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. <
Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
95
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 93. 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 178; 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 39; 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
96
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 178.
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 aerody-
namics 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.
COMMUNICATIONSTelephone
122
Storing the input
Deleting input
Deleting all inputs
Reading entries and selecting
Selecting an entry
Adjusting volume
Turn knob during announcement.
>The volume remains the same, even if the
volume of other audi o 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 stressful 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 in the language
of the system.
> Keep doors, windows, glass sunroof
*/pan-
oramic sunroof
*, or convertible top* closed
to avoid noise interference.
> Avoid ambient noise in the vehicle while
speaking.
MINI contact*
When the ignition is on, several dealer phone
numbers can be displayed.
>"Road Assist": roadside service
*, if you
require assistance in th e event of a flat tire.
> "Service": MINI dealer, for example if you
need to make a service appointment.
> "Cust Relat": MINI Hotline
* for information
about your vehicle.
Displaying phone numbers
1. MENU Press the button.
2. Press the button.
3. Turn the right rotary knob until the desired
phone number is displayed.
1.
{Save name }.
2. Say the name aloud. Do not exceed a
speaking duration of about 2 seconds.
3. Say the phone number after being
prompted to do so by the system.
4. {Save }.
1. {Delete name }.
2. Say the name when prompted.
3. Confirm the query with {Yes }.
1. {Delete phonebook }.
The dialog for deleting 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 }.
MOBILITYReplacing components
156
>Time and date
These values must be updated, page 57.
> Radio
In some cases, statio ns may have to be
stored again, page 102.
> Glass roof
*, electric
It may only be possible to raise the roof, if
applicable. The system must be initialized.
Contact your near est MINI dealer.
Fuses
Do not attempt to repair a blown fuse or
replace it with a fuse of a different color or
Ampere rating. To do this could cause a fire in
the vehicle resulting from a circuit overload.
Have the fuse changed only by a MINI dealer or
a workshop that has specially trained personnel
working in accordance with the specifications of
the MINI manufacturer. <
A fuse allocation diagram is located on the inside
of the fuse box cover panels.
In the engine compartment
Opening the cover
Press the latch.
In the vehicle interior
On the right side of the footwell.
Opening the cover
Press out at the recess.
REFERENCETechnical data
178
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
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
184
Footbrake, refer to Braking safely 91
Footwell lamps 76
For your own safety 5
Front airbags 69
Front fog lamps 75
– indicator lamp 161
– replacing bulb 149
Front seat adjustment 33
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows 80,82
FTM, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 63
Fuel 127
– gauge 51
– high-quality brands 127
– quality 127
– specifications 127
– tank volume 179
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel gauge 51
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption 52
Fuel display, refer to Fuel gauge 51
Fuel filler flap 126
– releasing in the event of electrical malfunction 126
Fuses 156
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 83
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel consumption 52
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge 51
Gasoline, refer to Required fuel 127
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 44 Gear shifting
– automatic transmission
44
– manual transmission 43
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 44
– manual transmission 43
General driving notes 90
Glass roof, electric 30
– convenient operation 22,24
– opening, closing 30
– remote control 22
– tilting 30
Glove compartment 85
Grills, refer to Air vents 78
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights 178
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb 148
Handbrake, refe r to Parking
brake 43
Hands-free system 14,120
Hazard warning flashers 14
HD Radio 103
Head airbags 69
Head Light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 74
Head restraints 34
– sitting safely 32
Headlamp control,
automatic 72
Headlamp flasher 46
– indicator lamp 11,161
Headlamp glass lens 147
Headlamps
– replacing bulb 148
Headlamps, care 143
Heated
– mirrors 36
– rear window 79,81
– seats 35 Heating
78
– mirrors 36
– rear window 79,81
– seats 35
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing cargo 95
Height adjustment
– seats 33
– steering wheel 37
Height, refer to
Dimensions 177
High beams 75
– headlamp flasher 75
– indicator lamp 161
– replacing bulb 148
High water, refer to Driving
through water 91
Hill Assist 63
Hills 91
Holders for cups 87
Homepage 4
Hood 136
Horn 10
Hot exhaust system 90
Hydroplaning 91
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio 103
Ignition 41
– switched off 42
– switched on 41
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness 41
Ignition key position 2, refer to Ignition on 41
Ignition key, refer to Integrated key/remote
control 20
Ignition lock 41
Imprint 2
Incoming call 117
Indicator and warning lamps 13,161
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 66
Indicator lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 76
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
185
Individual air distribution80
Individual settings, refer to Personal Profile 20
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 65
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM 64
– glass roof, electric 30
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays 12
Instrument lighting 76
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit 10
Instrument panel, refer to Displays 12
Integrated key 20
Integrated universal remote control 83
Interior lamps 76
– remote control 23
Interior rearview mirror 36
– automatic dimming feature 36
Interlock 44
Intermittent mode of the wipers 47
Internet page 4
J
Jacking points 154
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles 48
Jumpering, refer to Jump- starting 157
Jump-starting 157
K
Key Memory, refe r to Personal
Profile 20
Key, refer to Keys/remote controls 20
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access 28Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort
Access 28
Keypad dialing 118
Kickdown 44
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 44
Knock control 127
L
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs 147
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams 72
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing cargo 95
LATCH child restraint fixing system 39
Leather care 144
LEDs light-emitting diodes 147
Length, refer to Dimensions 177
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement 151
Liftgate
– Comfort Access 29
Liftgate, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 23
Light alloy wheels, care 144
Light switch 72
Light-emitting diodes LEDs 147
Lighter 87
– socket 87
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs 147
– of the instruments 76
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps 72
Limit 172
Listening to test scan
– Radio MINI Boost CD 102
Load 94
Load securing equipment, refer to Secu ring cargo95
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking 25 Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal 22
– from inside 25
– from outside 22
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access 28
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals 22
– from inside 24
– from outside 21
Longlife oils
– approved motor oils 138
Low beams 72
– automatic 72
– replacing bulb 148
Lower back suppo rt, refer to
Lumbar support 33
Luggage compartment doors,
refer to Split Rear Barn
Doors 26
Luggage compartment
partition net, refer to Cargo
net 93
Luggage rack, re fer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 95
Lumbar su
pport 33
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 135
Maintenance, refer to Service
and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Maintenance system 140
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control 58
Manual air distribution 80
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 45