
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 195.
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 appropri-
ately fastened. Make sure that the floor mats are
securely fastened again
after they have been
removed, e.g. for cleaning. <
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there 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 avail-
able 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 neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing during manual oper ation of the automatic
transmission, refer to 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. <
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

RadioENTERTAINMENT
137
3."Replay - Time shift"
> The red arrow indicates the current playback
position.
> The time difference fr om the live broadcast
is displayed next to the cache memory bar.
> For live transmissions: "live".
Time shift menu
Automatic time shift
When the function is acti vated, audio playback is
stopped automatically in the event of:
> Incoming and outgoing telephone calls.
> Activation of the voice activation system.
> Muting.
The audio playback then continues with a time
delay.
Activating
1. "Radio"
2. "Satellite radio"
3. "Replay - Time shift"
4. "Automatic time shift"
Deactivating
"Automatic time shift"
Storing favorites
Up to 30 favorites can be stored in the favorites
list. Possible favorites include artist, track, game,
league, and team.
Storing artist, track, or game
Only current broadcasts can be stored as favor-
ites. The channel informat ion must be available.
1. "Radio"
2. "Satellite radio"
3. Select "All channels" or the desired cate-
gory.
4. Select desired channel.
5. Press the MINI joystick again.
6. Select artist, track, or game.
Storing league or team
Leagues or teams can be added to the favorites
from a selection list.
1."Radio"
2. "Satellite radio"
3. "Manage favorites"
4. "Add sports information"
SymbolFunction
Go to live broadcast
Playback/pause
Next track
Previous track
Fast forward
Reverse
Automatic time shift deacti-
vated/activated

ENTERTAINMENTExternal devices
144
After initial connection
Track information, e.g. artist or music style and
the playlists of the USB device are imported into
the vehicle. This process can take some time.
The time required is dependent on the USB
device and on the number of tracks.
During transmission, the tracks can be accessed
via the file directory.
Number of tracks
The data from up to four USB devices or for
approx. 26,000 tracks can be stored in the vehi-
cle. If a fifth device is connected or if more than
26,000 tracks are stored, then the data of exist-
ing tracks may be deleted.
Copy protection
Music tracks with integr ated Digital Rights Man-
agement (DRM) cannot be played.
Audio playback
Starting audio playback
1. "CD/Multimedia"
2. "External devices"
3. Select the or symbol and press the
MINI joystick.
Playback begins with the first track.
Track search
Selection is possible via:
> Playback lists
> Information: music style, artist, album, track.
> Additionally for USB devi ces: file directory,
composer.
Track titles are displayed if they have been
stored in the Latin alphabet.
Starting the track search
1. "CD/Multimedia"
2. "External devices" 3.
Select the or symbol.
4. Select desired catego ry, e.g. "Genre",
Artist".
All entries are displayed in a list.
> Open "A-Z search" and enter the desired
input. When a letter is entered, the
results are filtered using this letter as the
first letter. If multiple letters are entered,
all results that contai n that sequence are
displayed.
> Select the desired entry from the list.
5. Select additional ca tegories if desired.
Not all categories need to be selected. For
example, if all of the tracks by a certain artist
are to be displayed, call up that artist only.
All of the tracks by that artist are then dis-
played.
6. "Play"
Restarting a track search
"New search"

External devicesENTERTAINMENT
145
Playback lists
To open playback lists.
1."CD/Multimedia"
2. "External devices"
3. Select the or symbol.
4. "Playlists"
Current playback
List of tracks currently being played.
1."CD/Multimedia"
2. "External devices"
3. Select the or symbol.
4. "Current playback"
Random play sequence
The current list of tracks is played in random
sequence.
1."CD/Multimedia"
2. "External devices"
3. Open "Options".
4. "Random"
Fast forward/reverse
Buttons on the steering wheel or CD player:
Press and hold the button for the corre-
sponding direction.
Video playback*
The video image on the on-board monitor is dis-
played when the vehicle is standing still; in some
countries only when the hand brake is engaged
or if the transmission is set on P.
For video playback, connec t the Apple device to
the USB audio interface using the video-enabled
adapter cable
*.
1. "CD/Multimedia"
2. "External devices"
3. Select the symbol and press the MINI joy-
stick. 4.
"Video"
5. Selecting the desired file.
Select category in file directory, if applicable.
6. Press the MINI joystick.
The playback of the selected video file is
started.
Notes
Do not subject the audio device to
extreme environmental conditions, e.g.
extremely high temperatures, refer to the oper-
ating instructions for the audio device. Other-
wise the audio device may be damaged, impair-
ing driving safety while driving. <
Depending on the configuration of the audio
files, e.g. bit rates greater than 256 Kbit/s,
proper playback cannot always be ensured.
Information on connection
> The connected audio device is supplied with
a max. power of 500 mA if supported by the
device. Therefore, do not connect the device
to the power socket in the vehicle.
> Do not use force when plugging the connec-
tor into the USB interface.

