2007 Mini Cooper Owners Manual

and cornering, by reducing engine output and, if necessary, braking the front wheels. ASC encompasses the following functions: > ABS Antilock Brake System > Brake Assist > Hill Start Assist

DSC Dynamic Stability Control* DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing traction when you pull away from rest or accel- erate. DSC also recognizes unstable driving con- ditions, for example if the rear of the car is about to swerve or if momentum is acting at an angle

54

Malfunction in the driving stability control systems

The warning lamps come on. ASC or DSC is malfunctioning. The vehicle remains operational. Have the system checked as soon as possible.

Drive cautiously and think well ahead, otherwise unstable driving conditions

could result.<

Hill Start Assist* Hill Start Assist is a component of DSC and assists you in comfortably driving off on inclines. It is not necessary to use the parking brake for this. 1. Hold the MINI with the brake. 2. Release the brake and immediately drive

off.

Hill Start Assist holds the car in place for approx. 2 seconds after the brake is released.

Depending on vehicle load and road incli- nation, the car may roll backwards a little

during this time span. Drive off immediately after releasing the brake. Otherwise, Hill Start Assist will no longer hold the car in place after approx. 2 seconds and the car will start to roll backwards.<

Flat Tire Monitor FTM*

The concept The Flat Tire Monitor monitors tire pressures while the car is being driven. The system reports any significant loss of pressure in one tire in rela- tion to another. If a tire loses pressure, its rolling radius changes, and this in turn alters the speed of rotation. This change is detected and is reported as a flat tire.

Functional requirement In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat tire, the system must be initialized for the cor- rect tire inflation pressure.

Each time you correct the pressure in a tire, or change a wheel or tire, the system

must be reinitialized.<

System limitations

The Flat Tire Monitor is unable to warn the driver of sudden, severe tire damage

caused by external factors, nor can it identify the gradual loss of pressure that will inevitably occur in all four tires over a lengthy period of time.< In the following situations, the system could be delayed or malfunction: > System has not been initialized > Driving on snowy or slippery road surface > Performance-oriented style of driving: slip in

the drive wheels, high lateral acceleration

> Snow chains are attached When the vehicle is driven with a space-saver spare tire*, the Flat Tire Monitor cannot func- tion.

Initializing the system

The initialization is completed during driv- ing, which can be interrupted at any time. When driving resumes, the initialization is con- tinued automatically. Do not initialize the system if you are driving with snow chains or a space-saver spare tire*.< 1. Start the engine, but do not start driving. 2. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator

lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis- played.

3. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

55

4. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the corresponding symbol and "RESET" are dis- played.

steering maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph or 80 km/h.

Do not continue driving if the vehicle is not equipped with Run-Flat Tires,

page 92, otherwise a serious accident could result.<

2. At the next opportunity, check the air pres-

sure in all four tires.

5. Press and hold the button until the display

3.

changes.

6. Start driving.

Initialization is completed while the car is on the move, without any feedback.

Indication of a flat tire

The warning lamps come on in yellow and red. An acoustic signal also sounds. There is a flat tire or substantial loss of tire pressure.

If all four tires are inflated to the cor- rect pressures, the Flat Tire Monitor

might not have been initialized. The system must then be initialized.< In the event of complete tire pressure loss, 0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible distance for continued driving on the basis of the following guidelines: > With a light load:

1 to 2 persons without luggage: approx. 155 miles/250 km

> With a medium load:

2 persons, cargo area full, or 4 persons without luggage: approx. 90 miles/150 km

1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with cau-

> With a full load:

tion. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers.

2. Check whether your vehicle is equipped

with normal tires or Run-Flat Tires.

The symbol identifying Run-Flat Tires is a circle with the letters RSC on the sidewall, refer to Run-Flat Tires, page 92.<

Normal tires 1. Determine which tire is damaged.

If this cannot be determined, contact your MINI Dealer.<

2. Repair the flat tire, refer to page 106, or

change the damaged tire, refer to page 108.

