CareMOBILITY
151
Care
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.
Car-care products
Regular cleaning and care helps to maintain the
value of your MINI.
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
using manufacturer-approved products to clean
and care for your vehicle.
Your MINI dealer would be pleased to advise
you on cleaning and care products and services
for your MINI.
The ingredients of original MINI Care Pro-
ducts have been tested, and the products
have been tested in the laboratory and in prac-
tice. They offer optimum care and protection for
your vehicle.<
Do not use any cleansers containing
alcohol or solvents as these may cause
damage. <
Cleaning agents may contain hazardous
or health-damaging substances. Follow
the warning and hazard instructions on the
packaging. For interior cleaning, always open
the doors or windows of the vehicle.
Do not use any products that are not intended
for cleaning the vehicle. <
External care
Washing your vehicle
Especially during the winter months the
vehicle should be frequently washed. Dirt
and road salt can damage the vehicle.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them; otherwise,
water can reduce braking efficiency over the
short term and the brake rotors can corrode. <
Car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.
Do not use automatic high-pressure car
washes; otherwise, water may drip into
the vehicle around the windows. <
Before driving into the car wash, check if the
system is suitable for your MINI. Observe the
following points:
> Vehicle dimensions, page 185
> If necessary: fold in the outside mirrors,
page 39
> Maximum permissible tire width
Avoid car washes with tracks higher than
4 in/10 cm; otherwise, the chassis could
be damaged. <
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
> Unscrew the rod antenna.
> Deactivate the rain sensor to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
> Deactivate rear window wiper and protect it
from damage. Ask the car wash operator
about measures that can be taken to protect
the wipers.
> Remove additional attachments, e.g. spoil-
ers or telephone antennas, if there is a
possibility that they could be damaged.
> Insert the remote control into the ignition
lock.
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CareMOBILITY
153
Preservation
Preservation is necessary when water no longer
beads on the clean paint surface. To preserve
the paint, only use preservatives that contain
carnauba or synthetic waxes.
Rubber seals
Only treat with water or rubber care products.Do not use silicon sprays or other silicon-
containing care products on rubber seals;
otherwise, noise and damage could occur. <
Chrome parts
Carefully clean vehicle parts such as the radiator
grill and door handles with copious quantities of
water and, if necessary, a shampoo additive,
especially when contaminated with road salt.
For additional treatment, use chrome polish.
Light alloy wheels
The system produces brake dust that collects on
the light alloy wheels. Clean them regularly with
acid-free wheel cleaner.
Do not use aggressive , acid-containing,
highly alkaline, or abrasive cleansers or
steam jets hotter than 140 7/60 6 as they may
cause damage. <
External sensors
Keep the outside sensors on the vehicle
such as the Park Di stance Control clean
and ice-free to ensure that they function
properly. <
Internal care
Upholstery/fabrics
Regularly use a vacuum cleaner to remove sur-
face dirt.
In case of serious spots such as liquid stains, use
a soft sponge or lint-f ree microfiber cloth and
suitable interior cleaners. Observe the instruc-
tions on the packaging. Clean upholstery up to the seams. Do not
rub forcefully.
<
Velcro fasteners on pants or other items of
clothing can damage seat covers. Make
sure that all Velcro fasteners are closed. <
Leather/leather coverings
The leather processed by the manufac-
turer of your MINI is a high-quality natural
product. Light variations in the grain is one of
the typical properties of natural leather. <
Dust and road grit in the pores and folds of the
leather have an abrasive effect, leading to
increased wear and causing the leather surface
to become brittle prematurely. Use a cloth or
vacuum cleaner to remove dust on a regular
basis.
Especially when the leather has a light color, it
should be cleaned regularl y since it tends to get
heavily soiled.
Treat the leather twice a year using a leather
lotion since dirt and grease will gradually attack
the leather's protective layer.
Carpets/floor mats
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 exist-
ing 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 floo r mats are securely fas-
tened again after they have been removed, e.g.
for cleaning.<
Floor mats can be removed to be cleaned.
If the carpets are very dirty, clean with a micro-
fiber cloth and water or an interior cleaner.
When doing so, rub forward and back in the
driving direction; othe rwise, the carpet may
become matted.
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MOBILITYReplacing components
156
could result. To avoid possible injury or equip-
ment damage when replacing bulbs, observe
any instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
Caring for headlamp s, refer to page152.
For any bulb replacement not described
below, contact a MINI dealer or a work-
shop that has specially trained personnel work-
ing in accordance with the specifications of the
MINI manufacturer.<
For checking and adjusting headlamp aim,
please contact your MINI dealer. <
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light sources for many of
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These
light-emitting diodes are related to conven-
tional laser diodes, and legislation defines them
as Class 1 light-emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers or expose the
eyes directly to the unfiltered light source
for several hours; otherwise, this could cause
irritation of the retina. <
Headlamp glass lens
In cool or humid weather, condensation may
occur on the interiors of the headlamps. During
trips with the headlamps on, the condensation
disappears after a short time. The headlamps do
not need to be changed.
Do not remove the condensation from head-
lamps, despite driving with lights on, and if con-
densation increases, e.g., because of water
droplets, have this checked by your MINI dealer.
