
Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
101
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the tailgate/Split Rear Barn
Doors open:
1. Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2. Switch off the recirc ulated-air mode and
switch the airflow contro l of the heating, air
conditioner, or automatic climate control to
high, refe r to page 86 or 88.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated on the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sect ions of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them.
Make sure that when driving, idling or when
parking, no easily flamma ble materials, such as
hay, leaves, grass, etc. come into contact with
the hot exhaust system. Such contact could lead
to a fire, with the risk of serious personal injuries
and property damage. Do not touch hot exhaust
tail pipes. Otherwise, there is a risk of burns. <
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form betw een tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can
cause partial or complete loss of tire contact
with the road surface, so that the car cannot be
steered or braked properly. <
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page 204.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged. <
Parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-
wise, greater clutch wear will result. <
For information on driving off using Hill Assist,
refer to page 71.
Braking safely
Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a
situation which requires full braking, it is best to
brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the
vehicle maintains steeri ng responsiveness, you
can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with
the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that
ABS is functioning properly.
Objects in the movement range of the
pedals
Keep floor mats, carp et, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhi bit 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 have been removed, e.g.
for cleaning.<
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or ther e is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to make
sure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this pro-
cess helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that. Then full braking fo rce will be immediately
available when it is needed.
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
105
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX pounds or YYY
kilograms.
4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs and there will be four 150 lb-pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs:
1,400 lbs minus 750 lbs = 650 lbs.
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trail er will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
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 for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the
rear seat backrests.
> Cover sharp edges and corners. >
For very heavy cargo wh en 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.
> Use the cargo net, refer to page 104. Ensure
that no objects can penetrate through the
net.
MINI
MINI Clubman
Securing cargo
By way of example, the illustration shows the
cargo area in the MINI.
> Secure smaller and lighter items using
retaining or draw straps.
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
106
>Heavy-duty cargo straps for securing larger
and heavier objects are 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 inform ation enclosed with
the load-securing devices.
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 242; 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 45; they may
become damaged. <
Roof-mounted luggage
rack
A special rack system is available as an option for
your MINI. Your MINI dealer will be glad to
advise you. Comply with the installation instruc-
tions supplied with the rack system.
Mounting points
By way of example, the illustration shows the
roof of the MINI.
Take out the cover panel.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect
on vehicle handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the
approved gross vehicle we ight or the axle loads
when loading the rack.
You can find the applicable specifications under
Weights on page 242.
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and
should not be too large in area. Heavy items
should always be placed at the bottom.
When loading, make sure that there is sufficient
space for the movement of the glass roof and
that no objects protrude into the swiveling area
of the tailgate; otherwise, damage can occur.
Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid su dden acceleration and
braking maneuvers, and take corners gently.
Saving fuel
Your vehicle incorporates numerous technolo-
gies for reducing fuel consumption and emis-
sions.
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COMMUNICATIONSHands-free device Bluetooth
158
If pairing was successful, the mobile phone
appears at the top of the list of mobile phones.
If the pairing was not successful: What to do if…,
refer to page158.
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 readi-
ness 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.
> 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 156.
The mobile phone could not be paired or con-
nected.
> 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.
> A multi-digit passkey may be required.
> 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.
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Mobile phone preparation BluetoothCOMMUNICATIONS
169
7.Select the functions that are to be used for
the mobile phone.
8. "OK"
9. Move the MINI joystick to the left.
If pairing was successful, the mobile phone
appears at the top of the list of mobile phones.
If the pairing was not succe ssful: What to do if…,
refer to page 170.
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 readi-
ness 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 be fore 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"
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MOBILITYEngine compartment
208
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.
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the way into
the guide tube and pull it out again.
The oil level should be between the two
marks on the dipstick.
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CareMOBILITY
215
The manufacturer of the MINI recommends
repairing paint damage professionally according
to factory specifications with original MINI
paints.
Preservation
Preservation is necessary when water no longer
beads on the clean paint surface. To preserve
the paint, only use preservatives that contain
carnauba or synthetic waxes.
Rubber seals
Only treat with water or rubber care products.
Do not use silicon sprays or other silicon-
containing care products on rubber seals;
otherwise, noise and damage could occur. <
Chrome parts
Carefully clean vehicle parts such as the radiator
grill and door handles with copious quantities of
water and, if necessary, a shampoo additive,
especially when contaminated with road salt.
For additional treatment, use chrome polish.
Light alloy wheels
The system produces brake dust that collects on
the light alloy wheels. Clean them regularly with
acid-free wheel cleaner.
Do not use aggressive , acid-containing,
highly alkaline, or abrasive cleansers or
steam jets hotter than 140 7/60 6 as they may
cause damage. <
External sensors
Keep the outside sensors on the vehicle
such as the Park Di stance Control clean
and ice-free to ensure that they function prop-
erly. <
Internal care
Upholstery/fabrics
Regularly use a vacuum cleaner to remove sur-
face dirt.
In case of serious spots such as liquid stains, use
a soft sponge or lint-free microfiber cloth and
suitable interior cleane rs. Observe the instruc-
tions on the packaging.
Clean upholstery up to the seams. Do not
rub forcefully. <
Velcro fasteners on pants 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 the 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 remove 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, carp et, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhi bit 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-
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Replacing componentsMOBILITY
227
Changing wheels
Run-flat tires
Tire change for run-flat tires:
>Prepare for tire change, page 228
> Jack up vehicle, page 228
> Tighten lug bolts, page 229
Space-saver spare tire
Tire change with space-saver spare tire:
>Remove the space-saver spare tire,
page 228
> Prepare for tire change, page 228
> Jack up vehicle, page 228
> Mount space-saver spare tire, page 229
> Tighten lug bolts, page 229
> Drive with space-saver spare tire, page 228
MINI: removing the space-saver spare
tire
The screw connection of the space-saver spare
tire is under the floor mat in the cargo area, on
the base of the storage compartment for the tire
change set.
1.Unscrew the screw conn ection with the spe-
cial wrench.
2. Take out the cover panel. 3.
Screw the lifting handle from the toolkit onto
the thread.
4. Raise the lifting handle slightly.
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-saver spare tire with the
valve facing upward.
11. Unscrew the valve extension from the valve
of the space-saver spare tire.
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