
RefuelingMOBILITY
189
Fuel specifications
Fuels that are labeled at the pump as containing
metal may not be used.
Do not fill the tank with leaded gasoline or
gasoline that contains metal additives,
such as manganese or iron; otherwise, long term
damage to the catalytic converter or other com-
ponents may result.
Do not fill the tank with E85, i.e. fuel containing
85 % ethanol, nor with FlexFuel. Otherwise, the
engine and fuel supply system will be dam-
aged. <
Required fuel
Super premium gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is highly recommended.
However, you may also use gasoline with less
AKI. The minimum AKI rating is:
> Cooper S: 89
> Cooper: 87
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI rating,
the engine may produce knocking sounds when
starting at high outsid e temperatures. This has
no effect on the engine life.
Do not use any gasoline below the speci-
fied minimum fuel grade. Otherwise, the
engine could be damaged. <
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant differ-
ences in fuel quality: volatility, composition,
additives, etc., among ga solines offered for sale
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10 % ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight,
that is, 15 % MTBE or 3 % methanol plus an
equivalent amount of cosolvent, will not void
the applicable warranties with respect to defects
in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
drivability, starting and stalling problems
especially under certain environmental condi- tions such as high am
bient temperature and
high altitude.
Should you encounter drivability problems
which you suspect could be related to the fuel
you are using, we recommend that you respond
by switching to a recogn ized high-quality brand
such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier
Detergent Gasoline.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may also result in un scheduled maintenance. <

Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
197
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your MINI
recommends certain tire brands. They are
marked with a clearly visible MINI designation
on the sidewall of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
Run-flat tires*
When mounting new tires or changing over from
summer to winter tires and vice versa, mount
run-flat tires for your own safety. Keep in mind
that no space-saver spare tire is available in the
event of a flat. Your MINI dealer will be glad to
advise you.
Special characteristics of winter tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends the
use of winter tires on snowy roads or if temper-
atures drop below 457/ +76. Although all-sea-
son M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents. <
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter ti res, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view. This label is available at your tire dealer or MINI
dealer.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires agains
t all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres-
sure indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Swapping wheels among the axles
Depending on the individual use, front and rear
tires may exhibit diff erent wear and tear.
In order to maintain an even wear and tear, the
wheels may be rotated between the axles. Your
MINI dealer will be glad to advise you.
Always check the inflation pressure after the tire
rotation, if necessary change the pressure.
Snow chains*
Only certain types of fi ne-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI,
classified as road-saf e and recommended. Con-
tact your MINI deal er for more details.
Only attach snow chains in pairs to the front
wheels with the following tires.
> 195/60 R 16 M+S
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph or 50 km/h. Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted; otherwise, the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, it can be useful
to briefly deactivate the DSC or activate the DTC,
refer to page 68.<

Under the hoodMOBILITY
199
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Vehicle identification number*
2Battery, under the cover 219
3 Engine oil dipstick 199
4 Engine oil filler neck 200 5
Coolant expansion tank 200
6 Engine compartment fuse box 216
7 Reservoir for washer fl uid for the headlamp
and window washer system 53
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on
driving style and driving conditions.
Check the engine oil level regularly, e.g. when
refueling.
Checking engine oil level
1.With the vehicle's engi ne at normal operat-
ing temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted
driving for at least 6 miles/10 km, park the
vehicle on a level surface.
2. Switch off the engine.
3. Pull the dipstick out after approx. 5 minutes
and wipe it off with a lint-free cloth, paper
towel or similar material. 4.
Carefully push the dipstick all the way into
the guide tube and pull it out again.
The oil level should be between the two
marks on the dipstick.
The oil quantity corresponding to the difference
between the two marks on the dipstick is
1 US quart/1 liter.

