
 5
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
For your safety
Maintenance and repair
Advanced technology, e.g. the use of 
modern materials and powerful electron-
ics, requires specially adapted maintenance and 
repair methods. Therefore, have the necessary 
work on your MINI only carried out by a MINI 
dealer or a workshop that has specially trained 
personnel working in accordance with the 
specifications of the MINI manufacturer. If this 
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety 
hazards.<
Parts and accessories
For your own safety, use genuine parts 
and accessories approved by the manu-
facturer of the MINI.
When you purchase accessories tested 
and approved by the manufacturer of the MINI 
and Original MINI Parts, you simultaneously 
acquire the assurance that they have been thor-
oughly tested by the manufacturer of the MINI 
to ensure optimum performance when installed 
on your vehicle.
The manufacturer of the MINI warrants these 
parts to be free from defects in material and 
workmanship.
The manufacturer of the MINI will not accept any 
liability for damage resulting from installation of 
parts and accessories not approved by the man-
ufacturer of the MINI.
The manufacturer of the MINI cannot test every 
product made by other manufacturers to verify 
i f  i t  c a n  b e  u s e d  o n  a  M I N I  s a f e l y  a n d  w i t h o u t  r i s k  
to either the vehicle, its operation, or its occu-
pants.
Original MINI Parts, MINI Accessories and other 
products approved by the manufacturer of the 
MINI, together with professional advice on using 
these items, are available from all MINI dealers.Installation and operation of accessories that 
have not been approved by the manufacturer of 
your MINI, such as alarms, radios, amplifiers, 
radar detectors, wheels, suspension compo-
nents, brake dust shields, telephones, including 
operation of any mobile phone from within the 
vehicle without using an externally mounted 
antenna, or transceiver equipment, for instance, 
CBs, walkie-talkies, ham radios or similar acces-
sories, may cause extensive damage to the vehi-
cle, compromise its safety, interfere with the 
vehicle's electrical system or affect the validity of 
the MINI Limited Warranty. See your MINI dealer 
for additional information.<
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of 
the emission control devices and systems 
may be performed by any automotive repair 
establishment or individual using any certified 
automotive part.<
California Proposition 65 warning
California law requires us to issue the following 
warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of 
automobile components and parts, 
including components found in the interior fur-
nishings in a vehicle, contain or emit chemicals 
known to the State of California to cause cancer 
and birth defects and reproductive harm. In 
addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and 
certain products of component wear contain or 
emit chemicals known to the State of California 
to cause cancer and birth defects or other repro-
ductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories 
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash your 
hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that have 
caused cancer in laboratory animals. Always 
protect your skin by washing thoroughly with 
soap and water.< 

 59
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page44.
2.Briefly press the button in the turn signal 
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
3.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.4.Briefly press the button repeatedly until the 
corresponding symbol and "SERVICE INFO" 
are displayed.
5.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
6.Briefly press the button to display the indi-
vidual service items, refer to the following 
information.
Possible displays
1Button for selecting information
2Engine oil
3Front brakes
4Rear brakes
5Vehicle check6Roadworthiness test
7Brake fluid
8Exit display57
9Next setting or item of information57
More information on the MINI Maintenance Sys-
tem can be found on page131. 

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. 

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AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Paintwork, care
Regular care helps your vehicle retain its value 
and protects the paint from the long-term 
effects of aggressive substances.
In some regions, environmental factors can 
affect the vehicle paintwork and damage it. It is 
therefore important to adjust the frequency and 
extent of vehicle care correspondingly.
Immediately remove aggressive materials such 
as spilled fuel, oil, grease, brake fluid, tree sap or 
bird droppings to prevent damage to the paint-
work.
Removing paintwork damage
Depending on the severity of the damage, 
immediately repair stone damage or 
scratches to prevent rusting.<
The manufacturer of the MINI recommends 
repairing paint damage professionally according 
to factory specifications with original MINI 
paints.
Preservation
Preservation is necessary when water no longer 
beads on the clean paint surface. To preserve 
the paint, only use preservatives that contain 
carnauba or synthetic waxes.
Rubber seals
Only treat with water or rubber care products.
Do not use silicon sprays or other silicon-
containing care products on rubber seals; 
otherwise, noise and damage could occur.<
Chrome parts*
Carefully clean vehicle parts such as the radiator 
grill and door handles with copious quantities of 
water and, if necessary, a shampoo additive, 
especially when contaminated with road salt. 
For additional treatment, use chrome polish.
Light-alloy wheels*
The system produces brake dust that collects on 
the light alloy wheels. Clean them regularly with 
acid-free wheel cleaner.Do not use aggressive, acid-containing, 
highly alkaline, or abrasive cleansers or 
steam jets hotter than 1407/606 as they may 
cause damage.<
External sensors
Keep the outside sensors on the vehicle 
such as the Park Distance Control clean 
and ice-free to ensure that they function prop-
erly.<
Internal care
Upholstery/fabrics
Regularly use a vacuum cleaner to remove sur-
face dirt.
In case of serious spots such as liquid stains, use 
a soft sponge or lint-free microfiber cloth and 
suitable interior cleaners. Observe the instruc-
tions on the packaging.
Clean upholstery up to the seams. Do not 
rub forcefully.<
Velcro fasteners on pants or other items of 
clothing can damage seat covers. Make 
sure that all Velcro fasteners are closed.<
Leather/leather coverings*
The leather processed by the manufac-
turer of your MINI is a high-quality natural 
product. Light variations in the grain is one of 
the typical properties of natural leather.<
Dust and road grit in the pores and folds of the 
leather have an abrasive effect, leading to 
increased wear and causing the leather surface 
to become brittle prematurely. Use a cloth or 
vacuum cleaner to remove dust on a regular 
basis.
Especially when the leather has a light color, it 
should be cleaned regularly since it tends to get 
heavily soiled.
Treat the leather twice a year using a leather 
lotion since dirt and grease will gradually attack 
the leather's protective layer. 

