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.
When using the features and systems described
here, adhere to local regulations.
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 replacement
The 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 110DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving110
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Conform to Federal Safety Requirements
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition to
these grades. ◀
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov‐
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times
as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving hab‐
its, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
TractionThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under control‐
led conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked
C may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based
on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and
does not include acceleration, cornering, hy‐
droplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the ma‐
terial of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi‐cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum re‐
quired by law.
Temperature grade for this tire
The temperature grade for this tire is es‐
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla‐
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure. ◀
RSC – Run-flat tires
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall, refer to
page 160.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than
summer tires.
XL
Designation for specially reinforced tires.
Tire treadSummer tiresThe tread depth should not be less than
0.12 in/3 mm, although European legislation,
for example, requires a minimum tread depth
of only 0.063 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths less
than 0.12 in/3 mm, there is a great danger of
hydroplaning even in low water depths and at
raised speeds.
Winter tires
The suitability of winter tires for winter driving
is reduced noticeably when their tread depth
becomes less than 0.16 in/4 mm.Seite 157Wheels and tiresMOBILITY157
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Changing wheels and
tires
Mounting Information on mounting tires
Have mounting and balancing performed
only by a service center or tire specialist.
If this work is not carried out properly, there is
the danger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards. ◀
Wheel and tire combination Information on the right wheel and tire combi‐
nation and rim version for your vehicle can be
obtained from the service center.
Incorrect wheel and tire combinations impair
the function of a variety of systems such as ABS
or DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle re‐
sponse, use only tires with a single tread con‐
figuration from a single manufacturer.
Following tire damage, have the original wheel
and tire combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.
Approved wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle recom‐
mends that you use only wheels and tires that
have been approved for your particular vehicle
model.
For example, despite having the same official
size ratings, variations can lead to body contact
and with it, the risk of severe accidents.
The manufacturer of your vehicle cannot evalu‐
ate non-approved wheels and tires to deter‐
mine if they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of the vehi‐
cle if they are mounted. ◀Wheels with electronics for TPM Tire
Pressure Monitor
When mounting new tires or changing from
summer to winter tires or vice versa, only use
wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise, the
Tire Pressure Monitor will not be able to detect
a flat tire, refer to page 76. Your service center
will be glad to advise you.
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your ve‐
hicle recommends certain tire brands. These
are indicated by the clearly visible marking on
the tire sidewall.
With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling.
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle does not rec‐
ommend the use of retreaded tires.
Retreaded tires
Possibly substantial variations in the de‐
sign and age of the tire casing structures can
limit service life and have a negative impact on
road safety. ◀
Winter tires The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends
winter tires for winter roads or at temperatures
below +45 ℉/+7 ℃.
Although so-called all-season M+S tires do pro‐
vide better winter traction than summer tires,
they do not provide the same level of perform‐
ance as winter tires.
Seite 159Wheels and tiresMOBILITY159
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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 that support themselves
for a limited period of time, and they may also
come with special rims. The sidewall reinforce‐
ment 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 depres‐
surized.
For continued driving in the event of a flat tire,
refer to page 75.
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 parking brake, and engage first gear or
reverse, 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 160MOBILITYWheels and tires160
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LATCH child restraint fixingsystem 44
Leather, care 188
Leather care 188
LEDs, light-emitting di‐ odes 172
License plate light, bulb re‐ placement 176
Light-alloy wheels, care 189
Light-emitting diodes, LEDs 172
Lighter, socket 98
Lighting, instruments 69
Lighting, lamp and bulb re‐ placement 172
Lighting, vehicle, refer to Lamps 66
Lights, parking lamps/low beams 66
Light switch 66
Lock buttons on doors, refer to Locking 25
Locking from the inside 25
Locking, from the outside 23
Locking, setting the confirma‐ tion signal 23
Locking the vehicle from the inside 25
Locking vehicle, from the out‐ side 22
