
Driving
50
If the car is equipped with a rain sensor, the time 
between wipes is controlled automatically and 
depends on the intensity of the rainfall. The rain 
sensor is mounted on the windshield, directly in 
front of the interior rearview mirror.
Activating intermittent wipe or rain 
sensor
Press button, arrow3.
This symbol is displayed in the tacho-
meter.
Deactivate the rain sensor before entering 
an automatic car wash. Failure to do so 
could result in damage caused by undesired 
wiper activation.<
Adjusting the sensitivity of the rain 
sensor
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 
symbol and "SET" are displayed.5.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
6.Press the button to select the desired sensi-
tivity.
7.Wait, or press and hold the button until the 
display changes.
The settings are stored.
Deactivating intermittent wipe or rain 
sensor
Press the button again, arrow3.
Brief wipe
Press the lever downward once, arrow2.
Cleaning windshield and headlamps*
Pull the lever, arrow 4.
Washer fluid is sprayed onto the windshield and 
the wipers are operated briefly.
When the vehicle lighting system is switched on, 
the headlamps are cleaned at regular and 
appropriate intervals.
In cars equipped with an alarm system, the 
headlamps cannot be cleaned when the hood is 
open.
Do not use the washers when the washer 
fluid reservoir is empty; otherwise, you will 
damage the washer pump. 
Only use the washers if the hood has been com-
pletely closed; otherwise, the headlamp washer 
system
* may be damaged. Do not use the 
washers if there is any danger that the fluid will 
freeze on the windshield. If you do, your vision 
could be obscured. For this reason, use anti-
freeze.< 

 51
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Window washer nozzles
The window washer nozzles are heated auto-
matically
* while the engine is running or the 
ignition is switched on.
MINI: rear window wiper
0Rear wipers parked
1To switch on intermittent wipe :
Turn the cap to level1.
Operation is continuous in reverse gear.
The rear wiper does not move if the cap is in 
interval stage1 before the ignition is switched 
on.
Cleaning the rear window
2To clean the rear window during intermit-
tent wipe  :
Turn the cap further to level2 and hold it 
there.
3To clean the rear window when wipers are 
parked :
Turn the cap to level3 and hold it there.
Do not use the washers when the washer 
fluid reservoir is empty; otherwise, you will 
damage the washer pump.<
Washer fluid
Washer fluid is flammable. Keep it away 
from ignition sources, only store it in the 
closed, original container, and keep out of reach 
of children; otherwise, there is a danger of 
injury. Comply with the instructions on the con-
tainer.<
Washer fluid reservoir
Only refill washer fluid that contains anti-
freeze when the engine is cool, to avoid 
contact with hot engine parts. Otherwise, fluid 
spills constitute a fire hazard and a risk to per-
sonal safety.<
Fill with water and, if required, with a washer 
antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
Mix the water and antifreeze before filling 
the washer fluid reservoir to make sure 
the correct concentration is maintained.<
Capacity
Approx. 2.6 US quarts/2.5 liters.
With headlamp washer system: 
Approx. 4.8 US quarts/4.5 liters.
Cruise control*
The concept
Cruise control is available at vehicle speeds of at 
least approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h. The car then 
stores and maintains the speed that you specify 
using the button on the steering wheel.
Do not use cruise control when driving at 
constant speed is prevented by adverse 
conditions, e.g. winding roads, dense traffic or 
poor road conditions due to, e.g., snow, rain, ice 
or loose surfaces. Otherwise, you could lose con-
trol of the vehicle and cause an accident as a 
result.< 