MaintenanceMOBILITY
203
Socket for On-Board
Diagnosis OBD
The primary components that make up the
emissions can be checked by a device via the
OBD socket.
Emissions
The warning lamps come on. The vehicle
is producing higher emissions. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Have the car checked as soon as possible.
Under certain circumstances, one of the lamps
will flash or light up continuously. This indicates
excessive misfiring or a malfunction in the
engine. If this happens, reduce your speed and
visit the nearest MINI dealer as soon as possible.
Severe misfiring can quickly lead to serious dam-
age of emissions-related components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter. In addition,
mechanical engine components can become
damaged.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system may conclude
that fuel vapors are escaping, causing
an indicator to light up. If the filler cap is then
tightened, the indicator should go out within a
few days.
Data memory
Your vehicle displays data about the operation,
malfunctions, and user settings. These data are
stored in the vehicle and can be partly stored in
the remote control; the da ta can be read b y su it-
able devices, in particular at your service center.
The data read out are used for supporting the
service processes and repair or for optimization
and development of vehicle functions.

CareMOBILITY
205
5.Insert the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, make sure th at you maintain suf-
ficient distance from the vehicle and do not
exceed a maximum temperature of 140 7/60 6.
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 in structions for high-
pressure washers. <
Do not spray sensors such as Park Dis-
tance Control with hi gh-pressure washers
for a long time and main tain the greatest possi-
ble distance of approx. 1 ft/30 cm from them. <
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 regulati ons 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 inse cts, by soaking with
shampoo and then washing with plenty of
water.
Do not remove accumula ted 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 an d 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. <
Paintwork, care
Regular care helps your vehicle retain its value
and protects the pain t from the long-term
effects of aggressive substances.
In some regions, envi ronmental factors can
affect the vehicl e paintwork and damage it. It is
therefore important to adjust the frequency and
extent of vehicle ca re correspondingly.
Immediately remove aggr essive materials such
as spilled fuel, oil, grease, brake fluid, tree sap or
bird droppings to preven t damage to the paint-
work.
Removing paintwork damage
Depending on the severity of the damage,
immediately repair stone damage or
scratches to prevent rusting. <
The manufacturer of the MINI recommends
repairing paint damage pr ofessionally according
to factory specifications with original MINI
paints.
Preservation
Preservation is necessary when water no longer
beads on the clean paint surface. To preserve
the paint, only use pres ervatives that contain
carnauba or synthetic waxes.
Rubber seals
Only treat with water or rubber care products.
Do not use silicon spra ys or other silicon-
containing care products on rubber seals;
otherwise, noise and damage could occur. <

MOBILITYCare
206
Chrome parts*
Carefully clean vehicle parts such as the radiator
grill and door handles with copious quantities of
water and, if necessary, a shampoo additive,
especially when contaminated with road salt.
For additional treatmen t, use chrome polish.
Light alloy wheels*
The system produces brake dust that collects on
the light alloy wheels. Clean them regularly with
acid-free wheel cleaner.
Do not use aggressive, acid-containing,
highly alkaline, or abrasive cleansers or
steam jets hotter than 140 7/60 6 as they may
cause damage. <
External sensors
Keep the outside sensors on the vehicle
such as the Park Di stance Control clean
and ice-free to ensure that they function prop-
erly. <
internal Care
Upholstery/fabrics
Regularly use a vacuum cleaner to remove sur-
face dirt.
In case of serious spots su ch as liquid stains, use
a soft sponge or lint-free microfiber cloth and
suitable interior cleaners. Observe the instruc-
tions on the packaging.
Clean upholstery up to the seams. Do not
rub forcefully. <
Velcro fasteners on pa nts or other items of
clothing can damage seat covers. Make
sure that all Velcro fasteners are closed. <
Leather/leather coverings*
The leather processed by the manufac-
turer of your MINI is a high-quality natural
product. Light variations in the grain is one of
the typical properties of natural leather.
leather have an abrasive effect, leading to
increased wear and causing the leather surface
to become brittle prematurely. Use a cloth or
vacuum cleaner to remo ve dust on a regular
basis.
Especially when the leather has a light color, it
should be cleaned regularl y since it tends to get
heavily soiled.
Treat the leather twice a year using a leather
lotion since dirt and grease will gradually attack
the leather's protective layer.
Carpets/floor mats*
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 exist-
ing 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 ha ve been removed, e.g.
for cleaning. <
Floor mats can be removed to be cleaned.
If the carpets are very di rty, clean with a microfi-
ber cloth and water or an interior cleaner. When
doing so, rub forward and back in the driving
direction; otherwise, the carpet may become
matted.
Interior plastic parts
These include:
> Plastic surfaces
> Lamp glass
> Display panes
> Mat parts
Only clean with water and, if necessary, solvent-
free plastic cleaners. Do not use solvents such as alcohol, lac-
quer thinner, cold clea ners, fuel, or similar,
as these will damage the surfaces. <