Locking without remote con‐ trol, refer to Comfort Ac‐
cess 28
Longlife oils, alternative oil types 167
Longlife oils, refer to Ap‐ proved engine oils 167
Low beams 66
Low beams, automatic 66
Low beams, bulb replace‐ ment 173
Lower back support, refer to Lumbar support 36
Lumbar support 36 M
Main inspection, refer to Serv‐ ice requirements 63
Maintenance, refer to Service booklet
Maintenance, refer to Service requirements 63
Maintenance require‐ ments 169
Maintenance system MINI 169
Makeup mirror 96
Malfunction, door lock 25
Malfunction, fuel filler flap 148
Malfunction, Steptronic trans‐ mission 57
Malfunction warnings, refer to Check Control 64
Manual air distribution, air conditioner 89
Manual air distribution, auto‐ matic climate control 92
Manual mode, Steptronic transmission 56
Manual operation, door lock 25
Manual operation, fuel filler flap 148
Manual operation, selector lever lock, Steptronic trans‐
mission 57
Marking on approved tires 159
Maximum cooling 91
Maximum speed, winter tires 160
Microfilter 90
Microfilter, with automatic cli‐ mate control 92
MINI Homepage 6
MINI Internet page 6
MINI maintenance sys‐ tem 169
MINI Mobility System 161 Minimum tread, tires 158
Mirrors 40
Mirrors, folding in and out 41
Mirrors, interior mirror 41
Mobile communication devi‐ ces in the vehicle 111
Mobile phone, refer to Tele‐ phone 136
Mobility System 161
Modifications, technical, refer to Safety 6
Mounting of child restraint fix‐ ing systems 43
N Neck restraints, refer to Head restraints 39
New wheels and tires 159
Notes 6
Nozzles, refer to Ventila‐ tion 93
O
OBD Onboard Diagnos‐ tics 170
OBD socket, refer to Socket for OBD Onboard Diagno‐
sis 170
Octane number, refer to Fuel quality 150
Octane rating, refer to Recom‐ mended fuel grade 150
Odometer 58
Oil additives 167
Oil level 166
Oil types, alternative 167
Oil types, approved 167
Onboard Diagnostics OBD 170
Opening and closing, Comfort Access 28
Opening and closing from the inside 25 Seite 215Everything from A to ZREFERENCE215
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Restraining systems, refer toSafety belts 37
Restraint systems for chil‐ dren 43
Retreaded tires 159
Reverse gear, manual trans‐ mission 55
Roadside Assistance 181
Roadside parking light, bulb replacement 174
Roadside parking lights 67
RON recommended fuel grade 150
RON, refer to Fuel quality 150
Rubber seals, care 189
Run-flat tires 160
Run-flat tires, flat tire 75
Run-flat tires, tire inflation pressure 152
S
Safe braking 111
Safety 6
Safety belts 37
Safety belts, care 189
Safety belts, damage 39
Safety belts, indicator/warning lamp 39
Safety belts, rear center safety belt 38
Safety belts, reminder 39
Safety systems, airbags 71
Safety systems, safety belts 37
Saving fuel 118
Seat adjustment 36
Seat adjustment, manual 35
Seat heating 37
Seats 35
Seats, adjusting 35
Seats, heating 37
Seats, sitting safely 35
Selector lever lock, overrid‐ ing 57 Selector lever lock, refer to Se‐
lector level positions, chang‐
ing, shiftlock 56
Selector lever positions, Step‐ tronic transmission 56
Selector lever, Steptronic transmission 56
Service and warranty 7
Service data in the remote control 169
Service interval display, refer to Condition Based Service
CBS 169
Service interval display, refer to Service requirements 63
Service requirements 63
Service requirements, CBS Condition Based Service 169
Settings and information 60
Settings, clock 61
Settings, configuring, refer to Personal Profile 20
Shifting, manual transmis‐ sion 55
Shifting, Steptronic transmis‐ sion 56
Shift lever, Steptronic trans‐ mission 56
Shift paddles on the steering wheel 57
Side airbags 71
Side windows, refer to Win‐ dows 32
Sitting safely 35
Sliding/tilting sunroof, refer to Glass sunroof, electrical 31
Slot for remote control 48
Snap-in adapter, mobile phone 143
Snow chains 163
Socket, OBD Onboard Diagno‐ sis 170
Special equipment, series equipment 6
Speed, average 60
Speedometer 14 Speed, with winter tires 160
Sport button 83
Sport program, Steptronic transmission 56
Stability control systems 81
Start/Stop button 48
Start/Stop button, starting the engine 49
Start/Stop button, switching off the engine 50
Starting the engine 49
Start problems, refer to Jump- starting 181
Steering wheel 42
Steering wheel, adjusting 42
Steering wheel lock 48
Steering wheel, shift pad‐ dles 57
Steptronic transmission 55
Steptronic transmission, kick‐ down 56
Steptronic transmission, over‐ riding the selector lever
lock 57
Stopping, engine 50
Storage, tires 160
Storing the vehicle 190
Summer tires, refer to Wheels and tires 152
Summer tires, tread 157
Sun visor 96
Switches, refer to Cockpit 12
Switching off, engine 50
Switching off, vehicle 50
Symbols 6
T Tachometer 59
Tailgate 26
Tailgate, Comfort Access 28
Tailgate, opening/closing 26
Tailgate, opening from the outside 26
Tail lights 176 Seite 217Everything from A to ZREFERENCE217
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Washing, vehicle 186
Welcome lights 68
Wheel change 178
Wheels and tires 152
Wheels, changing 159
Wheels, Flat Tire Monitor FTM 74
Window, convenient opera‐ tion 23
Windows 32
Windows, care 187
Windows, closing 33
Windows, defrosting and de‐ fogging 89
Windows, opening 33
Windows, pinch protection 33
Windshield defroster 92
Windshield, defrosting and defogging 89
Windshield, defrosting, refer to Defrosting windows 89
Windshield wash 52
Windshield washer fluid 54
Windshield wash, rear win‐ dow 54
Windshield wash, reservoir for washer fluid 54
Windshield wash, washer fluid 54
Windshield wiper blades, changing 171
Windshield wiper, refer to Washer/wiper system 52
Winter storage, care 190
Winter tires 159
Winter tires, tread 157
Wiper blades, care 187
Wiper blades, changing 171
Wiper fluid 54
Y
Your individual vehicle, set‐ tings, refer to Personal Pro‐
file 20 Seite 219Everything from A to ZREFERENCE219
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