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. <
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
108
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs and there will be four 150 lbs
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs:
1,400 lbs minus 750 lbs = 650 lbs.
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
4-seater:
5-seater:
The permissible load is the sum of the occu-
pants' weights and the we ight of the cargo. The greater the weight of the occupants, the less
cargo/luggage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>
Position heavy objects as low and as far
forward as possible, ideally directly behind
the rear seat backrests.
> Cover sharp edges and corners.
> For very heavy cargo wh en the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
respective opposite buckle.
> Do not stack higher than the top edge of the
backrests.
> Use the cargo net, refer to page 106. Ensure
that no objects can penetrate through the
net.
Securing cargo
> Secure smaller and lighter items using
retaining or draw straps.
> Heavy-duty cargo straps for securing larger
and heavier objects are available at your
MINI dealer.
> These cargo straps are fastened using eight
securing eyes.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
109
Two of them are located on the side wall,
arrows1, of the cargo area.
Two of them are located on the rear wall,
arrows 2, of the cargo area.
To use the lower lashing eyes, raise or remove
the pull-out floor panel.
Comply with the information enclosed with the
load-securing devices. Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so th at 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 234; otherwise, the
vehicle's operating safety is no longer assured
and the vehicle will not be in compliance 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 45; they may
become damaged. <
Roof-mounted luggage
rack
A special rack system is av ailable 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.
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 weight or the axle loads
when loading the rack.
You can find more information under Weights in
the technical specifications. 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.
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.
Rear luggage rack
A special rear-mounted luggage rack is available
as an optional accessory . It does not require a
trailer hitch.
Please comply with the precautions included
with the installation instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are located under the
covers in the bumper.
Remove the covers , refer to page227.
Loading rear luggage rack
When loading, make su re that you do not
exceed the approved gross vehicle weight and
axle loads.
You can find more information under Weights in
the technical specifications.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
MOBILITYReplacing components
222
If the tire cannot maintain the inflation
pressure, drive the vehicle again, refer to
Distributing the sealan t. Then repeat steps
1to4.
If an inflation pressure of 1.8 bar/26 psi still
cannot be reached, then the tire is too heavily
damaged. Contact your nearest MINI dealer. <
Driving on
Do not exceed the permitted maximum
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h; doing so may
result in an accident. <
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly
balanced.
Have the Mobility Kit refilled.
Changing wheels
The pouch with the wheel changing kit is stored
under the flat load floor.
It includes:
> Vehicle jack
> Reversible ratchet
> Wheel stud wrench
> Extractor hook for wheel center cover
> Chock
Preparing for a wheel change
Observe the safety precautions regarding
flat tires on page 219.<
Additional safety measures when
changing tires:
Only change the tire wh en parked on a surface
that is level, firm and not slippery.
The vehicle or the jack could slip sideways on
soft or slippery support surfaces, such as snow,
ice, flagstones, etc.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a
support base for the jack, as this would prevent
it from extending to its full support height and
reduce its load-carrying capacity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the engine when the vehicle is supported by the jack; other-
wise, there is a risk of fatal injury.
<
1. Place the foldable chock
behind the front
wheel on the other side of the vehicle or in
front of the wheel if the vehicle is on an
incline. If the wheel is changed on a surface
with a more severe sl ope, take additional
precautions to secure the vehicle from
rolling.
2. Uncover the lug bolts if necessary.
3. Loosen the lug bolts by a half turn.
Jacking up the vehicle
The vehicle jack is designed for changing
wheels only. Do not attempt to raise
another vehicle model with it or to raise any load
of any kind. To do so could cause accidents and
personal injury. <
1. Place the jack at the jacking point closest to
the wheel.
The jack base must be perpendicular to the
surface beneath the jacking point.
2. Slide reversible ratche t onto the fixture on
the jack, arrow 1.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
REFERENCETechnical data
234
Weights
6Wheelbase
102.2/2,595 102.2/2,595 102.2/2,596
7 Vehicle length
161.7/4,108 161.8/4,110 163.2/4,144
All dimensions in in/mm. Minimum turning radius dia.: 38.1 ft/11.6 m.
