Controls overviewCONTROLS
55
Controls overview
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.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 12.4USgal/47liters.
You will find informat ion on refueling on
page 134.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period,
when you are driving in mountainous areas, for
example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
The arrow next to the gas pump symbol of the
fuel gauge points toward the side of the vehicle
with the fuel filler flap.
Reserve
Once the fuel level has fallen to the reserve zone
of approx. 2.1 US gal/8 liters, the remaining indi-
cator lamps change from orange to red, arrow.
The tachometer
displays the remaining cruising
range. A warning lamp lights up when the
remaining range is less than approx. 30 miles/
50 km. If the range displayed is less than
30 miles/50 km, be sure to refuel; other-
wise, engine functions are not guaranteed and
damage may occur. <
With a dynamic driving st yle, e.g. rapid corner-
ing, engine functions are not always assured.
Tachometer
Never operate the engine with the needle in the
red overspeed zone of the gauge. In this range,
the fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine.
Displays in tachometer
1Current vehicle speed
2 Odometer in kilometers, trip recorder,
external temperature, time
3 Resetting the trip odometer
Press button on turn sign al indicator to call up
information in the display area 2.
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
103
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 186; 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 42; 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 page167.
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.
Saving fuel
General information
Your vehicle incorporates numerous technolo-
gies for reducing fuel consumption and emis-
sions.
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MOBILITYRefueling
134
Refueling
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.
General information
Switch off the engine before refueling;
otherwise, fuel cannot be added to the
tank and a message will be displayed. <
Take all precautionary measures and
observe all applicable regulations when
handling fuel. Do not carry any spare fuel con-
tainers in your vehicle. They can develop a leak
and cause an explosion or cause a fire in the
event of an accident. <
Fuel filler flap
Opening
1.Open the fuel filler flap.
2. Turn the fuel cap counterclockwise.
3. Place the fuel cap in the bracket attached to
the fuel filler flap.
Closing
Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until you clearly
hear a click.
Do not pinch the band attached to the
cap; otherwise, the ca p cannot be closed
properly and fuel vapors can escape. A message
will be displayed if the fuel cap is loose or miss-
ing. <
Manually releasing the fuel filler flap
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can
manually release the fuel filler flap:
1. Open cargo area trim panel, arrow 1.
2. Pull the green knob with the gas pump
symbol, arrow 2.
The fuel filler flap opens.
Observe the following when refueling
Take all precautionary measures and
observe all applicable regulations when
handling fuel; otherwise, there is a danger of
personal injury an d property damage. <
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe . Avoid lifting the filler
nozzle while filling the tank, as that would lead
to
> premature pump shutoff
> reduced efficiency of the fuel-vapor recov-
ery system.
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RefuelingMOBILITY
135
The fuel tank is full when you top off twice after
the first time that the fuel pump nozzle clicks off.Do not overfill the fuel tank; otherwise,
overflowing fuel can cause damage to the
environment and the vehicle.<
Fuel tank capacity
If the range displayed is less than
30 miles/50 km, be sure to refuel; other-
wise, engine functions are not guaranteed and
damage may occur. <
Approx. 12.3USgal/47liters, including the
reserve capacity of 2.1 US gal/8 liters.
If the engine can no longer be started because
of an empty fuel tank, add at least 1.3 US gal/
5 liters of fuel. If the vehicle is at an angle, a
larger amount of fuel may be necessary.
Fuel specifications
Gasoline
For optimum fuel efficiency, the gasoline should
be free of sulfur or as low in sulfur as possible.
Fuels that are labeled at the pump as containing
metal may not be used.
Do not fill the tank with leaded gasoline or
gasoline that contains metal additives,
such as manganese or iron; otherwise, long term
damage to the catalytic converter or other com-
ponents may result. <
Fuels with a maximum ethanol content of up to
10 %, that is, E10, can be used.
The ethanol should meet the following quality
standards:
US: ASTM 4806-xx
CAN: CGSB-3.511-xx
xx: Always observe currently valid standards.
Do not fill the tank with E85, i.e. fuel con-
taining 85 % ethanol, nor with FlexFuel.
Otherwise, the engine and fuel supply system
will be damaged. < The engine is knocking regulated. Therefore, dif-
ferent grades of gasoline can be used for refuel-
ing.
Recommended gasoline grades
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends:
>
AKI 91.
