Closing the tailgate/split doorDrive with the tailgate/split door closed
Only drive with the tailgate/split door
closed; otherwise, passengers and other road
users may be endangered or the vehicle may
be damaged if an accident occurs or during
braking or swerving. In addition, exhaust fumes
may enter the passenger compartment. ◀
If, despite this, the vehicle must be driven with
the tailgate/split door open:▷Drive moderately.▷Close all windows and the glass sunroof.▷Switch off recirculated air mode and greatly
increase the blower speed.
Hot exhaust system
Hot exhaust system
High temperatures are generated in the
exhaust system.
Do not remove the heat shields installed and
never apply undercoating to them. Make sure
that flammable materials, e. g. hay, leaves,
grass, etc. do not come in contact with the hot
exhaust system during driving, while in idle po‐
sition mode, or when parked. Such contact
could lead to a fire, and with it the risk of seri‐
ous personal injury as well as property damage.
Do not touch hot exhaust pipes; otherwise,
there is the danger of getting burned. ◀
Mobile communication devices in the
vehicle
Mobile communication devices in the ve‐
hicle
It is not recommended to use mobile phones,
such as mobile phones without a direct con‐
nection to an external aerial in the vehicle's
passenger compartment. Otherwise, the vehi‐
cle electronics and mobile communication de‐
vices can interfere with each other. In addition,
there is no assurance that the radiation gener‐
ated during transmission will be discharged
from the vehicle interior. ◀
Hydroplaning On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplan‐
ing. It is characterized by a partial or complete
loss of contact between the tires and the road
surface, ultimately undermining your ability to
steer and brake the vehicle.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, re‐
duce your speed to prevent hydroplaning. ◀
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tire
tread depth decreases. Minimum tread depth,
refer to page 148.
Driving through water Drive though calm water only if it is not deeper
than 12 inches/30 cm and at this height, no
faster than walking speed, up to
6 mph/10 km/h.
Adhere to water depth and speed limita‐
tions
Do not exceed this water depth and walking
speed; otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the
electrical systems and the transmission may be
damaged. ◀
Using the handbrake on inclines Using the handbrake
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle sta‐
tionary with a slipping clutch for extended pe‐
riod; use the handbrake instead. Otherwise, the
clutch will be subject to increased wear. ◀
Support from the hill drive-off assistant, refer to
page 78.Seite 101Things to remember when drivingDriving tips101
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Braking safelyThe vehicle is equipped with ABS as a standardfeature.
Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations when this is neces‐
sary.
The vehicle maintains steering responsiveness.
You can still avoid any obstacles with a mini‐
mum of steering effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from
the hydraulic circuits indicate that ABS is in its
active mode.
Do not let your foot rest on the brake
pedal
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal. Even light but consistent pedal pressure
can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure. ◀
Objects in the area around the pedals No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the area of motion of the pedals;
otherwise, the function of the pedals could be
impeded while driving
Do not place additional floor mats over existing
mats or other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved
for the vehicle and can be properly fixed in
place.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened
again when they are returned after being re‐
moved, such as for cleaning. ◀
Driving in wet conditions When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other
road users.The heat generated in this process helps dry
the brake discs and pads.
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
HillsDrive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Oth‐
erwise, the brake system may overheat, result‐
ing in a reduction in the brake system effi‐
ciency.
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, going all the way to first gear, if
necessary.
Downshifting in manual mode of the automatic
transmission, refer to page 52.
Avoid load on the brakes
Avoid placing excessive load on the brake
system. Light but consistent brake pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure. ◀
Do not drive in neutral
Never drive with the transmission in neu‐
tral, with the engine switched off or with the
clutch depressed; otherwise, you will have nei‐
ther the braking action of the engine or nor its
power assistance when braking or steering. ◀
Brake disc corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and contamina‐
tion on the brake pads are furthered by:▷Low mileage.▷Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.▷Infrequent use of the brakes.
Corrosion occurs when the minimum pressure
that must be exerted by the pads during brake
applications to clean the discs is not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake discs, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating ef‐
fect that generally cannot be corrected.
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Run-flat tiresLabel
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-flat tires are tires with special rims that
support themselves for a limited period of time.
The sidewall reinforcement ensures that the
tire can continue to be used to a limited extent
if it has lost pressure and even if it has become
completely depressurized.
For continued driving in the event of a flat tire,
refer to page 71.
