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Driving and operating151level. Since engine power decreases
as altitude increases due to the air
becoming thinner, therefore reducing
climbing ability, the permissible gross
train weight also decreases by 10%
for every 1000 metres of additional
altitude. The gross train weight does
not have to be reduced when driving
on roads with slight inclines (less than
8%, e.g. motorways).
The permissible gross train weight
must not be exceeded. This weight is
specified on the identification plate
3 199.
Vertical coupling load
The vertical coupling load is the load
exerted by the trailer on the coupling
ball. It can be varied by changing the
weight distribution when loading the
trailer.
The maximum permissible vertical
coupling load is specified on the
towing equipment identification plate
and in the vehicle documents. Always aim for the maximum load, especially
in the case of heavy trailers. The
vertical coupling load should never
fall below 25 kg.In the case of trailer loads of
1200 kg or more, the vertical coupling load should not be less than 50 kg.
Rear axle load
When the trailer is coupled and the
towing vehicle fully loaded (including
all occupants), the permissible rear
axle load (see identification plate or
vehicle documents) must not be
exceeded.
Towing equipmentCaution
When operating without a trailer,
remove the coupling ball bar.
Towing equipment audible
warning
For vehicles fitted with towing
equipment, when connected to a
trailer the pitch of the audible warning
changes upon operation of the turn
signals.
The pitch of the audible warning will
change if a turn signal light on the
trailer or the towing vehicle fails.
Trailer stability assist
If the system detects snaking
movements, engine power is reduced
and the vehicle/trailer combination is
selectively braked until the snaking ceases. While the system is working,keep steering wheel as still as
possible.
Trailer stability assist (TSA) is a
function of the Electronic Stability
Program (ESP) 3 137.
Page 154 of 233

152Driving and operatingAuxiliary features
Power take-off
Activation
To activate the power take-off, with
the vehicle stationary and the engine
idling:
● Set the gearshift lever to neutral (vehicles with manual
transmission automated:
selector lever in position N).
● Depress the clutch pedal.
● Press switch on the instrument panel; LED in switch illuminatesafter approx. 2 seconds.
● Release the clutch pedal.
The engine idle speed increases to
1,200 rpm.Caution
During operation of the power
take-off, never move the selector
lever out of neutral (vehicles with
manual transmission automated:
selector lever in position N), to
avoid damage to the transmission.
If a gear change becomes
necessary, i.e. to adjust the driving
speed, the power take-off must always be deactivated first.
Deactivation
To deactivate the power take-off: ● Depress the clutch pedal.
● Press switch on the instrument panel; LED in switch
extinguishes after approx.
2 seconds.
● Release the clutch pedal.
Fault
If the LED in the switch does not
illuminate when attempting to activate the power take-off and/or the system
does not operate:
Gradually release the clutch pedal.
- or - ● Set the gearshift lever to neutral (vehicles with manual
transmission automated:
selector lever in position N).
● Depress the clutch pedal.
● Press switch on the instrument panel; LED in switch illuminatesafter approx. 2 seconds.
● Release the clutch pedal.
Then repeat the above procedure.
Notice
The power take-off function is not
available when control indicator A
3 85, C 3 85 or W 3 87 is
illuminated.
Page 155 of 233

Vehicle care153Vehicle careGeneral Information...................154
Accessories and vehicle modifications .......................... 154
Vehicle storage ........................154
End-of-life vehicle recovery .....155
Vehicle checks ........................... 155
Performing work ......................155
Bonnet ..................................... 155
Engine oil ................................. 156
Engine coolant ......................... 157
Power steering fluid .................158
Washer fluid ............................ 159
Brakes ..................................... 159
Brake fluid ............................... 159
Vehicle battery ......................... 159
Diesel fuel filter ........................161
Diesel fuel system bleeding .....161
Wiper blade replacement ........162
Bulb replacement .......................162
Headlights ............................... 162
Adaptive forward lighting .........164
Fog lights ................................. 165
Front turn signal lights .............165
Tail lights ................................. 166
Side turn signal lights ..............167Centre high-mounted brake
light ......................................... 167
Number plate light ...................168
Interior lights ............................ 168
Instrument panel illumination ...169
Electrical system ........................170
Fuses ....................................... 170
Engine compartment fuse box . 171
Instrument panel fuse box .......171
Load compartment fuse box ....172
Vehicle tools .............................. 174
Tools ........................................ 174
Wheels and tyres .......................175
Tyres ....................................... 175
Winter tyres ............................. 176
Tyre designations ....................176
Tyre pressure .......................... 176
Tyre pressure monitoring system .................................... 177
Tread depth ............................. 179
Changing tyre and wheel size . 179 Wheel covers ........................... 180
Tyre chains .............................. 180
Tyre repair kit .......................... 180
Wheel changing .......................184
Spare wheel ............................ 185
Jump starting ............................. 188Towing....................................... 190
Towing the vehicle ...................190
Towing another vehicle ...........191
Appearance care .......................192
Exterior care ............................ 192
Interior care ............................. 193
Page 156 of 233

