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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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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MOBILITYEngine compartment
146
Hood
Releasing
Pull the lever.Do not clean the windshield and head-
lamps if the hood is unlocked as this may
damage the headlamp washer system. <
Opening
To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the hood. <
Press the release handle and open the hood.
Closing
Close the hood from a height of approx. 16 in/
40 cm with momentum. It must be clearly heard
to engage.
If you notice any signs while driving your
vehicle that the hood is not completely
closed, stop at once and close it securely.
Make sure that the closing path of the hood is
clear; otherwise, injuries may result. <
Engine oil
Engine oil consumption depends on driving style
and operating conditions, e.g., with a very
sporty driving style, the engine oil consumption
is significantly increased.
Therefore, check the engine oil level regularly
after each refueling.
Checking engine oil level
1. With the vehicle's engine at normal operat-
ing temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted
driving for at least 6 miles/10 km, park the
vehicle on a level surface.
2. Switch off the engine.
3. Pull the dipstick out after approx. 5 minutes
and wipe it off with a lint-free cloth, paper
towel or similar material.
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the way into
the guide tube and pull it out again.
The oil level should be between the two
marks on the dipstick.
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Engine compartmentMOBILITY
147
The oil quantity corresponding to the difference
between the two marks on the dipstick is
1 US quart/1 liter.Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the
dipstick. Excess oil will damage the
engine. <
Adding engine oil
Do not add the maximum quantity of
1 US quart/1 liter of engine oil until the oil level
has dropped to just abov e the lower mark on the
dipstick, page 146.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km;
otherwise, the engine could be dam-
aged. <
If too much motor oi l is added, immedi-
ately have the vehicle checked; otherwise,
damage to the engine may result.<
Keep oils, grease, etc. out of the reach of
children and comply with the warnings on
the containers. Otherwise, health hazards may
result. <
Oil types for refilling
Notes
Do not use oil additives as this could result
in engine damage. <
When choosing oil, en sure that it belongs
to one of the SAE viscosity classes 0W-40,
0W-30, 5W-40 and 5W-30; otherwise, malfunc-
tions and damage to the engine may result. <
The engine oil quality is critical for the life of the
engine.
Some types of oil may not be available in every
country.
Approved oil types
Additional information on approved types of oil
can be found at a MINI dealer.
Alternative oil types
If the approved engine oi ls are not available, up
to 1 US quart/1 liter of an other oil with the fol-
lowing specification may be used:
Oil change
Only MINI dealers are to perform oil changes.
Gasoline engines
BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30
BMW Longlife-01
BMW Longlife-01 FE
Gasoline engines
API SM or higher specifications
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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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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
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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
194
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 49
Manual operation
– door lock 26
– fuel filler flap 134
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 49
Manual station search 109
Manual transmission 47
Manual washing 152
Master key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 22
Maximum cooling 84
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 144
Medical assistance, refer to First aid pouch 165
Microfilter
– for air conditioner 83
– for automatic climate control 85
– MINI Maintenance System 149
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance System 149
Microphone for telephone 14
MINI Internet page 4
MINI Maintenance System 149
Mirror dimming feature 40
Mirrors 39
– exterior mirrors 39
– heating 40
– interior rearview mirror 40
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume 125
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing 122
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 90
– pairing 122
– What to do if…. 124
Mobility Kit 160
Modifications, technical, refer to For your own safety 4Monitoring syst
em for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 68
MP3 113
Multifunctional steering wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel 11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/ headlamp flasher 50
– refer to Wiper system 51
Music tracks
– playing a track 114
– random order 113
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 36
Nets, refer to Storage compartments 91
New tires 143
Number of cylinders, refer to Engine data 184
Number of safety belts 34
Nylon rope, refer to Tow rope 168
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
On-Board Diagnosis 150
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications 135
Odometer 56
Oil, refer to Engine oil 146
Oil consumption 146
Oil level 146
Oil types 147
Old batteries, refer to Disposal 163
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access 30
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
– using the door lock 26
– using the remote control 23Opening and unlocking
– from inside
26
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation 85
Outlets, refer to Air vents 81
Output, refer to Engine data 184
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control 84
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature 148
P
Paintwork, care152
Park Distance Control PDC 64
Parking
– vehicle 46
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC 64
Parking brake 47
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb 157
Parking lamps/low beams 76
Parts and accessories, see
Vehicle equipment 4
Pathway lighting 77
PDC
– volume 108
Personal Profile 22
Phone numbers
– dialing 126
Pinch protection system
– windows 33
Plastic parts, care 154
Playing a track, scan
– CD 114
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 85
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner 83
Power failure 164
Power window
– safety switch 33
Power windows 32
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 828 - \251 07/12 BMW AG