DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
102
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
traction potential until af ter 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. <
Closing tailgate
Only drive with the tailgate closed. Failure
to do so may endanger passengers or
other road users or may damage the vehicle in
the event of an accident or a braking and
evasive maneuver. In a ddition, exhaust gas may
flow into the passenger compartment. <
If special circumstances make it absolutely
necessary to drive with the tailgate open:
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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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Folding the privacy screen forward
1.Fold down rear seat backrests.
2. Unlock privacy screen, see above.
3. Grasp the outer sides of the privacy screen
and guide it forward onto the folded-down
rear seat backrests.
Removing
1.Removing cargo area cover, page 104.
2. Fold the privacy screen up and to the rear
and unlock it, refer to Folding the privacy
screen forward.
3. Remove it from the guides on the cargo area
floor, arrows, and remove the privacy
screen.
Flat load floor
Do not exceed a maximum load of
330 lbs/150 kg on the load floor; other-
wise, damage may result.<
Access to the storage space
Under the load floor, there is storage space, e.g.,
for the cargo net. 1.
Reach into the recess, arrow 1, at the back
edge of the load floor.
2. Lift up load floor behind and fold forwards,
arrow 2.
Before closing the tailgate, put the load floor
back on the cargo area floor.
Removing
If necessary, the load floor can be removed.
1. Fold load floor together.
2. Pull the load floor back slightly out of the
take-up.
3. Then take it out toward the top.
The folded together load floor can be placed into
the luggage compartment.
Cargo net
Ensure that the cargo net is firmly
attached; otherwise, injuries may occur. <
Before installing
1.Remove the pouch with the cargo net from
the storage compartment under the pull-out
floor panel in the cargo area.
2. Remove the cargo net from the pouch, then
unroll and unfold it.
After use, fold the cargo net together, roll it
back up in the same way, and place it in the
pouch so that it can be stowed under the
floor panel again. When doing so, make sure
that hooks and tensioning buckles do not
rest against the rod elements.
3. Unfold the cargo net until the rod elements
snap into place.
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
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B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 84
Backrests, refer to Seats 38
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 218,219
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 225
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away 227
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 180
Bass sounds, refer to Tone control 137
Battery 223
– disposal 34,223
– jump-starting 225
– temporary power failure 224
Battery renewal
– remote control 34
Being towed 227
Belts, refer to Safety belts 40
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts 40
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 97
Black ice, refer to External temperature warning 59
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 86,88
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating 161,170
Bluetooth audio 153
– device pairing 153
– disconnecting an audio connection 155
– playback 154
– unpairing device 155
– What to do if... 155
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 97
Brake Assist 70
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 62 Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs
219
Brake pads, breaking in 102
Brake rotors 104
– brakes 102
– breaking in 102
Brakes
– ABS 70
– breaking in 102
– MINI Maintenance
System 209
– parking brake 50
– service requirements 62
Br akes,
refer to Braking
safely 103
Brake system 102
– breaking in 102
– disc brakes 104
– MINI Maintenance
System 209
Breakdown service, refer to Roadside Assistance 225
Breaking in the clutch 102
Break-in period 102
Brightness of Control
Display 68
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 215
Button for starting the engine 48
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
Calendar 186
– displaying appointment 186
– selecting calendar day 186
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call
– muting the microphone 176
Call ending 163,175
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 164,175
Can holders, refer to Cupholders 97 Capacities
235
Car battery, refer to Vehicle battery 223
Car care 211
Care 211
– car-care products 211
– car washes 211
– CD/DVD drives 214
– high-pressure washers 212
– leather 213
– manual washing 212
– upholstery and fabrics 213
– windows 212
– wiper blades 212
Cargo, securing 108
Cargo area 104
– capacity 234
– Comfort Access 33
– expanding 104
– lamp 83
– opening from outside 30
– trunk lid, refer to Tailgate 30
Cargo area lid, refer to Tailgate 30
Cargo area partition net, refer
to Cargo net 106
Cargo loading 107
– securing cargo 108
– stowing cargo 108
– vehicle 104
Cargo net 106
Car key, refer to Keys/remote controls 26
Carpets, care 213
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest 94
– refer to Telephone 160,169
Car radio, refer to Radio 139
Car wash
– before driving in 50
– care 211
Car washes 211
Cataly tic convert
