
Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
119
MINI Convertible:
The permissible load is the sum of the occu-
pants' weights and the weight 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
forward as possible, id eally directly behind
the rear seat backrests.
> Cover sharp edges and corners.
> For very heavy cargo when 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.
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster MINI Convertible
Securing cargo
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster:
MINI Convertible:
>
Secure smaller and lighter items using
retaining or draw straps.
> Heavy-duty cargo straps for securing larger
and heavier objects ar e available at your
MINI dealer. Four lashing eyes are provided
for attaching the cargo straps. Two of them
are located on the forward wall of the cargo
area.
Comply with the information enclosed with
the load-securing devices.
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
120
Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that 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 257 257; other-
wise, the operating safety of the vehicle 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 58; they may
become damaged. <
Rear luggage rack
A special rack system is available as an option
for your MINI. Please note the information
contained in the asse mbly 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 257.
Saving fuel
Your vehicle incorporates numerous technolo-
gies for reducing fuel consumption and
emissions.
Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif-
ferent 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 twic e a month and before
starting 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 oper-
ating 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.
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COMMUNICATIONSHands-free device Bluetooth
172
>After identification, phone book entries are
imported from the mobile phone and/or SIM
card of the telephone, depending on the
telephone.
> Four mobile phones can be paired.
> Specific settings may be necessary in some
mobile phones, e.g. authorization or a
secure connection, re fer to the Owner's
Manual for the mobile phone.
Connecting a particular mobile phone
1. "Telephone"
2. "Bluetooth® (phone)"
All paired mobile phones are listed.
3. Select the mobile phone to be connected.
Unpairing mobile phone
1."Telephone"
2. "Bluetooth® (phone)"
All paired mobile phones are listed.
3. Highlight the mobile phone to be unpaired.
4. Open "Options".
5. "Remove phone from list"
What to do if…
For information on suitab le mobile phones, refer
to page 170.
The mobile phone could not be paired or
connected.
> Is Bluetooth activated in the vehicle and in
the mobile phone? Activate Bluetooth in the
vehicle and in the mobile phone.
> Do the Bluetooth passkeys on the mobile
phone and the vehicle match? Enter the
same passkey on the mobile phone and via
the onboard computer.
> Is the passkey input taking longer than
30 seconds? Repeat th e pairing procedure.
> Are too many Bluetoot h devices connected
to the mobile phone? If so, delete the con-
nections with other devices on the mobile
phone.
> Is the mobile phone in power economy
m o d e o r d o e s i t o n l y have a small amount of
battery charge remaining? Charge the
mobile phone using a charging cable.
> Depending on the mobile phone, it may only
be possible to connect one device to the
vehicle. Unpair the connected device from
the vehicle and only pair and connect one
device.
> Is the mobile phone no longer responding?
Switch the mobile phone off and back on
again. Repeat the pairing procedure.
Is the mobile phone no longer responding?
> Switch the mobile phone off and back on
again. Repeat the pairing procedure.
> Is the ambient temperature too high or too
low? Do not subject your mobile phone to
extreme ambient temperatures.
Phone book entries are not displayed, not all of
them are displayed, or they are displayed
incompletely.
> The transfer of phone book entries has not
yet completed.
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Mobile phone preparation BluetoothCOMMUNICATIONS
183
If pairing was successful, the mobile phone
appears at the top of the list of mobile phones.
If the pairing was not succ essful: what to do if…,
refer to page 184.
Following the initial pairing
>The mobile phone is detected/connected in
the vehicle within a short period of time
when the engine is running or radio
readiness is switched on.
> After identification, phone book entries are
imported from the mobile phone and/or SIM
card of the telephone, depending on the
telephone.
> Specific settings may be necessary in some
mobile phones, e.g. authorization or a
secure connection, re fer to the Owner's
Manual for the mobile phone.
Connecting a particular mobile phone
1. "Telephone"
2. "Bluetooth® (phone)"
All paired mobile phones are listed.
3. Select the mobile phone to be connected.
The assigned functions before the unpairing of
the mobile phone are assigned to the mobile
phone when it is reconnected. If a mobile phone
is already connected, then these functions are
deactivated if necessary.
Device options
Device options in device s that are paired and
connected can be activated or deactivated.
Configuring device
1. "Telephone"
2. "Bluetooth® (phone)"
3. Highlight the device to be configured.
4. Open "Options".
5. "Configure phone"
6. Activate/deactivate func tions. At least one
function must be selected.
> "Telephone"
> "Additional telephone"
> "Audio"
7. "OK"
If a device is assigned a function, this may
deactivate the function in an already connected
device and cause the other device to be
unpaired.
Exchanging the telephone and auxiliary
phone
If the telephone and auxiliary phone are
connected to the vehicle, the function can be
swapped between the two devices.
1. "Telephone"
2. "Bluetooth® (phone)"
3. "Swap phone/addit. phone"
Using the mobile phone as an audio
source
Using the audio-capable mobile phone as an
audio source. Activate Blue tooth audio, refer to
page 182.
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MOBILITYEngine compartment
222
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.