CooperCooper SJohn Cooper Works
CooperCooper S
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
> Manual transmission lbs/kg2,954/1,340 3,053/1,385
> Automatic transmission lbs/kg 3,020/1,3703,097/1,405
Approved gross weight
> Manual transmission lbs/kg3,858/1,750 3,990/1,810
> Automatic transmission lbs/kg 3,924/1,7804,034/1,830
Approved front axle load
> Manual transmission lbs/kg2,050/930 2,127/965
> Automatic transmission lbs/kg 2,116/9602,172/985
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg1,918/870 1,918/870
Approved roof load ca pacity lbs/kg 165/75165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/
liters 12.4 - 41.3/
350 - 1,170 12.4 - 41.3/
350 - 1,170
Cooper S ALL4John Cooper Works
Curb weight, ready for travel , with all optional extras
> Manual transmission lbs/kg3,208/1,455 3,263/1,480
> Automatic transmission lbs/kg 3,252/1,4753,307/1,500
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Technical dataREFERENCE
235
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
Approved gross weight
>Manual transmission lbs/kg4,101/1,860 4,156/1,885
> Automatic transmission lbs/kg4,145/1,880 4,200/1,905
Approved front axle load
> Manual transmission lbs/kg2,183/990 2,183/990
> Automatic transmission lbs/kg2,227/1,010 2,227/1,010
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg2,017/915 2,072/940
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg 165/75165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/
liters 12.4 - 41.3/
350 - 1,170 12.4 - 41.3/
350 - 1,170
Cooper S ALL4John Cooper Works
US gal/US quartsLitersNotes
Fuel tank 12.4/– approx. 47 Fuel grade: page 195
including reserve of 2.1/– approx. 8
Window washer system incl.
headlamp washer system –/4.2 approx. 4 For more details: page 55
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
245
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
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
248
Engine malfunction
– indicator lamp13
Engine oil
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils 207
– alternative oil types 207
– approved engine oils 207
– capacity 207
– checking level 206
– dipstick 206
– intervals between changes, refer to Service
requirements 62
– MINI Maintenance System 209
Engine oil level, checking 206
Engine output, refer to Engine data 232
Engine starti ng, refer to
Starting the engine 49
Entering destination 116
Entering intersection 117
Entertainment sound output on/off 136
Entry map for destination 121
ESP Electronic Stability Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 70
Exhaust system, refer to Hot exhaust system 103
Exterior mirrors 42
– adjusting 42
– automatic dimming
feature 43
– automatic heating 43
– folding in and out 42
External audio device 94
External audio device, refer to AUX-In connection 149
External care 211
External devices
– random play sequence 152
– Software update 156
External temperature display
– change units of measure 61
– in the onboard computer 61External temperature
warning 59
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away 227
– for tying down loads 108
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 65
Failure of an electrical consumer 224
Fastening safety belts, refer to Safety belts 40
Fastest route for
navigation 125
Fast forward
– CD player 148
Fault messages, refer to Check Control 65
Faulty
– tire 74
Filter
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 89
– microfilter for air
conditioner 87
Fine wood, care 214
First aid pouch 225
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 48
Flash when locking/ unlocking 28
Flat load floor 106
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 203
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 75
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 73
– indicating a flat tire 74
– initializing the system 73
– snow chains 73
– system limits 73
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition 202
Floor mats, care 213 Floor plate, refer to Flat load
floor 106
FM, waveband 139
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 217
Folding rear seat backrest 104
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely 103
Footwell lamps 83
For your own safety 4
Four-wheel drive, refer to ALL4 72
Front airbags 78
Front fog lamps 83
– replacing bulb 217
Front seat adjustment 38
Frost on windows, refer to Defrosting windows 87,89
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 73
Fuel 195
– fuel tank volume 235
– gauge 58
– high-quality brands 195
– quality
195
– specif
ications 195
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel gauge 58
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption 59
Fuel display, refer to Fuel gauge 58
Fuel filler flap 194
– releasing in the event of electrical malfunction 194
Fuses 224
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 90
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel consumption 59
Gasoline, refer to Required fuel 195
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG