Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
103
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2. Switch off recirculated -air mode and switch
the airflow control of the air conditioner or
automatic climate control to high, refer to
page 86 or 88.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated on the exhaust
system. Do not remove th e heat shields installed
adjacent to various se ctions of the exhaust
system, and never apply undercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact between
the hot exhaust system and any highly flamma-
ble materials such as hay, leaves, grass, etc. 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 202.
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.
72.
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 appro-
priately fastened. Make sure that the floor mats
are securely fastened again after they have been
removed, e.g. for cleaning. <
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there 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 avail-
able 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. <
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
104
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, page52.
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 contaminants 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. <
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. <
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. 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. Particularly with a
folded down middle section, ensure that there is
no one within the range of motion of the back-
rest and that no one re aches into that region.
Otherwise, injury or damage can result. <
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External devicesENTERTAINMENT
153
Notes
Do not subject the audio device to
extreme environmental conditions, e.g.
extremely high temperatures, refer to the
operating instructions for the audio device.
Otherwise the audio device may be damaged,
impairing driving safety while driving. <
Depending on the config uration of the audio
files, e.g. bit rates greater than 256 Kbit/s,
proper playback cannot always be ensured.
Audio and video playback from using a snap-in
adapter may only be possible if a there is no
cable connected to the AV-In connector.
Information on connection
> The connected audio device is supplied with
a max. power of 500 mA if supported by the
device. Therefore, do not connect the device
to the power socket in the vehicle.
> Do not use force when plugging the connec-
tor into the USB interface.
> Do not connect any devices, e.g. fans or
lamps, to the USB audio interface.
> Do not connect USB hard drives.
> Do not use the USB audio interface to
recharge external devices.
Bluetooth audio
Overview
>It is possible to use Bluetooth to play music
files from external devices, e.g. audio
devices or mobile phones.
> Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of
Bluetooth® SIG, Inc.
> Sound is output over the vehicle speakers.
> The volume of the sound output depends on
the device. If necessary, change the volume
setting on the device.
> Up to four external devices can be paired
with the vehicle.
Requirements
>Suitable device. Information is available at
www.mini.com/connectivity.
> Device operational.
> Ignition switched on.
> Bluetooth activated in vehicle, refer to
page 170, and in the device.
> Bluetooth presets in the device are required,
e.g. connection not confirmed or visible,
refer to Owner's Ma nual for the device.
> A number with at least 4 and at most
16 digits has been established as the
Bluetooth passkey. Only required once for
pairing.
Pairing and connecting
Only pair the device when the vehicle is
stopped; otherwise, inattention may lead
to endangerment of passengers or other road
users. <
1. "CD/Multimedia"
2. "Bluetooth® (audio)"
3. "Bluetooth® audio" if applicable
4. "Add new phone"
The Bluetooth name of the vehicle is
displayed.
5. To perform other operations on the device,
refer to the operating instructions for the
device: e.g. search for and connect
Bluetooth device or a new device.
The Bluetooth name of the vehicle appears
on the device's display.
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COMMUNICATIONSHands-free device Bluetooth
160
Hands-free device Bluetooth
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.
After being paired once, when the ignition is
switched on, these devices are automatically
detected as soon as they are present in the
vehicle and can be controlled via the onboard
computer, the buttons on the steering wheel,
and by voice.
Up to four mobile phones can be paired.
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. <
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.
With a certain software version, these suitable
mobile phones support the vehicle functions
described below. With other mobile phones
or software versions,
malfunctions may occur.
A mobile phone that is connected to the vehicle
should not be operated via the mobile phone
keypad; otherwise, ma lfunctions may occur.
Displaying vehicle identification number
and software part number
To check which mobile phones are supported by
the hands-free device, th e vehicle identification
number and the software part number will be
required. The software version of the mobile
phone may also be required.
1. "Telephone"
2. Open "Options".
3. "Bluetooth® info"
4. "Display system information"
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.
Pairing/unpairing mobile
phone
Requirements
>Suitable mobile phone, refer to page 160.
> Mobile phone operational.
> Bluetooth activated in vehicle, refer to
page 161, and in the mobile phone.
> Bluetooth presets in the mobile phone are
required, e.g. connection not confirmed or
visible, refer to Ow ner's Manual for the
mobile phone.
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Mobile phone preparation BluetoothCOMMUNICATIONS
169
Mobile phone preparation Bluetooth
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.
Overview
The concept
Mobile phones or other external devices, e.g.
audio players, can be connected to the vehicle
via Bluetooth.
Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of
Bluetooth® SIG, Inc.
After being paired once, when the ignition is
switched on, these devices are automatically
detected as soon as they are present in the
vehicle and can be controlled via the onboard
computer, the buttons on the steering wheel,
and by voice.
Depending on whether they are functioning as a
telephone and/or as an audio source, external
devices can be used via the vehicle. The tele-
phone functions will be described below.
Operation of audio functions, refer to page 153.
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 di stracted can endanger
vehicle occupants and other road users. <
Snap-in adapter
The snap-in adapter, refer to page180, 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
For precise information as to which mobile
phones and external devices with Bluetooth
interfaces are supported by the mobile phone
preparation package, go to www.mini.com/con-
nectivity.
With a certain software version, these suitable
mobile phones support the vehicle functions
described below.