Care
134
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure 
washers, make sure that you maintain suf-
ficient distance from the vehicle and do not 
exceed a maximum temperature of 1407/
606.
If the distance is too close, the pressure too high, 
or the temperature too high, parts of the vehicle 
can be damaged, or water can penetrate. 
Observe the operating instructions for high-
pressure washers.<
Do not spray sensors such as Park Dis-
tance Control with high-pressure washers 
for a long time or at a distance of less than 1 ft/
30 cm.<
Manual washing
Use a great deal of water and, if necessary, car 
shampoo when washing your car by hand. Clean 
the vehicle with a sponge or a washing brush 
applying a slight amount of pressure.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or turn off the ignition 
to prevent unintentional wiping.<
Observe local regulations regarding wash-
ing vehicles by hand.<
Headlamps
Do not wipe dry and do not use abrasive or cor-
rosive cleaning agents. Remove dirt and con-
tamination, such as insects, by soaking with 
shampoo and then washing with plenty of 
water.
Do not remove accumulated ice and snow with 
an ice scraper; use window deicers instead.
Windows
Clean the outside and inside of the windows and 
mirrors with a window cleaner.
Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners 
containing quartz.<
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and change regularly to 
prevent the formation of streaks.
Wax, preservatives and dirt on the win-
dows cause streaks when the windshield 
wipers are on, and can cause premature wear of 
the wiper blades and interfere with the rain sen-
sor.<
Care of the convertible top
The appearance and service life of the convert-
ible top largely depends on its proper care and 
operation.
Please follow these instructions:
>Never attempt to fold and stow the convert-
ible top in the convertible compartment 
when the top is wet or frozen. Otherwise, 
water stains, mildew, and chafe marks may 
occur.
>If water spots occur on the inside headliner 
despite precautions, remove them using a 
microfiber cloth and interior cleaner.
>If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area 
for a longer period of time, make sure that 
there is sufficient ventilation.
>Remove any bird droppings immediately, 
since they have corrosive properties which 
will corrode the convertible top and damage 
the rubber seals.
When attempting to remove stains from 
the convertible top, do not use spot 
removers, paint thinners, solvents, gasoline, or 
similar fluids. These cleaners may damage the 
rubber seals. The improper care or cleaning 
methods may cause the convertible top and its 
seams to leak.<
Use special convertible top cleaning agents if 
attempting to remove heavy stains.
Always read and follow the manufacturer's 
instructions.
Use an impregnating agent to treat the convert-
ible top once a year. 

 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 

 181
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Tow bar150
Tow fitting150
– screw thread150
Tow fittings for tow-starting 
and towing away150
Tow rope151
Towing150
– car with automatic 
transmission150
– methods150
Tow-starting150
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure 
Monitor67
Track width, refer to 
Dimension167
Traction control, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC63
Trailer operation
– trailer loads and gross vehicle 
weight169
Transmission
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic46
– manual transmission46
– overriding selector lever lock 
for automatic transmission 
with Steptronic48
Transport securing devices, 
refer to Securing cargo97
Transporting children safely41
Tread depth, refer to Minimum 
tire tread124
Trip odometer53
Trip-distance counter, refer to 
Trip odometer53
Triple turn signal activation48
Trunk, refer to Luggage 
compartment in the MINI 
Convertible95
Turn signal48
– front, replacing bulb139
– indicator lamp12
– rear, replacing bulb140
– side, replacing bulb140
Turning circle, refer to 
Dimensions167
Tying down loads, refer to 
Cargo loading97U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading 
UTQR123
Units
– average fuel consumption57
– temperature57
Universal garage door opener, 
refer to Integrated universal 
remote control83
Universal remote control83
Unlatching, refer to 
Unlocking27
Unlocking
– from inside23
– from outside19
– liftgate27
– without remote control, refer 
to Comfort Access26
Upholstery, care135
USB audio interface86
V
Valve
– dust cap145
Vehicle
– battery146
– breaking in92
– cargo loading94
– dimensions167
– identification number, refer 
to Engine compartment128
– parking45
– storage136
– weight169
Vehicle jack144
– jacking points146
Ventilation
– air conditioner82
Vents, refer to Air vents78
Vents, refer to Ventilation82
Voice commands
– telephone111
Voice phone book112
Volume
– mobile phone108
Volume of cargo area169
W
Warning and indicator 
lamps13,152
Warning messages, refer to 
Check Control60
Warning triangle148
Washer fluid51
– capacity of reservoir51
Washer fluid reservoir51
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray87
Water on roads, refer to 
Driving through water93
Waterfall lighting, refer to 
Ambient lighting77
Wear indicators in tires, refer to 
Minimum tread depth124
Weights169
Welcome lamps73
Wheel stud wrench
– space-saver spare tire144
Wheelbase, refer to 
Dimensions167
Wheels and tires118
Wheels, new125
Width, refer to 
Dimensions167
Wind deflector33
Window washer, refer to 
Washer fluid51
Window washer reservoir, 
refer to Washer fluid
– volume, refer to 
Capacities170
Window washer system49
– washer fluid51
– washer jets51
Windows29
– closing29
– Convenient operation20
– opening29
– pinch protection system30
Windshield
– cleaning50
– defrosting and removing 
condensation80,82
Windshield wiper blades, 
changing137