CONTROLSClimate
98
If you switch between different tempera-
ture settings in quick succession, the auto-
matic climate control does not have enough
time to achieve the set temperature. <
Rear window defroster
The defroster is switched off
automatically after a certain time.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
Quickly removes ice and condensa-
tion from the windshield and front
side windows.
For this purpose, also switch on the
cooling function.
The windshield heating is switched on auto-
matically.
Windshield heating
The windshield heating is switched
off automatically after a certain
time.
Cooling function
When the cooling function is on,
the air is cooled, dried, then
reheated according to the temper-
ature setting. Th e passenger com-
partment can only be cooled while
the engine is running.
The cooling function helps prevent condensa-
tion on the windows or removes it quickly.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may
fog over briefly when the engine is started. The
recirculated-air mode may be switched on auto-
matically.
When the AUTO button is pressed, the cooling
function switches on automatically.
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
The microfilter captures dust and pollen. The
activated-charcoal filter provides additional pro-
tection by filtering gaseous pollutants from the
outside air. Your MINI dealer replaces this com-
bined filter as a standard part of your scheduled
maintenance.
You can call up further information in the service
requirements display, page 71.
Ventilation
1 Knob for continuous opening and closing
2 Jet for direction of air flow
Opening/closing
Turn the knob.
Direction of air flow
Swivel the entire jet.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Practical interior accessoriesCONTROLS
101
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster: lateral
storage tray behind the seats
Briefcases, for example, can be placed here.
Only transport light and small objects in
the lateral storage tray, otherwise, e.g.
during braking and evasive maneuvers, a hazard
will be posed by flying objects. Transport heavy
luggage only if it is appropriately secured in the
cargo area. <
In the cargo area
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, you
have the following storage options:
>Net on the rear cargo well and side trim for
smaller objects; for attaching to the lashing
eyes and the hook on the cargo area side-
wall
Cupholders and ashtray
Cupholders
Two cupholders are located in the front of the
center console; another is in the rear at the back
of the center console. Use lightweight, nonbreakable containers
and do not transport hot beverages.
Otherwise, there is an increased risk of injury in
the event of an accident. <
Do not push unsuitable containers forcibly
into the cupholder. Otherwise, you may
damage it.<
Ashtray
The ashtray is located in one of the cupholders in
the center console.
Emptying
Remove the entire ashtray.
Lighter
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, press in the cigarette lighter.
The lighter can be pulled out as soon as it pops
back out.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by
the knob only. Holding or touching it in
other areas could re sult in burns.
When leaving the car, always remove the key so
that children cannot operate the cigarette
lighter and burn themselves. <
Connecting electrical
appliances
In your MINI, when the engine is running or if the
ignition is switched on, you can use electrical
devices such as flashlights, car vacuum cleaners,
etc., up to approx. 140 watts at 12 volts, as long
as one of the following sockets is available.
Avoid damaging the sockets by attempting to
insert plugs of unsui table shape or size.
Do not connect battery chargers to the
sockets installed in the vehicle at the
factory; otherwise you may cause damage to
the vehicle. <
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
106
Things to remember when driving
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.
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. Please follow the instructions below
in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do
not exceed the following:
> Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full
traction potential until af ter an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive cautiously
during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distan ce driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Ground clearance
When driving, ensure that there is suffi-
cient ground clearance, such as when
entering underground parking garages, driving
over curbs or when driving in winter; otherwise
damage to the vehicle may result. <
Close the tailgate
Only drive with the tailgate closed. Failure
to do so may endanger passengers or
other road users or may damage the vehicle in
the event of an accident or a braking and
evasive maneuver. In a ddition, exhaust gas may
flow into the passenger compartment. <
If special circumstances make it absolutely
necessary to drive with the tailgate open:
1. Coupe: close all windows.
2. Switch off the recirculated-air mode and
switch the airflow contro l of the heating, air
conditioner, or automa tic climate control to
high, refer to page 95 or97.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
107
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated on the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various se ctions of the exhaust
system, and never apply undercoating to them.
Make sure that when driving, idling or when
parking, no easily flamma ble materials, such as
hay, leaves, grass, etc. come into contact with
the hot exhaust system. Such contact could lead
to a fire, with the risk of serious personal injuries
and property damage. Do not touch hot exhaust
tail pipes. Otherwise, there is a risk of burns. <
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form betw een tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can
cause partial or complete loss of tire contact
with the road surface, so that the car cannot be
steered or braked properly. <
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page 151.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged. <
Parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-
wise, greater clutch wear will result. <
For information on drivin g off using Hill Assist,
refer to page 78.
Braking safely
Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a
situation which requires full braking, it is best to
brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the
vehicle maintains steeri ng responsiveness, you can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with
the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that
ABS is functioning properly.
Objects in the movement range of the
pedals
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
existing 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 fl oor mats are securely
fastened again after they have been removed,
e.g. for cleaning. <
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or ther e is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger other
road users. The heat generated in this process
helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that.
