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