DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
98
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. <
Expanding 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. <
When you open the liftgate, the roll-up cover is
raised.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be
removed. 1.
Unhook the lift straps from the liftgate.
2. Lift the cover slightly, arrow 1, and pull it
rearward out of the bracket, arrow 2.
Rear seat backrest
Before folding down the rear seat back-
rests, ensure that th e range of motion for
the backrests is unobstructed. Ensure that there
is no one within the range of motion of the back-
rest or that no one reac hes into that region. Oth-
erwise, injury or damage can result. <
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection,
observe the safety belt information on
page 40.<
Expand the cargo area by raising the split rear
seat backrests to a steeper angle.
The backrests can be adjusted as needed in
10 stages between a comfort position and a
transport position or can be folded down.
In the comfort position, the backrests are as far
back as possible; in the transport position, they
are in an approximately vertical position.
Before installing a ch ild restraint system,
observe the instructions starting on page 43.
DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
104
Low inflation pressure increases rolling resis-
tance and thus leads to greater fuel consump-
tion and tire wear.
Drive off immediately
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engine speeds. This is the
fastest way for the cold engine to reach its oper-
ating temperature.
Think ahead while driving
Avoid unnecessary accelera tion and braking. by
maintaining a suitable di stance to the vehicle
driving ahead.
Driving smoothly and an ticipating impending
traffic situations reduces fuel consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
Use first gear only for driving off. In second and
higher gears, accelerate smoothly to a suitable
engine and road speed. In doing so, avoid high
engine speeds and shift up early.
When you reach your desired traveling speed,
shift to the highest suitable gear and drive at
constant speed.
As a rule: driving at lo w engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red traffic light, take your
foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast
to a halt in the highest suitable gear.
On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the
accelerator and let the vehicle coast in a suitable
gear.
Fuel supply is shut off automatically when the
vehicle is coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic li ghts, railroad crossings or
in traffic jams.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have your vehicle servic ed regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. The man-
ufacturer of your MINI recommends having the
vehicle serviced by a MINI dealer. Also note the
MINI Maintenance System, page 202.
Driving on poor roads
Your MINI is at home on all roads and surfaces. It
combines an all-wheel drive system* with the
advantages of a normal passenger car.
Do not drive on unpa ved terrain, as other-
wise the vehicle may be damaged. <
When you are driving on poor roads, there are a
few points which you shou ld strictly observe for
your own safety, for that of your passengers,
and for the safety of the vehicle:
> Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before
beginning to drive and do not take risks
under any circumstances.
> Adapt your speed to road conditions. The
steeper and rougher the road surface is, the
lower the speed should be.
> When driving on very steep uphill or down-
hill grades, make sure in advance that the
engine oil and coolant levels are close to the
maximum mark, refer to page 199.
> While driving, watch carefully for obstacles
such as rocks or holes. Try to avoid these
obstacles whenever possible.
> Make sure that the un dercarriage does not
touch the ground, for example on hilltops
and bumpy roads. The ground clearance of
the vehicle is a maximum of approx. 6.0 in/
15 cm. Please note that the ground clear-
ance can vary depending on loading and the
driving conditions of the vehicle.
> Only drive through road surface water up to
a maximum water depth of 1 ft/30 cm and
only at walking speed ; do not remain sta-
tionary.
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.
MOBILITYUnder the hood
200
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the
dipstick. Excess oil will damage the
engine. <
Adding engine oil
Do not add the maximum quantity of
1 US quart/1 liter of engine oil until the oil level
has dropped to just above the lower mark on the
dipstick, page 199.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km;
otherwise, the engine could be dam-
aged. <
If too much oil is added, immediately have
the vehicle checked; otherwise, engine
damage may result. <
Keep oils, greases, etc. out of the reach of
children and comply with the warnings on
the containers. Otherwise, health hazards may
result. <
Oil types for re-filling
Notes
Do not use oil additives as this could result
in engine damage. <
When choosing oil, ensure that it belongs
to one of the SAE viscosity classes 0W-40,
0W-30, 5W-40 and 5W-30; otherwise, malfunc-
tions and damage to the engine may result. <
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 oils are not available, up
to 1 US quart/1 liter of another oil with the fol-
lowing specification 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 suit-
able 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. <
Gasoline engines
BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30
BMW Longlife-01
BMW Longlife-01 FE
Gasoline engines
API SM or higher specifications
Under the hoodMOBILITY
201
Coolant temperature
A warning light will come on if the coolant, and
therefore the engine, becomes too hot.
A message appears on the Control Display.
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.
Topping off
1. Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated
pressure to escape, then continue turning to
open.
2. Slowly fill to the correct fluid level; do not
overfill.
3. Close by turning the cap.
Have the reason for the coolant loss eliminated
as soon as possible.
