General informationNotes
5
For your safety
Maintenance and repair
Advanced technology, e.g. the use of
modern materials and powerful electron-
ics, requires specially adapted maintenance and
repair methods. Therefore, have the necessary
work on your MINI only carried out by a MINI
dealer or a workshop that has specially trained
personnel working in acco rdance with the spec-
ifications of the MINI manufacturer. If this work
is not carried out properly , there is a danger of
subsequent damage and related safety haz-
ards. <
Parts and accessories
For your own safety, use genuine parts
and accessories approved by the manu-
facturer of the MINI.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by the manufacturer of the MINI
and Original MINI Parts, you simultaneously
acquire the assurance that they have been thor-
oughly tested by the manufacturer of the MINI
to ensure optimum performance when installed
on your vehicle.
The manufacturer of the MINI warrants these
parts to be free from defects in material and
workmanship.
The manufacturer of the MINI will not accept any
liability for damage result ing from installation of
parts and accessories not approved by the man-
ufacturer of the MINI.
The manufacturer of the MINI cannot test every
product made by other manufacturers to verify
if it can be used on a MINI safely and without risk
to either the vehicle, its operation, or its occu-
pants.
Original MINI Parts, MINI Accessories and other
products approved by the manufacturer of the
MINI, together with professional advice on using
these items, are available from all MINI dealers.
Installation and operation of accessories that
have not been approved by the manufacturer of your MINI, such as alarms, radios, amplifiers,
radar detectors, wheels, suspension compo-
nents, brake dust shield
s, telephones, including
operation of any mobile phone from within the
vehicle without using an externally mounted
antenna, or transceiver equipment, for instance,
CBs, walkie-talkies, ham radios or similar acces-
sories, may cause extensiv e damage to the vehi-
cle, compromise its safety, interfere with the
vehicle's electrical s y s t e m o r a f f e c t t h e v a l i d i t y o f
the MINI Limited Warranty. See your MINI dealer
for additional information. <
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
the emission control devices and systems
may be performed by any automotive repair
establishment or individu al using any certified
automotive part. <
California Proposition 65 warning
California law requires us to issue the following
warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of
automobile components and parts,
including components foun d in the interior fur-
nishings in a vehicle, contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects and reproductive harm. In
addition, certain fluids co ntained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other repro-
ductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash your
hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that have
caused cancer in laboratory animals. Always
protect your skin by washing thoroughly with
soap and water.<
Controls overviewControls
57
More information on the MINI Maintenance Sys-
tem can be found on page 142.
Clock
Setting the time
Radio MINI Boost CD:
1.Press the MENU button.
2. Press the button.
3. Press the button.
4. Select the desired menu item "FORMAT",
"STD" or "MIN" and press the respective but-
ton.
5. Turn the button on the right to set values.
6. Press the button on the right to store values.
7. Press the button to exit setting
values.
Date
Setting date
Radio MINI Boost CD:
1. Press the MENU button.
2. Press the button.
3. Press the button.
4. Select the desired menu item "TT", "MM" or
"JJ".
5. Turn the button on the right to set values.
6. Press the button on the right to store values.
7. Press the button to exit setting
values.
Check Control
The concept
The Check Control monitors vehicle functions
and alerts you to any ma lfunctions in the sys-
tems monitored. Check Control messages
involve indicator or warning lamps in the dis-
plays and, in some circumstances, an acoustic
signal.
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in var-
ious combinations and colors in the indicator
areas 1 and 2.
Brake fluid
Exit display
54
Next setting or item of
information 54
SymbolFunction
Driving tipsThings to remember when driving
92
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.
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 35.<
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 38.
CareMobility
145
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. <
Indicator and warning lampsMobility
163
Lights up briefly:
Approx. 2.1 US gal/8 liters of fuel are
still in the tank
Remains on:
The remaining range is at most
30 miles/50 km, page 51
Engine refuses to start Depress the brake or clutch in order to start the engine, page41.
Ignition switched on and driver's door
open Switch off the ignition, page
41, or
close the driver's door.
Lamps still on
Roadside parking lamps on
Door open
Hood open
Fuel cap missing or loose Make sure that the fuel cap is correctly
positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks. Do not jam the strap between
the fuel cap and the vehicle.
Window washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible,
page 49.
12Cause What to do
MobilityIndicator and warning lamps
166
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied
Indication in US models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Braking action is reduced, stop with
care. Contact the nearest MINI dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Hill Assist failed. The car will not be
held in place after the brake is
released Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in Canadian models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Braking action is reduced, stop with
care. Contact the nearest MINI dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Hill Assist failed. The car will not be
held in place after the brake is
released Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads checked without delay.
Indication in Canadian models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads checked without delay.
12Cause What to do
180
ReferenceEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake System60
Accessories, refer to Your individual vehicle 4
Acknowledgment signals for
locking/unlocking vehicle 22
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 80
Adaptive Light Control 73
Additives
– coolant 140
– engine oil 140
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 77
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 78
Air conditioner 76
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 77
– automatic cl imate control78
– ventilation 80
Air distribution
– automatic 79
– individual 78
– manual 78
Air flow rate 77,79
– air conditioning system 77
– automatic cl imate control79
– heating, ventilation 77
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 76
Air pressure, checking, refer to Tire inflation pressure 130
Air recirculation, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 77,79 Air supply
– air conditioner
77
– automatic climate control 78
– ventilation 80
Air vents 76
Airbags 68
– sitting safely 32
– warning lamp 70
Airing, refer to Ventilation80
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 129
Alarm system 26
ALL4 all-wheel drive system 62
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 137
All-wheel drive, refer to
ALL4 62
Ambient air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 77,79
Ambient lighting 75
Antenna, care 144
An
tifreeze
– coolant 140
– washer fluid 49
Antilock Brake System ABS 60
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system 26
Approved axle loads, refer to Weights 178
Approved engine oils 140
Approved gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 178
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 83
Ashtray 85
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 60
Audio device, external 83
AUTO program for automatic climate control 79 Auto radio, refer to Radio MINI
Boost CD 102
Automatic
– air distribution 79
– air flow rate 79
– cruise control 49
– headlamp control 71
Automatic climate control 76
– automatic air distribution 79
Automatic station search 103
Automatic station storage 103
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 43
– interlock 44
– overriding selector lever
lock 45
– shiftlock 44
– sport program 45
AUX In connection 102
AUX-IN, refer to External audio
device 83
Average fuel consumption 52
– setting the units 54
Average speed 52
Axle loads, refer to Weights 178
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 75
Backrests, refer to Seats 33
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 151
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch 158
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 160
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 124
Everything from A to ZReference
181
Battery156
– charging 156
– disposal 29,156
– jump-starting 158
– temporary power failure 156
Battery renewal
– remote control 29
Being towed 160
Bell
– volume 102
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety belts 35
Belts, refer to Safety belts 35
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 85
Black ice, refer to External
temperature warning 52
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 77,79
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 116
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 85
Brake Assist 60
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 55
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs 151
Brake pads, breaking in 90
Brake rotors 91
– brakes 90
– breaking in 90
Brake system 90
– breaking in 90
– disc brakes 91
– MINI Maintenance
System 142
Brakes
– ABS 60
– breaking in 90
– MINI Maintenance System 142
– parking brake 43
– service requirements 55
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely 91 Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance 158
Break-in period 90
Breaking in the clutch 90
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 148
Button for starting the
engine 41
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call
– accepting 119
– ending 120
– rejecting 120
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 120
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders 85
Capacities 179
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery 156
Car care 144
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls 20
Car phone
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 83
Car phone, refer to
Telephone 114
Car wash
– before driving in 43
Car wash, care 144
Car washes 144 Care
144
– car washes 144
– car-care products 144
– CD/DVD drives 147
– external 144
– high-pressure washers 145
– internal 146
– leather 146
– manual washing 145
– upholstery and fabrics 146
– windows 145
– wiper blades 145
Cargo area 92
– capacity 178
– Comfort Access 28
– lamp 75
– opening from outside 25
– trunk lid, refer to Liftgate 25
Cargo area, expanding 92
Cargo area lamp 75
Cargo area lid, refer to Liftgate 25
Cargo area partition net, refer to Cargo net 94
Cargo loading 95
– securing cargo 96
– stowing cargo 96
– vehicle 92
Cargo net 94
Cargo, securing 96
Carpets, care 146
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 90
CD
player 107
– changing the track 107
– fast forward/reverse 107
– playing a track 107
– random order 107
– starting 107
– volume 102
Center armrest 83
Center brake lamp 152
Center console, refer to Around the center
console 14
Center Rail 84