CareMOBILITY
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Care
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.
Car-care products
Regular cleaning and care helps to maintain the
value of your MINI.
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
using manufacturer-approved products to clean
and care for your vehicle.
Your MINI dealer would be pleased to advise
you on cleaning and care products and services
for your MINI.
The ingredients of original MINI Care
Products have been tested, and the
products have been tested in the laboratory
and in practice. They offer optimum care and
protection for your vehicle. <
Do not use any cleansers containing
alcohol or solvents as these may cause
damage. <
Cleaning agents may contain hazardous
or health-damaging substances. Follow
the warning and hazard instructions on the
packaging. For interior cleaning, always open
the doors or windows of the vehicle.
Do not use any products that are not intended
for cleaning the vehicle. <
External care
Washing your vehicle
Especially during the winter months the
vehicle should be frequently washed. Dirt
and road salt can damage the vehicle.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them; otherwise,
water can reduce braking efficiency over the
short term and the brake rotors can corrode. <
Car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.
Do not use automatic high-pressure car
washes; otherwise, water may drip into
the vehicle around the windows. <
Before driving into the car wash, check if the
system is suitable for your MINI. Observe the
following points:
> Vehicle dimensions, page 197.
> If necessary: fold in the outside mirrors,
page 49.
> Maximum permissible tire width.
Avoid car washes with tracks higher than
4 in/10 cm; otherwise, the chassis could
be damaged. <
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
> Unscrew the rod antenna.
> MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster: retract spoiler.
> Deactivate the rain sensor to prevent
unintentional wiping.
> Remove additional attachments, e.g.
spoilers or telephone antennas, if there is
a possibility that they could be damaged.
> Insert the remote control into the ignition
lock.
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MOBILITYCare
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Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, make sure that
the vehicle can roll:
1.Place the remote control, even with Comfort
Access, in the ignition lock.
2. Move the selector lever to position N.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Switch off the engine.
5. Insert the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, make sure that you maintain
sufficient distance from the vehicle and do not
exceed a maximum temperature of 140 7/
60 6 .
If the distance is too close, the pressure too high,
or the temperature too high, parts of the vehicle
can be damaged, or water can penetrate.
Observe the operating instructions for high-
pressure washers. <
Do not spray sensors, such as the Park
Distance Control, with high-pressure
washers for a long time or at a distance of less
than 1 ft/30 cm. <
Manual washing
Use a great deal of water and, if necessary, car
shampoo when washing your car by hand. Clean
the vehicle with a sponge or a washing brush
applying a slight amount of pressure.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or turn off the ignition
to prevent unintentional wiping. <
Observe local regulations regarding
washing vehicles by hand. <
Headlamps
Do not wipe dry and do not use abrasive or
corrosive cleaning agents. Remove dirt and
contamination, such as in sects, by soaking with
shampoo and then washing with plenty of
water. Do not remove accumulated ice and snow with
an ice scraper; use window deicers instead.
Windows
Clean the outside and inside of the windows and
mirrors with a window cleaner.
Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners
containing quartz. <
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and change regularly to
prevent the formation of streaks.
Wax, preservatives and dirt on the
windows cause streaks when the wind-
shield wipers are on, and can cause premature
wear of the wiper blades and interfere with the
rain sensor. <
Care of the convertible top
The appearance and service life of the conver-
tible top largely depends on its proper care and
operation.
Please follow these instructions:
>Never attempt to fold and stow the conver-
tible top in the convertible compartment
when the top is wet or frozen. Otherwise,
water stains, mildew, and chafe marks may
occur.
> If water spots occur on the inside headliner
despite precautions, remove them using a
microfiber cloth and interior cleaner.
> If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area
for a longer period of time, make sure that
there is sufficient ventilation.
> Remove any bird droppings immediately,
since they have corrosive properties which
will corrode the conver tible top and damage
the rubber seals.
When attempting to remove stains from
the convertible top, do not use spot
removers, paint thinners, solvents, gasoline, or
similar fluids. These cleaners may damage the
rubber seals. The improper care or cleaning
methods may cause the convertible top and its
seams to leak. <
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Giving and receiving assistanceMOBILITY
179
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the MINI.
It is stored in the toolkit in the cargo area under-
neath the cover on the right-hand side,
page165.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise, the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged. <
Access to screw thread
Push out the cover of the towing eye out of the
recess in the bumper.
Front
Rear
John Cooper Works with aerodynamic bumper:
Pull out the bottom of the cover panel of the
towing eye in the bumper, arrow.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page55; otherwise, the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals, and windshield
wipers may be unavailable. Do not tow the
vehicle with just the rear axle raised, as this
would allow the steering to turn. <
There is no power assist while the engine is off.
Thus, braking and steering will require increased
effort.
Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
depending on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Tow vehicles with automatic transmission
only with a tow truck or with the front
wheels lifted; otherwise, the transmission can be
damaged. <
Towing with a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle; otherwise, it may
be impossible to maintain control. <
The tow fittings used should be on the same side
on both vehicles. Should it prove impossible to
avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, please
observe the following:
> Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
> The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
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MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
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Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage. <
Towing with a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other pa rts of the vehicle could
result in damage. <
Towing with a tow truck
Have the MINI transported by a tow truck with a
so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may
result. <
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, page 177.
Vehicles with a catalyti c converter should only
be tow-started when the engine is cold, vehicles
with an automatic transmission cannot be tow-
started at all.
1. Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply
with local regulations.
2. Switch on the ignition, page 55.
3. Shift into 3rd gear.
4. Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
completely depressed and then slowly
release the clutch. Afte r the engine starts, immediately depress the clutch completely
again.
5. Stop at a suitable lo cation, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard
warning flashers.
6. Have the vehicle checked.
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MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
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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, page65
Engine refuses to start Depress th e brake or clutch in order to
start the engine, page 55.
Ignition switched on and driver's door
open Switch off the ignition, page
55, or
close the driver's door.
Lamps still on
Roadside parking lamps on
Door open
Hood open
Tailgate open
Cargo area cover in the MINI
Convertible Convertible top cannot be activated.
Bring cargo area cover in required
position, re
fer to page 109.
Lights up in red:
Convertible top not locked Convertible top not locked. First
completely open or close the
convertible top, and then continue
the trip, page 35 and 42.
12Cause What to do
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MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
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Lights up in red:Have the system in question checked
without delay.
> Starter failed or The engine cannot be restarted.
> Ignition malfunctioning. Engine
restart only possible when brake
is depressed or
> Lighting system failed. Low
beams/tail lamps and brake
lamps still operational. All other
lamps failed Depress the brake to start the engine
again.
Lights up in yellow:
> Control of the brake lamps failed
or
> fuel supply malfunctioning You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system in
question checked without delay.
> Drive malfunctioning You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Transmission limp-home
program active with restricted range
of gears. Have the system checked
immediately.
Flashing:
Dynamic Stability Control DSC or
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is
controlling drive and braking forces,
refer also to page 76
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is
activated, refer also to page 77
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC
and Dynamic Traction Control DTC
are deactivated, refer also to page 76Driving stability limited during
acceleration and cornering.
Driving style must be adjusted.
12Cause What to do
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MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
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Selector lever position P not engaged.
Ignition cannot be switched offEngage selector lever position P when
you wish to switch off the ignition,
page
55.
Cruise control system fail edHave the system checked.
Park Distance Control fail edHave the system checked.
Bulb of exterior lighting system failed Have the exterior lighting checked as
soon as possible.
Low-beam headlamp or fog lamp
failed Have the lamps checked as soon as
possible.
High-beam headlamp failed Have the high-beam headlamps
checked.
Rear fog lamp failed Have the rear fog lamp checked.
Headlamp beam throw adjustment
system failed Have the headlamp beam throw
adjustment system checked.
Coolant level too low Add coolant immediately, page158.
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 71.
Lights up in yellow:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page 71.
12Cause What to do
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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
208
Cleaning headlamps62
– washer fluid 62
Clock
– setting time 73
– 12 h/24 h mode 70
Closing
– from inside 27
– from outside 23
Clothes hooks 100
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting the engine 56
Comfort Access 31
– replacing the battery 33
– what to observe before entering a car wash 32
Comfort area, refer to Around the center console 14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock 55
Compressed audio files 121
Computer 66
Condensation, refer to When the vehicle is parked 108
Condition Based Service CBS 159
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile 22
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances 101,102
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption 66
Control Display
– settings 68
Controls and displays 10
Convenience operation
– windows 24
Convenient access, refer to Comfort Access 31
Convenient start, refer to
Starting the engine 56
Convertible top 34
– manual 39
– mechanical 39 Coolant
158
– checking level 158
– filling 158
– temperature 158
Cooling, maximum 97
Cooling fluid, refer to Coolant 158
Copyright 2
Cornering light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 90
Cruising range 66,67
Cupholders 101
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 203
Current fuel consumption 67
D
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit
10
Dashboard instruments, refer to Displays 12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 92
Data 196
– capacities 205
– dimensions 197
– engine 196
– weights 203
Data memory 160
Date
– setting 73
Daytime running lights 89
DBC Dynamic Brake Control,
refer to Brake Assist 76
Deactivating front passenger airbags 85
Deadlocking, refer to Locking 25
Defect
– door lock 27
– fuel filler flap 140
Defogging windows 96,98
Defrosting windows 96,98
Defrosting windows and removing condensation
– air conditioner 96
– automatic climate control 98Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting windows 96,98
Defrost positi on, refer to
Defrosting windows 96,98
Differential, breaking in 106
Digital radio, refer to HD Radio 119
Dimensions 197
Dipstick, engine oil 156
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals 60
Displacement, refer to Engine data 196
Display lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 92
Displays 12
– care 164
– instrument panel 12
Displays and controls 10
Disposal
– of coolant 158
– remote control battery 33
– vehicle battery 176
Distance remaining to service, refer to Service
requirements 71
Distance warning, refer
to Park
Distance Control PDC 75
Door key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 22
Door lock 26
Door lock, confirmation signals 25
Doors, manual operation 27
DOT Quality Grades 151
Drinks holders, refer to
Cupholders 101
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill Assist 78
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 78
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams 88
Driving notes 106
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Assist 78
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