154Vehicle careGeneral Information
Accessories and vehicle modifications
We recommend the use of genuine
parts and accessories and factory
approved parts specific for your
vehicle type. We cannot assess or guarantee reliability of other products
- even if they have a regulatory or
otherwise granted approval.
Do not make any modifications to the electrical system, e.g. changes of
electronic control units (chip tuning).Caution
When transporting the vehicle on
a train or on a recovery vehicle, the
mud flaps might be damaged.
Vehicle storage
Storage for a long period of time
If the vehicle is to be stored for several months:
● Wash and wax the vehicle.
● Have the wax in the engine compartment and underbody
checked.
● Clean and preserve rubber seals.
● Change engine oil.
● Drain washer fluid reservoir. ● Check coolant antifreeze and corrosion protection.
● Adjust tyre pressure to the value specified for full load.
● Park vehicle in a dry, well ventilated place. Engage first or
reverse gear. Prevent the vehicle
from rolling.
● Do not apply parking brake.● Open bonnet, close all doors and
lock the vehicle.
● Disconnect the clamp from the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery. Beware that all systems
are not functional, e.g. anti-theft
alarm system.
Putting back into operation When the vehicle is to be put back into
operation:
● Connect the clamp to the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery. Activate the electronics
of the power windows.
● Check tyre pressure.
● Fill up the washer fluid reservoir. ● Check the engine oil level.
● Check the coolant level.
● Fit the number plate, if necessary.
Page 157 of 233
Vehicle care155End-of-life vehicle recovery
Information on end-of-life vehicle
recovery centres and the recycling of
end-of-life vehicles is available on our website, where legally required. Only
entrust this work to an authorised
recycling centre.Vehicle checks
Performing work9 Warning
Only perform engine compartment
checks when the ignition is off.
The cooling fan may start
operating even if the ignition is off.
9 Danger
The ignition system generates
extremely high voltages. Do not
touch.
The caps for topping up the engine oil, the coolant, the washer fluid and the
oil dipstick handle are yellow for ease
of identification.
Bonnet
Opening
Pull the release lever and return it to
its original position.
Page 158 of 233

156Vehicle care
Pull the safety catch, located slightly
left of centre, and open the bonnet.
Pull up the support rod from its holder,
then secure it in the right side hook on the underside of the bonnet.
If the bonnet is opened during an Autostop, the engine will be restarted
automatically for safety reasons.
Closing Before closing the bonnet, press the
support into the holder.
Lower the bonnet and allow it to drop into the catch from a low height
(20-25 cm). Check that the bonnet is
engaged.
Engine oil Check the engine oil level manuallyon a regular basis to prevent damage
to the engine.
Ensure that the correct specification
of oil is used. Recommended fluids
and lubricants 3 196.
Check with the vehicle on a level
surface. The engine must be at
operating temperature and switched
off for at least 10 minutes.Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, insert it to the stop on the handle, pull
out and read the engine oil level.Caution
It is the owner's responsibility to
maintain the proper level of an
appropriate quality oil in the
engine.
When the engine oil level has
dropped to the MIN mark, top-up
engine oil.
Page 159 of 233

Vehicle care157Caution
Do not allow the engine oil level todrop below the minimum level!
We recommend the use of the same
type of engine oil that was used at the
last change.
The engine oil level must not exceed the maximum mark MAX on the
dipstick.
Caution
Overfilled engine oil must be
drained or suctioned out.
To prevent spillage when
replenishing the engine oil, we
recommend using a funnel. Ensure funnel is securely located onto the
filler pipe.
A stabilization of the engine oil
consumption will not take place until
the vehicle has been driven several
thousand miles. Only then can the
actual degree of consumption be
established.
If consumption exceeds more than
0.5 litres every 600 miles after this
running-in period, consult a
workshop.
Capacities 3 218, Engine oil level
monitor 3 80.
Fit the cap on straight and tighten it.
Engine coolant The coolant provides freeze
protection down to approx. -28 °C.Caution
Only use approved antifreeze.
Coolant levelCaution
Too low a coolant level can cause engine damage.
If the cooling system is cold, the
coolant level should be just above the
MINI mark. Top up if the level is low.
9Warning
Allow the engine to cool before
opening the cap. Carefully open
the cap, relieving the pressure
slowly.
Page 160 of 233

158Vehicle careTop up with antifreeze. If no
antifreeze is available, use clean tap
water or distilled water. Install the cap tightly. Have the antifreeze
concentration checked and have the cause of the coolant loss remedied by
a workshop.
If a substantial amount of coolant is
required, it will be necessary to bleed any trapped air from the cooling
system. Seek the assistance of a
workshop.
Power steering fluidCaution
Extremely small amounts of
contamination can cause steering
system damage and cause it to not work properly. Do not allow
contaminates to contact the fluid
side of the reservoir cap or from
entering the reservoir.
The fluid level normally does not need
to be checked. If an unusual noise is
heard during steering or if the power
steering reacts conspicuously, seek
the assistance of a workshop.
Depending on vehicle, the power
steering fluid reservoir may be
located in the engine compartment
(Type A) or below the front wheel
arch, behind a trim panel (Type B).
Type A
If the fluid level in the reservoir falls
below the MINI mark, consult a
workshop.
Type B
If the fluid level in the reservoir falls
below the MIN mark, consult a
workshop.