
 53
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Controls overview
Tachometer
Never operate the engine with the needle in the 
red overspeed zone of the gauge. In this range, 
the fuel supply is interrupted to protect the 
engine.
Displays in tachometer
1Current vehicle speed
2Odometer, trip odometer, outside tempera-
ture display
3Resetting the trip odometer
Outside temperature warning
When the displayed temperature sinks to 
approx. +377/+36, a signal sounds and a 
warning lamp lights up. There is an increased 
risk of black ice.
Black ice can also form at temperatures 
above +377/+36. Therefore, drive 
carefully, e.g. on bridges and sections of road in 
the shade; otherwise, there is an increased acci-
dent risk.<
Odometer and trip odometer
Resetting the trip odometer
With the ignition switched on, press knob 3 in 
the tachometer.
Units of measure
Select the respective units of measure, miles or 
km for the odometer as well as 7 or 6 for the 
outside temperature, page57.
Coolant temperature
A warning lamp will come on if the coolant, and 
therefore the engine, becomes too hot. 
Check coolant level, refer to page129.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 13.2 US gallons/50 liters.
You can find information on refueling on 
page117.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period, 
when you are driving in mountainous areas, for 
example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
The arrow next to the gas pump symbol of the 
fuel gauge points toward the side of the vehicle 
with the fuel filler flap. 

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. 

Under the hood
128
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Battery, under the cover149
2Engine oil dipstick128
3Engine oil filler neck1294Coolant expansion tank129
5Reservoir for washer fluid for the headlamp 
and window washer system51
6Engine compartment fuse box147
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on 
driving style and driving conditions.
Check the engine oil level regularly, e.g. when 
refueling.
Checking engine oil level
1.With the vehicle's engine at normal operat-
ing temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted 
driving for at least 6 miles/10 km, park the 
vehicle on a level surface.
2.Switch off the engine.
3.Pull the dipstick out after approx. 5 minutes 
and wipe it off with a lint-free cloth, paper 
towel or similar material.
4.Carefully push the dipstick all the way into 
the guide tube and pull it out again. The oil level should be between the two 
marks on the dipstick.
The oil quantity corresponding to the difference 
between the two marks on the dipstick is 1 US 
quart/1 liter.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the 
dipstick. Excess oil will damage the 
engine.< 

 129
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Adding engine oil
Do not add the maximum quantity of 1 US 
quart/1 liter of engine oil until the oil level has 
dropped to just above the lower mark on the 
dipstick, page128.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km; 
otherwise, the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Keep oils, greases, etc. out of the reach of 
children and comply with the warnings on 
the containers. Otherwise, health hazards may 
result.<
Oil change
Have the oil changed only by a MINI dealer or a 
workshop that has specially trained personnel 
working in accordance with the specifications of 
the MINI manufacturer.
Oil types
Do not use oil additives as this could result 
in engine damage.<
Approved engine oils
Your dealer can advise you on which engine oils 
have been approved by the manufacturer of 
your MINI.
The engine oil quality is critical for the life of the 
engine.
Only use approved High Performance oil.
The approved oils are SAE 0W-40, 0W-30, 
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
Alternative oil types
If the approved engine oils are not available, up 
to 1 US quart/1 liter of another oil with the fol-
lowing specification may be used:
API SM or higher
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system 
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant 
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of half water and half additive. 
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your MINI. Your MINI dealer knows 
which additives are suitable and will be glad to 
advise you.
Only use suitable additives; otherwise, 
engine damage may result. Because addi-
tives are harmful to your health, it is important 
to follow the instructions on the containers.<
Comply with the appropriate environmen-
tal protection regulations when disposing 
of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
Do not open the hood until the engine has 
cooled down.
The coolant level is correct if it is between the 
Min and Max markings. 

Indicator and warning lamps
162
Selector lever position P not engaged. 
Ignition cannot be switched offEngage selector lever position P when 
you wish to switch off the ignition, 
page44.
Cruise control system failed Have the system checked.
Park Distance Control failed Have the system checked.
Bulb of exterior lighting system failed Have the exterior lighting checked as 
soon as possible.
Low-beam headlamp or fog lamp 
failedHave the lamps checked as soon as 
possible.
High-beam headlamp failed Have the high-beam headlamps 
checked.
Rear fog lamp failed Have the rear fog lamp checked.
Headlamp beam throw adjustment 
system failedHave the headlamp beam throw 
adjustment system checked.
Coolant level too low Add coolant immediately, page129.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the 
engine. You cannot continue your 
journey. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in red:
Service appointment overdue Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page58.
Lights up in yellow:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page58.
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 

Everything from A to Z
174
Condition Based Service 
CBS131
Configuring settings, refer to 
Personal Profile18
Connecting vacuum cleaner, 
refer to Connecting electrical 
appliances87
Consumption, refer to Average 
fuel consumption54
Control Display
– settings56
Controls and displays10
Convenient access, refer to 
Comfort Access26
Convenient operation
– convertible top22
– windows20
Convenient start, refer to 
Starting the engine45
Convertible top30
Coolant129
– checking level129
– filling129
Coolant temperature53
Cooling fluid, refer to 
Coolant129
Cooling, maximum81
Copyright2
Cornering light, refer to 
Adaptive Light Control75
Cruising range54
Cupholders87
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights169
Current fuel consumption54
D
Dashboard instruments, refer 
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting76
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data166
– capacities170
– dimensions167
– engine166
– weights169
Data memory132Date
– setting60
Daytime running lights74
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, 
refer to Brake Assist63
Deactivating front passenger 
airbags71
Deadlocking, refer to 
Locking20
Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap116
Defogging windows80,82
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting windows80,82
Defrosting windows80,82
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control82
Defrosting windshield, refer to 
Defrosting windows80,82
Differential, breaking in92
Dimensions167
Dipstick, engine oil128
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signals48
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data166
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting76
Displays12
– instrument cluster12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care136
Disposal
– of coolant129
– remote control battery28
– vehicle battery147
Distance remaining to service, 
refer to Service 
requirements58
Distance warning, refer to Park 
Distance Control PDC62
Door key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control
18
Door lock22
Door lock, confirmation 
signals21Doors, manual operation22
DOT Quality Grades123
Drinks holders, refer to 
Cupholders87
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill 
Assist64
Driving dynamics control, refer 
to Sport button64
Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams73
Driving notes92
Driving off on inclines, refer to 
Hill Assist64
Driving stability control 
systems62
Driving through water93
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
notes92
Dry air, refer to Cooling 
function82
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC63
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, 
refer to Brake Assist63
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC63
Dynamic Traction Control63
E
Electric power windows
– initializing29
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap116
– liftgate24
Electronic brake-force 
distribution63
Electronic Stability Program 
ESP, refer to Dynamic 
Stability Control DSC63 

 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