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.
Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
93
By way of example, the illustration shows the
cargo compartment in the MINI.
1. Pull the lever.
2. Fold rear seat backrests forward.
When folding the backrest back up, make
sure that the seat's locking mechanisms
engage properly. Otherwise, cargo could be
thrown around in the event of sharp braking or
swerving and endanger the occupants. <
Adjusting rear seat backrest*
Expand the cargo area by raising the rear seat
backrests to a steeper angle.
By way of example, the illustration shows the
cargo compartment in the MINI.
1. Pull the lever, arrow 1, and fold the rear seat
backrest forward.
2. Fold up the lever of the backrest lock until it
audibly engages, arrow 2.
3. Fold back the backrest until it engages.
If the rear seat backrests are positioned at
a steeper angle, do not install child
restraint systems in the rear of the vehicle as
their protective features may be ineffective. <
Cargo net*
Ensure that the cargo net is firmly
attached; otherwise, injuries may occur.<
The cargo net can be mounted in the cargo area
or behind the front seats.
In the cargo area
1. Fold the rear seat backrest forward if neces-
sary, page 93.
2. Insert each cargo net mounting pin all the
way into its respective rear mount in the
headliner, arrow 1, and push it forward.
3. Hang the hooks of the cargo net into the
eyelets on the rear cargo well, arrow 2.
Behind the front seats
1. Fold down the rear seat backrests, refer to
Expanding the cargo area.
2. Insert each cargo net mounting pin all the
way into its respective front mount in the
headliner, arrow 1, and push it forward.
3. Fold up the eyelets on the rear seat and
hook the cargo net into them, arrow 2.
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.
ENTERTAINMENTRadio MINI Boost CD
100
Radio MINI Boost CD
Radio switching on/off
Press left rotary knob. The radio selects
the last selected audio source:
> Radio
> HD Radio
*
>Satellite radio*
>CD
> Wxternal audio device
> USB audio interface*.
Listening to the radi o with the ignition
off
After turning off the radi o, which was ready for
operation, the radio functions are available for
approx. 20 minutes.
The radio can also be turned on again.
To spare the battery, ensure that the radio
is turned off when leaving the vehicle. <
Adjusting volume
Press left rotary knob. The setting is
saved for the currently used remote
control.
As soon as you make a phone call using
the hands-free device, the radio is auto-
matically muted. <
Setting the volume for the PDC* and bell
You can raise or lower the volume of the audio
signals for the PDC or bell with respect to the vol-
ume of the audio sources.
The audio signals have fixed minimum and max-
imum volumes, which they can not fall below or
exceed. Set the audio source to a high volume
level to be able to better set the volume of
the audio signal. <
1. Press the button.
2. Press the button if necessary.
3. button
or
Press the button.
4. Select the desired volume and press the but-
ton on the right.
Setting the speed-dependent volume
As the speed increases, the speed-dependent
volume controls automatically increase the vol-
ume. You can set different levels for increasing
the volume.
1. Press the button.
2. Press the button if necessary.
3. Press the button.
4. Select the desired volume and press the but-
ton on the right.
Setting the volume for external audio
devices
Your radio has the ability to connect to an exter-
nal audio device, such as an MP3 player, and to
output the sound through your car speakers.
You can adjust the volume using the radio.
To connect an extern al device, refer to
page 108.
Radio MINI Boost CDENTERTAINMENT
101
To adjust the volume of an external audio device
to the radio:
1. MODE Press button.
2. Press the button.
3. Press the button.
4. Select the desired volume and press the but-
ton on the right.
Tone control
You can select between the following settings:
>Bass: bass adjustment.
> Treble: treble adjustment.
> Balance: volume distribution left/right.
> Fader: volume distri bution front/back.
The tone settings are set for all audio sources at
once.
Setting the bass, treble and balance
1. Press the button.
2. Select the desired volume and press the but-
ton on the right.
3. Carry out the desired se ttings and press the
button on the right.
Resetting tone settings
The tone settings are reset to the middle value.
1. Press the button.
2. Press the button.
Time
Setting the time, date and time format
You may set the time, date and the time format,
refer to page 57.
