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.
When using the features and systems described
here, adhere to local regulations.
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 206.▷If necessary: fold in the exterior mirrors, re‐
fer to page 40.▷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‐
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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.
Steptronic 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 parking brake.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.
Headlights 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 187CareMOBILITY187
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grease removers, fuel, or such; this could lead
to surface damage. ◀
Rubber seals Only treat with water or a rubber care product.
When cleaning rubber seals, do not use silicone
sprays or other care products containing sili‐
cone; otherwise, noise and damage may result.
Chrome surfaces
Carefully clean components such as the radia‐
tor grille or door handles with an ample supply
of water, possibly with shampoo added, partic‐
ularly when they have been exposed to road
salt. For additional treatment, use a chrome
polish.
Light-alloy wheels
When cleaning the wheels on the vehicle, only
use a neutral wheel rim cleaner with a pH value
of 5 to 9.
Do not use abrasive cleaners or a steam jet hot‐
ter than 140 ℉/60 ℃; otherwise, damage may
result. Adhere to the manufacturer instructions.
Aggressive, acidic, or alkaline cleaners may de‐
stroy the protective coating of neighboring
components such as the brake disc.
Exterior sensors
The sensors on the outside of the vehicle, such
as for Park Distance Control, must be kept clean
and free of ice to ensure that they remain fully
functional.
Decorative trim
Clean decorative trims and fine wood compo‐
nents with a moist cloth only. Then dry with a
soft cloth.
Safety belts Dirty belt straps impede the reeling action and
thus have a negative impact on safety.No chemical cleaning
Do not clean chemically; this can destroy
the webbing. ◀
Carpets/floor mats 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. ◀
Floor mats can be removed for cleaning.
If they are very dirty, clean with a microfiber
cloth and water or an interior cleaner. To pre‐
vent matting of the carpet, rub back and forth
in the direction of travel only.
Displays To clean the displays, such as the radio or dis‐
play elements, use an antistatic microfiber
cloth.
Cleaning displays
Do not use chemical or household cleans‐
ers.
Keep all fluids and moisture away from the
unit.
Otherwise, they could affect or damage surfa‐
ces or electrical components.
Avoid pressing too hard when cleaning and do
not use abrasive materials; otherwise, damage
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12CauseHow to respondLights up briefly:
Approx. 2.1 US gal/8 liters of fuel remain in
the tank.
Remains on:
The remaining range is no more than
30 miles/50 km, refer to page 59.The engine refuses to start.Depress the brake or clutch to start
the engine, refer to page 49.The ignition is switched on and driver's door
is open.Switch off the ignition, refer to
page 48, or close the driver's door.The lights are still switched on.Switch off the lights, refer to
page 66.The roadside parking lamps are still on.Switch off the roadside parking
lights, refer to page 67.A door is open.The hood is open.The tailgate is open.The fuel cap is missing or loose.Make sure that the fuel cap is cor‐
rectly positioned and close it until it
clicks audibly. Do not jam the strap
between the fuel cap and the vehi‐
cle.The windshield washer fluid level is too low.Add washer fluid, refer to page 54,
as soon as possible.Lights up in red:Service is due.Arrange a service appointment.
Check the service requirements, re‐
fer to page 169.Seite 192MOBILITYIndicator/warning lamps192
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12CauseHow to respondLights up in yellow:The engine will start the next time the Start/
Stop button is touched, possibly without the
brake or clutch being depressed.The remote control is malfunctioning or, in
cars with Comfort Access, was not detected.The engine cannot be started. Have
the remote control checked, if nec‐
essary.The battery in the remote control is dis‐
charged.Use the remote control for a longer
journey or, in cars with Comfort Ac‐
cess, replace the battery.The belt tensioners and/or airbag system
has failed.Have the system checked immedi‐
ately.
Fasten the safety belts anyway.Steering assistance has failed.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Markedly different
steering response. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.Lights up in red:Engine malfunctionStop the car and switch off the en‐
gine. You cannot continue your
journey. Contact your service cen‐
ter.Lights up in yellow:Full engine power is no longer available.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the engine
checked as soon as possible.Indicator lamp 1 flashes:Engine malfunction under high load. High
engine load will result in damage to the cat‐
alytic converter.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the vehicle
checked immediately.Seite 193Indicator/warning lampsMOBILITY193
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12CauseHow to respondIndicator lamp 1 lights up:Engine malfunction with adverse effect on
emissions.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the vehicle
checked as soon as possible.Lights up in red:The engine is overheating.Carefully bring the car to a stop,
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down. Do not open the hood;
otherwise, there would be a risk of
injury due to scalding. Contact your
service center.Lights up in yellow:The engine is too hot.Continue driving at more moderate
speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked
without delay if the situation reoc‐
curs.Lights up in red:Battery is no longer being charged. Alterna‐
tor malfunction.Switch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers. Have the power supply
system checked without delay.Lights up in yellow:The battery charge level is very low, the bat‐
tery is old or is not securely connected.Charge the battery by taking a long
drive or using an external charger.
If necessary, switch off automatic
power consumers. Have the battery
checked as soon as possible.Indication in US models
The parking brake is set.Indication in Canadian models
The parking brake is set.Seite 194MOBILITYIndicator/warning lamps194
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12CauseHow to respondIndication in US models
The parking brake is set while driving.Release the parking brake.Indication in Canadian models
The parking brake is set while driving.Release the parking brake.Indication in US modelsLights up in red:
The brake fluid level is too low.Reduced braking effect, stop the
car carefully. Contact the nearest
service center.Indication in Canadian modelsLights up in red:
The brake fluid level is too low.Reduced braking effect, stop the
car carefully. Contact the nearest
service center.Indication in US models.Brake pads worn.Have the condition of the brake
pads checked without delay.Indication in Canadian modelsBrake pads worn.Have the condition of the brake
pads checked without delay.Indication in US modelsThe vehicle electronics have failed.You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your service center.Seite 195Indicator/warning lampsMOBILITY195
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12CauseHow to respondIndication in Canadian modelsThe vehicle electronics have failed.You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your service center.Lights up in red:Have the system in question
checked immediately.The starter has failed orThe engine cannot be restarted.Ignition malfunctioning. The engine can
only be restarted when the brake is de‐
pressed or
Lighting system failed. Low beams/tail lights
and brake lights still operational. All other
lights failed.Depress the brake to restart the en‐
gine.Lights up in yellow:Brake light control failed or
The fuel supply is malfunctioning.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system in
question checked immediately.Drive malfunctioning.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Transmission limp-
home program with reduced accel‐
eration is active. Have the system
checked immediately.Flashing:
Dynamic Stability Control DSC or Dynamic
Traction Control DTC is controlling drive and
braking forces, refer to page 81.Dynamic Traction Control DTC is activated,
refer to page 82.Dynamic Stability Control DSC and Dynamic
Traction Control DTC are deactivated, refer
to page 81.Driving stability limited during ac‐
celeration and cornering.
Driving style must be readjusted.Seite 196MOBILITYIndicator/warning lamps196
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