
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. 

Things to remember when driving
96
When folding the backrest back into its 
original position, always ensure that the 
catch engages securely. A loose backrest might 
fail to prevent cargo from entering the passen-
ger compartment during sudden braking or eva-
sive maneuvers, posing a potential hazard to 
occupants.
The belt guide loop, refer to page39, must be 
closed.<
Determining cargo limit
1.Locate the following statement on your 
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants 
and cargo should never exceed 
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, this could 
damage the vehicle and produce unstable 
vehicle operating conditions.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the 
driver and passengers that will be riding in 
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver 
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY 
pounds.
4.The resulting figure equals the available 
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. 
For example, if the XXX amount equals 
1,400 lbs. and there will be four 150 lbs. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is 
650 lbs: 
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.5.Determine the combined weight of luggage 
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That 
weight may not safely exceed the available 
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated 
in step 4.
6.I f  y o u r  v e h icl e  w i ll  be  t o w i n g  a  t r a il e r ,  pa r t  o f  
the load from your trailer will be transferred 
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for 
transporting a trailer to determine how this 
may reduce the available cargo and luggage 
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permissible load is the sum of the occu-
pants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The 
greater the weight of the occupants, the less 
cargo/luggage can be transported.
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. 

 97
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
MINI
MINI Convertible
Securing cargo
>Secure smaller and lighter items using 
retaining or draw straps
*.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing larger 
and heavier objects are 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, page169; 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 result of heavy braking, 
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants. Do not secure cargo using the fastening 
points for the tether strap, page42; they may 
become damaged.<
MINI: 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
Remove the cover panel.
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 page169.
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and 
should not be too large in area. Heavy items 
should always be placed at the bottom. 

 145
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
3.Screw the lifting handle from the onboard 
vehicle tool kit onto the thread.
4.Raise the lifting handle slightly.
5.Squeeze the securing spring.
6.The space-saver spare tire is released and 
must be held by the lifting handle.
7.Lower the space-saver spare tire with the 
lifting handle.
8.Unscrew the lifting handle.
9.Pull the space-saver spare tire underneath 
the vehicle out toward the rear.
10.Position the space-saver spare tire with the 
valve facing upward.
11.Unscrew the valve extension from the valve 
of the space-saver spare tire.12.Unscrew the dust cap from the extension 
and place it on the valve of the space-saver 
spare tire.
Due to its different dimensions, the dam-
aged wheel cannot be placed in the recess 
for the space-saver spare tire.<
Driving with the space-saver spare tire
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. Changes may 
occur in vehicle handling such as lower track sta-
bility during braking, longer braking distances 
and changes in self-steering properties when 
close to the handling limit. These properties are 
more noticeable with winter tires.<
Only one space-saver spare tire may be 
mounted at one time. Mount a wheel and 
tire of the original size as soon as possible, to 
avoid any safety risks.<
Check the tire inflation pressure at the ear-
liest opportunity and correct it if neces-
sary. Replace the defective tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire assembly 
balanced.<
Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions regarding 
flat tires on page141.<
Additional safety measures when chang-
ing tires: 
Only change the tire when parked on a surface 
that is level, firm and not slippery.
The vehicle or the jack could slip sideways on 
soft or slippery support surfaces, such as snow, 
ice, flagstones, etc. 
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a 
support base for the jack, as this would prevent 
it from extending to its full support height and 
reduce its load-carrying capacity. 
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the engine 
when the vehicle is supported by the jack; other-
wise, there is a risk of fatal injury.< 

 169
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Weights
MINI
CooperCooper SJohn Cooper Works
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 2,535/1,150 2,668/1,210 2,668/1,210
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg 2,612/1,185 2,712/1,230 –
Approved gross weight
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 3,384/1,535 3,494/1,585 3,516/1,595
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg 3,461/1,570 3,538/1,605 –
Approved front axle load 
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 1,830/830 1,918/870 1,918/870
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg 1,907/865 1,962/890 –
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 1,664/755 1,664/755 1,675/760
Approved roof load 
capacitylbs/kg 165/75 165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/
liters5.7 - 24.0/
160 - 6805.7 - 24.0/
160 - 6805.7 - 24.0/
160 - 680 

Technical data
170
MINI Convertible
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or 
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
CooperCooper SJohn Cooper Works
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 2,701/1,225 2,811/1,275 2,811/1,275
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg 2,778/1,260 2,855/1,295 –
Approved gross weight
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 3,560/1,615 3,671/1,665 3,693/1,675
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg 3,638/1,650 3,737/1,695 –
Approved front axle load 
>Manual transmission
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg 1,863/845 1,951/885 1,962/890
lbs/kg 1,940/880 2,017/915 –
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 1,786/810 1,786/810 1,797/815
Cargo area capacity cu ft/
liters6.0-23.3/
170-6606.0-23.3/
170-6606.0-23.3/
170-660
US gal/US quartslitersNotes
Fuel tank 13.2/– approx. 50 Fuel grade: page117
including reserve of 2.1/– approx. 8
Window washer system incl. 
headlamp washer system –/4.8 approx. 4.5 For more details: page51 

 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 

 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