93
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can
cause partial or complete loss of tire contact
with the road surface, so that the car cannot be
steered or braked properly.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page124.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-
wise, greater clutch wear will result.<
For information on driving off using Hill Assist,
refer to page64.
Braking safely
Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a
situation which requires full braking, it is best to
brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the
vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you
can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with
the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that
ABS is functioning properly.
Objects in the movement range of the
pedals
Keep floor mats, carpet, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhibit the function of the
pedals during driving.
Do not place additional floor mats onto an exist-
ing one or onto other objects.
O n l y u s e f l o o r m a t s t h a t h a v e b e e n a p p r o v e d f o r
the vehicle and can be appropriately fastened.Make sure that the floor mats are securely fas-
tened again after they have been removed, e.g.
for cleaning.<
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger other
road users. The heat generated in this process
helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that
Then full braking force will be immediately avail-
able when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mode of the automatic transmis-
sion, page47.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine brak-
ing action will not be present or there will be no
power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals; otherwise, pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
Things to remember when driving
94
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 capacity, 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.<
MINI: cargo area
Cargo area cover
Do not place any objects on the cover;
otherwise, they could endanger the car's
occupants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden
swerving, or they may damage the cover.<
When you open the liftgate, the roll-up cover is
raised.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be
removed.1.Unhook the lift straps from the liftgate.
2.Pull the cover out of the holders toward the
rear.
Expanding the cargo area
The rear set backrest is split. Both sides can be
folded separately to expand the cargo area.
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 split rear
seat backrests to a steeper angle.
Indicator and warning lamps
156
Lights up in red:
Engine overheating Carefully bring the car to a stop,
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down. Do not open the hood;
otherwise, there is a risk of injury from
scalding. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Engine too hot Continue driving at more moderate
speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked with-
out delay if the situation reoccurs.
Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunctionSwitch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers. Have the battery checked
without delay.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connectedHave the battery checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied
12Cause What to do
161
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Lights up in red:
>Transmission limp-home pro-
gram active with restricted range
of gears, possibly with reduced
accelerationYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system
checked without delay.
>Gears can be engaged without
depressing the brakeAlways depress the brake to engage a
gear.
>Automatic selector lever locked Manually releasing the selector lever
lock, page48.
Lights up in yellow: Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
>Automatic selector lever locked:
Selector lever locked in position P
with engine running and brake
depressed orManually releasing the selector lever
lock, page48.
>brake signal malfunctioning: gear
can be engaged without depress-
ing the brakeTo engage a gear while the vehicle is
at a standstill, always depress the
brake. Before leaving the vehicle,
move the selector lever to position P
and switch off the engine.
Lights up in red:
Transmission overheating Bring the car to a stop and move the
selector lever to position P. Allow the
transmission to cool down. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Have the system checked if the situa-
tion reoccurs.
Lights up in yellow:
Transmission too hot Avoid high engine loads. You can con-
tinue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Vehicle not prevented from rolling
12Cause What to do
Everything from A to Z
172
Everything from A to Z
INDEX
A
ABS Antilock Brake System63
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Acknowledgment signals for
locking/unlocking vehicle21
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control82
Adaptive Light Control75
Additives
– coolant129
– engine oil129
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner79
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control80
Air conditioner78
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner79
– automatic climate control80
– ventilation82
Air distribution
– automatic81
– individual80
– manual80
Air flow rate79,81
– air conditioning system79
– automatic climate control81
– heating, ventilation79
Air outlets, refer to Air vents78
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure118
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode79,81
Air supply
– air conditioner79
– automatic climate control80
– ventilation82
Air vents78Airbags70
– sitting safely35
– warning lamp72
Airing, refer to Ventilation82
AKI, refer to fuel grade117
Alarm system25
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires126
Always Open Timer55
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode79,81
Ambient lighting77
Antenna, care133
Antifreeze
– coolant129
– washer fluid
51
Antilock Brake System ABS63
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system25
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights169
Approved engine oils129
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights169
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest85
Ashtray87
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC63
Audio device, external85
AUTO program for automatic
climate control81
Automatic
– air distribution81
– air flow rate81
– cruise control51
– headlamp control73
Automatic climate control78
– automatic air distribution81Automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– interlock46
– overriding selector lever
lock48
– shiftlock46
– sport program47
AUX-IN, refer to External audio
device85
Average fuel consumption54
– setting the units57
Average speed54
Axle loads, refer to
Weights169B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting77
Backrests, refer to Seats36
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb140,141
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch148
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away150
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter113
Battery146
– charging147
– disposal28,147
– jump-starting148
– temporary power failure147
Battery renewal
– remote control28
Being towed150
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts38
Belts, refer to Safety belts38
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders87
175
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap116
– liftgate24
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission48
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance148
Engine
– breaking in92
– data166
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature53
– speed166
– starting45
– starting, Comfort Access26
– switching off45
Engine compartment128
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant129
Engine oil
– adding129
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils129
– alternative oil types129
– approved engine oils129
– capacity129
– checking level128
– dipstick128
