Opening and closingCONTROLS
31
Roller sun blind
The roller sun blind can be opened and closed
independently of the glass roof.
Following interruptions in electrical
power supply
After a power failure, there is a possibility that
the glass roof can only be tilted. In this case,
have the system initialized. The manufacturer of
your MINI recommends that you have this work
done by your MINI dealer.
Windows
To prevent injuries, exercise care when
closing the windows.
Take the remote control with you when you
leave the car; otherwise, children could operate
the electric windows and possibly injure them-
selves. <
If, after a window is opened and closed
several times in close succession, the
window can only be closed and not opened, the
system is overheated. Let the system cool for
several minutes with the ignition switched on or
the engine running. <
Opening
>Press the switch downward.
The window opens until you release the
switch.
> Push the switch downward.
As of radio readiness, the windows will open
automatically. Push the switch again to stop
the opening movement.
MINI: closing
The window can be closed in the same way by
pressing the switch up.
MINI Convertible: closing
In order to close the window, press the switch
up. The window closes until you release the
switch.
Initializing electric power windows
If the battery was disconnected, e.g. for
changing batteries or vehicle storage,
reinitialize the power wi ndow switch; otherwise,
the windows will not be lowered.
MINI Convertible: opening the convertible top is
not possible. <
1. Close the doors.
2. Open both windows.
3. Close both windows.
In the event of a system malfunction, please
contact your MINI dealer.
MINI Convertible: ce ntral power window
unit
> Press the switch downward.
First the rear windows, then the front
windows open until the switch is released.
> Push the switch downward.
With ignition turned on: rear and front
window open automatically.
Push the switch again to stop the opening
movement.
To close the window, push the switch upward
and hold.
DrivingCONTROLS
47
Radio readiness and ignition off
All indicator and warning lamps in the displays
go out.
The ignition automatically turns off
* when the
driver's door is opened. Pressing the Start/Stop
button again switches the ignition back on.
The ignition is not switched off in situations such
as the following:
> The clutch or brake is depressed
> The low beams are switched on
Starting the engine
Do not allow the engine to run in enclosed
areas; otherwise, inhalation of the noxious
exhaust gases can lead to loss of consciousness
and death. Exhaust gases contain carbon mon-
oxide, an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic
gas. Never leave an unattended vehicle with
the engine running; otherwise, such a vehicle
represents a potent ial safety hazard.
Before leaving the car while the engine is run-
ning, place the transmission in neutral or move
the selector lever to position P and forcefully
apply the parking brake to prevent the car from
moving. <
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion or repeated start attempts in which
the engine does not start. Otherwise, the fuel is
not burned or inadequately burned and there is
a danger of overheating and damaging the
catalytic converter. <
Do not let the engine warm up with the vehicle
at a standstill. Move of f immediately at a moder-
ate engine speed.
When starting the engine, do not depress the
accelerator pedal.
Manual transmission
Key in ignition lock or inside vehicle with
Comfort Access, refer to page 28.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Depress the clutch.
3. Press the Start/Stop button.
Automatic transmission*
Key in ignition lock or inside vehicle with
Comfort Access, refer to page 28.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Shift the selector lever into position P or N.
3. Press the Start/Stop button.
The starter operates auto matically for a certain
time, and stops automatically as soon as the
engine has started.
Switching off the engine
Always take the key with you when you
leave the vehicle.
When parking, apply the parking brake force-
fully; otherwise, the vehicle could begin to roll. <
Manual transmission
1.With the car at a standstill, press the Start/
Stop button.
2. Shift into first gear or reverse.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.
Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
97
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form betw een tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can
cause partial or complete loss of tire contact
with the road surface, so that the car cannot be
steered or braked properly. <
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page 143.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged. <
Parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-
wise, greater clutch wear will result. <
For information on drivin g off using Hill Assist,
refer to page 69.
Braking safely
Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a
situation which requires full braking, it is best to
brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the
vehicle maintains steeri ng responsiveness, you
can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with
the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that
ABS is functioning properly.
Objects in the move ment range of the
pedals
Keep floor mats, carpet, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhibit the function of the
pedals during driving.
Do not place additional floor mats onto an
existing one or onto other objects. Only use floor mats that
have been approved for
the vehicle and can be appropriately fastened.
Make sure that the floo r mats are securely fas-
tened again after they have been removed, e.g.
for cleaning. <
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or ther e is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger other
road users. The heat generated in this process
helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that
Then full braking force will be immediately
available when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheatin g and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure. <
You can increase the engine's braking effect
by shifting down, all the way to first gear if
necessary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mo de of the automatic transmis-
sion, page 49.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine brak-
ing action will not be present or there will be no
power assistance to th e brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals; otherwise, pedal function could be
impaired. <
Under the hoodMOBILITY
149
The engine oil quality is critical for the life of the
engine.
Some types of oil may not be available in every
country.
Approved oil types
Additional information on approved types of oil
can be found at a dealer.
Alternative oil types
If the approved engine oi ls are not available, up
to 1 US quart/1 liter of another oil with the
following specifications may be used:
Oil change
Only dealers are to perform oil changes.
