Practical interior accessoriesCONTROLS
91
5.As soon as the LED flashes rapidly, release
both buttons. The quick flashing indicates
that the button on the rearview mirror has
been programmed.
If the LED does not flash rapidly after
approx. 60 seconds, alter the distance
between the rearview mirror and hand-held
transmitter and repeat this step. Several
attempts at different distances may be nec-
essary. Wait at least 15 seconds before each
attempt.
Canada: if the progra mming was interrupted
by the hand-held transmitter, press and hold
the memory button and press the button on
the hand-held transmitter for 2 seconds and
release several times.
6. To program other functions on other but-
tons, repeat steps 3 to 5.
You can operate the system with the engine
running or with the ignition switched on.
Special features of hopping-code
transmitter systems
If the device cannot be operated after being
programmed repeatedly, then check if the
device to be operated is equipped with a hop-
ping-code system. In a ddition, check in the
operating instructions for the device or press the
programmed button on the rearview mirror for a
longer period of time. If the LED on the rearview
mirror first flashes quickly and then is on for 2
seconds, then the device is equipped with a
hopping-code system. The flashing and the LED
being on repeats itself for approx. 20 seconds.
In addition, for devices with hopping-code sys-
tems, the integrated universal remote control
and the device must be synchronized.
Information about synchronizing can be found
in the operating instructions for the device to be
set.
Programming will be easier with the aid of a sec-
ond person. Synchronizing:
1.
Park your vehicle within the range of the
remote-controlled device.
Do not exceed the 164 ft/50 m range of the
remote-controlled device.
2. Program the particular button on the rear-
view mirrors as described.
3. Find and press the button for synchronizing
the device to be set. There remain approx.
30 seconds for the next step.
4. Press and hold the programmed button on
the rearview mirror for approx. 3 seconds
and then release. Repe at this step, possibly
up to three times, to complete the synchro-
nization. After the sy nchronization is com-
pleted, the programmed function is imple-
mented.
To reprogram individual buttons
1. Switch on ignition.
2. Press and hold the button to be pro-
grammed on the rearview mirror.
3. As soon as the LED on the rearview mirror
starts flashing slowly, hold the hand-held
transmitter of the devi ce to be operated
approx. 1in/2.5cm to 3in/8cm from the
buttons on the rearview mirror. The required
distance depends on the hand-held trans-
mitter.
4. Press and also hold the button with the
desired function on the hand-held transmit-
ter.
5. As soon as the LED on the rearview mirror
starts blinking faster, release both buttons.
The quick flashing indicates that the button
on the rearview mirror has been pro-
grammed. The device can now be operated
using the button on the rearview mirror.
Canada: if the LED is not flashing rapidly
after 60 seconds, chan ge the distance and
repeat the step or, if the programming was
interrupted by the hand-held transmitter,
press and hold the memory button and
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
107
Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif-
ferent factors. Fuel consumption and environ-
mental pollution are affected 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 auxiliary mirrors, roof- or rear-mounted
luggage racks whenever you are not using
them.
Attached parts on the vehicle 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 engine 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 an d smooth driving reduces fuel
consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
Use first gear only for driving off. In second and
higher gears, accelerate smoothly to a suitable engine and road speed. In doing so, avoid high
engine speeds and shift up early.
When you reach your desired traveling speed,
shift to the highest suit
able gear and drive at
constant speed.
As a rule: driving at lo w engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red traffic light, take your
foot off the accelerator and let the car roll to a
stop in the highest gear possible.
On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the
accelerator and let the vehi cle coast in a suitable
gear.
Fuel supply is shut off automatically when the
vehicle is coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings or
in traffic jams.
Switch off any features that are not
currently required
Features such as air conditioning, seat heaters
and the rear window defroster require a great
deal of energy and result in greater fuel con-
sumption, especially in city driving and during
Stop & Go operation. For this reason, switch off
these features if they are not really needed.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. The man-
ufacturer of your MINI recommends having the
vehicle serviced by a MINI dealer. Also note the
MINI Maintenance System, page 211.
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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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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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MOBILITYReplacing components
228
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. <
MINI Clubman: removing the space-
saver spare tire
The space-saver spare tire is located under the
tire change set in the cargo area.
1.Fold up the floor mat.
2. Unscrew the nut, arrow, and remove the
space-saver spare tire.
Driving with the space-saver spare tire
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. Changes may
occur in vehicle handling such as lower track sta-
bility during br aking, 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 ear-
liest opportunity and correct it if neces-
sary. Replace the defective tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire assembly
balanced. <
Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions regarding
flat tires on page 224.<
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 roll-
ing.
2. Uncover the lug bolts if necessary.
3. Loosen the lug bolts by a half turn.
Jacking up the vehicle
The vehicle jack is designed for changing
wheels only. Do not attempt to raise
another vehicle model with it or to raise any load
of any kind. To do so could cause accidents and
personal injury. <
1. Place the jack at the jacking point closest to
the wheel.
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Replacing componentsMOBILITY
229
The jack base must be perpendicular to the
surface beneath the jacking point.
2. During jacking up, insert the jack head in the
square recess of the jacking point.
3. Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are
changing is raised off the ground.
Mounting the space-saver spare tire
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel.
2. Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub. Clean the lug bolts.
3. Lift the new wheel into place.
4. Screw at least two lug bolts finger-tight into
opposite bolt holes.
5. Screw in the remaining bolts.
6. Tighten all the lug bolts firmly in a diagonal
pattern.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Remove the jack.
Tightening the lug bolts
Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
Immediately have the wheels checked
with a calibrated torque wrench to ensure
that the lug bolts are firmly seated. Otherwise,
incorrectly tightened lug bolts can present a
safety hazard. <
Tightening torque: 103.3 lb ft or 140 Nm.
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is maintenance-free; that is, the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate.
Battery replacement
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manu-
facturer; otherwise, the vehicle could be dam-
aged and systems or func tions may not be fully
available. <
After a battery replacement, have the battery
registered on the vehicle by your MINI dealer to
ensure that all convenie nce functions are fully
available and, if nece ssary, the corresponding
Check Control messages are no longer dis-
played.
Charging the battery
Note
Do not connect battery chargers to the
sockets installed in the vehicle at the fac-
tory; otherwise you may cause damage to the
battery. <
Only charge the battery in the vehicle when the
engine is off. Connection s, refer to Jump-start-
ing on page 232.
General information
To guarantee the full service life of the battery,
make sure that the battery is always properly
charged.
It may be necessary to charge the battery in the
following situations:
>if frequent short trips are taken.
> if the vehicle is frequently parked for more
than a month.
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