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements58
– MINI Maintenance
System131
Engine oil level, checking128
Engine output, refer to Engine
data166
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine45
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC63
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system92Exterior mirrors39
– adjusting39
– automatic heating39
– folding in and out39
External audio device85
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away150
– for tying down loads97
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control60
Failure of an electrical
consumer147
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts38
Fault messages, refer to Check
Control60
Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner80
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control82
Fine wood, care136
First aid pouch148
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock44
Flash when locking/
unlocking21
Flat tire
– run-flat tires125
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM67
Flat Tire Monitor FTM65
– indicating a flat tire66
– initializing the system65
– snow chains65
– system limits65
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition124
Floor mats, care136
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb139,141
Folding rear seat backrest94
Folding roof, refer to
Convertible top with
integrated sliding sunroof30Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely93
Footwell lamps77
For your own safety5
Front airbags70
Front fog lamps76
– indicator lamp152
– replacing bulb139
Front seat adjustment36
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows80,82
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor65
Fuel117
– gauge53
– high-quality brands117
– quality117
– specifications117
– tank capacity170
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge53
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption54
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge53
Fuel filler flap116
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction116
Fuses147
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control83
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel
consumption54
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge53
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel117
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission46
– manual transmission46
Everything from A to Z
176
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– manual transmission46
General driving notes92
Glass sunroof, electric28
– Convenient operation20,22
– opening, closing28
– remote control20
– tilting28
Glove compartment85
Grills, refer to Air vents78
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights169
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb138
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake45
Hands-free system14,110
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags70
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Light Control75
Head restraints37
– sitting safely35
Headlamp control,
automatic73
Headlamp flasher48
– indicator lamp11,152
Headlamps
– replacing bulb138
Headlamps, care134
Headlight glass lens138
Heated
– mirrors39
– rear window79,82
– seats38
Heating78
– mirrors39
– rear window79,82
– seats38
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo96
Height adjustment
– seats36
– steering wheel40Height, refer to
Dimensions167
High beams75
– headlamp flasher75
– indicator lamp152
– replacing bulb138
High water, refer to Driving
through water93
Hill Assist64
Hills93
Holders for cups87
Homepage4
Hood127
Horn10
Hot exhaust system92
Hydroplaning93I
Ignition44
– switched off44
– switched on44
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness44
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on44
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18
Ignition lock44
Imprint2
Incoming call108
Indicator and warning
lamps13,152
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM68
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting76
Individual air distribution80
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM67
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM65
– glass sunroof, electric29
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays12
Instrument lighting76Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays12
Integrated key18
Integrated universal remote
control83
Interior lamps77
– remote control21
Interior rearview mirror40
– automatic dimming
feature40
Interlock46
Intermittent mode of the
wipers49
Internet page4
J
Jacking points146
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles51
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting148
Jump-starting148
K
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile18
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access26
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort
Access26
Keypad dialing108
Kickdown47
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
Knock control117
L
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs137
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams73
177
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo97
LATCH child restraint fixing
system42
Leather care135
LEDs light-emitting diodes138
Length, refer to
Dimensions167
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement141
Liftgate24
– Comfort Access27
– emergency operation24
– manually releasing24
– opening from outside24
– opening/closing24
– unlocking with remote
control21
Light switch73
Light-alloy wheels, care135
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs138
Lighter87
– socket87
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs137
– of the instruments76
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps73
Limit163
Load96
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo97
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking23
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal21
– from inside23
– from outside20
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access26
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals21
– from inside23
– from outside19
Low beams73
– automatic73
– replacing bulb138Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support36
Luggage compartment
– emergency operation, refer
to Manually releasing24
– increasing the capacity95
– opening from the inside24
Luggage compartment lid
– emergency actuation, refer
to manually releasing24
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Liftgate24
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo area
24
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack97
Lumbar support36
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires126
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system131
Malfunction
– convertible top32
– liftgate24
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control60
Manual air distribution80
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap116
– liftgate24
– power convertible top32
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission48
Manual transmission46
Manual washing134
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling81
Maximum speed
– with winter tires126Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch148
Microfilter
– for air conditioner80
– for automatic climate
control82
– MINI Maintenance
System131
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance
System131
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System131
Mirror dimming feature40
Mirrors39
– exterior mirrors39
– heating39
– interior rearview mirror40
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume108
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing104
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest85
– pairing104
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
– What to do if…107
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest85
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System142
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor65
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher48
– refer to Wiper system49
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11