With other mobile phones or software versions,
malfunctions may occur.
It is possible to perform a software update, refer
to page 156.
Displaying vehicle identification number
and software part number
Checking which mobile phones are supported
by the mobile phone preparation requires the
vehicle identification number and software part
number. The software version of the mobile
phone may also be required.
1."Telephone"
2. Open "Options".
3. "Bluetooth® info"
4. "Display system information"
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COMMUNICATIONSMobile phone preparation Bluetooth
170
Notes
Do not expose your mobile phone to extreme
ambient conditions, for example, very high tem-
peratures; otherwise, functions on your mobile
phone may not work. Follow the operating
instructions for your mobile phone.
Pairing/unpairing mobile
phone
Overview
>Using a mobile phone as a telephone.
> Using the mobile phone as an auxiliary
phone.
> Using a mobile phone as an audio source.
> Using an audio device as an audio source,
refer to page 153.
Functions supported by the mobile phone and
audio device are displayed as symbols during
the pairing.
White symbol: function active.
Gray symbol: function inactive.
Up to four external devices can be paired. Two
devices can be connected to the vehicle at a
time and used for different functions. The phone
can be used to perform all of the following
phone functions.
Requirements
> Suitable mobile ph one, refer to page169.
> Mobile phone operational.
> Bluetooth activated in vehicle, refer to
page 170, and in the mobile phone. >
Bluetooth presets in the mobile phone are
required, e.g. connection not confirmed or
visible, refer to Ow ner's Manual for the
mobile phone.
> If necessary, deactivate the audio connec-
tion, refer to page 171.
> A number with at least 4 and at most
16 digits has been established as the
Bluetooth passkey. Only required once for
pairing.
> Ignition switched on.
Activating/deactivating Bluetooth link
Bluetooth is not permitted everywhere. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regulations.
1."Telephone"
2. Open "Options".
3. "Bluetooth®"
Activating/deactivating additional
functions
To use these functions in the vehicle, activate
them before pairing. For information on suitable
mobile phones that suppo rt this function, refer
to page 169.
1. "Telephone"
2. "Bluetooth® (phone)"
3. Open "Options".
4. "Configure Bluetooth®"
5. Select desired addi tional function.
SymbolFunction
Telephone
Auxiliary phone
Audio source
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MOBILITYWheels and tires
196
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 coun try version. This also
applies to safety relate d functions and systems.
Tire inflation pressures
Information for your safety
It is not merely the tire s' 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
pressure.
Checking pressure
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
and correct it, if necessary: at least twice a
month and before starting long trips. If you fail
to observe this precauti on you may be driving
on tires with incorrect ti re pressures, a condition
that can not only compromise your vehicle's
driving stability, but also l e a d t o t i r e d a m a g e a n d
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.
Att empt s to drive o n a flat t ire can lead to lo ss 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 hou rs. When tires are warm,
the tire inflation pressure is higher.
After adjusting the tire inflation pressure,
reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, page 73,
or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor, page 76.<
Pressure specifications
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 identificati on 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 driving comfort, adjust
pressures to the respective tire inflation
pressures listed on the following pages in the
columns for traveling sp eeds up to a maximum
of 100 mph or 160 km/h.
These tire inflation pre ssures can also be found
on the driver's side door pillar when the driver's
door is open.
The maximum permitted speed for these
tire inflation pressures is 100 mph or
160 km/h. Do not exceed this speed; otherwise,
tire damage and accidents may occur. <
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Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
203
Otherwise, tire damage can be extremely dan-
gerous for vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 1012 means that the tire was manufac-
tured during the 10th week of 2012.
For various reasons, such as the development of
brittleness, the manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends tire replacemen t after no more than
6 years, regardless of th e actual wear of the
tires.
Run-flat tires
The symbol identifying run- flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-flat tires comprise a conditionally self-sup-
porting tire and a special rim. The reinforcement
in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can con-
tinue to be used subject to certain restrictions,
even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page74.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires mounted only
by your MINI dealer or a specialized tire
shop that has specially trained personnel
working in accordance with the specifications of
the MINI manufacturer. If this work is not carried out properly, there is a danger of subsequent
damage and related safety hazards. Make sure
that the new wheels are balanced.
<
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends that you avoid using retreaded
tires, as this could impair driving safety. The
causes for this include potentially different tire
casing structures and of ten wide variations in
tire age, which can result in a limited service
life.<
Correct wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends mounting only wheels and tires
that it has specifically approved for use on your
particular model. Alth ough other wheels and
tires may theoretically have the same dimen-
sions, variations in factors such as manufactur-
ing tolerances can result in contact between tire
and bodywork, ultimately leading to serious
accidents. The manufactur er of your MINI can-
not evaluate non-approved wheels and tires to
determine if they are su ited for use, and there-
fore cannot ensure the operating safety of the
vehicle if they are mounted. <
Your MINI dealer will be glad to inform you
about the correct wheel an d tire combination for
your vehicle.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of
various vehicle systems such as ABS and DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand and
tread configuration. After a tire has been
damaged, mount the previous wheel and tire
combination again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor TPM
electronics
When mounting new tires or changing over from
summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only use
wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise, the Tire
Pressure Monitor may not be able to detect a
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