, refe r to Flat load
floor 94
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 149,150
Folding rear seat backrest 92
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
186
Manual operation
– door lock24
– fuel filler flap 126
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 45
Manual station search 102
Manual transmission 43
Manual washing 143
Master key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 20
Maximum cooling 81
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 135
Medical assistance, refer to First aid pouch 157
Microfilter
– for air conditioner 80
– for automatic climate control 82
– MINI Maintenance System 140
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance System 140
Microphone for telephone 14
MINI Internet page 4
MINI Maintenance System 140
Mirror dimming feature 36
Mirrors 36
– exterior mirrors 36
– heating 36
– interior rearview mirror 36
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume 117
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing 114
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 85
– pairing 114
– refer to separate Owner's Manual
– What to do if… 116
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest 85 Mobile phone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System 151
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety 5
Monitoring syst em for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 63
MP3 105
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/ headlamp flasher 46
– refer to Wiper system 47
Multifunctional steering wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel 11
Music tracks
– playing a track 106
– random order 106
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 34
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments 86
New tires 134
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data 176
Number of safety belts 32
Nylon rope, refer to Tow rope 159
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
On-Board Diagnosis 141
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel specifications 127
Odometer 51
Oil consumption 137
Oil level 137
Oil, refer to Engine oil 137
Oil types 138
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal 155
Onboard vehicle toolkit 146Opening and closing
– Comfort Access
28
– from inside 24
– from outside 21
– using the door lock 24
– using the remote control 21
Opening and unlocking
– from inside 25
Opening/closing the Split Rear Barn Doors 26
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation 82
Outlets, refer to Air vents 78
Output, refer to Engine data 176
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control 81
Overheated engine, refer to Coolant temperature 139
P
Paintwork, care143
Park Distance Control PDC 60
Parking
– vehicle 42
Parking aid, refer to Park Distance Control PDC 60
Parking brake 43
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb 149
Parking lamps/low beams 72
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle 4
Pathway lighting 73
PDC
– volume 100
Personal Profile 20
Phone numbers
– dialing 118
Pinch protection system
– windows 31
Plastic parts, care 144
Playing a track scan
– CD 106