
Things to remember when drivingVehicle 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.
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 CAUTION
If ground clearance is insufficient, there
might be contact with the front or rear spoiler
e.g. when driving over curbs or entering into
underground car parking garages. There is risk
of property damage. Ensure that there is suffi‐
cient ground clearance available. ◀Seite 120DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving120
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Objects in the area around the pedalsWARNING
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
floor mats and do not layer several floor mats.
Make sure that there is sufficient clearance for
the pedals. Ensure that the floor mats are se‐
curely fastened again after they were removed,
e.g. 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.
Hills
Drive 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 Steptronic
transmission, refer to page 66.
WARNING
Light but consistent brake pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brakes wearing out
and possibly even brake failure. There is risk ofan accident. Avoid placing excessive load on
the brake system. ◀
WARNING
In idle or with the engine switched off,
safety-relevant functions are restricted or not
available anymore, e.g. braking effect of the
engine or braking force and steering support.
There is risk of an accident. Do not drive in idle
or with the engine switched off. ◀
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.
When the vehicle is parked
When using the automatic climate control, con‐
densation water develops that exits under‐
neath the vehicle.
Therefore, traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are normal.
After the engine is switched off, the coolant
pump may continue running for some time in
the MINI Cooper S. This causes noises in the en‐
gine compartment.
Driving on poor roadsYour MINI with ALL4 all-wheel drive feels com‐
fortable on all streets and roads. It combines an
all-wheel drive system with the advantages of a
normal passenger car.
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Bluetooth audio 171
Bluetooth connection, activat‐ ing/deactivating, hands-free
system 179
Bluetooth connection, activat‐ ing/deactivating, mobile
phone preparation 189
Bluetooth hands-free sys‐ tem 178
Brake assistant 93
Brake discs, breaking in 120
Brake fluid, refer to Service re‐ quirements 74
Brake force distribution, elec‐ tronic 93
Brake pads, breaking in 120
Brake, refer to Parking brake 60
Brakes, MINI maintenance system 236
Brakes, service require‐ ments 74
Brake system, MINI mainte‐ nance system 236
Braking, notes 121
Braking, parking brake 60
Breakdown assistance, Road‐ side Assistance 248
Breaking in 120
Brightness on the Control Dis‐ play 74
Buckle tongues height adjust‐ ment 47
Button for starting the engine, refer to Start/Stop button 58
C
Calendar 204
California Proposition 65 Warning 7
Car battery, refer to Vehicle battery 246
Car care products 255
Care, displays 257
Care, vehicle 255 Cargo area, Comfort Ac‐
cess 37
Cargo area door, refer to Tail‐ gate 35
Cargo area, enlarging, cargo cover 111
Cargo area, flat loading floor 113
Cargo area light, refer to Inte‐ rior lights 81
Cargo area, multi-function hook 114
Cargo area, opening from the outside 35
Cargo area, partition net 113
Car horn, refer to Horn 12
Carpet, care 257
Car phone, refer to Tele‐ phone 178
Car phone, refer to Telephone, mobile phone prepara‐
tion 188
Car wash 254
CBC, Cornering Brake Con‐ trol 93
CBS Condition Based Serv‐ ice 236
CD 164
CD/DVD drives, care 257
CD player 164
Center armrest 116
Center console, refer to Around the center con‐
sole 16
Center rail 116
Center rail, refer to Storage compartments 116
Central locking, Comfort Ac‐ cess 37
Central locking from the in‐ side 34
Central locking system, con‐ cept 31
Central locking system, from the outside 31 Central screen, see Control
Display 18
Changes, technical, refer to Own Safety 6
Changing wheels/tires 224
Check Control 75
Children, transporting 53
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 55
Child restraint fixing sys‐ tems 53
Child restraint fixing systems, mounting 54
Child seat, mounting 54
Child seats, refer to Transport‐ ing children safely 53
Chrome parts, care 256
Circulation of air, refer to Re‐ circulated air mode, air con‐
ditioner 101
Circulation of air, refer to Re‐ circulated air mode, auto‐
matic climate control 103
Cleaning, displays 257
Cleaning, refer to Care 254
Climate 100
Climate mode, ventila‐ tion 104
Clock 68
Clock, 12h/24h format 72
Clock, setting the time and date 72
Clock, setting the time zone 73
Closing from the inside 34
Closing from the outside 32
Clutch, breaking in 120
Cockpit 12
Cold start, refer to Starting the engine 59
Combination instrument, refer to Displays 14
Combination switch, refer to Turn signal/high-beams/
headlight flasher 61 Seite 271Everything from A to ZREFERENCE271
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