Correcting a flat tire Safety measures in case of a breakdown
▷Park the vehicle as far as possible
from passing traffic and on solid
ground. Switch on the hazard warn‐
ing system.▷Let the steering wheel lock engage with the
wheels in the straight-ahead position, set
the handbrake, and engage first gear or re‐
verse, or engage selector lever position P.▷Have all vehicle occupants get out of the
vehicle and ensure that they remain out‐
side the immediate area in a safe place,
such as behind a guardrail.▷If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is required, set it up on the
roadside at an appropriate distance from
the rear of the vehicle. Comply with all
safety guidelines and regulations. ◀
The procedure to correct a flat tire depends on
the equipment in the vehicle:
▷Run-flat tires, refer to page 151.▷MINI Mobility System, refer to page 151.▷Wheel change with a compact wheel, refer
to page 170.
MINI Mobility System
Notes
▷Follow the instructions on using the Mobi‐
lity System found on the compressor and
sealant bottle.▷Use of the Mobility System may be ineffec‐
tive if tire damage is greater than approx.
1/8 in/4 mm in size.▷Contact the nearest service center if the tire
cannot be made drivable.▷If possible, do not remove foreign bodies
that have penetrated the tire.▷Pull the speed limit sticker off the sealant
bottle and apply it to the steering wheel.
Sealant and compressor
1Sealant bottle and speed limit sticker2Filling hose
Note the use-by date on the sealant bottle.Seite 151Wheels and tiresMobility151
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3.Turn the upper bulb counterclockwise and
remove it.4.Insert the new bulb and attach the cover in
reverse order.
Replacing the front fog lamp bulb
H8 bulb, 35 watt
1.Turn the wheel.2.Remove cover 2.
To do this, turn the cover counterclockwise.3.Pull off the plug-in cable connector.4.Turn the lower bulb counterclockwise and
remove it.5.Insert the new bulb and attach the cover in
reverse order.Lateral turn signals
5-watt bulb, W 5 W1.Push the lamp forward with the air grille
and remove it.2.Turn the bulb holder counterclockwise and
remove it.3.Pull out the bulb and replace it.4.Insert the new bulb and attach the cover in
reverse order.
Tail lamps, bulb replacement
Follow the general instructions on lamps and
bulbs, refer to page 164.
Turn signal: 21-watt bulb, PY 21 W
Brake lamp: 21-watt/5-watt bulb, W 5 W
Remaining lamps: 21-watt bulb, P 21 W
MINI
1Turn signal2Tail lamp LED3Brake lampSeite 167Replacing componentsMobility167
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MINI Clubman1Brake lamp2Turn signal3Tail lamp LED4Rear fog lamp/backup lamp
Replacing
MINI
1.Remove the cover of the cargo area side
wall.2.Turn the corresponding bulb counterclock‐
wise, arrows 1, and remove.
Another bulb is located behind the cargo
area side wall, arrow 2.3.Insert the new bulb and attach the cover in
reverse order.
MINI Clubman
1.Unscrew the screw at the top with the
screwdriver from the onboard vehicle tool
kit.2.Swing out the tail lamp and remove toward
the top.3.Pull off the plug-in cable connector if nec‐
essary, arrow 1.4.Turn the corresponding bulb counterclock‐
wise, arrows 2, and remove.5.Insert the new bulb and install the tail lamp
in reverse order.
MINI: rear fog lamp/backup lamps
16-watt bulbs, W 16W
The lamps are accessed via the rear side or the
underside of the bumper.
Seite 168MobilityReplacing components168
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1.Squeeze the clips, arrows, and remove the
bulb holder.2.Pull off the bulb and replace it.3.Insert the new bulb and bulb holder in re‐
verse order.4.Re-engage the bulb holder so that it audi‐
bly clicks into place.
MINI Clubman: the rear fog lamp is located in
the left tail lamp, refer to page 167.
John Cooper Works: aerodynamic bumper
1.Remove the bulb holder by turning it coun‐
terclockwise, arrow.2.Pull off the bulb and replace it.3.Insert the new bulb and bulb holder in re‐
verse order.
License plate lamps
5-watt bulb, C 5 W
Replacing
MINI1.Push the lamp to the left in the catch of the
lamp housing using the screwdriver, ar‐
row 1.2.Take out the lamp, arrow 2.3.Replace the bulb.4.Insert the lamp.
MINI Clubman
1.Push the lamp to the left in the catch of the
lamp housing using the screwdriver, ar‐
row 1.2.Take out the lamp, arrow 2.3.Replace the bulb.4.Insert the lamp.
