DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
98
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, page49.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine brak-
ing 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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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
105
Do not drive on unpaved terrain, as other-
wise the vehicle may be damaged.<
When you are driving on poor roads, there are a
few points which you shou ld strictly observe for
your own safety, for that of your passengers,
and for the safety of the vehicle:
> Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before
beginning to drive an d do not take risks
under any circumstances.
> Adapt your speed to road conditions. The
steeper and rougher the road surface is, the
lower the speed should be.
> When driving on very steep uphill or down-
hill grades, make sure in advance that the
engine oil and coolant levels are close to the
maximum mark, refer to page 146.
> While driving, watch carefully for obstacles
such as rocks or holes. Try to avoid these
obstacles whenever possible.
> Make sure that the un dercarriage does not
touch the ground, for example on hilltops
and bumpy roads. The ground clearance of
the vehicle is a maximum of approx. 6.0 in/
15 cm. Please note that the ground clear-
ance can vary depending on loading and the
driving conditions of the vehicle.
> Only drive through road surface water up to
a maximum water depth of 1 ft/30 cm and
only at walking speed; do not remain sta-
tionary.
> After driving through water at low speed,
lightly press the brake pedal several times to
dry the brakes and to prevent the braking
effect from being reduced by wetness.
> Depending on the condition of the surface, it
may be practical to briefly activate DTC, refer
to DTC Dynamic Traction Control on
page 66.
> If the drive wheels spin on one side, depress
the accelerator pedal sufficiently so that the
driving stability control systems can distrib-
ute the drive forces to the individual wheels. After driving on poor roads, please observe the
following points to maintain the driving safety of
the vehicle:
>
Clean the coarsest dirt from the body.
> Clean mud, snow, ice, etc. from the wheels
and tires and check the tires for damage.
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Engine compartmentMOBILITY
145
Engine compartment
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.
General information
Never attempt to perform any service or
repair operations on your vehicle without
the required professional technical training. If
you do not know how to follow the specified
instructions, then have the work carried out by
your MINI dealer. If this work is not carried out
properly, there is a danger of subsequent
damage and related safety hazards. <
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Vehicle identification number
2 Battery, under the cover 166
3 Engine oil dipstick 146
4 Engine oil filler neck 147 5
Coolant expansion tank 148
6 Engine compartment fuse box 164
7 Reservoir for washer fl uid for the headlamp
and window washer system 53
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MOBILITYEngine compartment
148
Coolant
Coolant consists of half water and half additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your MINI. Your MINI dealer knows
which additives are suitab le and will be glad to
advise you.
Only use suitable additives; otherwise,
engine damage may result. Because addi-
tives are harmful to your health, it is important
to follow the instructions on the containers. <
Comply with the appropriate environmen-
tal protection regulations when disposing
of coolant additives. <
Coolant temperature
If the coolant, and therefore the engine, should
overheat, then a warning lamp will go on, refer
to page172.
Checking coolant level
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns. <
Do not open the hood until the engine has
cooled down.
The coolant level is correct if it is between the
Min and Max markings.
Topping off
1. Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated
pressure to escape, then continue turning to
open.
2. Slowly fill to the correct fluid level; do not
overfill.
3. Close by turning the cap.
Have the reason for the coolant loss eliminated
as soon as possible.
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MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
180
Adaptive Light Control has failed
Coolant level too lowAdd coolant immediately, page148.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your
journey. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in red:
Service appointment overdue Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page 61.
Lights up in yellow:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page 61.
No service due
Set speed limit
exceeded
Time and date no longer correct Set the time and date, page 62.
12Cause What to do
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188
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake System65
Accepting a call 125
Accessories, see Vehicle equipment 4
Acknowledgment signals for locking/unlocking vehicle 24
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 85
Adaptive Light Control 78
Adding engine oil 147
Additives
– coolant 148
– engine oil 147
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 82
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 83
Airbags 73
– sitting safely 34
– warning lamp 75
Air conditioner 81
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 82
– automatic cl imate control83
– ventilation 85
Air distribution
– automatic 84
– individual 83
– manual 83
Air flow rate 82,84
– air conditioning system 82
– automatic cl imate control84
– heating, ventilation 82
Airing, refer to Ventilation85
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 81
Air pressure, checking, refer to Tire inflation pressure 136Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 82,84
Air supply
– air conditioner 82
– automatic climate control 83
– ventilation 85
Air vents 81
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 135
Alarm system 28
ALL4 all-wheel drive system 67
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires 144
All-wheel drive, refer to ALL4 67
Ambient air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 82,
84
Am bient li
ghti
ng80
Antenna, care 151
Antifreeze
– coolant 148
– washer fluid 53
Antilock Brake System ABS 65
Anti-theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 28
Approved axle loads, refer to Weights 186
Approved engine oils 147
Approved gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 186
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest 90
Ashtray 93
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 65
Audio device, external 90Automatic
– air distribution
84
– air flow rate 84
– cruise control 53
– headlamp control 76
Automatic climate control 81
– automatic air distribution 84
Automatic station search 109
Automatic station storage 110
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 47
– interlock 48
– overriding selector lever lock 49
– shiftlock 48
– sport program 49
AUTO program for automatic climate control 84
Auto radio, refer to Radio MINI Boost CD 108
AUX-In, refer to External audio device 90
AUX-In connection 108
Average fuel consumption 56
– setting the units 59
Average speed 57
Axle loads, refer to Weights 186
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 80
Backrests, refer to Seats 35
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 158,159
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 165
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 167
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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
190
Child restraint systems41
Child-safety locks 44
Child seats 41
Chrome parts, care 153
Chrome parts, refer to Care 151
Cigarette lighter 93
Cleaning headlamps 52
– washer fluid 53
Clock
– setting time 62
– 12 h/24 h mode 59
Closing
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
Clothes hooks 92
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting the engine 46
Comfort Access 30
– replacing the battery 31
– what to observe before
entering a car wash 31
Comfort area, refer to Around the center console 14
Compartment for remote control, refer to Ignition
lock 45
Compass 88
Compressed audio files 113
Computer 56
Condensation, refer to When the vehicle is parked 98
Condition Based Service CBS 149
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile 22
Connecting vacuum cleaner, refer to Connecting electrical
appliances 93
Consumption, refer to Average fuel consumption 56
Controls and displays 10
Convenience operation
– windows 24
Convenient access, refer to Comfort Access 30 Convenient start, refer to
Starting the engine 46
Coolant 148
– checking level 148
– filling 148
– temperature 148
Cooling, maximum 84
Cooling fluid, refer to Coolant 148
Copyright 2
Cornering light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 78
Cruising range 56,57
Cupholders 93
Curb weight, refer to
Wei g
hts186
Current fuel consumption 57
D
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit 10
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays 12
Dashboard lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 79
Data 184
– capacities 187
– dimensions 185
– engine 184
– weights 186
Data memory 150
Date
– setting 62
Daytime running lights 77
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to Brake Assist 65
Deactivating front passenger airbags 73
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking 24
Defect
– door lock 26
Defective
– fuel filler flap 134
Defogging windows 83,85
Defrosting windows 83,85 Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner 83
– automatic climate control 85
Defrosting windshield, refer to Defrosting windows 83,85
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows 83,85
Differential, breaking in 96
Digital compass 88
Digital radio, refer to HD Radio 111
Dimensions 185
Dipstick, engine oil 146
Directional indicators, refer to Turn signals 50
Displacement, refer to Engine data 184
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 79
Displays 12
– instrument panel 12
Displays, care 154
Displays and controls 10
Disposal
– of coolant 148
– remote control battery 31
– vehicle battery 163
Distance remaining to service, refer to Service
requirements 61
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control
PDC 64
Door key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 22
Door lock 26
Door lock, confirmation signals 24
Doors, manual operation 26
DOT Quality Grades 141
Drinks holders, refer to Cupholders 93
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill Assist 67
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button 67
Driving lamps, refer to Parking lamps/low beams 76
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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
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 828 - \251 07/12 BMW AG