Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
95
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2. Switch off the recirc ulated-air mode and
switch the airflow contro l of the heating, air
conditioner, or automa tic climate control to
high, refe r to page 81 or 83.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated on the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various se ctions of the exhaust
system, and never apply undercoating to them.
Make sure that when driving, idling or when
parking, no easily flamma ble materials, such as
hay, leaves, grass, etc. come into contact with
the hot exhaust system. Such contact could lead
to a fire, with the risk of serious personal injuries
and property damage. Do not touch hot exhaust
tail pipes. Otherwise, there is a risk of burns. <
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form betw een tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can
cause partial or complete loss of tire contact
with the road surface, so that the car cannot be
steered or braked properly. <
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page 139.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged. <
Parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-
wise, greater clutch wear will result. <
For information on drivin g off using Hill Assist,
refer to page 66.
Braking safely
Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a
situation which requires full braking, it is best to
brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the
vehicle maintains steeri ng responsiveness, you
can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with
the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that
ABS is functioning properly.
Objects in the movement range of the
pedals
Keep floor mats, carp et, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhi bit the function of the
pedals during driving.
Do not place additional floor mats onto an
existing one or onto other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved for
the vehicle and can be appropriately fastened.
Make sure that the fl oor mats are securely
fastened again after they have been removed,
e.g. for cleaning. <
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or ther e is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger other
road users. The heat generated in this process
helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that.
Then full braking force will be immediately
available when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheatin g and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure. <
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
96
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, page48.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine
braking action will not be present or there will be
no power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals; otherwise, pedal function could be
impaired. <
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in op erating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
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 capacity, 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. <
MINI: 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 tailgate, the roll-up cover is
raised.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be
removed.
1. Unhook the lift straps from the tailgate.
2. Pull the cover out of the holders toward the
rear.
MINI Clubman: luggage compartment
roller cover
Do not place heavy or hard objects on the
luggage compartment roller cover. If you
do so, they may already po s e a d a n g e r t o v e h i c l e
occupants during braking or evasive maneuvers.
Do not allow the luggage compartment roll-up
cover to snap back, otherwise it can be
damaged. <
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
101
Closing windows
Open windows increase air resistance and
therefore fuel consumption.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check and, if necessary, correct tire inflation
pressure at least twic e a month and before
starting on a long trip.
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.
Looking-ahead an d smooth driving reduces fuel
consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
Use first gear only for dr iving 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 car roll to a
stop in the highest gear possible.
On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the
accelerator and let the vehi cle 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 lights, railroad crossings or
in traffic jams.
Switch off any features that are not
currently required
Features such as air conditioning, seat heaters
and the rear window defroster require a great
deal of energy and result in greater fuel con-
sumption, especially in
city driving and during
Stop & Go operation. For this reason, switch off
these features if they are not really needed.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. The
manufacturer of your MINI recommends having
the vehicle serviced by a MINI dealer. Also note
the MINI Maintenance System, page 147.
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COMMUNICATIONSTelephone
116
Telephone
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. Equipment is also described
that is not available because of, for example,
selected options or coun try version. This also
applies to safety relate d functions and systems.
Overview
The concept
Mobile phones can be connected to the vehicle
through Bluetooth.
Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of
Bluetooth® SIG, Inc.
Your MINI is equipped with a mobile phone
preparation package. Af ter a suitable mobile
phone is paired with the vehicle once, the
mobile phone can be controlled via the radio,
the buttons on the steering wheel, and by voice.
It may be necessary for some functions to be
activated by the mobile phone provider.
Only make entries when traffic conditions
permit. Do not hold the mobile phone in
your hand while you are driving; use the hands-
free system instead. If you do not observe this
precaution, your being distracted can endanger
vehicle occupants and other road users. <
Snap-in adapter
The snap-in adapter, refer to page124, makes it
possible to:
> Accommodate the mobile phone.
> Recharge its battery.
> Connect it to an exte rnal antenna of the
vehicle.
This assures a better network connection
and constant sound quality. A mobile phone that is connected to the vehicle
should not be operated via the mobile phone
keypad; otherwise, ma
lfunctions may occur.
