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AT A GLANCE
CONTROLS
DRIVING TIPS
DRIVING TIPS
MOBILITY
REFERENCE
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to each other. Please follow the instructions below in order to achieve the optimal service life and economy of operation for your vehicle.
Following part replacement The same break-in procedures should be observed if any of the components mentioned above have to be renewed in the course of the vehicle's operating life.
Engine and differential Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do not exceed the following: > Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the transmission's kickdown mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually increased.
Tires Due to technical factors associated with their manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac- tion potential until after an initial break-in period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system Brakes require an initial break-in period of approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized contact and wear patterns between brake pads and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in period.
Clutch The function of the clutch reaches its optimal level only after a distance driven of approx. 300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period, engage the clutch gently.
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General driving notes
Close splitdoor
Drive the vehicle only when the splitdoor is closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could
penetrate the interior of the vehicle.< If special circumstances make it absolutely nec- essary to drive with the splitdoor open: 1. Close all windows and the glass sunroof*. 2. Switch off the recirculated-air mode and sig- nificantly increase the air flow rate of the air conditioner or automatic climate control, page 72 or 74.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera- tures are generated in the exhaust sys- tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed adjacent to various sections of the exhaust sys- tem, and never apply undercoating to them. When driving, standing at idle and while park- ing, take care to avoid possible contact between the hot exhaust system and any highly flamma- ble materials such as hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, with the risk of seri- ous personal injuries and property damage. Do not touch hot exhaust tail pipes. Otherwise, there is a risk of burns.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur- face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can cause partial or complete loss of tire contact with the road surface, so that the car cannot be steered or braked properly.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread depth on page 102.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the transmission may be damaged.<
Parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-
wise, greater clutch wear will result.< For information on driving off using Hill Assist*, refer to page 58.
Braking safely Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a situation which requires full braking, it is best to brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini- mum of steering effort. The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that ABS is actively taking effect.
Driving in wet conditions When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that this maneuver does not endanger other road users. The heat generated in this process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that Then full braking force will be immediately avail- able when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting reduced efficiency of the brake system, drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear in which the least braking is required. Even light but consistent brake pressure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces- sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift- ing in manual mode of the automatic transmis- sion, page 41.
Never drive with the clutch held down, with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine brak- ing action will not be present or there will be no power assistance to the brakes or steering. Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other objects to protrude into the area around the pedals; otherwise, pedal function could be impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors When the vehicle is driven only occasionally, during extended periods when the vehicle is not used at all, and in operating conditions where brake applications are less frequent, there is an increased tendency for corrosion to form on rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the brake pads. This occurs because the minimum pressure which must be exerted by the pads during brake applications to clean the rotors is not reached. Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating effect that even extended application will fail to cure.
When the vehicle is parked Condensation forms while the automatic climate control is in operation, and then exits under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the vehicle are therefore normal. In the MINI Cooper S, the coolant pump may continue to run for some time after the engine is switched off. This will generate noise in the engine compartment.
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Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their approved carrying capacity, never over- load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over- heating and increases the rate at which damage develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can assume the form of a sudden blowout.<
Avoid fluid spills in the cargo bay as they could damage the vehicle.<
Cargo bay cover
Do not place any objects on the cover; otherwise, they could endanger the car's occupants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden swerving, or they may damage the cover.< The cargo bay cover can be locked in intermedi- ate positions 1 to 3.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be removed. 1. Pull on the handle, arrow 1, to detach the
cargo bay cover.
Expanding the cargo bay The rear set backrest is split. Both sides can be folded separately to expand the cargo bay. If necessary, remove the third head restraint, refer to Head restraints, Removing page 31.
By way of example, the illustration shows the cargo compartment in the MINI. 1. Pull the lever. 2. Fold rear seat backrests forward.
When folding the backrest back up, make sure that the seat's locking mechanisms
engage properly. Otherwise, cargo could be thrown around in the event of sharp braking or swerving and endanger the occupants.<
Adjusting rear seat backrest* Expand the cargo bay by raising the split rear seat backrests to a steeper angle.
2. Lift the cargo bay cover up out of the hold-
backrest forward.
By way of example, the illustration shows the cargo compartment in the MINI. 1. Pull the lever, arrow 1, and fold the rear seat
ers, arrows 2.
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2. Fold up the lever of the backrest lock until it
audibly engages, arrow 2.
