
DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
98
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminan ts accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
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 ca pacity, 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.
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.<

Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
177
Indicator lamp1 flashes:
Engine malfunction under high load.
High engine load will result in
damage to the catalytic converter You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the vehicle
checked without delay.
Indicator lamp 1 comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse
effect on exhaust emissions You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the car checked as
soon as possible.
Lights up in red:
Engine overheating Carefully bring the car to a stop,
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down. Do not open the hood;
otherwise, there is a risk of injury from
scalding. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Engine too hot Continue driving at more moderate speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked with-
out delay if the situation reoccurs.
Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunction Switch off all unne
cessary electrical
consumers. Have the battery checked
without delay.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connected Have the battery checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied
12Cause What to do

Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
183
Lights up in red:
>Transmission limp-home pro-
gram active with restricted range
of gears, possibly with reduced
acceleration You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system
checked without delay.
> Gears can be engaged without
depressing the brake Always depress the brake to engage a
gear.
> Automatic selector lever locked Manually releasing the selector lever
lock, page50.
Lights up in yellow: Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
> Automatic selector lever locked:
Selector lever locked in position P
with engine running and brake
depressed or Manually releasing the selector lever
lock, page
50.
> Brake signal malfunctioning: gear
can be engaged without depress-
ing the brake To engage a gear while the vehicle is
at a standstill, always depress the
brake. Before leaving the vehicle,
move the selector lever to position P
and switch off the engine.
Lights up in red:
Transmission overheating Bring the car to a stop and move the
selector lever to position P. Allow the
transmission to cool down. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Have the system checked if the
situation reoccurs.
Lights up in yellow:
Transmission too hot Avoid high engine loads. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Vehicle not prevented from rolling
12Cause What to do

194
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
INDEX
A
ABS Antilock Brake System67
Accessories, refer to Your individual vehicle 4
Acknowledgment signals for
locking/unlocking vehicle 23
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 88
Adaptive Light Control 80
Additives
– coolant 149
– engine oil 149
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 85
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 86
Airbags 75
– sitting safely 37
– warning lamp 77
Air conditioner 84
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 85
– automatic cl imate control86
– ventilation 88
Air distribution
– automatic 87
– individual 86
– manual 86
Air flow rate 85,87
– air conditioning system 85
– automatic cl imate control87
– heating, ventilation 85
Airing, refer to Ventilation88
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 84
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure 134Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 85,87
Air supply
– air conditioner 85
– automatic climate control 86
– ventilation 88
Air vents 84
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 133
Alarm system 27
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 145
Always Open Timer 58
Ambient air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 85,87
Ambient lighting 83
Antenna, care 153
Antifreeze
– coolant 14
9
– washer fluid 53
Antilock Brake System ABS 67
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system 27
Anti-theft system 21
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights 191
Approved engine oils 149
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights 191
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 92
Ashtray 93
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 67
Audio device, external 91Automatic
– air distribution
87
– air flow rate 87
– cruise control 54
– headlamp control 78
Automatic climate control 84
– automatic air distribution 87
Automatic station search 107
Automatic station storage 108
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 48
– interlock 49
– overriding selector lever lock 50
– shiftlock 49
– sport program 49
AUTO program for automatic climate control 87
Auto radio, refer to Radio MINI Boost CD 106
AUX-IN, refer to External audio device 91
AUX In connection 106
Average fuel consumption 57
– setting the units 61
Average speed 57
Axle loads, refer to Weights 191
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 83
Backrests, refer to Seats 38
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 161,162
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 169
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 172