Run-Flat Tires* 1. Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph

or 80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and

4 persons, cargo area full: approx. 30 miles/50 km Drive cautiously and do not exceed a speed of 50 mph or 80 km/h. In the event of pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This includes reduced tracking stability in braking, extended braking distance and altered natural steering characteristics. If unusual vibration or loud noises occur during the journey, this may be an indication that the damaged tire has finally failed. Reduce the vehi- cle speed and stop as soon as possible. Other- wise, sections of the tire may come loose and cause accidents. Do not continue driving and contact your MINI Dealer.<

Malfunction

The warning lamps light up in yellow. There is a malfunction in the Flat Tire Monitor or the system has failed. Have the system checked as soon as possible.

56

Airbags

The following airbags are located under the marked covers: 1 Front airbags 2 Side airbag 3 Head airbag

Protective action

Observe the instructions on page 28 to ensure the best possible personal protec-

tion.< The front airbags help protect the driver and front passenger by responding to frontal impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro- vide adequate restraint. When needed, the head and side airbags help provide protection in the event of side impact. The relevant side airbag supports the side upper body area. The head air bag supports the head. The airbags are designed to not be triggered in every type of collision, e.g. not in minor acci- dents, certain rollover situations or rear impacts.

Do not apply adhesive materials to the cover panels of the airbags, cover them or

modify them in any other way. Do not attach seat covers, cushions or other objects not specif- ically approved for seats with integral side air- bags to the front seats. Do not hang items of clothing such as coats or jackets over the back- rests. Do not attempt to remove the airbag retention system from the vehicle. Do not mod- ify the individual components of the system or its wiring in any way. This includes the uphol- stered covers on the steering wheel, instrument panel, seats and roof posts, as well as the sides of the roof lining. Do not attempt to remove or

dismantle the steering wheel. Do not touch the individual components imme- diately after the system has been triggered, because there is a danger of burns. In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or triggering of the airbag restraint system, have the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of air- bag generators executed only by a MINI Dealer or a workshop that works according to repair procedures of the manufacturer of your MINI with correspondingly trained personnel and has the required explosives licenses. Unprofessional attempts to service the system could lead to fail- ure in an emergency or undesired airbag activa- tion, either of which could result in personal injury.< Warning notices and information about the air- bags can also be found on the sun visors.

Automatic deactivation of the front passenger airbags An analysis of the impression in the front pas- senger seat cushion determines whether and how the seat is occupied. The front and side air- bags for the front passenger are activated or deactivated by the system accordingly.

The indicator lamp above the interior rear- view mirror shows the current status of

the front passenger airbags, deactivated or acti- vated, refer to Status of front passenger airbags below.<

Before transporting a child on the front passenger seat, read the safety precau-

tions and handling instructions under Transport- ing children safely, page 33. The front and side airbags can also be deacti-

57

vated by adolescents and adults sitting in certain positions; the indicator lamp for the front pas- senger airbags comes on. In such cases, the pas- senger should change his or her sitting position so that the front passenger airbags are activated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the desired airbag status cannot be achieved by changing the sitting position, transport the relevant pas- senger on a rear seat. Do not attach covers, cushions, ball mats or other items to the front passenger seat unless they are specifically rec- ommended by the manufacturer of your MINI. Do not place any items under the seat which could press against the seat from below. Other- wise a correct analysis of the seat cushion is not ensured.<

Status of front passenger airbags

system has been detected and that the front passenger airbags are deactivated.<

> The indicator lamp does not come on as long as a person of sufficient size and in a correct sitting position is detected on the seat. The front and side airbags for the front pas- senger are activated.

> The indicator lamp does not come on if the

seat is empty. The front and side airbags for the front pas- senger are not activated.

Operational readiness of airbag system

As of radio readiness, page 35, the warning lamp comes on briefly to indicate that the entire airbag system and the belt tensioners are oper- ational.

Airbag system malfunction > The warning lamp does not come on when radio readiness or the ignition is switched on.

> The warning lamp stays lit continuously.

In the event of a fault in the airbag system, have it checked without delay, otherwise there is the risk that the system will not function as intended even if a sufficiently severe accident occurs.<

The indicator lamp for the front passenger air- bags shows the functional status of the front passenger's front and side airbags in accordance with whether and how the front passenger seat is occupied. The indicator lamp shows whether the front passenger airbags are activated or deactivated. > The indicator lamp comes on as intended

when a child in a specially designated child- restraint system is detected on the seat. The front and side airbags for the front pas- senger are not activated.

