DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
106
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure. <
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mode of the automatic transmis-
sion, page 54.
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 capacity, 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. <
Avoid fluid spills in the cargo area as they
could damage the vehicle. <
Expanding cargo area
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. <
When you open the tailgate, the roll-up cover is
raised.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be
removed.
1. Unhook the lift straps from the tailgate.
2. Lift the cover slightly, arrow 1, and pull it
rearward out of the bracket, arrow 2.
MINI Countryman:
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
111
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
4-seater:
5-seater: 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 109. Ensure
that no objects can penetrate through the
net.
MINI Countryman:
MINI Paceman:
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
112
Securing cargo
MINI Countryman:
MINI Paceman:
>Secure smaller and lighter items using
retaining or draw
straps.
> Heavy-duty cargo straps for securing larger
and heavier objects are available at your
MINI dealer.
> These cargo straps are fastened using eight
securing eyes.
Two of them are located on the side wall,
arrows 1, of the cargo area.
Two of them are located on the rear wall,
arrows 2, of the cargo area.
To use the lower lashing eyes, raise or remove
the pull-out floor panel.
Comply with the information 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 248; otherwise, the vehicle's operating safety 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
47; they may
become damaged. <
Roof-mounted luggage
rack
A special rack system is av ailable 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.
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 more information under Weights in
the technical specifications.
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.
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.
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MOBILITYReplacing components
232
Correct the tire inflation pressure
1.After driving approx. 3.1 miles/5 km or
ten minutes, stop at a suitable location.
2. Screw the connection hose 6 of the com-
pressor directly onto the tire valve.
3. Insert the plug 5 into the power socket in
the vehicle interior.
4. Adjust tire pressure to 1.8 bar/26 psi. With
the engine running:
> To increase the inflatio n pressure: switch on
the compressor. To ch eck the current infla-
tion pressure, switch off the compressor.
Do not run the comp ressor for longer
than 10 minutes; otherwise, the
device will overheat and possibly be dam-
aged.<
> To decrease the inflation pressure: press the
release button 9.
If the tire cannot m aintain the inflation
pressure, drive the vehicle again, refer to
Distributing the sealan t. Then repeat steps
1to4.
If an inflation pressure of 1.8 bar/26 psi still can-
not be reached, then the tire is too heavily dam-
aged. Contact your ne arest MINI dealer.<
Driving on
Do not exceed the permitted maximum
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h; doing so may
result in an accident. <
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.
Have the Mobility Kit refilled.
Changing wheels
The tire change set is available from as an
optional accessory at your MINI dealer.
Preparing for a wheel change
Observe the safety precautions regarding
flat tires on page 230.<
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.
The jack base must be perpendicular to the
surface beneath the jacking point.
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Technical dataREFERENCE
249
Weights
MINI Countryman
CooperCooper S
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
> Manual transmission lbs/kg 2,954/1,340 3,053/1,385
> Automatic transmission lbs/kg 3,020/1,370 3,097/1,405
Approved gross weight
> Manual transmission lbs/kg 3,858/1,750 3,990/1,810
> Automatic transmission lbs/kg 3,924/1,780 4,034/1,830
Load lbs/kg 860/390 860/390
Approved front axle load
> Manual transmission lbs/kg 2,050/930 2,127/965
> Automatic transmission lbs/kg 2,116/960 2,172/985
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 1,918/870 1,918/870
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg 165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/ liters12.4 - 41.3/
350 - 1,170 12.4 - 41.3/
350 - 1,170
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REFERENCETechnical data
250
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Cooper S ALL4John Cooper Works
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
> Manual transmission lbs/kg 3,208/1,455 3,263/1,480