3. Fold back the backrest until it engages.
If the rear seat backrests are positioned at a steeper angle, do not install child-
3. Fold up the eyelets on the rear seat and
hook the partition net into them, arrow 2.
restraint systems in the rear of the vehicle as their protective features may be ineffective.<
Level load floor*
The maximum load of the level load floor is 165 lbs/75 kg. Do not exceed a maxi- mum permissible load of 55 lbs/25 kg for the storage compartment beneath the level load floor; otherwise, damage can occur.<
Partition net*
Ensure that the partition net is firmly attached; otherwise, injuries may occur.< The partition net can be mounted in the cargo bay or behind the front seats.
In the cargo bay 1. Fold the rear seat backrest forward if neces-
sary, page 86.
Raise the level load floor and fold it up toward the front, arrow.
Removing 1. Fold up the level load floor. 2. Pull the load floor back slightly. 3. Then take it out toward the top.
Determining cargo limit
2.
Insert each partition net mounting pin all the way into its respective rear mount in the headliner, arrow 1, and push it forward.
3. Hang the hooks of the partition net into the
eyelets on the cargo bay floor, arrow 2.
Behind the front seats
1. Fold down the rear seat backrests, refer to
2.
Expanding the cargo bay. Insert each partition net mounting pin all the way into its respective front mount in the headliner, arrow 1, and push it forward.
1. Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard*:
The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, the vehicle may be damaged and unstable driving con- ditions may result.<
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2. Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the XXX amount equals 1,400 lbs and there will be four 150 lbs pas- sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail- able cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs: 1,400 lbs minus 750 lbs = 650 lbs.
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of the load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult the manual for transporting a trailer to determine how this may reduce the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
6.
Load
The permissible load is the sum of the occu- pants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The greater the weight of the occupants, the less cargo/luggage can be transported.
Stowing cargo > Position heavy objects as low and as far for- ward as possible, ideally directly behind the rear seat backrests.
> Cover sharp edges and corners.
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> For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is not occupied, secure each safety belt in the respective opposite buckle.
> Do not stack higher than the top edge of the
backrests.
> Use the partition net, refer to page 87.
Ensure that no objects can penetrate through the net.
Securing cargo
By way of example, the illustration shows the cargo compartment in the MINI. > Secure smaller and lighter items using
retaining or draw straps*.
> Heavy-duty cargo straps* for securing larger
and heavier objects are available at your MINI dealer. Four lashing eyes are provided for attaching the cargo straps. Two of them are located on the forward wall of the cargo bay. Comply with the information enclosed with the load-securing devices.
Always position and secure the cargo as described above, so that it cannot endan- ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden braking or swerves are necessary. Do not exceed the approved gross weight and axle loads, page 144; otherwise, the vehicle's
operating safety is no longer assured and the vehicle will not be in compliance with the certifi- cation regulations. Heavy or hard objects should not be carried loose inside the car, since they could be thrown around, for example as a result of heavy braking, sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu- pants. Do not secure cargo using the fastening points for the tether strap, page 36; they may become damaged.<
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and should not be too large in area. Heavy items should always be placed at the bottom. When loading, make sure that there is sufficient space for the movement of the glass sunroof. Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off during the trip. Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking maneuvers, and take corners gently.
Roof-mounted luggage rack* A special rack system is available as an option for your MINI. Your MINI dealer will be glad to advise you. Comply with the installation instruc- tions supplied with the rack system.
Mounting points
By way of example, the illustration shows the roof of the MINI. Remove the cover panel.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on vehicle handling and steering response. You should therefore always remember not to exceed the approved roof load capacity, the approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads when loading the rack. You can find the applicable data under Weights on page 144.
Saving fuel Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif- ferent factors. The implementation of certain measures, your driving style and regular mainte- nance can have an influence on fuel consump- tion and on the environmental impact.
Remove unnecessary cargo Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove attached parts no longer in use Remove auxiliary mirrors, roof- or rear-mounted luggage racks whenever you are not using them. Attached parts on the vehicle affect its aerody- namics and increase fuel consumption.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly Check and, if necessary, correct tire inflation pressure at least twice a month and before start- ing on a long trip. Low inflation pressure increases rolling resis- tance and thus leads to greater fuel consump- tion and tire wear.
Drive off immediately Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right away, but at moderate engine speeds. This is the fastest way for the cold engine to reach its oper- ating temperature.
