Controls overviewCONTROLS
65
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. 13.2USgal/50liters.
You can find information on refueling on
page 141.
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 comes on 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.
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
MOBILITYRefueling
140
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
missing. <
Manually releasing the fuel filler flap
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can
manually release the fuel filler flap:
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster:
1.Remove the cover from the left-hand side-
wall of the cargo area.
2. Pull on the green knob with the fuel pump
symbol. The fuel filler flap is released.
MINI Convertible:
1. Remove the cover from the left-hand side-
wall of the cargo area.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
RefuelingMOBILITY
141
2.Pull on the green knob with the fuel pump
symbol. The fuel filler flap is released.
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 and property damage. <
Do not overfill the fuel tank; otherwise,
overflowing fuel can cause damage to the
environment and the vehicle.<
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
recovery system.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
off the first time.
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 could occur. <
Approx. 13.2 US gal/50 liters, including the
reserve capacity of 2.1 US gal/8 liters.
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 contai ns 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
containing 85 % ethanol, nor with Flex-
Fuel. Otherwise, the engine and fuel supply
system will be damaged. <
The engine is knocking regulated. Therefore,
different grades of gasoline can be used for
refueling.
Recommended gasoline grades
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends:
> AKI 91.
> John Cooper Works AKI 93.
Minimum grade
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.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
MOBILITYWheels and tires
154
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
accidents. <
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
pressure indicated on the sidewall 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.
Contact your MINI deal er for more details.
Only attach snow chains in pairs to the front
wheels with the following tires.
> 175/65 R 15 M+S
> 175/60 R 16 M+S
John Cooper Works:
> 185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
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 77.<
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
MOBILITYMaintenance
160
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 quickly lead to serious
damage of emissions-related components,
especially 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
suitable devices, in pa rticular 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.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
184
Fuel cap missing or looseMake 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.
Window washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible,
page 62.
Lights up in red:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements,
page 159.
Lights up in yellow:
The next time that the Start/Stop
button is pressed, the engine starts,
possibly even without a foot on the
brakes or without depressing the
clutch
Remote control malfunctioning or, in
cars with Comfort Access, not
detected The engine cannot be started. Have
the remote control checked, if
necessary.
Remote control battery is discharged Use the remote control for a longer journey or, in cars with Comfort
Access, replace the battery.
Belt tensioners and/ or airbag system
failed Have the system checked immedi-
ately. Fasten the safety belts anyway.
Power steering failed You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Steering response will be
markedly different. Have the system
checked without delay.
12Cause What to do
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Technical dataREFERENCE
205
MINI Convertible
Capacities
CooperCooper SJohn Cooper Works
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 2,701/1,225 2,811/1,275 2,822/1,280
> Automatic
transmission lbs/kg 2,778/1,260 2,855/1,295 2,866/1,300
Approved gross weight
> Manual transmission lbs/kg 3,560/1,615 3,671/1,665 3,704/1,680
> Automatic
transmission lbs/kg 3,638/1,650 3,737/1,695 3,748/1,700
Approved front axle load
> Manual transmission
> Automatic
transmission lbs/kg 1,863/845 1,951/885 1,973/895
lbs/kg 1,940/880 2,017/915 2,017/915
Approved rear axle load lb s/kg 1,786/810 1,786/810 1,797/815
Cargo area capacity cu ft/ liters6.0-23.3/
170-660 6.0-23.3/
170-660 6.0-23.3/
170-660
US gal/US quartsLitersNotes
Fuel tank 13.2/– approx. 50 Fuel grade: page 141
including reserve of 2.1/– approx. 8
Window washer system incl.
headlamp washer system –/4.8 approx. 4.5 For more details: page 62
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG