Driving tipsThings to remember when driving
98
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 142.
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 139.
> 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
139
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Vehicle identification number*
2Battery, under the cover 159
3 Engine oil dipstick 139
4 Engine oil filler neck 140 5
Coolant expansion tank 140
6 Engine compartment fuse box 156
7 Reservoir for washer fl uid for the headlamp
and window washer system 49
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.
Under the hoodMobility
141
Coolant temperature
If the coolant, and therefore the engine, should
overheat, then a warning light will go on, refer to
page 165.
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.
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
ReferenceEverything from A to Z
182
Center Rail, refer to Storage compartments 84
Central locking system 21
– Comfort Access 27
– from inside 24
– from outside 21
– setting unlocking
behavior 21
Changing bulbs 148
Changing wheels 155
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 139
Check Control 57
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 39
Child restraint systems 38
Child seats 38
Child-safety locks 40
Chrome parts, care 146
Chrome parts, refer to Care 144
Cigarette lighter 85
Cleaning headlamps 48
– washer fluid 49
Clock
– 12 h/24 h mode 54
– setting time 57
Closing
– from inside 24
– from outside 21
Clothes hooks 85
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine 42
Comfort Access 27
– replacing the battery 29
– what to observe before entering a car wash 29
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console 14
Compartment for remote control, refer to Ignition
lock 41
Compressed audio files 107
Computer 52
Condensation, refer to When the vehicle is parked 92Condition Based Service
CBS 142
Configuring settings, refer to Personal Profile 20
Connecting vacuum cleaner, refer to Connecting electrical
appliances 86
Consumption, refer to Average fuel consumption 52
Controls and displays 10
Convenient access, refer to Comfort Access 27
Convenient operation
– windows 22
Convenient start, refer to
St
arting the engine 42
Coolant 140
– checking level 141
– filling 141
– temperature 141
Coolant temperature 141
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant 140
Cooling, maximum 79
Copyright 2
Cornering light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 73
Cruising range 52
Cupholders 85
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 178
Current fuel consumption 52
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays 12
Dashboard lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 74
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit 10
Data 176
– capacities 179
– dimensions 177
– engine 176
– weights 178
Data memory 143 Date
– setting
57
Date setting 103
Daytime running lights 72
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to Brake Assist 60
Deactivating front passenger
airbags 68
Deadlocking, refer to Locking 22
Defect
– door lock 24
– fuel filler flap 128
Defogging windows 78,80
Defrost position, refer to Defrosting windows 78,80
Defrosting windows 78,80
Defrosting windows and removing condensation
– air conditioner 78
– automatic climate control 80
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting windows 78,80
Differential, breaking in 90
Digital radio, refer to HD
Radio 105
Dimensions 177
Dipstick, engine oil 139
Directional indicators, refer to Turn signals 46
Displacement, refer to Engine data 176
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 74
Displays 12
– instrument cluster 12
Displays and controls 10
Displays, care 147
Disposal
– of coolant 140
– remote control battery 29
– vehicle battery 156
Distance remaining to service, refer to Service
requirements 55
Distance warning, refer
to Park
Distance Control PDC 59
Everything from A to ZReference
183
Door key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 20
Door lock 24
Door lock, confirmation
signals 22
Doors, manual operation24
DOT Quality Grades 134
Drinks holders, refer to Cupholders 85
Drive-off assistan t, refer to Hill
Assist 62
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 62
Driving lamps, refer to Parking lamps/low beams 71
Driving notes 90
Driving off on inclines, refer to Hill Assist 62
Driving stability control
systems 59
Driving through water 91
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes 90
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 80
DSC Dynamic Stability Control 60
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 61
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake Assist 60
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 60
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 61
E
Eject button 108
Electrical malfunction
– door lock 24
– fuel filler flap 128
Electronic brake-force distribution 60
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 60Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock 24
– fuel filler flap 128
– transmission lock, automatic transmission 45
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance 158
Engine
– breaking in 90
– data 176
– overheated, refer to Coolant temperature 141
– speed 176
– starting 42
– starting, Comfort Access 27
– switching off 42
Engine compartment 139
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant 140
Engine oil
– adding 140
– additives, refer to Approved engine oils 140
– alternative oil types 140
– approved engine oils 140
– capacity 140
– checking level 139
– dipstick 139
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements 55
– MINI Maintenance
System 142
Engine oil level, checking 139
Engine output, refer to Engine
data 176
Engine starting, refer to Starting the engine 42
ESP Electronic Stability Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 60
Exhaust system, refer to Hot exhaust system 90 Exterior mirrors
36
– adjusting 36
– automatic dimming feature 37
– automatic heating 36
– folding in and out 36
External audio device 83,102
External temperature display
– change units of measure 54
– in the on-board computer 54
Exte
rnal temperature
warning 52
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing away 160
– for tying down loads 96
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 57
Failure of an electrical
consumer 156
Fast forward
– CD 107