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
197
Drinks holders, refer to Cupholders 93
Drive-off assistan t, refer to Hill
Assist 69
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 69
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams 78
Driving notes 96
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Assist 69
Driving stability control systems 67
Driving through water 97
Driving tips, refer to Driving notes 96
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 88
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 67
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 68
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, refer to Brake Assist 67
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 67
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 68
E
Eject button 112
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top 34
– door lock 25
– fuel filler flap 132
– liftgate 26
Electric power windows
– initializing 31
Electronic brake-force distribution 67
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 67Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top 34
– door lock 25
– fuel filler flap 132
– liftgate 26
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 50
Emergency services, refer to Roadside Assistance 169
Engine
– breaking in 96
– data 188
– overheated, refer to Coolant temperature 149
– speed 188
– starting 47
– starting, Comfort Access 28
– switching off 47
Engine compartment 147
Engine coolant, refer to Coolant 149
Engine oil
– adding 148
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils 149
– alternative oil types 149
– approved engine oils 149
– capacity 148
– checking level 147
– dipstick 147
– intervals between changes, refer to Service
requirements 62
– MINI Maintenance System 151
Engine oil level, checking 147
Engine output, refer to Engine data 188
Engine starting, refer to Starting the engine 47
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 67
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system 96 Exterior mirrors
41
– adjusting 41
– automatic heating 41
– folding in and out 41
External audio
device91,106
External temperature display
– change units of measure 61
– in the on-board computer 61
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away 171
– for tying down loads 101
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 64
Failure of an electrical consumer 168
Fastening safety be lts, refer to
Safety belts 40
Fast forward
– CD 112
Fault messages, refer to Check
Control 64
Filter
– microfilter/activated- charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 88
– microfilter for air
conditioner 86
Fine wood, care 156
First aid pouch 169
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 46
Flash when locking/
unlocking 23
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 144
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 72
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 69
– indicating a flat tire 71
– initializing the system 70
– snow chains 70
– system limits 70
Flat tires, refer to Tire condition 143

REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
198
Floor mats, care156
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 160,162
Folding rear seat backrest 98
Folding roof , refer to
Convertible top with
integrated sliding sunroof 32
Footbrake, refer to Braking safely 97
Footwell lamps 82
For your own safety 5
Front airbags 75
Front fog lamps 81
– indicator lamp 173
– replacing bulb 160
Front seat adjustment 38
Frost on windows, refer to Defrosting windows 86,88
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 69
Fuel 133
– gauge 56
– high-quality brands 133
– quality 133
– specifications 133
– tank volume 193
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel gauge 56
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption 57
Fuel display, refer to Fuel gauge 56
Fuel filler flap 132
– releasing in the event of electrical malfunction 132
Fuses 168
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 89
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel consumption 57 Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel 133
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel gauge 56
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 48
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission 49
– manual transmission 48
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 49
– manual transmission 48
General driving notes 96
Glass roof, electric 30
– convenient operation 22,24
– opening, closing 30
– remote control 22
– tilting 30
Glove compartment 91
Grills, refer to Air vents 84
Gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 191
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb 159
Handbrake, refe r to Parking
brake 48
Hands-free system 14,126
Hazard warning flashers 14
HD Radio 109
Head airbags 75
Headlamp control,
automatic 78
Headlamp flasher 51
– indicator lamp 11,173
Headlamp glass lens 159
Headlamps
– replacing bulb 159
Headlamps, care 154
Head Light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 80
Head restraints 39
– sitting safely 37 Heated
– mirrors
41
– rear window 85,88
– seats 40
Heating 84
– mirrors 41
– rear window 85,88
– seats 40
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing cargo 101
Height, refer to Dimensions 189
Height adjustment
– seats 38
– steering wheel 42
High beams 81
– headlamp flasher 81
– indicator lamp 173
– replacing bulb 159
High water, refer to Driving through water 97
Hill Assist 69
Hills 97
Holders for cups 93
Homepage 4
Hood 146
Horn 10
Hot exhaust system 96
Hydroplaning 97
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio 109
Ignition 46
– switched off 47
– switched on 46
Ignition key, refer to Integrated key/remote
control 20
Ignition key position 1, refer to Radio readiness 46
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on 46
Ignition lock 46
Imprint 2
Incoming call 124

REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
200
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter tires 145
Maintenance, refer to Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Maintenance system 151
Malfunction
– convertible top 34
– liftgate 26
Malfunction warn ings, refer to
Check Control 64
Manual air distribution 86
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 49
Manual operation
– door lock 25
– fuel filler flap 132
– liftgate 26
– power convertible top 34
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 50
Manual station search 107
Manual transmission 48
Manual washing 154
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 20
Maximum cooling 87
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 145
Medical assistance, refer to First aid pouch 169
Microfilter
– for air conditioner 86
– for automatic climate
control 88
– MINI Maintenance System 151
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
– MINI Maintenance
System 151
Microphone for telephone 14MINI Internet page
4
MINI Maintenance System 151
Mirror dimming feature 42
Mirrors 41
– exterior mirrors 41
– heating 41
– interior rearview mirror 42
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume 124
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing 120
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 92
– pairing 120
– refer to separate Owner's Manual
– What to do if… 123
Mobile phone, installation location, refer to Center
armrest 92
Mobil
e phone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System 163
Modifications, technical, refer to For your own safety 5
Monitoring syst em for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 69
MP3 111
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel 11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/ headlamp flasher 51
– refer to Wiper system 52
Music tracks
– playing a track 112
– random order 112
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 39
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments 92
New tires 144 Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data 188
Number of safety belts 37
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope 172
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
On-Board Diagnosis 152
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel specifications 133
Odometer 56
Oil, refer to Engine oil 147
Oil consumption 147
Oil level 147
Oil types 148
Old batteries, refer to Disposal 168
Onboard vehicle toolkit 157
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access 28
– from inside 25
– from outside 21
– using the door lock 24
– using the remote control 21
Opening and unlocking
– from inside 25
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation 88
Outlets, refer to Air vents 84
Output, refer to Engine data 188
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control 87
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature 149
P
Paintwork, care155
Park Distance Control PDC 66
Parking
– vehicle 47
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC 66
Parking brake 48

REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
202
Run-flat tires144
– flat tire 71
– tire inflation pressure 134
– tire replacement 144
– winter tires 145
S
Safety belt
– number37
Safety Belt Reminder 41
Safety belts 40
– damage 41
– indicator lamp 41
– reminder 41
– sitting safely 37
Safety belts, care 156
Safety systems
– airbags 75
– Antilock Brake System ABS 67
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 67
– safety belts 40
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires 144
Satellite radio 110
– enabling 110
Scan, listening to test
– Radio MINI Boost CD 108
Screw thread for tow fitting 171
Searching
– CD player 112
– radio 107
Searching for a music track
– CD 112
Seat adjustment
– mechanical 38
Seats 38
– adjusting the seats 38
– heating 40
– sitting safely 37
Securing the vehicle
– from inside 25
– from outside 21 Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 49
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock 49
– overriding manually 50
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 49
Service, refer to Roadside Assistance 169
Service car, refe r to Roadside
Assistance 169
Service data in the remote
control 151
Service Interval Display, refer to Condition Based Service
CBS 151
Service requirement display, refer to Condition Based
Service CBS 151
Service requirements 62
Settings
– clock, 12 h/24 h mode 61
Setting the time format 107
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with Steptr
onic49
– manual transmission 48
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions 49
Side airbags 75
Side turn signal
– replacing bulb 161
Side windows, refer to
Windows 31
Signal horn, refer to Horn 10
Sitting safely 37
– airbags 37
– safety belts 37
– with head restraint 37
Size, refer to Dimensions 189Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass roof, electric
30
Slipstream deflector, refer to Wind deflector 36
Slot for remote control 46
Smokers' package, refer to Ashtray 93
Snap-in adapter
– inserting/removing 129
– use 118
Snap-in adapter, refer to Center armrest storage
compartment 92
Snow chains 145
Socket, refer to Connecting electrical appliances 93
Socket for On-Board Diagnosis OBD 152
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires 165
– inflation pressure 134
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire 165
Special oils, refer to Approved engine oils 149
Speed 188
– with winter tires 145
Speed-dependent volume 106
Speedo, refer to Speedometer 12
Speedometer 12
Split-folding rear seats 100
Split rear backrest, refer to
Split-folding rear seats 100
Split rear seat backrest, refer to Expanding the cargo area 98
Sport button 69
Stability control, refer to Driving stability control
systems 67
Start/Stop button 46
– starting the engine 47
– switching off the engine 47
Starting, refer to Starting the engine 47