Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
79
bags for the front passenger are activated or
deactivated by the system accordingly.The indicator lamp above the interior rear-
view mirror shows th e current status of
the front passenger airbags, deactivated or acti-
vated, refer to Status of front passenger airbags
below. <
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety precau-
tions and handling instructions under Transport-
ing children safely, page 44.
The front and side airbags can also be deacti-
vated by adolescents and adults sitting in certain
positions; the indicator lamp for the front pas-
senger airbags comes on. In such cases, the pas-
senger should change his or her sitting position
so that the front passenger airbags are activated
and the indicator lamp goes out. If the desired
airbag status cannot be achieved by changing
the sitting position, transport the relevant pas-
senger on a rear seat. Do not attach covers,
cushions, ball mats or other items to the front
passenger seat unless they are specifically rec-
ommended by the manufacturer of your MINI.
Do not place items under the seat which could
press against the seat from below. Otherwise, a
correct analysis of th e seat cushion is not
ensured. <
Status of front passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags shows the functional status of the front
passenger's front and side airbags in accordance
with whether and how th e front passenger seat
is occupied. The indica tor lamp shows whether the front passenger airbags are activated or
deactivated.
>
The indicator lamp co mes on as intended
when a child in a specially designated child
restraint system is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Most child seats are detected by the
system. This particularly applies to
child seats that were required by NHTSA at
the time of manufacture of the vehicle. After
installing a child seat, check that the indica-
tor lamp for the front passenger airbags
lights up. It indicates that the child seat has
been detected and that the front passenger
airbags are deactivated. <
> The indicator lamp does not come on as long
as a person of sufficient size and in a correct
sitting position is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are activated.
> The indicator lamp does not come on if the
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
As of radio readiness, page 47, the warning
lamp lights up briefly to indicate that the entire
airbag system and the belt tensioners are oper-
ational.
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CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
80
Airbag system malfunction
>The warning lamp does not come on when
radio readiness is switched on.
> The warning lamp stays lit continuously.
In the event of a fault in the airbag system,
have it checked without delay; otherwise,
there is the risk that the system will not function
as intended even if a severe accident occurs. <
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Practical interior accessoriesCONTROLS
95
Center armrest
The center armrest between the front seats con-
tains either a compartment or the cover for the
snap-in adapter, see page166.
Opening
The cover slides along guide rails and can be
opened fully by pushing it back and lifting it.
Closing
Push the cover forward.
Storage compartments
Do not put any unsecured objects into the
interior of the vehicle; otherwise these
may endanger the occupants, e.g., during brak-
ing and evasive maneuvers. <
Do not use the instrument panel as a shelf,
for example with non-slip mats; other-
wise, it could be damaged. <
In the vehicle interior
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, you
will find storage compartments in the doors,
next to the rear seats and in the center console.
Nets are located in the passenger footwell and
on the backs of the front seat backrests.
Storage compartment on the front
passenger side
Opening
Briefly press the bottom edge of the cover.
Closing
Push the cover back into its original position.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent, close the storage compartment after
use while the vehicle is being driven. <
Clothes hooks
There are clothes hooks on the grab handles in
the rear passenger compartment.
Items of clothing hung from the hooks
must not obstruct the driver's view. Do not
hang heavy objects from the hooks; otherwise,
they could endanger the car's occupants, e.g. in
case of heavy braking or sudden swerving. <
In the cargo area
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, you
have the following storage options:
>Umbrella holder under the loading sill in
front of the warning triangle
> MINI Clubman: bag hooks for hanging, for
example, shopping bags or tote bags left
and right on the luggage compartment side
wall
> Storage compartment under the flat load
floor
> Removable box with lid under the flat load
floor, e.g., for wet or dirty items
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Engine compartmentMOBILITY
209
The oil quantity corresponding to the difference
between the two marks on the dipstick is
1 US quart/1 liter.Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the
dipstick. Excess oil will damage the
engine. <
Adding engine oil
Do not add the maximum quantity of
1 US quart/1 liter of engine oil until the oil level
has dropped to just abov e the lower mark on the
dipstick, page 208.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km;
otherwise, the engine could be dam-
aged. <
If too much motor oi l is added, immedi-
ately have the vehicle checked; otherwise,
damage to the engine may result.<
Keep oils, grease, etc. out of the reach of
children and comply with the warnings on
the containers. Otherwise, health hazards may
result. <
Oil types for refilling
Notes
Do not use oil additives as this could result
in engine damage. <
When selecting a moto r oil, make sure
that it belongs to one of the SAE viscosity
classes 0W-40, 0W-30, 5W-40 and 5W-30; oth-
erwise, malfunctions or damage to the engine
may result. <
The engine oil quality is critical for the life of the
engine.