Suitable mobile phones
Precise information as to which mobile phones
are supported by the hands-free device can be
found at www.mini.com/connectivity.
Notes
Do not expose your mobile phone to extreme
ambient conditions, for example, very high tem-
peratures; otherwise, fu nctions on your mobile
phone may not work. Follow the operating
instructions for yo ur mobile phone.
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Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
131
Wheels and tires
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. Equipment is also described
that is not available because of, for example,
selected options or count ry version. This also
applies to safety related functions and systems.
Tire inflation pressures
Information for your safety
It is not merely the tires' service life, but also
driving comfort and, to a great extent, driving
safety that depend on the condition of the tires
and the maintenance of the specified tire pres-
sure.
Checking pressure
Check the tire inflatio n pressure regularly
and correct it, if nece ssary: at least twice a
month and before starting long trips. If you fail
to observe this precaution you may be driving
on tires with incorrect tire pressures, a condition
that can not only compromise your vehicle's
driving stability, but also lead to tire damage and
the risk of an accident. Do not drive with
deflated, i.e. flat tires, except when using run-
flat tires. A flat tire will seriously impair your
vehicle's handling and braking response.
Attempts to drive on a flat tire can lead to loss of
control over the vehicle. <
Check the tire inflation pressures only on cold
tires. This means after a maximum of 1.25 miles/
2 km driving or when the vehicle has been
parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are warm,
the tire inflation pressure is higher. After adjusting the tire inflation pressure,
reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, page 67,
or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor, page 69.<
MINI: checking the tire inflation
pressure of the compact tire
A valve extension for checking the inflation
pressure is located behind the bumper.
MINI Clubman: checking the tire
inflation pressure of the compact tire
To check the inflation pressure, fold up the flat
load floor. Remove the toolkit and the space-
saver spare tire, refer to page 163.
Inflation pressure specifications
MINI:
The tables below provide all the correct inflation
pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient
temperature.
The tire inflation pressures apply to the
tire sizes approved and the tire brands
recommended by the manufacturer of your
MINI. Your MINI dealer will be glad to advise
you. <
For correct identification of the right tire
inflation pressures, observe the following:
> Tire sizes for your vehicle
> Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving up to
100 mph or 160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
and to achieve optimum dr iving comfort, adjust
pressures to the respective tire inflation
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MaintenanceMOBILITY
147
Maintenance
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. Equipment is also described
that is not available because of, for example,
selected options or count ry version. This also
applies to safety related functions and systems.
MINI Maintenance System
The MINI Maintenance System will remind you
of necessary maintenance measures and by
doing so, will assist you in maintaining the traffic
and operating safety of your vehicle.
If and when you come to sell your MINI, a
comprehensive record of servicing will prove
a significant benefit.
Condition Based Service CBS
Sensors and special algori thms take the different
driving conditions of your MINI into account.
Condition Based Service uses this to determine
the current and future se rvice requirements. By
letting you define a service and maintenance
regimen that reflects your own individual
requirements, the system builds the basis for
trouble-free driving.
In the tachometer, you can have the remaining
times or distances for selected maintenance
tasks and any legally prescribed dates displayed,
page 59.
Service data in the remote control
Your vehicle continuously stores service-
requirement info rmation in the remote control
while you are driving. Your MINI dealer can read
out this data from the remote control unit, and
propose an optimized maintenance approach.
Whenever you take your car in for servicing you
should therefore hand your MINI dealer the
remote control unit that you last used.
Make sure that the date in the tachometer
is always set correctly, page 61; otherwise,
the effectiveness of Condition Based Service CBS
is not assured. <
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian
models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models for
additional information on service requirements.
The manufacturer of the MINI recom-
mends that you have service and repair
operations performed at your MINI dealer.