Fastening safety be lts, refer to
Safety belts 35
Fault messages, refer to Check
Control 57
Faulty
– tire 63
Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner 78
– microfilter/activated- charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 80
Fine wood, care 147
First aid pouch 158
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 41
Flash when locking/
unlocking 22
Flat load floor 94
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 136
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 64
ReferenceEverything from A to Z
186
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-mounted luggage
rack 97
Lumbar support 33
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 137
Maintenance, refer to Service
and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Maintenance system 142
Malfunction warn ings, refer to
Check Control 57
Manual air distribution 78
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 45
Manual operation
– door lock 24
– fuel filler flap 128
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 45
Manual station search 103
Manual transmission 43
Manual washing 145
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 20
Maximum cooling 79
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 137
Medical assistance, refer to First aid pouch 158
Microfilter
– for air conditioner 78
– for automatic climate
control 80
– MINI Maintenance System 142 Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance System 142
Microphone for telephone 14
MINI Internet page 4
MINI Maintenance System 142
Mirror dimming feature 37
Mirrors 36
– exterior mirrors 36
– heating 36
– interior rearview mirror 36
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume 119
– connecting, refer to Mobile phone, pairing 116
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 83
– pairing 116
– what to do if…. 118
Mobile phone, installation location, refer to Center
armrest 83
Mobility System 152
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety 5
Monitoring syst em for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 62
MP3 107
Mu
ltifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/ headlamp flasher 46
– refer to Wiper system 47
Multifunctional steering wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel 11
Music tracks
– playing a track 107
– random order 107
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 34
Nets, refer to Storage compartments 84
New tires 136
Number of cylinders, refer to Engine data 176
Number of safety belts 32
Nylon rope, refer to Tow rope 161
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
On-Board Diagnosis 143
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel specifications 129
Odometer 51
Oil consumption 139
Oil level 139
Oil, refer to Engine oil 139
Oil types 140
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal 156
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access 27
– from inside 24
– from outside 21
– using the door lock 24
– using the remote control 21
Opening and unlocking
– from inside 24
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation 80
Outlets, refer to Air vents 76
Output, refer to Engine data 176
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control 79
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature 141
Everything from A to ZReference
189
Speedo, refer to Speedometer 12
Speedometer 12
Split rear seat backrest, refer to
Expanding the cargo area 92
Sport button 62
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems 59
Start/Stop button 41
– starting the engine 42
– switching off the engine 42
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump-starting 158
Starting, refer to Starting the engine 42
Starting the engine
– Start/Stop button 41
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC 60
– Hill Assist 62
Stations, refer to Radio MINI
Boost CD 104
Status of this Owner's Manual at time of printing 4
Steering wheel 37
– adjustment 37
– buttons on steering wheel 11
– lock 41
– shift paddles 45
Steptronic, refer to Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 43
Storage area
– cargo area 92
Storage compartments 84
Storage space
– storage compartments 84
Storing the vehicle 147
Storing tires 137
Stowage, refer to Storage compartments 84
Summer tires, re fer to Wheels
and tires 130
Switches, refer to Cockpit 10
Switching off
– engine 42 Switching off the engine
– Start/Stop button
41
Switching on
– CD player 102,107
– Radio MINI Boost CD 102
Switching the co oling function
on and off 80
Symbols 4
T
Tachometer 51
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps 151
– replacing bulb 151
Tail lamps 151
Tank volume, refer to Capacities 179
Technical data 176
Technical modifications 5
Telephone 114
– hands-free system 122
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 83
– voice commands 122
Temperature display
– setting the units 54
Temperature of coolant, refer
to Coolant temperature 141
Temperature setting
– air conditioner 77
– automatic climate control 79
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control 49
Tensioning straps, refer to Securing cargo 96
The individual vehicle 4
Third brake lamp, refer to Center brake lamp 152
Three-point safety belt 35
Tightening the lug bolts
– torque 156
Tightening torque, refer to Tightening lug bolts 156
Time
– setting 103 Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor
63
– indicator/warning lamp 63
– MINI Mobility System 152
– run-flat tires 64
– Tire Pressure Monitor 64
Tire inflation pressure 130
– loss 63
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 64
– limitations of system 65
– resetting system 65
– warning lamp 65
Tire pressure monitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor 62
Tire Quality Grading 134
Tires
– age 136
– breaking in 90
– changing, refe r to Changing
wheels 155
– condition 135
– damage 135
– inflation pressure 130
– inflation pressure loss 65
– minimu
m tread depth 135
– new tires 136
– pressure monitoring, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 62
– pressure monitoring, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 64
– puncture 63
– size 134
– wear indicators, refer to Minimum tread depth 135
– winter tires 137
– with emergency operation properties 136
Tires with emergency
operation properties, refer to
Run-flat tires 136
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-flat tires 136
Tone
– control 103
– middle setting 103