Then full braking force will be immediately
available when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheatin g and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure. <
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 mo de of the automatic transmis-
sion, page 59.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
108
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine
braking 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 contaminan ts 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 ca pacity, 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.
<
MINI Coupe: 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. <
Your MINI Coupe is equipped with two cargo
area covers. When you open the tailgate, the
rear cargo area cover is raised.
The cargo area covers can be removed
individually.
Front cargo area cover
Pull cargo area cover back out of the holders,
arrow 1.
Rear cargo area cover
1. Pull release, arrow 1, left and right.
2. Pull cargo down out of the holders arrow 2.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
112
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 203; otherwise, the
operating safety of the vehicle is no longer
assured and the vehicle will not be in compli-
ance 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 52; they may
become damaged. <
Rear luggage rack
A special rack system is available as an option for
your MINI. Please note the information con-
tained in the assembly instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are under the protective
caps in the bumper.
Push out the caps at the respective slots.
Loading rear luggage rack
When loading, make su re that the maximum
allowed roof load, the gross vehicle weight and
the axle loads are not exceeded.
You can find the applicable data under Weights
on page 203.
Saving fuel
Your vehicle incorporates numerous technolo-
gies for reducing fuel consumption and emis-
sions.
Fuel consumption depends on a number of
different factors. Fuel consumption and environ-
mental pollution are affect ed by various actions,
the manner of driving and regular maintenance.
Remove unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove attached parts no longer in use
Remove luggage rack if no longer needed after
use.
Attached parts on the ve hicle affect its aerody-
namics and increase fuel consumption.
Closing windows
Open windows increase air resistance and
therefore fuel consumption.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check and, if necessary, correct tire inflation
pressure at least twice a month and before start-
ing on a long trip.
Low inflation pressure increases rolling resis-
tance and thus leads to greater fuel consump-
tion and tire wear.
Drive off immediately
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engi ne speeds. This is the
fastest way for the cold engine to reach its
operating temperature.
Think ahead while driving
Avoid unnecessary accelera tion and braking. by
maintaining a suitable di stance to the vehicle
driving ahead.
Looking-ahead and smooth driving reduces fuel
consumption.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
113
Avoid high engine speeds
Use first gear only for driving off. In second and
higher gears, accelerate smoothly to a suitable
engine and road speed. In doing so, avoid high
engine speeds and shift up early.
When you reach your desired traveling speed,
shift to the highest suitable gear and drive at
constant speed.
As a rule: driving at lo w engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red traffic light, take your
foot off the accelerator and let the car roll to a
stop in the highest gear possible.
On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the
accelerator and let the vehi cle coast in a suitable
gear.
Fuel supply is shut off automatically when the
vehicle is coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings or
in traffic jams.
Switch off any features that are not
currently required
Features such as air conditioning, seat heaters
and the rear window defroster require a great
deal of energy and result in greater fuel con-
sumption, especially in city driving and during
Stop & Go operation. For this reason, switch off
these features if they are not really needed.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. The
manufacturer of your MINI recommends having
the vehicle serviced by a MINI dealer. Also note
the MINI Maintenance System, page 159.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
COMMUNICATIONSTelephone
130
10Switching displays 134
> "PHONE": telephone
> "COMP": computer
> "CONFIG": adjusting
> "MINI": MINI contact
11 Radio on/off, volume
>Press: switchin g radio on/off
> Turn: adjusting volume 133
12 Ejecting CD
Pairing/unpairing mobile
phone
Overview
The pairing data of four mobile phones can be
stored simultaneously in the vehicle. When the
engine is running or the ignition is switched on,
each paired mobile phone is automatically
detected as soon as it is present in the passenger
compartment.
Requirements
>Suitable mobile ph one, refer to page128.
> Mobile phone operational.
> Bluetooth activated in vehicle, refer to
page 130, and in the mobile phone.
> Bluetooth presets in the mobile phone are
required, e.g. connection not confirmed or
visible, refer to Owner's Manual for the
mobile phone.
> A number with at least 4 and at most
16 digits has been established as the Bluetooth passkey. Only required once for
pairing.
> Ignition switched on.
Activating/deactivating Bluetooth link
Bluetooth is not permitted everywhere. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regulations.
To deactivate the Bluetooth connection:
1.Press the MENU button.
2. Press the button.
3. Press the button.
4. Press the button.
5. Press the button.
To reactivate the Bluetooth connection:
1. Press the button.
2. Press the button.
Pairing and connecting
Only pair the mobile phone when the
vehicle is stopped; otherwise, inattention
may lead to endangerment of passengers or
other road users. <
Switching on ignition
1.Insert the remote control as far as possible
into the ignition lock.
2. Switch on the ignition; to do so, press the
Start/Stop button without stepping on the
brake or clutch pedal.
Preparation on the radio display
3.Press the MENU button.
Symbols on the
displayMeaning
Roaming active
Placing a telephone call
using the hands-free system
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG