
FuelVehicle features and op‐
tions
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems. The respectively applicable country provi‐
sions must be observed when using the respec‐
tive features and systems.
Fuel recommendation General information Depending on the region, many gas stations
sell fuel that has been customized to winter or
summer conditions. Fuel that is available in
winter helps make a cold start easier, for exam‐
ple.
Information ATTENTION
Even fuels that conform to the specifica‐
tions can be of low quality. This may cause en‐
gine problems, e.g., poor engine start-up be‐
havior, poor handling and/or poor
performance. There is a risk of damage to
property. In case of engine problems, switch
gas stations or use a brand name fuel with a
higher octane rating. ◀
Gasoline
General information For the best fuel efficiency, the gasoline should
be sulfur-free or very low in sulfur content.Fuels that are marked on the gas pump as con‐
taining metal must not be used.
Fuels with a maximum ethanol content of
25 %, i. e. E10 or E25, may be used for refuel‐
ing.
Ethanol should meet the following quality
standards:
US: ASTM 4806–xx
CAN: CGSB-3.511–xx
xx: comply with the current standard in each
case.
Information ATTENTION
Do not press the Start/Stop button after
refueling with the wrong fuel. Furthermore, the
catalytic converter is permanently damaged.
There is a risk of damage to property. Do not
refuel or add the following in the case of gaso‐
line engines:▷Leaded gasoline.▷Metallic additives, e.g., manganese or iron.
Do not press the Start/Stop button after refuel‐
ing with the wrong fuel. Contact a dealer’s serv‐
ice center or another qualified service center or
repair shop. ◀
ATTENTION
Incorrect fuels can damage the fuel sys‐
tem and the engine. There is a risk of damage
to property. Do not use a fuel with a higher
ethanol percentage than recommended or one
with other types of alcohol, e.g., M5 to M100. ◀
ATTENTION
Fuel that does not comply with the mini‐
mum quality can compromise engine function
or cause engine damage. There is a risk of
damage to property. Do not fill with fuel that
does not comply with the minimum quality. ◀
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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.
CAUTION
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 Top Tier retailers.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may result in the need for unscheduled mainte‐
nance. ◀
Recommended fuel grade
MINI recommends AKI 91.
John Cooper Works:
MINI recommends AKI 93.
Minimum fuel grade
MINI recommends AKI 89.
John Cooper Works:
MINI recommends AKI 91.Seite 185FuelMOBILITY185
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they achieve their full traction potential after a
break-in time.
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
Retreaded tires The manufacturer of your vehicle does not rec‐
ommend the use of retreaded tires.
WARNING
Retreaded tires can have different tire
casing structures. With advanced age the serv‐
ice life can be limited. There is risk of an acci‐
dent. The manufacturer of your vehicle does
not recommend the use of retreaded tires. ◀
Winter tires Winter tires are recommended for operating on
winter roads.
Although so-called all-season M+S tires provide
better winter traction than summer tires, they
do not provide the same level of performance
as winter tires.
Maximum speed of winter tires
If the maximum speed of the vehicle is higher
than the permissible speed for the winter tires,
then a respective symbol is displayed in your
field of vision. The label is available from a
dealer’s service center or another qualified
service center or repair shop.
With mounted winter tires, observe and adhere
to the permissible maximum speed.
Run-flat tires If you are already using run-flat tires, for your
own safety you should replace them only with
the same kind. No spare tire is available in the
case of a flat tire. Further information is availa‐
ble from a dealer’s service center or another
qualified service center or repair shop.Rotating wheels between axles
Different wear patterns can occur on the front
and rear axles depending on individual driving
conditions. The tires can be rotated between
the axles to achieve even wear. Further infor‐
mation is available from a dealer’s service cen‐
ter or another qualified service center or repair
shop. After rotating, check the tire pressure and
correct if needed.
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
RSC label on the tire sidewall.
The wheels are composed of tires that are self-
supporting to a limited degree.
The support of the sidewall allows the tire to re‐
main drivable to a restricted degree in the
event of a tire inflation pressure loss.
Follow the instructions for continued driving
with a flat tire.
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Engine oilVehicle features and op‐
tions
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems. The respectively applicable country provi‐
sions must be observed when using the respec‐
tive features and systems.
General information The engine oil consumption is dependent on
the driving style and driving conditions.
The engine oil consumption can increase in the
following situations, for example:▷Sporty driving style.▷Break-in of the engine.▷Idling of the engine.▷With use of engine oil types that are classi‐
fied as not suitable.
Therefore, regularly check the engine oil level
after refueling.
The vehicle is equipped with electronic oil
measurement.
The electronic oil measurement has two meas‐
uring principles:
▷Status display.▷Detailed measurement.Electronic oil measure‐
ment
Status display
The concept
The engine oil level is monitored electronically
while driving and shown on the Control Display.