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MOBILITYCare
230
Clean upholstery up to the seams. Do not
rub forcefully.<
Velcro fasteners on pa nts or other items of
clothing can damage seat covers. Make
sure that all Velcro fasteners are closed. <
Leather/leather coverings
The leather processed by the manufac-
turer of your MINI is a high-quality natural
product. Light variations in the grain is one of
the typical properties of natural leather. <
Dust and road grit in th e pores and folds of the
leather have an abrasive effect, leading to
increased wear and causing the leather surface
to become brittle prematurely. Use a cloth or
vacuum cleaner to remo ve dust on a regular
basis.
Especially when the leather has a light color, it
should be cleaned regularl y since it tends to get
heavily soiled.
Treat the leather twice a year using a leather
lotion since dirt and grease will gradually attack
the leather's protective layer.
Carpets/floor mats
Keep floor mats, carpet, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhibit the function of the
pedals during driving.
Do not place additional floor mats onto an exist-
ing 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 floo r mats are securely fas-
tened again after they ha ve been removed, e.g.
for cleaning. <
Floor mats can be removed to be cleaned.
If the carpets are very di rty, clean with a microfi-
ber cloth and water or an interior cleaner. When
doing so, rub forward and back in the driving
direction; otherwise, the carpet may become
matted.
Interior plastic parts
These include:
> Plastic surfaces
> Lamp glass
> Display panes
> Mat parts
Only clean with water and, if necessary, solvent-
free plastic cleaners. Do not use solvents such as alcohol, lac-
quer thinner, cold clea ners, fuel, or similar,
as these will damage the surfaces. <
Decorative strips
Only clean decorative strips with moist cloths.
Wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Safety belts
Dirty belt straps impede the reeling action and
thus have a negative impact on safety.
Do not clean chemically, as this may
destroy the webbing. <
Displays
To clean displays, such as the radio or display
elements, use an anti-static microfiber cloth.
Avoid pressing too hard when cleaning
the display as this can cause damage. <
Do not use chemical or abrasive house-
hold cleaning agents. Keep fluids of any
kind away from the device. Surfaces or electrical
components may otherwise become corroded
or damaged. <
CD/DVD drives
Do not use cleaning CDs as this could
damage parts of the drive. <
Vehicle storage
If you park your vehicle longer than three
months, ask your Mini dealer to advise you.
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MOBILITYReplacing components
232
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster: wiper blade
replacement
1.Fold out the wiper arm and hold it.
2. Press together the lo cking spring, arrows1,
and fold out the wiper blade, arrow 2.
3. Pull the wiper blade forward and out of the
catch mechanism.
4. Press the new wiper blade into the fixture
until it engages audibly.
To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the hood. <
MINI Convertible: wiper blade
replacement
1.Fold up the wiper arm.
2. Position the wiper blade horizontally.
3. Press the securing spring, arrow.
4. Unhook the wiper blade toward the
windshield.
5. Pull the wiper blade past the wiper arm
toward the top.
6. Insert the new wiper blade. 7.
Press into position until you hear it engage.
8. Fold down the wiper arm.
To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the hood. <
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribution
to vehicle safety. They should, therefore, be
handled carefully. The manufacturer of your
MINI recommends having your MINI dealer per-
form any work that you do not feel competent to
perform yourself or that is not described here.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contaminatio n will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a
clean tissue, cloth or some thing similar, or hold
the bulb by its base. <
You can obtain a selectio n of replacement bulbs
at your MINI dealer.
Only replace bulbs after they have cooled
down; otherwise, you may burn your
fingers. <
When working on electrical systems,
always begin by switching off the con-
sumer in question; otherwise, short circuits
could result. To avoid possible injury or equip-
ment damage when replacing bulbs, observe
any instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
Caring for headlamp s, refer to page228.
For any bulb replacement not described
below, contact a MINI dealer or a work-
shop that has specially trained personnel work-
ing in accordance with th e specifications of the
MINI manufacturer.<
For checking and adjusting headlamp aim,
please contact your MINI dealer. <
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MOBILITYReplacing components
240
5.Squeeze the securing spring.
6. The space-saver spare tire is released and
must be held by the lifting handle.
7. Lower the space-saver spare tire with the
lifting handle.
8. Unscrew the lifting handle.
9. Pull the space-saver spare tire underneath
the vehicle out toward the rear.
10. Position the space-save r spare tire with the
valve facing upward.
11. Unscrew the valve extension from the valve
of the space-saver spare tire.
12. Unscrew the dust cap from the extension
and place it on the valve of the space-saver
spare tire.
Due to its different dimensions, the dam-
aged wheel cannot be placed in the recess
for the space-saver spare tire.
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. Changes may
occur in vehicle handling such as lower track sta-
bility during braking, longer braking distances
and changes in self-steering properties when
close to the handling limit. These properties are
more noticeable with winter tires. <
Only one space-saver spare tire may be
mounted at one time. Mount a wheel and
tire of the original size as soon as possible, to
avoid any safety risks. <
Check the tire inflation pressure at the
earliest opportunity and correct it if
necessary. Replace the defe ctive tire as soon as
possible and have the ne w wheel/tire assembly
balanced. <
Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions regarding
flat tires on page 237.<
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.
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