> John Cooper Works: AKI 93.
Minimum quality
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
AKI 89.
Do not use any gasoline below the speci-
fied minimum fuel grade. Otherwise, the
engine could be damaged. <
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI rating,
the engine may produce knocking sounds when
starting at high external temperatures. This has
no effect on the engine life.
The use of poor quality fuels may result in
harmful engine deposits or damage. Addi-
tionally, problems relating to driveability, start-
ing and stalling, especial ly under certain envi-
ronmental conditions such as high ambient
temperatures and high altitudes, may occur.
If driveability problems are encountered, we
recommend switching to a high quality gasoline
brand and a higher octane grade - AKI number -
for a few tankfuls. To avoid harmful engine
deposits, it is highly recommended to purchase
gasoline from BP or Top Tier retailers.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may result in a need for unscheduled mainte-
nance. <
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MOBILITYWheels and tires
144
puncture, refer to page71. Your MINI dealer will
be glad to advise you.
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your MINI
recommends certain tire brands. They are
marked with a clearly vi sible MINI designation
on the sidewall of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
Run-flat tires
When mounting new tires or changing over from
summer to winter tires and vice versa, mount
run-flat tires for your ow n safety. Keep in mind
that no space-saver spare tire is available in the
event of a flat. Your MINI dealer will be glad to
advise you.
Special characteristics of winter tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends the
use of winter tires on snowy roads or if temper-
atures drop below 45 7/ +7 6. Although all-
season M+S tires provide better winter traction
than summer tires, they generally fail to provide
the same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents. < If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in
your field of view. This
label is available at your tire dealer or MINI
dealer.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires agains t all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres-
sure indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Swapping wheels among the axles
Depending on the individual use, front and rear
tires may exhibit different wear and tear.
In order to maintain an even wear and tear, the
wheels may be rotated between the axles. Your
MINI dealer will be glad to advise you.
Always check the inflation pressure after the tire
rotation, if necessary change the pressure.
Snow chains
Only certain types of fine-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI,
classified as road-safe and recommended. Con-
tact your MINI dealer for more details.
Only attach snow chains in pairs to the front
wheels with the following tires.
>195/60 R 16 M+S
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph or 50 km/h. Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted; otherwise, the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow ch ains, it can be useful
to briefly deactivate DSC or activate DTC, refer to
page 66.<
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MOBILITYMaintenance
150
Socket for On-Board
Diagnosis OBD
The primary components that make up the
emissions can be checked by a device via the
OBD socket.
Emissions
The warning lamps come on. The vehicle
is producing higher emissions. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Have the car checked as soon as possible.
Under certain circumstances, one of the lamps
will flash or light up cont inuously. This indicates
excessive misfiring or a malfunction in the
engine. If this happens, reduce your speed and
visit the nearest MINI dealer as soon as possible.
Severe misfiring can quic kly lead to serious dam-
age of emissions-related components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter. In addition,
mechanical engine components can become
damaged.
If the fuel cap is not properly tightened,
the OBD system may conclude that fuel
vapors are escaping, causing an indica-
tor to light up. If the fuel cap is then tightened,
the indicator should go out within a few days.
Data memory
Your vehicle displays data about the operation,
malfunctions, and user settings. These data are
stored in the vehicle and can be partly stored in
the remote control; the data can be read by suit-
able devices, in particul ar at your MINI dealer.
The data read out are used for supporting the
service processes and repair or for optimization
and development of vehicle functions.
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MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
170
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
External temperature warning Drive cautiously, refer also to page56.
Lights up briefly:
Approx. 2.1 US gal/8 liters of fuel are
still in the tank
Remains on:
Cruising range is no more than
30 miles/50 km, page 55
Engine refuses to start Depress the brake or clutch in order to
start the engine, page 45.
Ignition switched on and driver's door
open Switch off the ignition, page
45, or
close the driver's door.
Lamps still on
Roadside parking lamps on
Door open
Hood open
Fuel cap missing or loose Make sure that the fuel cap is correctly
positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks. Do not jam the strap between
the fuel cap and the vehicle.
12Cause What to do
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Technical dataREFERENCE
187
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
>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 135
including reserve of 2.1/– approx. 8
Window washer system incl.
headlamp washer system –/4.2 approx. 4 For more details: page 53
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 828 - \251 07/12 BMW AG