2012 MINI COOPER tailgate

DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
94
Things to remember when driving
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.
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. Please follow the instructions below
in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do
not exceed the following:
> Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distan ce driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Ground clearance
When driving, ensure that there is suffi-
cient ground clearance, such as when
entering underground parking garages, driving
over curbs or when driving in winter; otherwise
damage to the vehicle may result. <
Close tailgate/Split Rear Barn Doors
Only drive with the tailgate/Split Rear Barn
Doors closed. Failure to do so may endan-
ger passengers or other road users or may
damage the vehicle in the event of an accident
or a braking and evasive maneuver. In addition,
exhaust gas may flow into the passenger com-
partment. <
If special circumstances make it absolutely
necessary to drive with the tailgate/Split Rear
Barn Doors open:
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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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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
100
for attaching the cargo straps. Two of them
are located on the forward wall of the cargo
area.
Comply with the information enclosed with
the load-securing devices.
Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or swerves are necessary.
Do not exceed the approved gross vehicle
weight and axle loads, page 191; otherwise, the
operating safety of the vehicle is no longer
assured and the vehicle will not be in compli-
ance with the construction and use regulations.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown
around, for example as a result of heavy braking,
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants. Do not secure cargo using the fastening
points for the tether strap, page 42; they may
become damaged. <
Roof-mounted luggage
rack
A special rack system is available as an option for
your MINI. Your MINI dealer will be glad to
advise you. Comply with the installation instruc-
tions supplied with the rack system.
Mounting points
By way of example, the illustration shows the
roof of the MINI.
Take out the cover panel.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect
on vehicle handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the
approved gross vehicle we ight or the axle loads
when loading the rack.
You can find the applicable specifications under
Weights on page 191.
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and
should not be too large in area. Heavy items
should always be placed at the bottom.
When loading, make sure that there is sufficient
space for the movement of the glass roof and
that no objects protrude into the swiveling area
of the tailgate; otherwise, damage can occur.
Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid su dden acceleration and
braking maneuvers, and take corners gently.
Saving fuel
Your vehicle incorporates numerous technolo-
gies for reducing fuel consumption and emis-
sions.
Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif-
ferent factors. Fuel consumption and environ-
mental pollution are affect ed by various actions,
the manner of driving and regular maintenance.
Remove unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove attached parts no longer in use
Remove auxiliary mirrors, roof- or rear-mounted
luggage racks whenever you are not using
them.
Attached parts on the ve hicle affect its aerody-
namics and increase fuel consumption.
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Giving and receiving assistanceMOBILITY
167
Giving and receiving assistance
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.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside Assistance is available by phone
24 hours a day in many countries. You can
receive assistance there in the event of an
emergency.
First aid pouch
Some of the articles co ntained in the first aid
pouch have a limited se rvice life. Therefore,
check the expiration dates of the contents
regularly and replace any items in good time,
if necessary.
MINI
The first aid pouch is located on the rear cargo
well by the left side trim panel.
MINI Clubman
The first aid pouch is located on the rear cargo
well by the left side trim panel or under the flat
load floor.
Warning triangle
MINI
On the inside of the tailgate.
Press the tab to take it out.
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Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
173
Lights up briefly:
Approx. 2.1 US gal/8 liters of fuel are
still in the tank
Remains on:
Cruising range is no more than
30 miles/50 km, page54
Engine refuses to start Depress the brake or clutch in order to start the engine, page44.
Ignition switched on and driver's door
open Switch off the ignition, page
44, or
close the driver's door.
Lamps still on
Roadside parking lamps on
Door open
Club Door open
Split Rear Barn Doors open
Hood open
Tailgate open
12Cause What to do
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
195
Battery165
– disposal 32,165
– jump-starting 168
– temporary power failure 165
Battery renewal
– remote control 32
Being towed 170
Belts, refer to Safety belts 38
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety belts 38
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 90
Black ice, refer to External
temperature warning 55
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 81,83
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 118
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 90
Brake Assist 64
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 59
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs 158,159
Brake pads, breaking in 94
Brake rotors 96
– brakes 94
– breaking in 94
Brakes
– ABS 64
– breaking in 94
– MINI Maintenance
System 147
– parking brake 46
– service requirements 59
Brakes, refer to Braking safely 95
Brake system 94
– breaking in 94
– disc brakes 96
– MINI Maintenance
System 147
Breakdown service, refer to Roadside Assistance 167
Breaking in the clutch 94
Break-in period 94 Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs 155
Button for starting the engine 44
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call ending 122
Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing 122
Calling, refer to Telephone 89
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders 90
Capacities 192
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery 165
Car care 149
Care 149
– car-care products 149
– car washes 149
– CD/DVD drives 152
– high-pressure washers 150
– leather 151
– manual washing 150
– upholstery and fabrics 151
– windows 150
– wiper blades 150
Cargo, securing 99
Cargo area 96
– capacity 191
– Comfort Access 31
– cover 96
– doors, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 28
– expanding 97
– lamp 79
– opening from outside 28
– trunk lid, refer to Split Rear
Barn Doors 28
Cargo area doors, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 28
Cargo area lamp 79 Cargo area lid, refer to
Tailgate 28
Cargo area partition net, refer to Cargo net 98
Cargo loading 98
– securing cargo 99
– stowing cargo 99
– vehicle 96
Cargo net 98
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls 22
Carpets, care 151
Car phone
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 89
– refer to Telephone 89,116
Car radio, refer to Radio 16
Car wash, care 149
Car washes 149
Cataly

tic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system 95
CD player 109
– changing the track 109
– fast forward/reverse 109
– playing a track 110
– random order 109
– volume 104
Center armrest 89
Center brake lamp 160
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console 14
Central locking system 23
– Comfort Access 30
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
Changing bulbs 155
Changing wheels 162
Charging the battery 165
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 143
Check Control 61
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 42
Child restraint systems 41
Child seats 41
Chrome parts, care 151
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
199
Incoming call121
Indicator and warning lamps 13,172
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 70
Indicator lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 78
Individual air distribution 82
Individual settings, refer to Personal Profile 22
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 69
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM 67
– glass roof, electric 33
Initializing the
– compass, see Calibration 88
Instrument lighting 78
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit 10
Instrument panel, refer to Displays 12
Integrated key 22
Integrated universal remote control 85
Interior lamps 79
– remote control 25
Interior rearview mirror 39
– automatic dimming feature 40
Interlock 47
Intermittent mode of the wipers 50
Internal care 151
Internet page 4
J
Jacking points 164
Jets, refer to Window washer nozzles 51
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting 168
Jump-starting 168
K
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls 22
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort Access 30
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access 30
Key Memory, refer to Personal Profile 22
Keypad dialing 122
Kickdown 47
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 47
Knock control 129
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams 75
Lamps and bulbs, replacing bulbs 155
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing cargo 99
LATCH child restraint fixing
system 42
Leather care 151
LEDs light-emitting diodes 155
Length, refer to Dimensions 187
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement 159,160
Light alloy wheels, care 151
Light-emitting diodes LEDs 155
Lighter 91
– socket 91
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs 155
– of the instruments 78
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps 75
Light switch 75
Limit 183
Listening to test, scan
– radio MINI Boost CD 106Load
98
Load securing equipment, refer to Securing cargo 99
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking 26
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal 24
– from inside 26
– from outside 24
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access 30
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals 24
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
Longlife oils
– approved motor oils 145
Low beams 75
– automatic 75
– replacing bulb 156
Lower back suppo rt, refer to
Lumbar support 36
Luggage compartment, refer to Cargo area 28
Luggage compartment doors, refer to Split Rear Barn
Doors 28
Luggage compartment lid, refer to Tailgate 28
Luggage compartment partition net, refer to Cargo
net 98
Luggage rack, re fer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 100
Lumbar support 36
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 141
Maintenance, refer to Service
and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
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Starting assistance, refer to Jump-starting 168
Starting the CD player 109
Starting the engine 45
– Start/Stop button 44
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC 64
– Hill Assist 66
Stations, refer to Radio MINI Boost CD 106
Status of this Owner's Manual at time of printing 4
Steering wheel 40
– adjustment 40
– buttons on steering wheel 11
– lock 44
– shift paddles 48
Steptronic, refer to Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 46
Storage area
– cargo area 96
Storage compartment, front passenger side 90
Storage compartments 90
Storage space
– storage compartments 90
Storing the vehicle 152
Storing tires 142
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments 90
Summer tires, re fer to Wheels
and tires 131
Switches, refer to Cockpit 10
Switching off
– engine 45
Switching off the engine 45
– Start/Stop button 44
Switching on
– CD player 104,109
– radio MINI Boost CD 104
Switching the cooling function
on and off 84
Symbols 4T
Tachometer 54
Tailgate 28
– Comfort Access 31
Tailgate, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 25
Tail lamp, refer to Tail lamps 158
– replacing bulb 158
Tail lamps 158
Tank volume, refer to Capacities 192
Technical data 186
Technical modifications 4
Telephone 116
– hands-free system 124
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 89
Temperature display
– setting the units 58
Temperature of coolant, refer
to Coolant temperature 146
Temperature setting
– air conditioner 81
– automatic climate control 83
Tempomat, refer to Cruise control 52
Tensioning straps, refer to Securing cargo 99
Third brake lamp, refer to Center brake lamp 160
Three-point safety belt 38
Tightening the lug bolts
– keys 153,154
– torque 165
Tightening torque, refer to Tightening lug bolts 165
Time
– setting 105
Tire change set
– space-saver spare tire 153Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor
67
– indicator/warning lamp 67
– MINI Mobility Kit 160
– run-flat tires 68
– space-saver spare tire 162
– Tire Pressure Monitor 69
Tire inflation pressure 131
– loss 67
– space-saver spare tire 131
Tire pressure monitoring, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 66
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 69
– limitations of system 69
– resetting system 69
– warning lamp 70
Tire Quality Grading 138
Tires
– age 140
– breaking in 94
– changi

ng, refe r to Changing
wheels 162
– condition 139
– damage 139,140
– inflation pressure 131
– inflation pressure loss 70
– minimum tread depth 139
– new tires 141
– pressure monitoring, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 66
– pressure monitoring, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 69
– puncture 67
– size 138
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth 140
– winter tires 141
– with emergency operation
properties 140
Tires with emergency operation properties, refer to
Run-flat tires 140
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