RefuelingVehicle 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.
General information Refuel promptly
At the latest, refuel at a range below
30 miles/50 km; otherwise, the engine function
is not ensured and damage may occur. ◀
Notes Switch off the engine before refueling
Always switch off the engine before refu‐
eling; otherwise, fuel cannot be added to the
tank and a message will be displayed. ◀
Observe when handling fuel▷Take all precautionary measures and
observe all applicable regulations
when handling fuel.▷Do not carry any spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. They can develop a leak and
cause an explosion or cause a fire in the
event of an accident. ◀
Fuel cap
Opening
1.Open fuel filler flap.2.Turn the fuel cap counterclockwise.3.Place the fuel cap in the bracket attached
to the fuel filler flap.
Closing
1.Fit the fuel cap and turn it clockwise until
you clearly hear a click.2.Close the fuel filler flap.
Do not pinch the retaining strap
Do not pinch the retaining strap attached
to the cap; otherwise, the cap cannot be closed
properly and fuel vapors can escape. ◀
A message is displayed if the cap is loose or
missing.
Manually unlocking fuel filler flap In the event of a malfunction, the fuel filler flap
can be released manually:
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MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster:1.Remove the cover of the left cargo area
side wall.2.Pull the green knob with the gas pump
symbol. This releases the fuel filler flap.
MINI Convertible:
1.Remove the cover of the left cargo area
side wall.2.Pull the green knob with the gas pump
symbol. This releases the fuel filler flap.Observe the following
when refueling
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com‐
pletely into the filler pipe. Lifting up the fuel
pump nozzle during refueling causes:▷Premature pump shutoff.▷Reduced efficiency in the fuel-vapor recov‐
ery system.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
off the first time.
Do not overfill the fuel tank
Do not overfill the fuel tank; otherwise,
escaping fuel may harm the environment or
damage the vehicle. ◀
Handling fuels
Follow the safety instructions provided at
gas stations; otherwise, there is a danger of
personal injury and property damage. ◀
Fuel tank capacity Approx. 13.2 US gal/50 liters, including a re‐
serve capacity of 2.1 US gal/8 liters.
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FuelVehicle 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.
Fuel recommendation GasolineFor the best fuel economy, the gasoline should
be sulfur-free or very low in sulfur content.
Do not use fuels that are labeled at the fuel
pump as containing metals.
Only refuel with lead-free gasoline with‐
out metal additives
Do not refuel with leaded gasoline or gasoline
with metal additives, e. g., manganese or iron;
otherwise, the catalytic converter and other components will be permanently damaged. ◀
Fuels with a maximum ethanol content of
10 %, i.e., E10, may be used for refueling.
The ethanol should fulfill the following quality standards:
US: ASTM 4806–xx
CAN: CGSB-3.511–xx
xx: always adhere to the currently applicable
standard.
Do not refuel with ethanol E85
Do not refuel with E85, i.e., fuel with an
ethanol content of 85 %, or with Flex Fuel, as
this would damage the engine and fuel supply system. ◀The engine is knock controlled. Therefore, you
can refuel with different gasoline qualities.
Gasoline quality
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends:▷AKI 91.▷John Cooper Works AKI 93.
Minimum fuel grade
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
AKI 89.
Minimum fuel grade
Do not fill up with fuel below the speci‐
fied minimum quality; otherwise, the engine
may not run properly. ◀
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI rat‐
ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds
when starting at high outside temperatures.
This has no effect on the engine life.
Minimum fuel grade
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
harmful engine deposits or damage. Addition‐
ally, problems relating to drivability, starting
and stalling, especially under certain environ‐
mental conditions such as high ambient tem‐
perature and high altitude, may occur.
If drivability problems are encountered, we rec‐
ommend switching to a high quality gasoline
brand and a higher octane grade — AKI num‐
ber — for a few tank fills. To avoid harmful en‐
gine deposits, it is highly recommended to pur‐
chase gasoline from BP or Top Tier retailers.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may result in the need for unscheduled mainte‐
nance. ◀
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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 84.
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 164MobilityWheels and tires164
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Engine oilVehicle equipment
This 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.
Engine oil General information
Engine oil consumption depends on the driving
style and the conditions of use. A highly sporty
driving style, for example, results in considera‐
bly higher engine oil consumption.
Therefore, regularly check the engine oil level
after refueling.
Checking the oil level with a dip stick1.Park the vehicle on level ground when the
engine is at operating temperature, i.e., af‐
ter driving continuously for at least
6 2 miles/10 km.2.Switch the engine off.3.After approx. 5 minutes, pull out the dip
stick and wipe it off with a lint-free cloth,
paper towel, etc.4.Carefully insert the dip stick all the way into
the measuring tube and pull it out again.The oil level must be between the two
marks on the dip stick.
The oil quantity between the two marks on the
dip stick equals approx. 1 US quart/1 liter.
Do not exceed the high mark.
Do not exceed the high mark of the dip
stick. Overfilling oil damages the engine. ◀
Adding engine oil
Filler neck
Add a maximum quantity of 1 US quart/1 liter
of oil only after the corresponding message ap‐
pears on the Control Display or, in diesel en‐
gines, after the oil level is just above the low
mark of the dip stick, refer to page 170.
Add oil promptly
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km;
otherwise, engine damage could result. ◀
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Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnosis
Socket for Onboard Diagnosis
The socket for Onboard Diagnosis may
only be used by the service center, by work‐
shops that operate according to the specifica‐
tions of the vehicle manufacturer with appro‐
priately trained personnel, and by other
authorized persons. Otherwise, its use may
lead to vehicle malfunctions. ◀
Primary components in the vehicle emissions
can be checked via the OBD socket using a de‐
vice.
Emissions The warning lamps light up. The vehicle
is producing higher emissions. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution. Have the
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Under certain circumstances, one of the lamps
flashes or lights up continuously. This indicates
that there is excessive misfiring or a malfunc‐
tion in the engine. If this happens, reduce the
vehicle speed and drive to the next service cen‐
ter promptly. Serious engine misfiring within a
brief period can seriously damage emission
control components, in particular the catalytic
converter. In addition, the mechanical engine
components may become damaged.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight‐
ened, the OBD system may conclude
that fuel vapor is escaping; this will cause a dis‐
play to light up. If the filler cap is then tight‐
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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‐
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