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.
Wheels and tiresMobility
137
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 61.<
MobilityCare
144
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 177
> If necessary: fold in the outside mirrors,
page 36
> 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.
MobilityIndicator and warning lamps
172
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Ignition cannot be switched offEngage selector lever position P when
you wish to switch off the ignition,
page
41.
Cruise control system fail edHave the system checked.
Park Distance Control fail edHave the system checked.
Bulb of exterior lighting system failed Have the exterior lighting checked as
soon as possible.
Low-beam headlamp or fog lamp
failed Have the lamps checked as soon as
possible.
High-beam headlamp failed Have the high-beam headlamps
checked.
Rear fog lamp failed Have the rear fog lamp checked.
Adaptive Light Control has failed
Coolant level too low Add coolant immediately, page140.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your
journey. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in red:
Service appointment overdue Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page 55.
Lights up in yellow:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page 55.
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
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
Everything from A to ZReference
185
Ignition key position 1, refer to Radio readiness 41
Ignition key position 2, refer to Ignition on 41
Ignition key, refer to Integrated key/remote
control 20
Ignition lock 41
Imprint 2
Incoming call 119
Indicator and warning lamps 13,162
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 65
Indicator lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 74
Individual air distribution 78
Individual settings, refer to Personal Profile 20
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 64
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM 63
– glass roof, electric 30
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays 12
Instrument lighting 74
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit 10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays 12
Integrated key 20
Integrated universal remote
control 81
Interior lamps 75
– remote control 23
Interior rearview mirror 36
– automatic dimming feature 37
Interlock 44
Intermittent mode of the wipers 47
Internet page 4J
Jacking points 155
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles 48
Jumpering, refer to Jump-starting 158
Jump-starting 158
K
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile 20
Key, refer to Keys/remote controls 20
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access 27
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort Access 27
Keypad dialing 120
Kickdown 44
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 44
Knock control 129
L
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs 148
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams 71
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing cargo 96
LATCH child restraint fixing system 39
Leather care 146
LEDs light-emitting diodes 148
Length, refer to Dimensions 177
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement 152
Liftgate 25
– Comfort Access 28
– opening from outside 25
– opening/closing 25
– unlocking with remote control 23 Light
– automatic headlamp
control 71
Light alloy wheels, care 146
Light switch 71
Light-emitting diodes LEDs 148
Lighter 85
– socket 86
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs 148
– of the instruments 74
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps 71
Limit 173
Listening to test scan
– Radio MINI Boost CD 104
Load 95
Load securing equipment, refer to Securing cargo 96
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking 24
Locking
– adjusting confirmation signal 22
– from inside 24
– from outside 22
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access 27
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals 22
– from inside 24
– from outside 21
Longlife oils
– approved motor oils 140
Low beams 71
– automatic 71
– replacing bulb 149
Lower back suppo rt, refer to
Lumbar support 33
Luggage compartment
– doors, refer to Liftgate 25
Lug
gage compartment
partition net, refer to Cargo
net 94
Luggage rack, re fer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 97