Some types of oil may not be available in every
country.
Approved oil types
Additional information on approved types of oil
can be found at a MINI dealer.
Alternative oil types
If the approved engine oi ls are not available, up
to 1 US quart/1 liter of an other oil with the fol-
lowing specifications may be used:
Gasoline engines
BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30
BMW Longlife-01
BMW Longlife-01 FE
Gasoline engines
API SM or higher specifications
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MOBILITYEngine compartment
210
Oil change
Only MINI dealers are to perform oil changes.
Coolant
Coolant consists of half water and half additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your MINI. Your MINI dealer knows
which additives are suitab le and will be glad to
advise you.
Only use suitable additives; otherwise,
engine damage may result. Because addi-
tives are harmful to your health, it is important
to follow the instructions on the containers. <
Comply with the appropriate environmen-
tal protection regulations when disposing
of coolant additives. <
Coolant temperature
If the coolant, and therefore the engine, should
overheat, then a warning lamp will go on.
A message appears on the Control Display.
Checking coolant level
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns. <
Do not open the hood until the engine has
cooled down.
The coolant level is correct if it is between the
marks.
Topping off
1. Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated
pressure to escape, then continue turning to
open.
2. Slowly fill to the correct fluid level; do not
overfill.
3. Close by turning the cap.
Have the reason for the coolant loss eliminated
as soon as possible.
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MOBILITYMaintenance
212
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 quic kly lead to serious dam-
age of emissions-related components, espe-
cially 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.
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CareMOBILITY
213
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 alco-
hol or solvents as these may cause dam-
age. <
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. <
Regularly open the hood and clear out any
debris such as leaves th at may have collected in
the region of the windshield.
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 sys-
tem is suitable for your MINI. Observe the fol-
lowing points:
> Vehicle dimensions, page 239.
> If necessary: fold in the outside mirrors,
page 42.
> 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.
> Deactivate the rain sensor to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
> Deactivate rear window wiper and protect it
from damage. Ask the car wash operator
about measures that can be taken to protect
the wipers.
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MOBILITYReplacing components
224
MINI: license plate lamps
5 watt bulb, C 5 W
1.Using a screwdriver, push the lamp to the
left in the tab of the lamp housing, arrow 1.
2. Remove the lamp, arrow 2.
3. Replace the bulb.
4. Insert the lamp.
MINI Clubman: license plate lamps
5 watt bulb, C 5 W
1.Using a screwdriver, push the lamp to the
left in the tab of the lamp housing, arrow 1.
2. Remove the lamp, arrow 2.
3. Replace the bulb.
4. Insert the lamp.
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED techno logy for operation. In
the event of a malfunction, contact your MINI
dealer or a workshop th at has specially trained
personnel working in acco rdance with the spec-
ifications of your MINI manufacturer.
Repairing a flat tire
Safety measures in the event of a break-
down:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from moving
traffic and switch on the hazard warning flash-
ers.
Turn the steering wheel until the front wheels
are in the straight-ahead position and engage
the steering wheel lock. Engage the parking
brake and shift into 1st or reverse gear or place
the selector lever in position P.
All passengers should be outside the vehicle and
in a safe place, e.g. behind a guardrail.
Erect a warning triangle or warning flasher at the
appropriate distance if necessary. Comply with
all safety guidelines and regulations. <
In the event of a flat ti re, different procedures
should be followed depending on the equip-
ment included in your vehicle:
> MINI Mobility Kit, refer to the following sec-
tion
> Run-flat tires, page 227
> Tire change with space-saver spare tire,
page 227
MINI Mobility Kit
Preparations
Use of the MINI Mobility Kit may be ineffective if
the tire puncture measures approx. 1/8 in/4 mm
or more. Contact the nearest MINI dealer if the
tire cannot be made drivable with the Mobility
Kit.
Do not remove foreign bodies which have pen-
etrated the tire if possible.
Follow the instructions on using the Mobil-
ity Kit found on the compressor and the
sealant bottle. <
Remove the adhesive label for the speed limit
from the sealant bottle an d affix it to the steer-
ing wheel.
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