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Think ahead while driving Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking by maintaining a suitable distance to the vehicle driving ahead. Driving smoothly and anticipating impending traffic situations reduces fuel consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds Use first gear only for driving off. In second and higher gears, accelerate smoothly to a suitable engine and road speed. In doing so, avoid high engine speeds and shift up early. When you reach your desired traveling speed, shift to the highest suitable gear and drive at constant speed. As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting When approaching a red traffic light, take your foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to a halt in the highest suitable gear. On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast in a suitable gear. Fuel supply is shut off automatically when the vehicle is coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy stops Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in traffic jams.
Have the vehicle serviced Have your vehicle serviced regularly to achieve good economy and a long vehicle life. The man- ufacturer of your MINI recommends having the vehicle serviced by a MINI dealer. Also note the MINI Maintenance System, page 108.
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E
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AT A GLANCE
CONTROLS
DRIVING TIPS
MOBILITY
MOBILITY
REFERENCE
g
Refueling
Switch off the engine before refueling; otherwise, fuel cannot be added to the
tank and a message will be displayed.<
Take all precautionary measures and observe all applicable regulations when handling fuel. Do not carry any spare fuel con- tainers in your vehicle. They can develop a leak and cause an explosion or cause a fire in the event of an accident.<
Fuel filler flap
Opening
1. Open the fuel filler flap. 2. Turn the gas cap counterclockwise. 3. Place the gas cap in the bracket attached to
the fuel filler flap.
Closing Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until you clearly hear a click.
Do not pinch the band attached to the cap; otherwise, the cap cannot be closed properly and fuel vapors can escape. A message will be displayed if the gas cap is loose or miss- ing.<
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Manually releasing the fuel filler flap In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can manually unlock the fuel filler flap:
Pull on the green knob with the fuel pump sym- bol; the fuel filler flap opens.
Observe the following when refueling
Take all precautionary measures and observe all applicable regulations when handling fuel; otherwise, there is a danger of personal injury and property damage.< When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com- pletely into the filler pipe. Avoid lifting the filler nozzle while filling the tank, as that would lead to > premature pump shutoff > reduced efficiency of the fuel-vapor recov-
ery system.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks off the first time.
Fuel tank capacity
If the range displayed is less than 30 miles/50 km, be sure to refuel; other- wise, engine functions are not guaranteed and damage could occur.< Approx. 13.2 US gallons/50 liters, including the reserve capacity of 2.1 US gallons/8 liters.
Fuel specifications
Do not use leaded gasoline; otherwise, permanent damage to the catalytic con-
verter will result. Do not fill the tank with E85, i.e. fuel containing 85% ethanol, nor with FlexFuel. Otherwise, the engine and fuel supply system will be dam- aged.<
Required fuel
Super Premium gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is highly recommended. However, you may also use gasoline with less AKI. The minimum AKI Rating is: > Cooper S, John Cooper Works: 89
> Cooper: 87
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.Do not use any gasoline below the speci- fied minimum fuel grade. Otherwise, the
engine could be damaged.<
Use high-quality brands Field experience has indicated significant differ- ences in fuel quality: volatility, composition, additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain- ing up to and including 10% ethanol or other oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxygen by weight, that is, 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void the applicable warranties with respect to defects in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in drivability, starting and stalling problems especially under certain environmental condi- tions such as high ambient temperature and high altitude. Should you encounter drivability problems which you suspect could be related to the fuel you are using, we recommend that you respond by switching to a recognized high-quality brand
such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier Detergent Gasoline. Failure to comply with these recommendations may also result in unscheduled maintenance.<
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Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressures
Information for your safety It is not merely the tires' service life, but also driving comfort and, to a great extent, driving safety that depend on the condition of the tires and the maintenance of the specified tire pres- sure.
Checking pressure
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly and correct it, if necessary: at least twice a month and before starting long trips. If you fail to observe this precaution you may be driving on tires with incorrect tire pressures, a condition that can not only compromise your vehicle's driving stability, but also lead to tire damage and the risk of an accident. Do not drive with deflated, i.e. flat tires, except when using run- flat tires. A flat tire will seriously impair your vehicle's handling and braking response. Attempts to drive on a flat tire can lead to loss of control over the vehicle.< Check the tire inflation pressures only on cold tires. This means after a maximum of 1.25 miles/ 2 km driving or when the vehicle has been parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are warm, the tire inflation pressure is higher.
After adjusting the tire inflation pressure, reinitialize the flat tire monitor, page 59,
or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor, page 61.<
Checking the tire inflation pressure of the compact tire* To check the inflation pressure, fold up the level load floor. Remove the onboard vehicle tool kit and the space-saver spare tire, refer to page 121.
Inflation pressure specifications The tables below provide all the correct inflation pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient temperature.
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The tire inflation pressures apply to the tire sizes approved and the tire brands recommended by the manufacturer of your MINI. Your MINI dealer will be glad to advise you.< For correct identification of the right tire infla- tion pressures, observe the following: > Tire sizes for your vehicle > Load conditions > Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving up to 100 mph or 160 km/h For normal driving up to 100 mph or 160 km/h and to achieve optimum driving comfort, adjust pressures to the respective tire inflation pres- sures listed on the following pages in the col- umns for traveling speeds up to a maximum of 100 mph or 160 km/h. These tire inflation pressures can also be found on the driver's side door post when the driver's door is open.
The maximum permitted speed for these tire inflation pressures is 100 mph or
160 km/h. Do not exceed this speed; otherwise, tire damage and accidents may occur.<
Tire inflation pressures for driving above 100 mph or 160 km/h
In order to drive at maximum speeds in excess of 100 mph or 160 km/h, adjust pressures to the respective tire inflation pres- sures listed on the following pages in the col-
umns for traveling speeds including those exceeding 100 mph or 160 km/h. Otherwise, tire damage and accidents could occur.< Observe all national and local maximum speed limits; otherwise, violations of the law could occur.
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MINI Cooper Clubman tire inflation pressures
Tire size
Pressure specifications in psi/kPa
Speeds up to a
max. of
100 mph/160 km/h
Speeds including those exceeding 100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the table are indicated in psi/kilopascal with cold tires. Cold = ambient temperature
195/55 R 16 87 H 195/55 R 16 87 H RSC 195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC 195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC
175/65 R 15 84 T M+S 175/65 R 15 84 H M+S 175/65 R 15 84 H 175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC 205/45 R 17 84 V RSC 205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC 205/40 R 18 82 W RSC
Emergency wheel: 115/ 70 R 15 90 M
32/220
32/220
35/240
38/260
35/240
35/240
38/260
41/280
60/420
60/420
60/420
60/420
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page 144.
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MINI Cooper S Clubman tire inflation pressures
Tire size
Pressure specifications in psi/kPa
Speeds up to a
max. of
100 mph/160 km/h
Speeds including those exceeding 100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the table are indicated in psi/kilopascal with cold tires. Cold = ambient temperature
195/55 R 16 87 V RSC 195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC 195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC 205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC 205/40 R 18 82 W RSC 175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC
35/240
35/240
38/260
41/280
38/260
38/260
41/280
44/300
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page 144.
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MINI John Cooper Works Clubman tire inflation pressures
Tire size
Pressure specifications in psi/kPa
Speeds up to a
max. of
100 mph/160 km/h
Speeds including those exceeding 100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the table are indicated in psi/kilopascal with cold tires. Cold = ambient temperature
185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC 205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC 205/45 R 17 84 W RSC
38/260
38/260
39/270
45/310
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC
41/280
41/280
42/290
48/330
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page 144.
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Tire coding Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire makes it easier to identify and choose the right tires.
Tire size
Speed code letter Q = up to 100 mph or 160 km/h T = up to 118 mph or 190 km/h H = up to 131 mph or 210 km/h V = up to 150 mph or 240 km/h W = up to 167 mph or 270 km/h Y = up to 186 mph or 300 km/h
Tire Identification Number Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the US Department of Transportation. DOT code:
DOT xxxx xxx 0810
Uniform Tire Quality Grading For instance: Manufacturer's code for tire make Tire size and tire design Tire age Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: Tread wear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades Tread wear Traction AA A B C Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.<
Tread wear The tread wear 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 (1γ) 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, how- ever, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction The 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 controlled conditions on specified government test sur- faces 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, corner- ing, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteris- tics.<
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. Sus- tained high temperature can cause the material 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 Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent lev- els of performance on the laboratory test wheel that exceed the minimum required by law. The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either sep- arately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.<
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RSC - run-flat tires* You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular symbol containing the letters RSC on the side of the tire, page 103.
M+S Winter and all-season tires. These have better winter properties than sum- mer tires.
XL Designation for specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition Inspect your tires regularly for tread wear, signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Tread depth The tread depth should not drop below 1/8 in/ 3 mm, although, for example, European legisla- tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of 1/16 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 1/8 in/ 3 mm there is an increased risk of high-speed hydroplaning, even when only small amounts of water are present on the road surface.
Winter tires When winter tires wear down past a tread depth of 1/6 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less suitable for winter conditions. In the interest of safety, new tires should be installed.
Minimum tread depth
the letters TWI, for Tread Wear Indicator, on the tire's sidewalls identify tires that incorporate these wear indicators. When tire tread is worn down to the level of the wear indicators, the remaining tread depth is 1/16 in/1.6 mm.
Tire damage Due to low-profile tires, please note that wheels, tires and suspensions parts are more susceptible to road hazards and consequential damages. Unusual vibrations encountered during normal vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam- ple, be caused by driving over curbs. The same applies to any other abnormal road behavior, such as pulling severely to the right or left.
In these cases, reduce speed immediately and have wheels and tires thoroughly
checked. To do so, drive carefully to the nearest MINI dealer or tire shop that works according to MINI repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel. If necessary, have the vehicle towed there. Otherwise, tire damage can be extremely dan- gerous for vehicle occupants and other road users.<
Tire age The manufacturing date of tires is contained in the tire coding: DOT ... 0810 means that the tire was manufac- tured in week 8 of 2010. For various reasons, such as the development of brittleness, the manufacturer of your MINI rec- ommends tire replacement after no more than 6 years, regardless of the actual wear of the tires.
Wear indicators in the base of the tread groove are distributed around the tire's circumference;
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Run-flat tires*
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle with the letters RSC on the sidewall. Run-flat tires comprise a conditionally self-sup- porting tire and a special rim. The reinforcement in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can con- tinue to be used subject to certain restrictions, even if depressurized. For information on continuing to drive with a flat tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page 60.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires mounted only by your MINI dealer or a specialized tire shop that has specially trained personnel work- ing in accordance with the specifications of the MINI manufacturer. If this work is not carried out properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam- age and related safety hazards. Make sure that the new wheels are balanced.<
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom- mends that you avoid using retreaded tires, as this could impair driving safety. The causes for this include potentially different tire casing structures and often wide variations in tire age, which can result in a limited service life.<
Correct wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom- mends mounting only wheels and tires
that it has specifically approved for use on your particular model. Although other wheels and
tires may theoretically have the same dimen- sions, variations in factors such as manufactur- ing tolerances can result in contact between tire and bodywork, ultimately leading to serious accidents. The manufacturer of your MINI can- not evaluate non-approved wheels and tires to determine if they are suited for use, and there- fore cannot ensure the operating safety of the vehicle if they are mounted.< Your MINI dealer will be glad to inform you about the correct wheel and tire combination for your vehicle. The correct combination of wheels and tires is also necessary to ensure reliable operation of various vehicle systems such as ABS and DSC. To maintain good handling and vehicle response, use only tires of a single brand and tread configuration. After a tire has been dam- aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi- nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor TPM electronics When mounting new tires or changing over from summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only use wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise, the Tire Pressure Monitor may not be able to detect a puncture, refer to page 62. Your MINI dealer will be glad to advise you.
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your MINI recommends certain tire brands. They are marked with a clearly visible MINI designation on the sidewall of the tire.
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Always check the inflation pressure after the tire rotation, if necessary change the pressure.
Snow chains* Only certain types of fine-link snow chains have been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI, classified as road-safe and recommended. Con- tact your MINI dealer for more details. Only attach snow chains in pairs to the front wheels with the following tires. > 175/65 R 15 M+S > 175/60 R 16 M+S John Cooper Works: > 185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC Observe the manufacturer's instructions when mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or 50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if snow chains are mounted; otherwise, the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading. When driving with snow chains, it can be useful to briefly deactivate the DSC or activate the DTC, refer to page 58.<
When properly used, these tires meet the high- est standards in terms of safety and handling characteristics.
Run-flat tires* When mounting new tires or changing over from summer to winter tires and vice versa, mount run-flat tires for your own safety. Keep in mind that no space-saver spare tire is available in the event of a flat. Your MINI dealer will be glad to advise you.
Special characteristics of winter tires The manufacturer of MINI recommends the use of winter tires on snowy roads or if temperatures drop below 457/ +7 6. Although all-season M+S tires provide better winter traction than summer tires, they generally fail to provide the same levels of cold-weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci- dents.< If the car is capable of speeds higher than that permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the maximum permitted speed for the mounted tires must be displayed in your field of view. Spe- cialist tire dealers and your MINI dealer can sup- ply these labels.
Storage Always 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 sidewall of the tire.
Swapping wheels among the axles Depending on the individual use, front and rear tires may exhibit different wear and tear. In order to maintain an even wear and tear, the wheels may be rotated between the axles. Your MINI dealer will be glad to advise you.