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
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
238
Cargo loading101
– securing cargo 102
– stowing cargo 102
– vehicle 98
Cargo net 100
Cargo, securing 102
Carpets, care 206
Catalytic conver ter, refer to
Hot exhaust system 96
CD, audio playback 140
CD player 140
– controls 130
– fast forward/reverse 141
– random order 141
– selecting a track 140
– switching on/off 130
– tone control 131
– volume 130
Center armrest 91
Center brake lamp 212
Center console, refer to Around the center
console 14
Center Rail 91
Center Rail, refer to Storage
compartments 91
Central locking system 27
– Comfort Access 32
– from inside 30
– from outside 27
– setting unlocking behavior 27
Changing bulbs 208
Changing the language on the Control Display 65
Changing the measurement
units on the Control
Display 58
Changing wheels 214
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 199
Check Control 62
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 44
Child restraint systems 43
Child seats 43
Child-safety locks 45Chrome parts, care
206
Chrome parts, refer to Care 204
Cigarette lighter 92
Cleaning headlamps 52
– washer fluid 53
Clock
– 12 h/24 h mode 61
– setting time 61
Closing
– f
rom inside 30
– from outside 27
Clothes hooks 92
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting the engine 46
Comfort Access 32
– replacing the battery 34
– what to observe before
entering a car wash 34
Comfort area, refer to Around the center console 14
Compartment for remote control, refer to Ignition
lock 46
Computer 56
– displays on Control Display 57
Condensation, refer to When the vehicle is parked 98
Condition Based Service CBS 202
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile 26
Connecting vacuum cleaner, refer to Connecting electrical
appliances 92
Consumption, refer to Average fuel consumption 56
Contacts 161,176
– deleting 162,179
– displaying 162
– editing 162
– exporting/importing 179
– new contact 178
Control Display
– adjusting brightness 65Control Display, refer to iDrive
– switching on/off
19
Control Display, refer to On- board computer
– adjusting brightness 65
Control Display, refer to On-board computer 16
Control stick, refer to On-board computer 16
Control unit, refer to On-board
computer 16
Controls and displays 10
Convenient access, refer to
Comfort Access 32
Convenient operation
– windows 28
Convenient star t, refer to
Starting the engine 46
Coolant 200
– checking level 201
– filling 201
– temperature 201
Coolant temperature 201
Coo
ling fluid, refer to
Coolant 200
Cooling, maximum 86
Copyright 2
Cornering light, refer to
Adaptive Light Control 80
Criteria for route 118
Cruise control
– indicator lamp 13
Cruising range 56
Cupholders 92
Curb weight, refer to Weights 226
Current fuel consumption 56
Current playback
– external devices 145
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays 12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 81
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit 10
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
239
Data224
– capacities 226
– dimensions 225
– engine 224
– weights 226
Data memory 203
Date
– setting 62
– setting format 62
Daytime running lights 80
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to Brake Assist 67
Deactivating front passenger
airbags 76
Deadlocking, refer to Locking 28
Defect
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 188
Defining a home address 178
Defogging windows 85,87
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows 85,87
Defrosting windows 85,87
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner 85
– automatic climate control 87
Defrosting windshield, refer to Defrosting windows 85,87
Destination address
– entering 109,115
Destination for navigation
– entering 109
– entering via map 114
Differential, breaking in 96
Digital radio, refer to HD Radio 133
Dimensions 225
Dipstick, engine oil 199
Direction announcements, refer to Voice
instructions 122
Direction instructions, refer to Voice instructions 122
Directional indicators, refer to Turn signals 50 Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book 111
Displacement, re fer to Engine
data 224
Display lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 81
Display, refer to On-board
computer controls 16
Displaying contact
pictures 17
8
Displaying special destinations 114
Displays 12
– instrument cluster 12
– on the Control Display 16
Displays and controls 10
Displays, care 207
Disposal
– of coolant 200
– remote control battery 34
– vehicle battery 216
Distance, refe r to Computer 57
Distance remaining to service, refer to Service
requirements 59
Distance to dest ination, refer
to Computer 57
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC 66
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 26
Door lock 29
Door lock, confirmation
signals 28
Doors, manual operation 29
DOT Quality Grades 194
Drinks holders, refer to Cupholders 92
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Assist 69
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 69
Driving lamps, refer to Parking lamps/low beams 79
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 87
DSC Dynamic Stability Control 67
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 68
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, refer to Brake Assist 67
Dynamic route guidance 125
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 67
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 68
E
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player 130
Electrical malfunction
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 188
Electronic brake-force distribution 67
Electronic Stability Program ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 67
Emergency operation, refer to Manual operation
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 188
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 50
Emergency services, refer to Roadside Assistance 218