CONTROLSDriving
62
Automatic transmission
1.With the car at a stop, move the selector
lever to position P.
2. Press the Start/Stop button.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.
Before driving into a car wash
By following these steps, the vehicle is able to
roll:
1.Place the remote control, even with Comfort
Access, in the ignition lock.
2. Depress the brake.
3. Move the selector lever to position N.
4. Switch off the engine.
Parking brake
The parking brake is primarily intended to
prevent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it
brakes the rear wheels.
In addition, follow the instructions on page 61
under Switching off the engine.
Applying
The lever locks in position automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upward, press the button and lower
the lever. In exceptional cases, if the parking brake
has to be used to slow or stop the car, do
not pull the lever up too hard. In doing so, con-
tinuously press the button of the parking brake
lever.
Otherwise, excessive force could lead to over-
braking and loss of traction , i.e. fishtailing, at the
rear axle. <
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5t h or 6th gear, press
the gearshift lever to the right. Otherwise,
the engine could be damaged if you inadvert-
ently shift into 3rd or 4th gear. <
Reverse gear
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
When the gearshift lever is pressed to the left, a
slight resistance has to be overcome.
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic
In addition to the fully automatic mode, you can
shift gears manually using Steptronic, page 64.
Parking the vehicle
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always
select position P and apply the parking
brake before leaving the vehicle with the engine
running. <
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003
DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
114
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
Close the tailgate
Only drive with the t ailgate 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 eva-
sive maneuver. In addi tion, 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 102 or104.
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003
DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
116
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine brak-
ing 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 contaminants 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.
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003
CareMOBILITY
227
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 Prod-
ucts have been tested, and the products
have been tested in the laboratory and in prac-
tice. 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 251.
> If necessary: fold in the outside mirrors,
page 54.
> 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. spoil-
ers or telephone antennas, if there is a
possibility that they could be damaged.
> Insert the remote control into the ignition
lock.
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
269
Average fuel consumption72
– setting the units 74
Average speed 72
Avoiding highways for
navigation 135
Axle loads, refer to Weights 257
B
Background ligh ting, refer to
Ambient lighting 100
Backrests, refer to Seats 51
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 235
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch 243
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 245
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 191
Bass sounds, refer to Tone control 147
Battery 241
– disposal 38,242
– jump-starting 243
– temporary power failure 242
Battery renewal
– remote control 38
Being towed 245
Belts, refer to Safety belts 53
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts 53
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 109
Black ice, refer to External temperature warning 71
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate 102,104
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 171,181 Bluetooth audio
163
– device pairing 163
– disconnecting an audio connection 165
– playback 164
– unpairing device 165
– what to do if... 166
Bottle holders, refer to Cupholders 109
Brake Assist 83
Brake fluid, refer to Service requirements 75
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs 235
Brake pads, breaking in 114
Brake rotors 116
– brakes 114
– breaking in 114
Brakes
– ABS 83
– breaking in 114
– MINI Maintenance
System 225
– parking brake 62
– service requirements 75
Br akes,
refer to Braking
safely 115
Brake system 114
– breaking in 114
– disc brakes 116
– MINI Maintenance System 225
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance 243
Breaking in the clutch 114
Break-in period 114
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 232
Button for starting the
engine 60
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
Calendar 197
– displaying appointment 197
– selecting calendar day 197
California Proposition 65 warning 5
Call
– accepting 173,185
– ending 174,186
– muting the microphone 187
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 174,186
Calling, refer to Telephone 108
Can holders, refer to Cupholders 109
Capacities 259
Car battery, refer to Vehicle battery 241
Car care 227
Care 227
– car-care products 227
– car washes 227
– CD/DVD drives 230
– high-pressure washers 228
– leather 230
– manual washing 228
– upholstery and fabrics 229
– windows 228
– wiper blades 228
Cargo, securing 119
Cargo area 116
– capacity 257
– Comfort Access 37
– lamp 99
– opening from outside 33
Cargo area lamp 99
Cargo area lid, refer to Tailgate 33
Cargo loading 118
– securing cargo 119
– stowing cargo 119
– vehicle 116
Car key, refer to Keys/remote controls 28
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003