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 63.
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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MINI Convertible
Securing cargo
▷Secure smaller and lighter pieces with tight‐
ening belts or straps.▷Secure larger and heavier pieces with cargo
straps.
Adhere to the information included with
the cargo straps.▷Four lashing eyes are available for fastening
the cargo straps. Two of them are located
on the inside wall of the cargo area.
Securing cargo
Stow and secure the cargo as described
above; otherwise it may present a danger to
the occupants, for instance during braking and
avoidance maneuvers.
Do not stow any heavy and hard objects in the
passenger compartment without securing
them; otherwise, they may present a danger to
occupants, for instance during braking and
avoidance maneuvers.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, as
excessive loads can pose a safety hazard, and
may also place you in violation of traffic safety
laws.
Do not secure cargo using the upper LATCH
mounting points, refer to page 52; otherwise,
these may become damaged. ◀
Rear luggage rack
Notes A special rear rack is available as an optional
accessory. It does not require a trailer hitch.
Follow the installation instructions for the rear
rack.
Anchorage points
The anchorage points are under the covers in
the bumper.
Push out the covers on the corresponding cut‐
outs.
Loading
When loading the vehicle, ensure that the ap‐
proved gross vehicle weight and the axle loads
are not exceeded. Adhere to the weight specifi‐
cations in the technical data.
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Switch off the engine during longer
stops
Switch off the engine during longer stops, e.g.,
at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in traffic
congestion.
Fuel savings are already achieved after the en‐
gine is turned off for as little as 4 seconds.
Automatic Engine Start/Stop Function
The Automatic Engine Start/Stop Function auto‐
matically switches the engine off during a stop.
If the engine is stopped and then started again,
fuel consumption and emissions drop com‐
pared to an engine that runs permanently.
Stopping the engine even for just a few sec‐
onds can result in savings.
In addition, fuel consumption depends on other
factors as well, such as driving style, road con‐
ditions, maintenance, and environmental fac‐
tors.
Switch off any functions that are not currently needed
Functions such as seat heating and the rear
window defroster require a lot of energy and
consume additional fuel, especially in city and
stop-and-go traffic.
Therefore, switch off these functions if they are
not actually needed.
Have maintenance carried out
Have vehicles maintained regularly to achieve
optimal vehicle economy and operating life.
Have the maintenance carried out by the serv‐
ice center.
Please also note the MINI maintenance system,
refer to page 173.Seite 120Driving tipsSaving fuel120
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▷"LANG": select the language of the dis‐
play texts.▷"CONSMP": change the unit of measure
for the average fuel consumption.▷"TEMP": change the unit of measure for
the external temperature.5.Highlight the desired menu item and press
the button.6.Create the desired setting.
Computer
The following vehicle information can be call up
via the computer:
▷Average fuel consumption▷Average speed▷Range
Displaying information
1.Switch on the radio ready state or the igni‐
tion.2. Press the button.3."COMP"
Average fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption is calculated for
the time during which the engine is running.
To start calculation of the average fuel con‐
sumption:
1."CONSMP"2."RESET"
The previous display is set to zero and the sys‐
tem begins recalculating the average fuel con‐
sumption.
Average speed
The average speed is calculated for the time
during which the engine is running.
To start calculation of the average speed:
1."SPEED"2."RESET"
Estimated range
"RANGE"
The display shows the estimated distance that
can be still be driven on the remaining fuel,
taking into consideration the driving style over
the last 18 miles/30 km.
Radio
Listening to the radio
The radio is designed for reception in the FM
and AM wavebands.
1.Switch on the radio, refer to page 125.2. Press this button if necessary.3."TUNER"4."FM" or"AM"
Press the corresponding button repeatedly
until the desired waveband is displayed.▷FM: FM1, FM2, FMA▷AM: AM, AMA
Selecting a station
The setting is stored for the remote control cur‐
rently in use.
Next station
Press the button.
The next station with reception is selected.
Selecting the station manually by
frequency
1. Press the button.2.▷Press the respective function button to
set the desired frequency.▷Turn the right knob until the desired
frequency is set.Seite 127Radio MINI Boost CDEntertainment127
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Automatically updating the stations
with the best reception, AUTOSTORE
In the FMA and AMA memory levels, stations
are automatically stored according to their re‐
ception strength. If the AUTOSTORE function is
not used, six stations can be manually stored in
each of the FMA and AMA memory levels.1."FM" or"AM"
Press the corresponding button until the
following is displayed:
"AUTOSTORE"
It may take several seconds for the stations to
be stored and for one of these stations to be
played back.
Briefly playing and selecting a station "SC"
All stations with reception are played briefly.
To interrupt the function and select a station:
"SC"
Storing and retrieving a station
Memory locations It is possible to store up to 30 stations.