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation.
Contact your service center in the event of a
malfunction.
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CareVehicle equipmentThis chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series.Therefore, it also
describes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
Car washes Notes Steam jets or high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, hold them a sufficient distance away
and use a maximum temperature of
140 ℉/60 ℃.
Holding them too close or using excessively
high pressures or temperatures can cause dam‐
age or preliminary damage that may then lead
to long-term damage.
Follow the operating instructions for the high-
pressure washer. ◀
Do not direct steam or high-pressure washers
toward the labels applied by the manufacturer;
otherwise, damage may result.
Cleaning sensors/cameras with high-pres‐
sure washers
When using high-pressure washers, do not
spray the seals of the retractable hardtop and
the exterior sensors and cameras, for Park Dis‐ tance Control, for instance, for extended peri‐ods of time and only from a distance of at least
12 in/30 cm. ◀During the winter months
Ensure that the vehicle is washed more
frequently in winter. Intense soiling and road
salt can damage the vehicle. ◀
After washing the vehicle, apply the brakes
briefly to dry them; otherwise, braking action
can be reduced and corrosion of the brake
discs can occur.
Regularly remove foreign bodies, such as
leaves, from the area of the windshield when
the hood is open.
Washing in automatic car washes Give preference to cloth car washes or those
that use soft brushes in order to avoid paint
damage.
Do not use automatic high-pressure washers;
otherwise, water may drip into the interior in
the area of the windows.
Before driving into the car wash, check whether
the system is suitable for your MINI. Note the
following points:▷Vehicle dimensions, refer to page 196.▷If necessary: fold in the exterior mirrors, re‐
fer to page 38.▷Maximum permissible tire width.
Guide rails in car washes
Avoid car washes with guide rails higher
than 4 in/10 cm; otherwise, the vehicle chassis
could be damaged. ◀
Preparations before driving into the car wash:
▷Unscrew the road antenna.▷Deactivate the rain sensor to avoid unin‐
tentional wiper activation.▷Deactivate the rear window wiper and pro‐
tect it from damage. Ask the car wash oper‐
ator about any necessary protective meas‐
ures.Seite 179CareMobility179
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▷Remove additional attachments, for in‐
stance a spoiler or telephone antenna, if
there is a risk that these may be damaged.▷Insert the remote control into the ignition
lock.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, note the fol‐
lowing to ensure that the vehicle can roll:
1.Insert the remote control into the ignition
lock, even with Comfort Access.2.Move the selector lever to position N.3.Release the handbrake.4.Switch the engine off.5.Leave the remote control in the ignition
lock so that the vehicle can roll.
Hand car wash
If washing the vehicle by hand, use copious
quantities of water and car shampoo if neces‐
sary. Clean the vehicle with a sponge or a
washing brush by applying gentle pressure.
Before cleaning the windshield, deactivate the
rain sensor to avoid unintentional wiper activa‐
tion or switch off the ignition.
Adhere to the local regulations regarding
washing cars by hand.
Headlamps
Do not rub dry and do not use abrasive or caus‐
tic cleansers. Soak areas that have been soiled,
e.g., due to insects, with shampoo and rinse off
with copious quantities of water.
Thaw ice with a window deicer; do not use an
ice scraper.
Windows Clean the outside and inside surfaces of the
windows and the mirror glasses with window
cleaner.
Do not clean mirror glass with cleaners contain‐
ing quartz.
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and replace regularly to
avoid streaking.
Wax and preservative residue and soiling on
the windows cause streaking during window
wiping and lead to premature wear on the
wiper blades and malfunctions of the rain sen‐
sor.
Vehicle care Car care products
Regular cleaning and care contributes signifi‐
cantly to vehicle value retention.
The manufacturer recommends using cleaning
and care products from MINI, since these have
been tested and approved.
Original MINI CareProducts have been tested
on materials, in the laboratory, and in the field,
and offer optimum care and protection for MINI
vehicles.
Do not use cleansers that contain alcohol
or solvents
Do not use cleansers that contain alcohol or
solvents, such as lacquer thinners, heavy-duty
grease removers, fuel, or such; this could lead
to surface damage. ◀
Car care and cleaning products
Follow the instructions on the container.
When cleaning the interior, open the doors or
windows.
Only use products intended for cleaning vehi‐
cles.
Cleansers can contain substances that are dan‐
gerous and harmful to your health. ◀Seite 180MobilityCare180
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