Coolant
Coolant consists of half water and half additive.
Not all commercially available additives are
suitable 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. <
Coolant temperature
If the coolant, and therefore the engine, should
overheat, then a warning li ght will go on, refer to
page 177.
Checking coolant level
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns. <
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.
Gasoline engines
BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30
BMW Longlife-01
BMW Longlife-01 FE
Gasoline engines
API SM or higher specifications
MOBILITYReplacing components
164
8Pressure gauge for indicating the tire
inflation pressure
9 Release button for reduci ng the tire inflation
pressure
Connector, cable and connection hose are
stored in the compressor housing.
Using the Mobility System
To repair a tire puncture with the Mobility
System, proceed as follows:
> Filling the tire with sealant
> Distributing the sealant
> Correct the tire inflation pressure
Filling the tire with sealant
Proceed in the specified order; otherwise,
sealant may emerge under high
pressure. <
1. Shake the sealant bottle.
2. Pull the connecting hose 6 completely out of
the compressor housing and screw it onto
the connector of the sealant bottle. Make
sure that the hose is not kinked.
3. Insert the sealant bo ttle on the compressor
housing in an upright position.
4. Unscrew the dust cap from the valve of the
defective wheel and screw the filling hose 2
of the sealant bottle onto the valve.
5. Ensure that the compre ssor is switched off.
6. Insert the plug 5 into the lighter socket/
power socket in the vehicle interior,
page 93. 7.
With the engine running:
Switch on the compressor and let is run for
approx. 3 to 8 minutes to fill the tire with
sealant and achieve a ti re inflation pressure
of approx. 26 psi/180 kPa.
When filling the tire with sealant, the
inflation pressure can briefly rise to
approx. 73 psi/500 kPa. Do not switch off
the compressor during this phase. <
Do not run the compressor for longer
than 10 minutes; otherwise, the
device will overheat and possibly be
damaged. <
8. Switch off the compressor.
If an air pressure of 26 psi/180 kPa is not
reached:
1. Unscrew the filling hose 2 from the wheel
and drive the vehicle forward and backward
approx. 33 ft/10 m to distribute the liquid
sealant in the tire evenly.
2. Inflate the tire again with the compressor.
If an inflation pressure of 26 psi/180 kPa
still cannot be reached, the tire is too
heavily damaged. Please contact the nearest
MINI dealer. <
Stowing Mobility System
1.Unscrew filler hose 2 of the sealant bottle
from the wheel.
2. Unscrew connecting hose of the
compressor 6 from the sealant bottle.
3. Connect the filler hose 2 of the sealant bot-
tle to the unoccupied connection on the
sealant bottle.
This prevents the rest of the sealant from
escaping from the bottle.
4. Wrap the empty sealant bottle in suitable
material to avoid dirtying the cargo area.
5. Stow Mobility System back in the vehicle.
Replacing componentsMOBILITY
165
Distributing the sealant
Immediate drive approx. 3.1 miles/5 km so that
the sealant evenly distributes itself.Do not exceed speeds of 50 mph/
80 km/h.
If possible, do not drop below 10 mph/
20 km/h.<
Adjusting the tire pressure
1. After driving approx. 3.1 miles/5 km or
10 minutes, stop at a suitable location.
2. Screw the connection hose 6 of the
compressor directly onto the tire valve.
3. Insert the plug 5 into the power socket in
the vehicle interior.
4. Correct inflation pressu re to 26 psi/180 kPa.
With the engine running:
> To increase the inflatio n pressure: switch on
the compressor. To check the current infla-
tion pressure, switch off the compressor.
Do not run the compressor for longer
than 10 minutes; otherwise, the
device will overheat and possibly be
damaged. <
> To decrease the inflation pressure: press the
release button 9.
If the tire cannot ma intain the inflation
pressure, drive the vehicle again, refer to
Distributing the sealan t. Then repeat steps
1to4.
If an inflation pressure of 26 psi/180 kPa still
cannot be reached, the tire is too heavily dam-
aged. Contact the nearest MINI dealer. <
Driving on
Do not exceed the permitted maximum
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h; doing so may
result in an accident. <
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly
balanced.
Have the Mobility System refilled.
Changing wheels
Run-flat tires*
Tire change for run-flat tires:
> Prepare for tire change, page 166
> Jack up vehicle, page 167
> Tighten lug bolts, page 167
Space-saver spare tire*
Tire change with space-saver spare tire:
>Remove the space-saver spare tire,
page 165
> Prepare for tire change, page 166
> Jack up vehicle, page 167
> Mount space-saver spare tire, page 167
> Tighten lug bolts, page 167
> Drive with space-saver spare tire, page 166
Removing the space-saver spare tire
The screw connection of the space-saver spare
tire is under the floor mat in the cargo area, on
the base of the storage compartment for the tire
change set.
1. Unscrew the screw connection with the
special wrench.
2. Take out the cover panel.
3. Screw the lifting handle from the onboard
vehicle toolkit onto the thread.
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