REFERENCETechnical data
226
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
CooperCooper SCooper S ALL4
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
> Manual transmission lbs./kg 2,9 54/1,340 3,053/1,385 3,208/1,455
> Automatic transmis-
sion lbs./kg3,020/1,370 3,097/1,405 3,252/1,475
Approved gross weight
> Manual transmission lbs./kg 3,8 58/1,750 3,990/1,810 4,101/1,860
> Automatic transmis-
sion lbs./kg
3,924/1,780 4,034/1,830 4,145/1,880
Approved front axle load
> Manual transmission lbs./k g 2,028/920 2,105/955 2,161/980
> Automatic transmis-
sion lbs./kg2,094/950 2,150/975 2,205/1,000
Approved rear axle load lb s./kg 1,918/870 1,918/870 2,017/915
Approved roof load capac-
ity lbs./kg
165/75
165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/
liters 12.4 - 41.3/
350 - 1,170 12.4 - 41.3/
350 - 1,170 12.4 - 41.3/
350 - 1,170
US gal/US quartsLitersNotes
Fuel tank 12.4/– approx. 47 Fuel grade: page 189
Including reserve of 2.1/– approx. 8
Window washer system incl.
headlamp washer system –/4.2 approx. 4 For more details: page 53

236
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 28
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 87
Adaptive Light Control 80
Additives
– coolant 200
– engine oil 200
Address, entering 115
Address for navigation
– entering 109,115
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 84
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 85
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control 131
Air conditioner 83
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 84
– automatic cl imate control85
– ventilation 87
Air distribution
– automatic 86
– individual 85
– manual 85
Air flow rate 84,86
– air conditioning system 84
– automatic cl imate control86
– heating, ventilation 84
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 83
Air pressure, checking, refer to Tire inflation pressure 190Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 84,86
Air supply
– air conditioner 84
– automatic climate control 85
– ventilation 87
Air vents 83
Airbags 76
– sitting safely 37
– warning lamp 78
Airing, refer to Ventilation87
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 189
Alarm system 31
ALL4 all-wheel drive system 69
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 197
All-wheel drive, refer to
ALL4 69
AM, wa
veband 132
Ambient air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 84,86
Ambient lighting 82
Antenna, care 204
Antifreeze
– coolant 200
– washer fluid 53
Antilock Brake System ABS 67
Anti-theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 31
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights 226
Approved engine oils 200
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights 226
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 91
Arrival time
– computer 57
– route guidance 118Ashtray
92
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 67
Audio 130
– controls 130
– switching on/off 130
– tone control 131
– volume 130
Audio device, external 90
AUTO program for automatic climate control 86
Automatic
– air distribution 86
– air flow rate 86
– cruise control 53
– headlamp control 79
Automatic climate control 83
– automatic air distribution 86
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 48
– interlock 48
– overriding selector lever
lock 50
– shiftlock 48
– sport program 49
Auxiliary phone 164
AUX-IN connection 142
AUX-IN, refer to External audio
device 90
Average fuel consumption 56
– setting the units 58
Average speed 56
Avoiding highways for navigation 118
Axle loads, refer to Weights 22
6