Radio
You radio is designed for the reception of FM
and AM signals.
To listen to the radio
1.Turn on the radio, refer to page 100.
2. MODE If necessary, press the button.
3. Press the button.
4. Press the corresponding button as
often as necessary until the desired wave-
length band is selected.
> AM: AM and AMA
> FM: FM1/FM2 and FMA
Selecting a station
The setting is stored for the remote control in
use.
Next station
… Press the button.
The next available st ation is selected.
ENTERTAINMENTRadio MINI Boost CD
102
Selecting stations by changing the
frequency
1. Press the button.
2. Press the button each time to enter a
desired frequency.
Or, using the knob on the right:
1. Press the button.
2. Turn the knob on the right until the desired
frequency is reached.
Automatically update the strongest
station
Press the corresponding button until
"Autostore" is displayed.
It may take a few seconds until the stations are
stored and one of these stations can be heard.
If you do not want to use the Autostore
feature, then you can store six stations of
your choice in the FM A or AMA memory level. <
Playing and selecting stations, scan
You can listen to all the receivable stations for
approx. 10 seconds.
Press the button.
To cancel scan an d select a station:
Press the button.
Storing and recalling stations
Memory presets
Your radio can store 30 stations:
> FM1, FM2: six stations each of your choice
> AM: six stations each of your choice
> FMA/AMA: the six stro ngest stations auto-
matically
Storing a station
1. Press the corresponding button as
often as necessary until the desired fre-
quency range is selected.
2. Selecting stations.
3.
… Keep the desired but-
ton pressed until the station can again be
heard after a short interruption.
The memory level and the selected button
are shown on the display, e.g.:
Recalling stored stations
1.
Press the corresponding button as
often as necessary until the desired wave-
length band is selected.
2.
… Press the desired but-
ton.
Using the knob on the right:
Turn the knob on the right until the desired sta-
tion is reached.
RDS – Radio Data System
The Radio Data System transmits additional
information in the FM band. RDS stations pro-
vide the following features:
> For stations that broadcast over several fre-
quencies, the frequency with the best recep-
tion quality is automatically selected.
> When there are good reception conditions,
then the station names are displayed.
> Additional information can be shown on the
display, e.g., text me ssages from the station.
> Over RDS, some stations transmit the type of
the received program, PT Y. At the discretion
of the station, this is shown for a brief period
of time on the display, e.g., messages,
NEWS. Using PTY, warnings about catastro-
phes can also be disp layed, e.g., "ALARM".
Radio MINI Boost CDENTERTAINMENT
105
4.Select the desired category.
5. Select desired channel.
To display all the channels: Press the button.
To store a channel:
1. Press the button.
2. Press the button as often as nec-
essary until the desire d memory level, SAT 1
or SAT 2, is reached.
3.
... Keep the desired but-
ton pressed until the channel can again be
heard after a short interruption.
Changing to the current channel
Press the button.
Additional information
The name of the channel and additional infor-
mation about the current track is displayed, e.g.,
the name of the artist.
1. Selecting a desired channel.
2. Press the button.
Changing channels using buttons
… Press the button for the corresponding
direction.
The next activated channel is recalled.
Search function
1. ... Press and hold the button for the
corresponding direction.
The activated channels are shown, one after
another, on the display.
2. Release the button to select the displayed
channel.
Notes
When there is a signal blockage or the transmis-
sion is suspended mome ntarily for more than
4 seconds, a message appears on the Control
Display.
Service may be interru pted or unavailable
for specific reasons such as environmental
or topographic conditions and others that Satel-
lite Radio cannot directly control.
Signals may not be available under tunnels, in
parking garages, next to tall buildings, nearby
trees with dense foliage, nearby mountains or
other possible strong sources of radio interfer-
ence.
Service should resume no rmally after the source
of signal unavailabil ity has been cleared.<
CD player
Starting the CD player
Some time may pass until the CD player starts.
1.Switching on the radio, refer to page 100.
2. Insert the CD with the printed side up into
the CD slot.
If there is already a CD in the CD slot:
1. Switch on the radio, if necessary.
2. MODE Press the button.
3. Press the button.