Xenon lamps
The service life of these bulbs is very long and
the probability of failure very low, provided that
they are not switched on and off an excessive
number of times. If a xenon lamp fails neverthe-
less, switch on the fog lamps and continue the
journey with great care , provided that local
legislation does not prohibit this. Work on the xenon lighting system,
including lamp replacement, is only to be
carried out only by your MINI dealer. Due to high
voltage, there is a risk of fatal injury if work on
the xenon lamps is carried out improperly. <
Halogen low beams and high beams
H13 bulb, 60/55 watts
The H13 bulb is pressurized. Therefore,
wear safety glasses and protective gloves.
Otherwise, there is a risk of injury if the bulb is
damaged. <
Be careful when inst alling the cover;
otherwise, leaks co uld occur and cause
damage to the headlamp system. <
Accessing the lamp from the engine
compartment
The low-beam/high-beam bulb can be changed
from the engine compartment.
Removing the cover:
1. Press the tab.
2. Flip open the cover and take it out of the
holder.
Follow the same steps in reverse order to reat-
tach the cover.
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Replacing componentsMOBILITY
163
3.As you ratchet up the jack, place the jack
head onto the lifting point on the body,
arrow 2.
4. Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are
changing is raised off the ground.
Mounting the wheel
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel.
2. Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub. Clean the lug bolts.
3. Lift the new wheel into place.
4. Screw at least two lug bolts finger-tight into
opposite bolt holes.
5. Screw in the remaining bolts.
6. Tighten all the lug bolts firmly in a diagonal
pattern.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Remove the jack.
Tightening the lug bolts
Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
Immediately have the wheels checked
with a calibrated torque wrench to ensure
that the lug bolts are firmly seated. Otherwise,
incorrectly tightened lug bolts can present a
safety hazard. <
Tightening torque: 103.3 lb ft or 140 Nm.
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is maintenance-free; that is, the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate
climate.
If you have any questions regarding your
battery, please contact your MINI dealer.
Battery replacement
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manu-
facturer; otherwise, the vehicle could be dam-
aged and systems or func tions may not be fully
available. <
After a battery replacement, have the battery
registered on the vehicle by your MINI dealer to
ensure that all convenie nce functions are fully
available and, if nece ssary, the corresponding
Check Control messages are no longer dis-
played.
Charging the battery
Note
Do not connect battery chargers to the
sockets installed in the vehicle at the fac-
tory; otherwise you may cause damage to the
battery. <
Only charge the battery in the vehicle when the
engine is off. Connection s, refer to Jump-start-
ing on page 165.
General information
To guarantee the full service life of the battery,
ensure that the battery is always properly
charged.
It may be necessary to charge the battery in the
following situations:
>If frequent short trips are taken.
> If the vehicle is frequently parked for more
than a month.
Disposal
After replacing old batteries, return the
used batteries to your MINI dealer or to
arecycling center. Maint ain the battery in an
upright position for transport and storage.
Always secure the battery against tipping over
during transport. <
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Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
171
Window washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible,
page 53.
Lights up in red:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements,
page 149.
Lights up in yellow:
The next time that the Start/Stop
button is pressed, the engine starts,
possibly even without a foot on the
brakes or without depressing the
clutch
Remote control malfunctioning or, in
cars with Comfort Access, not
detected The engine cannot be started. Have
the remote control checked, if neces-
sary.
Remote control battery is discharged Use the remote control for a longer journey or, in cars with Comfort
Access, replace the battery.
Belt tensioners and/ or airbag system
failed Have the system checked immedi-
ately. Fasten the safety belts anyway.
Power steering failed You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Steering response will be
markedly different. Have the system
checked without delay.
12Cause What to do
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
191
Driving notes96
Driving off on inclines, refer to Hill Assist 67
Driving stability control
systems 65
Driving through water 97
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes 96
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 85
DSC Dynamic Stability Control 65
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 66
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, refer to Brake Assist 65
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 65
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC 66
E
Eject button 114
Electrical malfunction
– door lock 26
– fuel filler flap 134
Electronic brake-force
distribution 65
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 65
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock 26
– fuel filler flap 134
– transmission lock, automatic transmission 49
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance 165
Ending a call 126
Engine
– breaking in 96
– data 184
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature 148
– speed 184
– starting, Comfort Access 30Engine compartment
145
Engine coolant, refer to Coolant 148
Engine oil
– additives, refer to Approved engine oils 147
– alternative oil types 147
– approved engine oils 147
– capacity 147
– checking level 146
– dipstick 146
– intervals between changes, refer to Service
requirements 61
– MINI Maintenance System 149
Engine oil level, checking 146
Engine output, refer to Engine data 184
Engine starting, refer to Starting the engine 46
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 65
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system 97
Exterior mirrors 39
– adjusting 39
– automatic dimming feature 40
– automatic heating 40
– folding in and out 39
External audio device 90,108
External care 151
External temperature display
– change units of measure 59
– in the onboard computer 59
External tem peratur
e
warning 56
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing away 167
– for tying down loads 102
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 62
Failure of an electrical consumer 164
Fastening safety be lts, refer to
Safety belts 37
Fast forward
– CD 113
Fault messages, refer to Check
Control 62
Faulty
– tire 69
Filter
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 85
– microfilter for air
conditioner 83
Fine wood, care 154
First aid pouch 165
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 45
Flash when locking/
unlocking 24
Flat load floor 100
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 143
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 70
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 68
– indicating a flat tire 69
– initializing the system 68
– snow chains 68
– system limits 68
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition 142
Floor mats, care 153
Floor plate, refe r to Flat load
floor 100
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 157
Folding rear seat backrest 98
Footbrake, refer to Braking safely 97
Footwell lamps 79
For your own safety 4
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