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Under the hood
Do not work on the car unless you possess the necessary technical knowledge. If you
are not familiar with the regulations to be observed, have the necessary work on your vehicle carried out only by a MINI dealer or a workshop that has specially trained personnel working in accordance with the specifications of the MINI manufacturer. If this work is not carried out properly, there is a danger of subsequent damage and related safety hazards.<
Closing
Hood
Releasing
Close the hood from a height of approx. 16 in/ 40 cm with momentum. It must be clearly heard to engage.
If you notice any signs while driving your vehicle that the hood is not completely
closed, stop at once and close it securely. Make sure that the closing path of the hood is clear; otherwise, injuries may result.<
Pull the lever.
Do not clean the windshield and head- lamps if the hood is unlocked as this may
damage the headlamp washer system*.<
Opening
To avoid damage, make sure that the wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the hood.< Press the release handle and open the hood.
105
Important parts of the engine compartment
1 Battery, under the cover 124
2 Engine oil dipstick 106
3 Engine oil filler neck 1074 Coolant expansion tank 107
5 Reservoir for washer fluid for the headlampand window washer system 45
6 Engine compartment fuse box 123
Engine oil The engine oil consumption is dependent on driving style and driving conditions. Check the engine oil level regularly, e.g. when refueling.
Checking engine oil level 1. With the vehicle's engine at normal operat-
ing temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted driving for at least 6 miles/10 km, park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Switch off the engine. 3. Pull the dipstick out after approx. 5 minutes and wipe it off with a lint-free cloth, paper towel or similar material.
The oil level should be between the two marks on the dipstick.
The oil quantity corresponding to the difference between the two marks on the dipstick is 1 US quart/1 liter.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess oil will damage the
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the way into
engine.<
the guide tube and pull it out again.
106
Adding engine oil
Do not add the maximum quantity of 1 US quart/1 liter of engine oil until the oil level has dropped to just above the lower mark on the dipstick, page 106.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km; otherwise, the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Keep oils, greases, etc. out of the reach of children and comply with the warnings on the containers. Otherwise, health hazards may result.<
Oil change Have the oil changed only by a MINI dealer or a workshop that has specially trained personnel working in accordance with the specifications of the MINI manufacturer.
Oil types
Do not use oil additives as this could result in engine damage.<
Approved engine oils Your dealer can advise you on which engine oils have been approved by the manufacturer of your MINI. The engine oil quality is critical for the life of the engine. Only use approved High Performance oil.
The approved oils are SAE 0W-40, 0W-30, 5W-40 and 5W-30.<
Alternative oil types If the approved engine oils are not available, up to 1 US quart/1 liter of another oil with the fol- lowing specification may be used: API SM or higher
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.< Coolant consists of half water and half additive. Not all commercially available additives are suit- able for your MINI. Your MINI dealer knows which additives are suitable and will be glad to advise you.
Only use suitable additives; otherwise, engine damage may result. Because addi- tives are harmful to your health, it is important to follow the instructions on the containers.<
Comply with the appropriate environmen- tal protection regulations when disposing
of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level 1. Do not open the hood until the engine has
cooled down.
2. Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated pressure to escape, then continue turning to open.
3. The coolant level is correct if it is between
4.
the Min and Max markings. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to the specified level; do not overfill.
5. Turn the cap until there is an audible click. 6. Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
107
Maintenance
MINI Maintenance System
The MINI Maintenance System supports the preservation of the traffic and operating safety of your MINI. The objective is to optimize efforts with respect to minimal vehicle maintenance costs. If and when you come to sell your MINI, a com- prehensive record of servicing will prove a signif- icant benefit.
Condition Based Service CBS Sensors and special algorithms take the different driving conditions of your MINI into account. Condition Based Service uses this to determine the current and future service requirements. By letting you define a service and maintenance regimen that reflects your own individual requirements, the system builds the basis for trouble-free driving. In the tachometer, you can have the remaining times or distances for selected maintenance tasks and any legally prescribed dates displayed, page 52.
Service data in the remote control Your vehicle continuously stores service- requirement information in the remote control while you are driving. Your MINI dealer can read out this data from the remote control unit, and propose an optimized maintenance approach. Whenever you take your car in for servicing you should therefore hand your MINI dealer the remote control unit that you last used.
108
Make sure that the date in the tachometer is always set correctly, page 54; otherwise, the effectiveness of Condition Based Service CBS is not assured.<
Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models and Warranty and Service Guide Booklet 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 requirements.
The manufacturer of the MINI recom- mends that you have service and repair
operations performed at your MINI dealer. Take the time to ensure that these service pro- cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