er, refer to
Hot exhaust system 103
CD, audio playback 147
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Interior rearview mirror43
– automatic dimming feature 43
Interlock 51
Intermittent mode of the wipers 53
Internal care 213
Internet page 4
J
Jacking points 222
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles 55
Joystick, refer to Onboard computer 16
Jumpering, refer to Jump- starting 225
Jump-starting 225
K
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls 26
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort
Access 32
Keyless opening and closing, refer to Comfort Access 32
Key Memory, refer to Personal Profile 26
Keypad dialing 165,176
Kickdown 51
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 51
Knock control 195
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams 81
Lamps and bulbs, replacing bulbs 215
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing cargo 108
Last destinations 119LATCH child restraint fixing
system 45
Leather care 213
LEDs light-emitting diodes 216
Length, refer to Dimensions 233
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement 219
Light
– automatic headlamp
control 81
Light alloy wheels, care 213
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs 216
Lighter 97
– socket 98
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs 215
– of the instruments 83
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps 81
Light switch 81
Limit, refer to Speed limit 67
Load 107
Load securing equipment, refer to Securing cargo 108
Lock buttons of doors, refer to Locking 30
Locking
– adjusting confirmation signal 28
– from inside 30
– from outside 28
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access 32
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals 28
– from inside 30
– from outside 27
Longlife oils
– approved motor oils 207
Low beams 81
– automatic 81
– replacing bulb 216
Lower back support, refer to Lumbar support 38Luggage compartment
– doors, refer to Tailgate
30
Luggage compartment partition net, refer to Cargo
net 106
Luggage rack, re fer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 109
Lumbar support 38
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 204
Main menu 17
Maintenance, refer to Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Maintenance system 209
Malfunction warnings, refer to Check Control 65
Manual air distribution 87
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 52
Manual operation
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 194
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 52
Manual transmission 50
Manual washing 212
Map
– changing scale 128
Map for navigation
– entering destination 121
Master key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 26
Maximum cooling 88
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 204
Medical assistance, refer to First aid pouch 225
MENU button 16
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P
Paintwork, care212
Park Distance Control PDC 69
Parking
– vehicle 49
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC 69
Parking brake 50
– indicator lamp 13
Parking lamps, replacing bulb 217
Parking lamps/low beams 81
Parts and accessories, see Vehicle equipment 4
Pathway lighting 82
Personal Profile 26
Phone numbers
– dialing 164
Pinch protection system
– windows 36
Plastic parts, care 214
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated- charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 89
– refer to Microfilter for air conditioner 87
Power failure 224
Power window
– safety switch 36
Power windows 35
Power windows, refer to
Windows 35
Pressure, tires 196
Pressure moni toring, tires73
– Flat Tire Monitor 73
Pressure monitoring of tires, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 75
Protective function, refer to Pinch protection system
– windows 36
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor 73
R
Radio
– controls136
– HD Radio 140
– satellite radio 141
– select waveband 139
– storing stations 140
– tone control 137
– volume 137
Radio key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 26
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness 48
Radio readiness 48
– switched off 49
– switched on 48
Rain sensor 54
Random play sequence
– external devices 152
Range, refer to Cruising range 59
Reading aloud 188
Reading lamps 84
Rear lamps
– bulb replacement 219
Rear lamps, refer to Tail lamps 218
Rear-mounted luggage rack 109
Rear seat back rest, folding104
Rear seats
– adjusting 39
– folding down the backrests 104
Rearview mirror
– compass 92
Rearview mirror, refer to Mirrors 42
Rear window
– windshield wiper 55
Rear window defroster 86,88
Rear window safety switch 36
Reception
– quality 140
– radio station 140 Recirculated-air mode
86,88
Recirculation of air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 86,88
Reclining seat , refer to
Backrest 38
Refueling 194
Rejecting a call 163,175
Releasing
– hood 206
Reminders 187
Remote control 26
– battery renewal 34
– Comfort Acces
s32
– garage door opener 90
– malfunctions 29,34
– service data 209
– tailgate 28
Replacement remote
control 26
Replacing bulbs, refer to Lamps and bulbs 215
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires 203
Reporting safety defects 7
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel gauge 58
Reservoir for washer
systems 55
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings 138
