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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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
102
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 lb- pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able 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 for-
ward 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 100. 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.
Two of them are located on the side wall,
arrows 1, of the cargo area.
Two of them are located on the rear wall,
arrows 2, of the cargo area.
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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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MOBILITYReplacing components
162
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 bal-
anced.
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 159.<
Additional safety measures when chang-
ing 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 2 914 828 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
REFERENCETechnical data
186
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
Approved gross weight
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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
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
189
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 130
Battery 163
– disposal 31,163
– jump-starting 165
– temporary power failure 164
Battery renewal
– remote control 31
Being towed 167
Belts, refer to Safety belts 37
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety belts 37
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 93
Black ice, refer to External
temperature warning 56
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 82,84
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 122
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 93
Brake Assist 65
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 61
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs 159
Brake pads, breaking in 96
Brake rotors 98
– brakes 96
– breaking in 96
Brakes
– ABS 65
– breaking in 96
– MINI Maintenance
System 149
– parking brake 47
– service requirements 61
Brakes, refer to Braking safely 97
Brake system 96
– breaking in 96
– disc brakes 98
– MINI Maintenance
System 149 Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance 165
Breaking in the clutch 96
Break-in period 96
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 155
Button for starting the
engine 45
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call ending 126
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 126
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders 93
Capacities 187
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery 163
Car care 151
Care 151
– car-care products 151
– car washes 151
– CD/DVD drives 154
– high-pressure washers 152
– leather 153
– manual washing 152
– upholstery and fabrics 153
– windows 152
– wiper blades 152
Cargo, securing 102
Cargo area 98
– capacity 186
– Comfort Access 30
– lamp 79
– opening from outside 28
– trunk lid, refer to Tailgate 28
Cargo area, expanding 98
Cargo area lamp 79
Cargo area lid, refer to Tailgate 28
Cargo area partition net, refer to Cargo net 100 Cargo loading
101
– securing cargo 102
– stowing cargo 102
– vehicle 98
Cargo net 100
Car key, refer to Keys/remote controls 22
Carpets, care 153
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest 90
Car phone, refer to Telephone 120
Car wash
– before driving in 47
Car wash, care 151
Car washes 151
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 97
CD player 113
– changing the track 113
– fast forward/reverse 113
– playing a track 114
– random order 113
– volume 108
Center armr
est90
Center brake lamp 159
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console 14
Center Rail 91
Center Rail, refer to Storage compartments 91
Central locking system 23
– Comfort Access 30
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
– setting unlocking behavior 23
Changing bulbs 155
Changing wheels 162
Charging the battery 163
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 145
Check Control 62
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 42
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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