Take the time to ensure that these service
procedures are confirmed by entries in your
vehicle's Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models. These
entries verify that your vehicle has received the
specified regula r maintenance.<
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194
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake System64
Accepting a call 121
Accessories, see Vehicle equipment 4
Acknowledgment signals for locking/unlocking vehicle 24
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 84
Adaptive Light Control 77
Adding engine oil 145
Additives
– coolant 146
– engine oil 145
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 81
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 82
Airbags 72
– sitting safely 35
– warning lamp 73
Air conditioner 80
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 81
– automatic cl imate control82
– ventilation 84
Air distribution
– automatic 83
– individual 82
– manual 82
Air flow rate 81,83
– air conditioning system 81
– automatic cl imate control83
– heating, ventilation 81
Airing, refer to Ventilation84
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 80
Air pressure, checking, refer to Tire inflation pressure 131Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 81,83
Air supply
– air conditioner 81
– automatic climate control 82
– ventilation 84
Air vents 80
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 129
Alarm system 29
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 141
Ambient air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 81,83
Ambient lighting 79
Antenna, care 149
An
tifreeze
– coolant 146
– washer fluid 52
Antilock Brake System ABS 64
Anti-theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 29
Anti-theft system 23
Approved axle loads, refer to Weights 191
Approved engine oils 145
Approved gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 191
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 89
Ashtray 91
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 64
Audio device, external 89
Automatic
– air distribution 83
– air flow rate 83
– cruise control 52
– headlamp control 75Automatic climate control
80
– automatic air distribution 83
Automatic station search 105
Automatic station storage 106
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 46
– interlock 47
– overriding selector lever lock 48
– shiftlock 47
– sport program 48
AUTO program for automatic
climate control 83
Auto radio, refer to Radio MINI Boost CD 104
AUX-In, refer to External audio device 89
AUX-In connection 104
Average fuel consumption 55
– setting the units 58
Average speed 56
Axle loads, refer to Weights 191
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 79
Backrests, refer to Seats 36
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 158,159
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch 167
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 170
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 124
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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
196
Chrome parts, refer to Care 149
Cigarette lighter 91
Cleaning headlamps 51
– washer fluid 52
Clock
– setting time 61
– 12 h/24 h mode 58
Closing
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
Clothes hooks 90
Club Door 28
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting the engine 45
Comfort Access 30
– replacing the battery 32
– what to observe before
entering a car wash 32
Comfort area, refer to Around the center console 14
Compartment for remote control, refer to Ignition
lock 44
Compass 87
Compressed audio files 109
Computer 55
Condensation, refer to When the vehicle is parked 96
Condition Based Service CBS 147
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile 22
Connecting vacuum cleaner, refer to Connecting electrical
appliances 91
Consumption, refer to Average fuel consumption 55
Control Display
– settings 56
Controls and displays 10
Convenience operation
– windows 24
Convenient access, refer to
Comfort Access 30 Convenient start, refer to
Starting the engine 45
Coolant 146
– checking level 146
– filling 146
Coolant temperature 146
Cooling, maximum 83
Cooling fluid, refer to Coolant 146
Copyright 2
Cornering light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 77
Cruising range 55,56
Cupholders 90
Curb weight, refer to Weights 191
C
urrent fuel consumption 56
D
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit 10
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays 12
Dashboard lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 78
Data 186
– capacities 192
– dimensions 187
– engine 186
– weights 191
Data memory 148
Date
– setting 61
Daytime running lights 76
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to Brake Assist 64
Deactivating front passenger airbags 72
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking 24
Defect
– door lock 26
– fuel filler flap 128
Defogging windows 82,84
Defrosting windows 82,84 Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner 82
– automatic climate control 84
Defrosting windshield, refer to Defrosting windows 82,84
Defrost positi on, refer to
Defrosting windows 82,84
Differential, breaking in 94
Digital compass 87
Digital radio, refer to HD Radio 107
Dimensions 187
Dipstick, engine oil 144
Directional indicators, refer to Turn signals 49
Displacement, refer to Engine data 186
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 78
Displays 12
– instrument panel 12
Displays, care 152
Displays and controls 10
Disposal
– of coolant 146
– remote control battery 32
– vehicle battery 165
Distance remaining to service, refer to Service
requirements 59
Distance warning, refer
to Park
Distance Control PDC 63
Door
– rear, refer to Club Door 28
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 22
Door lock 26
Door lock, confirmation
signals 24
Doors, manual operation 26
DOT Quality Grades 139
Double doors, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 28
Drinks holders, refer to
Cupholders 90
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