Restraint systems
– for children 44
– refer to Safety belts 40
Reverse
– CD player 148
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 51
– manual transmission 50
Road map 127
Roadside Assistance 225
Roadside parking lamps 83
– replacing bulb 217
Road worthiness test, refer to
Service requirements 62
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Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD player148
Side airbags 78
Side marker lamps, replacing
bulbs 218
Side turn signal
– replacing bulb 218
Side windows, refer to Windows 35
Signal horn, refer to Horn 10
Sitting safely 37
– airbags 37
– safety belts 37
– with head restraint 37
Size, refer to Dimensions 233
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass roof, electric 34
Slot for remote control 48
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray 97
Snap-in adapter
– inserting/removing 180
– use 169
Snap-in adapter, refer to Center armrest storage
compartment 94
Snow chains 204
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances 98
Socket for On-Board Diagnosis
OBD 210
Software update 156
Speaking, refer to Voice
instructions from navigation
system 129
Special destinations 120
Special oils, refer to Approved engine oils 207
Speed 232
– with winter tires 204
Speed limit 67
– setting 67
Speed limit warning, refer to Speed limit 67 Speedo, refer to
Speedometer 12
Speedometer 12
Speed volume 137
Split rear seat backrest, refer to Expanding the cargo
area 104
Sport button 72
Stability contro l, refer to
Driving stability control
systems 70
Start/Stop button 48
– starting the engine 49
– switching off the engine 49
Starting, refer to Starting the engine 49
Starting assistance, refer to Jump-starting 225
Starting route guidance 125
Sta r
ti
ng the engine 49
– Start/Stop button 48
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC 70
– Hill Assist 72
State/province, for
navigation 116
Station, selecting
– radio 139
Status information on the Control Display 19
Status of this Owner's Manual at time of printing 4
Steering wheel 43
– adjustment 43
– buttons on steering wheel 11
– lock 48
– shift paddles 52
Steptronic, refer to Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 50
Storage area
– cargo area 104
Storage compartments 95
Storage space
– storage compartments 95Storing a destination in the
address book 118
Storing the vehicle 214
Storing tires 204
Stowage, refer to Storage compartments 95
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires 196
SW, waveband 139
Switches, refer to Cockpit 10
Switching off
– engine 49
Switching off the engine 49
– Start/Stop button 48
Switching on
– audio 136
– CD player 136
– radio 136
Switching radio on/off 136
Switching the cooling function on and off 89
Symbols 4
– status information 19
T
Tachometer58
Tailgate 30
– Comfort Access 33
– opening/closing 30
– opening from outside 30
– unlocking with remote control 28
Tail lamp, refer to Tail lamps 218
– replacing bulb 218
Tail lamps 218
Tank volume, refer to Capacities 235
Target cursor for navigation 121
Tasks 187
Technical data 232
Technical modifications 4
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Turning circle, refer to Dimensions 233
Turn signal 53
– front, replacing bulb 217
– indicator lamp 12,13
– rear, replacing bulb 218
– side, replacing bulb 218
Tying down load s, refer to
Cargo loading 108
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
UTQR 201
Units
– average fuel consumption 61
– temperature 61
Universal garage door opener, refer to Integrated universal
remote control 90
Universal remote control 90
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking 33
Unlocking
– from inside 30
– from outside 27
– setting unlocking behavior 27
– tailgate 33
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access 32
Updating the navigation data 114
Upholstery, care 213
USB audio interface 150
USB interface 94
Using contact data 188
V
Vehicle
– battery223
– breaking in 102
– cargo loading 104
– dimensions 233
– identification number, refer to Engine compartment 205
– parking 49
– storage 214
– weight 234
Vehicle jack
– jacking points 222
Ventilation
– air conditioner 89
Ventilation, refer to Climate control 85
Vents, refer to Air vents 85
Vents, refer to Ventilation 89
Voice commands
– overview 21
– short commands 236
– telephone 178
Voice instructions for
navigation system 129
– repeating 129
– switching on/off 129
– volume 129
Voice phone book 179
Volume 136
– audio sources 136
– mobile phone 163,174
– voice instructions 129
Volume balance, tone setting 137
Volume of cargo area 234
W
Warning and indicator
lamps 13
Warning messages, refer to Check Control 65
Warning triangle 225
Washer/wiper system
– washer fluid 55
Washer fluid 55
– capacity of reservoir 55
Washer fluid reservoir 55
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray 97
Waterfall lighti ng, refer to
Ambient lighting 84
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water 103
Waveband for radio 139
Wear indicators in tires, refer to
Minimum tread depth 202
Weights 234
Welcome lamps 81
Wheelbase, refer to Dimensions 233
Wheels, new 203
Wheels and tires 196
Width, refer to Dimensions 233
Windows 35
– closing 35
– convenience operation 28
– opening 35
– pinch protection system 36
– safety switch 36
Windows, indicator on Control Display 16
Window washer, refer to Washer fluid 55
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