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.
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.
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
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
240
Engine
– breaking in96
– data 224
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature 201
– speed 224
– starting 46
– starting, Comfort Access 32
– switching off 47
Engine compartment 199
Engine coolant, refer to Coolant 200
Engine malfunction
– indicator lamp 13
Engine oil
– adding 200
– additives, refer to Approved engine oils 200
– alternative oil types 200
– approved engine oils 200
– capacity 200
– checking level 199
– dipstick 199
– intervals between changes, refer to Service
requirements 59
– MINI Maintenance System 202
Engine oil level, checking 199
Engine output, refer to Engine
data 224
Engine starti ng, refer to
Starting the engine 46
Entering destination 109
Entering intersection 110
Entertainment sound output
on/off 130
Entry map for destination 114
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 dimming feature 42
– automatic heating 41
– folding in and out 41
External audio device 90
External audio de vice, refer to
AUX-IN connection 142
External devices
– random play sequence 145
– software update 149
External temperature display
– change units of measure 58
– in the on-board computer 58
External temperature
warning 56
Eyes
– f
or tow-starting and towing
away 220
– for tying down loads 102
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 62
Failure of an electrical consumer 216
Fast forward
– CD player 141
Fastening safety belts, refer to Safety belts 40
Fastest route for
navigation 118
Fault messages, refer to Check Control 62
Faulty
– tire 71
Filter
– microfilter for air conditioner 85
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 87
Fine wood, care 207
First aid pouch 218 Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock 46
Flash when locking/ unlocking 28
Flat load floor 100
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 196
– 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 195
Floor mats, care 206
Floor plate, refer to Flat load floor 100
FM, waveband 132
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 210
Folding rear seat backrest 98
Footbrake, refer to Braking safely 97
Footwell lamps 82
For your own safety 5
Four-wheel drive, refer to ALL4 69
Front airbags 76
Front fog lamps 81
– replacing bulb 210
Front seat adjustment 38
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows 85,87
FTM, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 69
Fuel 189
– gauge 55
– high-quality brands 189
–
quality 189
– specifications 189
– tank capacity 226
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel gauge 55
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption 56
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
244
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for On-Board Diagnosis 203
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel specifications 189
Odometer 55
Office 176
– current office 176
– What to do if…. 182
Oil consumption 199
Oil level 199
Oil, refer to Engine oil 199
Oil types 200
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal 216
On-board computer 16
– changing language 65
– menu guidance 17
– operating principles 16
– overview 16
– status information 19
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access 32
– from inside 30
– from outside 27
– using the door lock 29
– using the remote control 27
Opening and unlocking
– from inside 30
Options, selecting for navigation 118
Orientation menu, refer to
Main menu 17
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation 87
Outlets, refer to Air vents 83
Output, refer to Engine data 224
Outside-air mode
– automatic cl imate control86
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature 201
P
Paintwork, care205
Park Distance Control PDC 66
Parking
– vehicle 47
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC 66
Parking brake 47
– indicator lamp 13
Parking lamps, replacing bulb 210
Parking lamps/low beams 79
Parts and accessories, refer to Your individual vehicle 4
Pathway lighting 79
Personal Profile 26
Phone numbers
– dialing 157,169
Pinch protection system
– windows 36
Plastic parts, care 206
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter for air conditioner 85
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 87
Power failure 216
Power window
– safety switch 36
Power windows 35
Power windows, refer to Windows 35
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 72
Pressure monitoring, tires 69
– Flat Tire Monitor 69
Pressure, tires 190
Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– windows 36
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor 69
R
Radio
– controls130
– HD Radio 133
– satellite radio 134
– select waveband 132
– storing stations 133
– switching on/off 130
– tone control 131
– volume 130
Radio key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 26
Radio position, refer to Radio readiness 46
Radio readiness 46
– switched off 46
– switched on 46
Rain sensor 51
Random sequence
– external devices 145
Range, refer to Cruising
range 56
Reading aloud 182
Reading lamps 82
Rear lamps
– bulb replacement 211
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps 211
Rear seat backrest, folding 98
Rear seats
– adjusting 39
– folding down the
backrests 98
Rear window
– windshield wiper 52
Rear window defroster 84,86
Rear window safety switch 36
Rear-mounted luggage
rack 103
Rearview mirror, refer to Mirrors 41
Reception
– quality 133
– radio station 133
Recirculated-air mode 84,86