
 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. 

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. 

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AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Care
Car-care products
Regular cleaning and care helps to maintain the 
value of your MINI.
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends 
using manufacturer-approved products to clean 
and care for your vehicle.
MINI Service would be pleased to advise you on 
cleaning and care products and services for your 
MINI.
The ingredients of original MINI Care Prod-
ucts have been tested, and the products 
have been tested in the laboratory and in prac-
tice. They offer optimum care and protection for 
your vehicle.<
Do not use any cleansers containing alco-
hol or solvents as these may cause dam-
age.<
Cleaning agents may contain hazardous 
or health-damaging substances. Follow 
the warning and hazard instructions on the 
packaging. For interior cleaning, always open 
the doors or windows of the vehicle. 
Do not use any products that are not intended 
for cleaning the vehicle.<
External care
Washing your vehicle
Especially during the winter months the 
vehicle should be frequently washed. Dirt 
and road salt can damage the vehicle.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the 
brakes briefly to dry them; otherwise, 
water can reduce braking efficiency over the 
short term and the brake rotors can corrode.<
Car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.
Do not use automatic high-pressure car 
washes; otherwise, water may drip into 
the vehicle around the windows.<
Before driving into the car wash, check if the sys-
tem is suitable for your MINI. Observe the fol-
lowing points:
>Vehicle dimensions, page167
>If necessary: fold in the outside mirrors, 
page39.
>Maximum permissible tire width
Avoid car washes with tracks higher than 
4 in/10 cm; otherwise, the chassis could 
be damaged.<
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
>Unscrew the rod antenna.
>Deactivate the rain sensor
* to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
>Deactivate the rear window wiper
* and pro-
tect it from damage. Ask the car wash oper-
ator about measures that can be taken to 
protect the wipers.
>Remove additional attachments, e.g. spoil-
ers or telephone antennas, if there is a pos-
sibility that they could be damaged.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, make sure that 
the vehicle can roll:
1.Place the remote control, even with Comfort 
Access, in the ignition lock.
2.Move the selector lever to position N.
3.Release the parking brake.
4.Switch off the engine.
5.Insert the remote control in the ignition lock 
so that the vehicle can roll. 

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