> Automatic transmission lbs/kg 3,252/1,475 3,307/1,500
Approved gross weight
> Manual transmission lbs/kg 4,101/1,860 4,156/1,885
> Automatic transmission lbs/kg 4,145/1,880 4,200/1,905
Load lbs/kg 860/390 860/390
Approved front axle load
> Manual transmission lbs/kg 2,183/990 2,183/990
> Automatic transmission lbs/kg 2,227/1,010 2,227/1,010
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,017/915 2,072/940
Approved roof load ca pacity lbs/kg 165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/ liters12.4 - 41.3/
350 - 1,170 12.4 - 41.3/
350 - 1,170
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Technical dataREFERENCE
251
MINI Paceman
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
CooperCooper SCooper S ALL4
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
> Manual transmission lbs/kg 2,940/1,334 3,070/1,393 3,210/1,456
> Automatic transmission lbs/ kg 3,010/1,365 3,110/1,411 3,260/1,479
Approved gross weight
> Manual transmission lbs/kg 3,850/1,746 3,960/1,796 4,100/1,860
> Automatic transmission lbs/ kg 3,920/1,778 4,010/1,819 4,140/1,878
Load lbs/kg 850/386 850/386 850/386
Approved front axle load
> Manual transmission lbs/ kg 2,050/930 2,120/962 2,180/989
> Automatic transmission lbs/ kg 2,120/962 2,170/984 2,220/1,007
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 1,910/866 1,910/866 2,020/916
Approved roof load capac-
ity lbs/kg165/75 165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/ liters11.6 - 38.1/
330 - 1080 11.6 - 38.1/
330 - 1080 11.6 - 38.1/
330 - 1080
US gal/US quartsLitersNotes
Fuel tank 12.4/– approx. 47 Fuel grade: page 201
including reserve of 2.1/– approx. 8
Window washer system incl.
headlamp washer system –/4.2 approx. 4 For more details: page 57
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
261
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 87
Backrests, refer to Seats 39
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 228
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 236
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away 239
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 185
Bass sounds, refer to Tone control 141
Battery 233
– disposal 35,234
– jump-starting 236
– temporary power failure 234
Battery renewal
– remote control 35
Being towed 238
Belts, refer to Safety belts 42
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts 42
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 100
Black ice, refer to External temperature warning 61
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 88,90
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating 165,175
Bluetooth audio 157
– device pairing 158
– disconnecting an audio connection 160
– playback 159
– unpairing device 160
– what to do if... 160
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 100
Brake Assist 72
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 64 Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs
228
Brake pads, breaking in 104
Brake rotors 106
– brakes 104
– breaking in 104
Brakes
– ABS 72
– breaking in 104
– MINI Maintenance
System 218
– parking brake 52
– service requirements 64
Brakes, refer to Braking safely 105
Br ake system
104
– breaki ng
in104
– disc brakes 106
– MINI Maintenance
System 218
Breakdown service, refer to Roadside Assistance 236
Breaking in the clutch 104
Break-in period 104
Brightness of Control
Display 70
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 224
Button for starting the engine 50
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
Calendar 191
– displaying appointment 191
– selecting calendar day 191
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call
– ending 168,180
– muting the microphone 181
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 168,180
Can holders, refer to Cupholders 100 Capacities
251
Car battery, refer to Vehicle battery 233
Car care 220
Care 220
– car-care products 220
– car washes 220
– CD/DVD drives 223
– high-pressure washers 221
– leather 222
– manual washing 221
– upholstery and fabrics 222
– windows 221
– wiper blades 221
Cargo, securing 112
Cargo area 106
– capacity 249
– Comfort Access 34
– lamp 87
– opening from outside 31
– trunk lid, refer to Tailgate 31
Cargo area, expanding 106
Cargo area lamp 87
Cargo area lid, refer to Tailgate 31
Cargo area partition net, refer to Cargo net 109
Cargo loading 110
– securing cargo 112
– stowing cargo 111
– vehicle 106
Cargo net 109
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls 26
Carpets, care 222
Car phone
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 97
Car phone, refer to
Telephone 164,174
Car radio, refer to Radio 143
Car wash
– before driving in 52
Car wa sh, care
220
Car w a
shes220
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 105
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