CommunicationsHands-free device Bluetooth
160
3.Select the desired entry and phone number,
if necessary.
The connection is established.
Deleting a single entry or all entries*
1. Highlight the entry.
2. Open "Options".
3. "Delete entry" or "Delete list".
Saving an entry in the contacts
1.Highlight the entry.
2. Open "Options".
3. "Store as new contact" or "Add to existing
contact".
4. Select the type of number: "Home", "Busi-
ness", "Mobile" or "Other".
5. Complete the entries if necessary.
6. "Store contact" if necessary
Received calls
Displaying calls
The list of received calls in the telephone is
transferred into the vehi cle, depending on the
mobile phone. The last 20 calls received are dis-
played. The sorting and displaying of phone
numbers depends on the mobile phone.
1. "Telephone"
2. "Received calls"
Calling a number from the list
Select an entry.
The connection is established.
Deleting a single entry or all entries*
1.Highlight the entry.
2. Open "Options".
3. "Delete entry" or "Delete list".
Saving an entry in the contacts
1.Highlight the entry.
2. Open "Options".
3. "Store as new contact" or "Add to existing
contact".
4. Select the type of number: "Home", "Busi-
ness", "Mobile" or "Other".
5. Complete the entries if necessary.
6. "Store contact" if necessary
Messages*
General information
The displaying of text messages depends on
whether the mobile phone supports transmis-
sion to the vehicle. Te xt messages may not be
supported by the service provider or the func-
tion may have to be separately activated. After a
mobile phone is paired for the first time, the
transmission may take several minutes. Mes-
sages are only displayed completely when the
vehicle is stopped.
Displaying messages
1. "Telephone"
2. "Messages"
3. Select the desired message.
Hands-free system
General information
Calls being conducted using the hands-free sys-
tem can be continued using the mobile phone
and vice versa.

OfficeCommunications
179
1."Contacts"
2. Open "Options".
3. "Show images"
The display of all contact pictures is activated or
deactivated.
Exporting/importing contacts*
Contacts can be exported and imported using
Personal Profile, refer to page 26. Depending on
which ignition key is in use, only contacts that
are stored in the vehicle are stored.
Deleting contacts
Only contacts that are st ored in the vehicle are
deleted. The contacts on the mobile phone
*
cannot be deleted.
1. "Contacts"
2. Highlight the contact.
3. "Options"
4. "Delete contact" or "Delete all contacts".
Messages
General information
The displaying of text messages depends on
whether the mobile phone supports transmis-
sion to the vehicle. Text messages may not be
supported by the service provider or the func-
tion may have to be separately activated. After a
mobile phone is paired for the first time, the
transmission may take several minutes. Mes-
sages are only displayed completely when the
vehicle is stopped. Messa ges from the auxiliary
phone are not transmitted.
Displaying messages
1. "Office"
2. "Messages"
Message type
A symbol indicates the type of message.
Read message.
Unread message.
Reading message aloud
Reading text messages aloud, refer to page182.
Text message
Calling a text message sender
1. Select the desired message.
2. Select the symbol.
Saving sender in the contacts
1.Highlight the desired message.
2. Open "Options".
3. "Store as new contact" or "Add to existing
contact"
Calendar
Displaying calendar
Appointments from the last 20 days and the
next 50 days can be displayed.
1."Office"
2. "Calendar"
Appointments of the current day are dis-
played.
SymbolMessage type
Text message

MOBILITYCare
204
Care
Car-care products
Regular cleaning and care helps to maintain the
value of your MINI.
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
using manufacturer-approved products to clean
and care for your vehicle.
Your MINI dealer would be pleased to advise
you on cleaning and care products and services
for your MINI.The ingredients of original MINI Care Prod-
ucts have been tested, and the products
have been tested in the laboratory and in prac-
tice. They offer optimum care and protection for
your vehicle. <
Do not use any cleansers containing alco-
hol or solvents as these may cause dam-
age. <
Cleaning agents may contain hazardous
or health-damaging substances. Follow
the warning and hazard instructions on the
packaging. For interior cleaning, always open
the doors or windows of the vehicle.
Do not use any products that are not intended
for cleaning the vehicle. <
External care
Washing your vehicle
Especially during the winter months the
vehicle should be frequently washed. Dirt
and road salt can damage the vehicle. <
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them; otherwise,
water can reduce braking efficiency over the
short term and the brake rotors can corrode. <
Car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.
Do not use automatic high-pressure car
washes; otherwise, water may drip into
the vehicle around the windows. <
Before driving in to the car wash, check if the sys-
tem is suitable for your MINI. Observe the fol-
lowing points:
> Vehicle dimensions, page 225
> If necessary: fold in the outside mirrors,
page 41
> Maximum permissible tire width
Avoid car washes with tracks higher than
4 in/10 cm; otherwise, the chassis could
be damaged. <
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
> Unscrew the rod antenna.
> Deactivate the rain sensor
* to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
> Deactivate rear window wiper and protect it
from damage. Ask the car wash operator
about measures that can be taken to protect
the wipers.
> Remove additional atta chments, e.g. spoil-
ers or telephone antennas, if there is a pos-
sibility that they could be damaged.
> Inserting the remote control into the ignition
lock.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, make sure that
the vehicle can roll:
1.Place the remote control, even with Comfort
Access, in the ignition lock.
2. Move the selector le ver to position N.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Switch off the engine.

MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
220
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or at
the right rear.
The tow fitting can be found under the right
front seat or in the pocket of the tire changing
set
* in the cargo area.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise, the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged. <
Access to screw thread
Press the lower part of the cover. This will push
out the upper edge of the cover, which can then
be removed.
Front
Rear Being towed
Make sure that the igni
tion is switched on,
refer to page 46; otherwise, the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals, and windshield
wipers may be unavailable. Do not tow the vehi-
cle with just the rear axle raised, as this would
allow the steering to turn. <
There is no power assist while the engine is off.
Thus, braking and steering will require increased
effort.
Switch on the hazard wa rning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Tow vehicles with automatic transmission
only with a tow truck or with the front
wheels lifted; otherwise, the transmission can be
damaged. <
Towing methods
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may
result. <
With towbar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle; otherwise, it may
be impossible to maintain control. <
The tow fittings used should be on the same side
on both vehicles. Should it prove impossible to
avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, please
observe the following:
> Clearance and maneuver ing capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
> The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage. <