Indicator and warning lamps
154
Sliding/tilting sunroof or soft top of 
MINI ConvertibleExcessive vehicle speed, activation 
not possible, reduce speed and con-
tinue activation.
Lights up in red:
Control system for convertible top 
failed!Position of convertible top and locking 
mechanism not recognized. If con-
vertible top securely locked, drive 
may be continued. Manually close 
convertible top/sliding roof, refer to 
page32. Have your MINI Service 
inspect the system.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive  of  convertible  top  overheated! Let drive of convertible top cool down, 
refer to page32.
Sliding/tilting sunroof or soft top of 
MINI ConvertibleControl system of convertible top/tilt 
roof malfunctioning. Close convertible 
top/tilt roof manually, refer to 
page32. Contact your MINI Service.
Tailgate of MINI Convertible not 
closedClose the tailgate.
Gas  cap  missing  or  loose Make sure that the gas cap is correctly 
positioned and close it until it audibly 
clicks. Do not jam the strap between 
the gas cap and the vehicle.
Window washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible, 
page51.
Lights up in red:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page, 
131.
Lights up in yellow:
The engine will start the next time the 
Start/Stop button is briefly pressed, 
possibly without the brake or clutch 
being depressed
12Cause What to do 

 157
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Indication in US models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Braking action is reduced, stop with 
care. Contact the nearest MINI dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Hill Assist failed. The car will not be 
held in place after the brake is 
releasedHave the system checked as soon as 
possible.
Indication in Canadian models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Braking action is reduced, stop with 
care. Contact the nearest MINI dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Hill Assist failed. The car will not be 
held in place after the brake is 
releasedHave the system checked as soon as 
possible.
Indication in US models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads 
checked without delay.
Indication in Canadian models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads 
checked without delay.
Indication in US models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey. 
Contact your MINI dealer.
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 

 173
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Black ice, refer to Outside 
temperature warning53
Blower, refer to Air flow 
rate79,81
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating104
Bottle holders, refer to 
Cupholders87
Brake Assist63
Brake fluid, refer to Service 
requirements58
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs141
Brake pads, breaking in92
Brake rotors93
– brakes92
– breaking in92
Brake system92
– breaking in92
– disc brakes93
– MINI Maintenance 
System131
Brakes
– ABS63
– breaking in92
– MINI Maintenance 
System131
– parking brake45
– service requirements58
Brakes, refer to Braking 
safely93
Breakdown service, refer to 
Roadside Assistance148
Break-in period92
Breaking in the clutch92
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps 
and bulbs137
Button for starting the 
engine44
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65 
warning5
Call
– accepting108
– ending108
– rejecting108Calling, refer to Phone 
numbers, dialing108
Can holders, refer to 
Cupholders87
Capacities170
Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery146
Car care133
Car key, refer to Keys/remote 
controls18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest85
– refer to separate Owner's 
Manual
Car phone, refer to 
Telephone102
Car wash, care133
Car washes133
Care133
– car washes133
– car-care products133
– CD/DVD drives136
– external133
– high-pressure washers134
– internal135
– leather135
– manual washing134
– upholstery and fabrics135
– windows134
– wiper blades134
Cargo area94
– capacity169
– Comfort Access27
– cover94
– lamp77
– opening from outside24
Cargo area, expanding94
Cargo area lamp77
Cargo area lid, refer to 
Liftgate24
Cargo loading96
– securing cargo97
– stowing cargo96
– vehicle94
Cargo, securing97
Carpets, care136
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system92Center armrest85
Center brake lamp141
Center console, refer to 
Around the center 
console14
Central locking system19
– Comfort Access26
– from inside23
– from outside19
Changing bulbs137
Changing wheels144
Chassis number, refer to 
Engine compartment128
Check Control60
Child restraint fixing system 
LATCH42
Child restraint systems41
Child seats41
Chock, folding
– space-saver spare tire144
Chrome parts, care135
Chrome parts, refer to 
Care133
Cigarette lighter87
Cleaning headlamps50
– washer fluid51
Clock
– 12h/24h mode57
– setting time60
Closing
– from inside23
– from outside19
Clothes hooks87
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the 
engine45
Comfort Access26
– replacing the battery28
– what to observe before 
entering a car wash27
Comfort area, refer to Around 
the center console14
Compartment for remote 
control, refer to Ignition 
lock44
Computer54
Condensation, refer to When 
the vehicle is parked94