▷FM1, FM2, AM: six stations each.▷FMA, AMA: the six stations with the best re‐
ception (automatically) or any six stations
(manually).
Storing a station
1."FM" or"AM"
Select the desired function repeatedly until
the desired waveband is displayed.2.Select the station.3."1" ... "6"
Press and hold the function button under
the desired memory location until the sta‐
tion is audible again after a brief interrup‐
tion.Retrieving a stored station1."FM" or"AM"
Select the desired function repeatedly until
the desired waveband is displayed.2."1" ... "6"
Press and hold the desired function button
or turn the right knob until the desired sta‐
tion is displayed.
Radio Data System, RDS
RDS broadcasts additional information, such as
the station name or text messages, in the FM
waveband. When playing a station with multi‐
ple frequencies, the system automatically
switches to the frequency with the best recep‐
tion, if needed.
Some stations broadcast the type of program
received, or PTY, via RDS. This information is
displayed briefly when the station is selected,
for instance NEWS.
PTY can also be used to display catastrophe
alerts, such as "ALARM".
The alert is issued on the loudspeakers.
Switching the RDS on/off
1."SET"2."RDS"
When the RDS is switched off, the PTY function
is switched off as well.
Switching the program type display
on/off
1."SET"2."PTY"
HD Radio™ reception
Many stations broadcast both analog and digi‐
tal signals. These stations can be received digi‐
tally and therefore with better sound quality. A
digital radio network must be available to be
able to receive digital stations.
License conditions
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A phone number and the electronic serial
number, ESN, are displayed. The electronic
serial number is required for deactivation.4.To have the channels deactivated, call the
phone number.
Selecting and storing a channel
1. Press the button.2."SAT"3."CAT"4.Select the desired category.5.Select the desired channel.
To display all channels:
"ALL"
To store a channel:
1. Select the symbol.2."SAT"
Press the button repeatedly until the de‐
sired memory level, SAT 1 or SAT 2, is
reached.3."1" ... "6"
Press and hold the function button under
the desired memory location until the
channel is audible again after a brief inter‐
ruption.
Changing to the current channel
"CURR"
Additional information
The name of the channel and additional infor‐
mation on the current track are displayed, such
as the name of the artist.
1.Select the desired channel.2."INFO"Changing the channel using the buttons
Press the button for the corre‐
sponding direction. The next enabled channel
is opened.
Search
1. Press and hold the button for
the corresponding direction. The activated
channels appear on the display one after
the other.2.Release the button to select the displayed
channel.
Notes
When there is a signal blockage or the trans‐
mission is suspended momentarily for more
than 4 seconds, a message will appear on the
display.
Service may be interrupted or unavailable for
specific reasons such as environmental or topo‐
graphic conditions and others that Satellite
Radio cannot directly control. Signal may not be
available under tunnels, in parking garages,
next to tall buildings, nearby trees with dense
foliage, nearby mountains or other possible
strong sources of radio interference. Service
should resume normally after the source of sig‐
nal unavailability has been cleared.
CD player
Loading the CD player Insert the CD into the CD drive with the printed
side up.
Playback begins automatically.
Reading can take a few minutes with com‐
pressed audio files.
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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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Wheels and tiresVehicle 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.
Tire inflation pressure Safety information
It is not merely the tires' service life, but also
driving comfort and, to a great extent, driving
safety that depend on the condition of the tires
and the maintenance of the specified tire pres‐
sure.
Checking the pressure Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
Regularly check the tire inflation pressure
and correct it as needed: at least twice a month
and before a long trip. If you fail to observe this
precaution, you may be driving on tires with in‐
correct tire pressures, a condition that may not
only compromise your vehicle's driving stabil‐
ity, but also lead to tire damage and the risk of
an accident.
Do not drive with depressurized or flat tires, ex‐
cept for run-flat tires. A flat tire will seriously
impair your vehicle's handling and braking re‐
sponse. Attempts to drive on a flat tire can lead
to a loss of control over the vehicle. ◀
Only check the tire inflation pressure when the
tires are cold. This means after a maximum of
1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the vehicle
has been parked for at least 2 hours. When thetires are warm, the tire inflation pressure is
higher.
After correcting the tire inflation pressure, reset
the Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to page 86
or reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page 83.
Checking the inflation pressure of the
compact wheel
To check the inflation pressure, there is a valve
extension behind the bumper.
Pressure specifications
The tables below provide all the correct infla‐
tion pressures for the specified tire sizes at am‐
bient temperature.
The inflation pressures apply to the tire sizes
approved and tire brands recommended by the
manufacturer of the MINI; a list of these is
available from the service center.
For correct identification of the right tire infla‐
tion pressures, observe the following:
▷Tire sizes of your vehicle▷Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving up to
100 mph or 160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph/160 km/h,
adjust pressures to the respective tire inflation
pressures listed on the following pages in the
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