If the engine oil level reaches the minimum
level, a check control message is displayed.
RequirementsA current measured value is available after ap‐
prox. 30 minutes of driving. During a shorter
trip, the status of the last, sufficiently long trip is
displayed.
With frequent short-distance trips, perform a
detailed measurement.
Displaying the engine oil level On the Control Display:1. "Vehicle info"2."Vehicle status"3. "Engine oil level"
Engine oil level display messagesDifferent messages appear on the display de‐
pending on the engine oil level. Pay attention
to these messages.
If the engine oil level is too low within the next
125 miles/200 km, add engine oil, refer to
page 201.
ATTENTION
Too low of an engine oil level causes en‐
gine damage. There is a risk of damage to
property. Immediately add engine oil. ◀
Take care not to add too much engine oil.
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ATTENTION
Too much engine oil can damage the en‐
gine or the catalytic converter. There is a risk of
damage to property. Do not add too much en‐
gine oil. When too much engine oil is added,
have oil level corrected by a dealer’s service
center or another qualified service center or re‐
pair shop. ◀
Detailed measurement
The concept
In the detailed measurement the engine oil
level is checked when the vehicle is stationary,
and displayed via a scale.
If the engine oil level reaches the minimum
level, a check control message is displayed.
During the measurement, the idle speed is in‐
creased somewhat.
Requirements▷Vehicle is parked in a horizontal position.▷Manual transmission: shift lever in neutral
position, clutch and accelerator pedals not
depressed.▷Steptronic transmission: selector lever in se‐
lector lever position N or P and accelerator
pedal not depressed.▷Engine is running and is at operating tem‐
perature.
Performing a detailed measurement
On the Control Display:
1. "Vehicle info"2."Vehicle status"3. "Measure engine oil level"4."Start measurement"
The engine oil level is checked and displayed
via a scale.
Time: approx. 1 minute.
Adding engine oil
Information WARNING
Operating materials, e.g., oils, greases,
coolants, fuels, can contain harmful ingredi‐
ents. There is a risk of injury or danger to life. Observe the instructions on the containers.Avoid the contact of articles of clothing, skin or
eyes with operating materials. Do not refill op‐
erating materials into different bottles. Store
operating materials out of reach of children. ◀
ATTENTION
Too low of an engine oil level causes en‐
gine damage. There is a risk of damage to
property.
Add engine oil within the next
125 miles/200 km. ◀
ATTENTION
Too much engine oil can damage the en‐
gine or the catalytic converter. There is a risk of
damage to property. Do not add too much en‐
gine oil. When too much engine oil is added,
have oil level corrected by a dealer’s service
center or another qualified service center or re‐
pair shop. ◀
General information
Only add engine oil when the message is dis‐ played in the instrument cluster. The quantity
to be added is indicated in the message dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.
Switch off the ignition and safely park the vehi‐
cle before engine oil is added.
Overview The oil filler neck is located in the engine com‐
partment, refer to page 198.
Opening the oil filler neck1.Open the hood, refer to page 198.Seite 201Engine oilMOBILITY201
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MaintenanceVehicle features and op‐
tions
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems. The respectively applicable country provi‐
sions must be observed when using the respec‐
tive features and systems.
MINI maintenance system
The maintenance system indicates required
maintenance measures, and thereby provides
support in maintaining road safety and the op‐
erational reliability of the vehicle.
In some cases scopes and intervals may vary
according to the country-specific version. Re‐
placement work, spare parts, fuels and lubri‐
cants and wear materials are calculated sepa‐
rately. Further information is available from a
dealer’s service center or another qualified
service center or repair shop.
Condition Based Service
CBS
Sensors and special algorithms take into ac‐
count the driving conditions of the vehicle.
Based on this, Condition Based Service recog‐
nizes the maintenance requirements.
The system makes it possible to adapt the
amount of maintenance corresponding to your
user profile.Information on service requirements, refer to
page 86, can be displayed on the Control Dis‐
play.
Service data in the remote control Information on the required maintenance is
continuously stored in the remote control. The
dealer’s service center can read this data out
and suggest an optimized maintenance scope
for the vehicle.
Therefore, hand the service advisor the remote
control with which the vehicle was driven most
recently.
Storage periods
Storage periods during which the vehicle bat‐
tery was disconnected are not taken into ac‐
count.
If this occurs, have a dealer's service center or
another qualified service center or repair shop
update the time-dependent maintenance pro‐
cedures, such as checking brake fluid and, if
necessary, changing the engine oil and the mi‐
crofilter/activated-charcoal filter.
Service and Warranty In‐
formation Booklet for
US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Book‐
let for Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor‐
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models
for additional information on service require‐
ments.
The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends
that maintenance and repair be performed by a
dealer’s service center or another qualifiedSeite 206MOBILITYMaintenance206
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Before driving into a car washIn order to ensure that the vehicle can roll in a
car wash, take the following steps:
Manual transmission:1.Drive into the car wash.2.Shift to neutral.3.Switch the engine off.4.Switch on the ignition.
Steptronic transmission:
1.Drive into the car wash.2.Engage selector lever position N.3.Make sure that the parking brake is re‐
leased.4.Press the Start/Stop button to switch off the
engine.
In this way, the ignition remains switched
on, and two Check-Control messages are
displayed.
A signal sounds when you leave the vehicle
while in selector lever position N.
The vehicle cannot be locked from the outside
when in selector lever position N. A signal is
sounded when an attempt is made to lock the
vehicle.
To start the engine with manual transmission:
1.Press on the clutch pedal.2.Press the Start/Stop button.
To start the engine with Steptronic transmis‐
sion:
1.Depress the brake pedal.2.Press the Start/Stop button.
Headlights
▷Do not rub dry and do not use abrasive or
acidic cleansers.▷Soak areas that have been dirtied e. g.,
from insects, with shampoo and wash off
with water.▷Thaw ice with de-icing spray; do not use an
ice scraper.
After washing 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.
Completely remove all residues on the win‐
dows, to minimize loss of visibility due to
smearing and to reduce wiper noises and wiper
blade wear.
Vehicle care Vehicle care products
The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends
using care and cleaning products from MINI.
WARNING
Cleansers can contain substances that are
dangerous and harmful to your health. There is
a risk of injury. When cleaning the interior,
open the doors or windows. Only use products
intended for cleaning vehicles. Follow the in‐
structions on the container. ◀
Vehicle paint Regular care contributes to driving safety and
value retention. Environmental influences in
areas with elevated air pollution or natural con‐
taminants, such as tree resin or pollen can af‐
fect the vehicle's paintwork. Tailor the fre‐
quency and extent of your vehicle care to these
influences.
Aggressive substances such as spilled fuel, oil,
grease or bird droppings, must be removed im‐
mediately to prevent the finish from being al‐
tered or discolored.
Caring for the convertible top
The appearance and life of the convertible top
depend on correct care and operation.
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ATTENTION
Open Velcro® fasteners on articles of
clothing can damage the seat covers. There is a
risk of damage to property. Ensure that any
Velcro® fasteners are closed. ◀
Caring for special components Light-alloy wheels
When cleaning the vehicle, use only neutral
wheel cleaners having a pH value from 5 to 9.
Do not use abrasive cleaning agents or steam
jets above 140 ℉/60 ℃. Follow the manufac‐
turer's instructions.
Aggressive, acidic or alkaline cleaning agents
can destroy the protective layer of adjacent
components, such as the brake disk.
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.
Rubber components Environmental influences can cause surface
soiling of rubber parts and a loss of gloss. For
cleaning, use only water and suitable care
products, the manufacturer of your vehicle rec‐
ommends original MINI care products.
Treat especially worn rubber parts with rubber
care agents at regular intervals. When cleaning
rubber seals, do not use any silicon-containing
car care products in order to avoid damage or
noises.
Fine wood parts Clean fine wood facing and fine wood compo‐
nents only with a moist rag. Then dry with a
soft cloth.
Plastic components
These include:▷Imitation leather surfaces.▷Roofliner.▷Lamp lenses.▷Instrument cluster cover.▷Matt black spray-coated components.▷Painted parts in the interior.
Clean with a microfiber cloth.
Dampen cloth lightly with water.
Do not soak the roofliner.
ATTENTION
Cleansers that contain alcohol or solvents,
such as lacquer thinners, heavy-duty grease re‐
movers, fuel, or such, can damage plastic parts.
There is a risk of damage to property. Clean
with a microfiber cloth. Dampen cloth lightly
with water. ◀
Safety belts Dirty belt straps impede the reeling action and
thus have a negative impact on safety.
WARNING
Chemical cleansers can destroy the safety
belt webbing. Missing protective effect of the
safety belts. There is a risk of injury or danger to
life. Use only a mild soapy solution for cleaning
the safety belts. ◀
Use only a mild soapy solution, with the safety
belts clipped into their buckles.
Do not allow the switchs to retract the safety
belts until they are dry.
Carpets and floor mats WARNING
Objects in the driver's floor area can limit
the pedal distance or block a depressed pedal.
There is risk of an accident. Stow objects in the
vehicle such that they are secured and cannot
enter into the driver's floor area. Use floor mats
that are suitable for the vehicle and can be
safely attached to the floor. Do not use loose
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