Things to remember when drivingVehicle 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.
Breaking-in period General information Moving parts need to be broken in to adjust to
each other.
The following instructions will help achieve a
long vehicle life and good economy.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 kmDrive at various engine and vehicle speeds, but
do not exceed:▷For a gasoline engine, 4,500 rpm and
100 mph/160 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode for the initial
miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
Tires Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac‐
tion potential until after an initial breaking-in
period.
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
Brake system Brakes require an initial break-in period of ap‐
prox. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and discs. Drive cautiously during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The clutch requires an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to function at an op‐ timal level.
During this break-in period, engage the clutch
gently.
Following part replacementThe same breaking in procedures should be ob‐
served if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Ground clearance Ensure adequate ground clearance
Ensure adequate ground clearance, e.g.,
when driving into underground garages, when
driving over curbs, or when driving in winter;
otherwise, damage may occur to the vehicle. ◀Seite 124Driving tipsThings to remember when driving124
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Closing the tailgateDrive with the tailgate closed
Only drive with the tailgate closed; other‐
wise, passengers and other road users may be
endangered or the vehicle may be damaged if
an accident occurs or during braking or swerv‐
ing. In addition, exhaust fumes may enter the
passenger compartment. ◀
If, despite this, the vehicle must be driven with
the tailgate open:▷Drive moderately.▷Coupe: close all windows.▷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 230.
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 103.Seite 125Things to remember when drivingDriving tips125
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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 72.
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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Playback lists
Calling up playback lists.1."CD/Multimedia"2."External devices"3.Select the or symbol.4."Playlists"
Current playback
List of tracks currently being played.
1."CD/Multimedia"2."External devices"3.Select the or symbol.4."Current playback"
Random playback The current list of tracks is played back in ran‐
dom order.
1."CD/Multimedia"2."External devices"3.Open "Options".4."Random"
Fast forward/reverse
Buttons on the steering wheel or on the CD
player:
Press and hold the button for the
corresponding direction.
Video playback
At a glance
Video playback is only possible with a compati‐
ble iPod/iPhone. Connect using a video-capable
adapter cable or, if applicable, a snap-in
adapter.
Playback
The video image on the Control Display is dis‐
played while the vehicle is stationary; in some
countries, the handbrake must be set or P must
be engaged.1."CD/Multimedia"2."External devices"3.Select the or symbol.4."Video"5.Select the desired file.
Select the category in the file directory.6.Press the MINI joystick.
Playback of the selected video file starts.
Notes Do not expose the audio device to extreme en‐
vironmental conditions, such as very high tem‐
peratures; refer to the audio device operating
instructions.
Depending on the configuration of the audio
files, e.g., bit rates greater than 256 kbit/s, the
files may not play back correctly in each case.
Audio and video playback from the snap-in
adapter is only possible if no cable is connected
to the AV-IN port.
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Maximum speed of winter tires
If the maximum speed of the vehicle is higher
than the permissible speed for the winter tires,
then display a corresponding sign in the field of
vision. You can obtain this sign from the tire
specialist or from your service center.
Maximum speed for winter tires
Do not exceed the maximum speed for
the winter tires; otherwise, tire damage and ac‐
cidents can occur. ◀
Run-flat tires When mounting new tires or changing fromsummer to winter tires or vice versa, use run-
flat tires for your own safety. Also, a compact
wheel is not available in case of a flat tire. Your
service center will be glad to advise you.
Rotating wheels between axles
Different wear patterns occur on the front and
rear axles, depending on the individual condi‐
tions of use.
To ensure even wear on the tires, the wheels
can be rotated between the axles. Your service
center will be glad to advise you.
After changing the tires, check the tire inflation
pressure and correct it if necessary.
Storage Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres‐
sure indicated on the side wall of the tire.Run-flat tires
Label
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 94.
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.Seite 232MobilityWheels and tires232
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4.Turn the bulb counterclockwise and re‐
move it.5.Insert the new bulb and attach the covers
in reverse order.
Replacing the parking lamp bulb and
roadside parking lamp bulb
5-watt bulb, W 5 W
1.Turn the wheel.2.Remove cover 2.
To do this, turn the cover counterclockwise.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 W
1.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 244.
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
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1Turn signal2Tail lamp LED3Brake lamp
Replacing
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster
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 Convertible1.Remove the cover of the cargo area side
wall.
Move the convertible top to the top posi‐
tion, refer to page 116, and take off 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.
Rear fog lamp/backup lamps
16-watt bulbs, W 16W
The lamps are accessed via the rear side or the
underside of the bumper.
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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.
John Cooper Works: aerodynamic bumper
The lamps are accessed via the rear side or the
underside of the 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
Replacing1.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.
Changing wheels Notes
Wheel change for run-flat tires:
▷Prepare for the wheel change, refer to
page 251.▷Jack up the vehicle, refer to page 251.▷Tighten the lug bolts, refer to page 252.
Compact wheel
Wheel change with a compact wheel:
▷Remove the compact wheel, refer to
page 250.▷Prepare for the wheel change, refer to
page 251.▷Jack up the vehicle, refer to page 251.▷Mount the compact wheel, refer to
page 251.Seite 249Replacing componentsMobility249
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