Most child-restraint systems are detected by the system. This particu- larly applies to child-restraint systems that were required by the NHTSA at the time of manufacture of the vehicle. After installing a child-restraint system, check that the indica- tor lamp for the front passenger airbags comes on. It indicates that the child-restraint

58

Lamps

Parking lamps/low beams

0 Lamps off and daytime running lamps 1 Parking lamps and daytime running lamps 2 Low beams 3 Automatic headlamp control*

Parking lamps Turn the light switch to position 1. The front, rear and side vehicle lighting is switched on. Activation of lights on one side of the vehicle for parking, page 61.

The parking lamps will discharge the bat- tery. Therefore, do not leave them on for unduly long periods of time, otherwise the bat- tery might not have enough power to start the engine.<

Low beams Turn the light switch to position 2. The low beams come on when the ignition is on. The exterior lamps are automatically switched off after the vehicle is parked. Switch on the parking lamps separately if needed.

Automatic headlamp control* When the switch is in position 3, the low beams are switched on and off automatically depend- ing on ambient light conditions, e.g. in a tunnel, in twilight, or if there is precipitation.

The headlamps may also come on when the sun is sitting low on a blue sky. When driving into tunnels with bright overhead lights, there may be a delay before the head- lamps come on. The low beams remain switched on indepen- dent of the ambient lighting conditions when you switch on the fog lamps*. If the daytime running lamps are activated, page 60, the low beams are always switched on with the light switch in position 3 and the igni- tion on. The exterior lamps are automatically switched off after the vehicle is parked.

The automatic headlamp control cannot serve as a substitute for your personal

judgment in determining when the lamps should be switched on in response to ambient lighting conditions. For example, the system cannot detect fog or hazy weather. To avoid safety risks, you should respond to these kinds of low-visibility situations by switching the head- lamps on manually.<

Welcome lamps If you leave the light switch in the low beam or automatic headlamp control position when you switch off the ignition, the parking lamps and interior lamps come on for a certain time as soon as the vehicle is unlocked.

Pathway lighting If you activate the headlamp flasher after park- ing the car, with the lights switched off, the low beams come on and remain on for a certain time. The setting is stored for the remote control in use, refer to Personal Profile, page 18.

59

s

Setting the duration or deactivating the function 1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 35. 2. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator

lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis- played.

8. Briefly press the button to select:

The function is deactivated.

...

Select the corresponding duration, e.g. 40 seconds.

9. Press the button for a longer period.

The setting is stored.

Daytime running lamps The light switch can remain in the lamps off or parking lamps position. In the lamps off position, the exterior lighting is automatically switched off after the vehicle is parked. In the parking lamps position, the park- ing lamps will stay on after the ignition is switched off. Switch on the parking lamps separately if needed.

Activating/deactivating daytime running lamps The setting is stored for the remote control in use, refer to Personal Profile, page 18. 1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 35. 2. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator

lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis- played.

3. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

3. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

4. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the

symbol and "SET" are displayed.

5. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

6. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the

display shows the illustrated symbol.

7. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

60

4. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the

symbol and "SET" are displayed.

High beams/roadside parking lamps

5. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

6. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the display shows the illustrated symbol, arrow.

7. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

8. Briefly press the button to select:

Daytime running lamps activated.

Daytime running lamps deactivated.

9. Press the button for a longer period.

The setting is stored.

1 Turn signal indicators/roadside parking

lamps*

2 Switching on high beams 3 Switching off high beams/headlamp flasher

Roadside parking lamps, left or right* The vehicle can be illuminated on one side for parking. Comply with local regulations when doing so.

Switching on After parking the vehicle, press the lever up or down, arrow 1.

The roadside parking lamps drain the bat- tery. Therefore, do not leave them on for unduly long periods of time, otherwise the bat- tery might not have enough power to start the engine.<

Switching off Press the lever up or down to the pressure point.

61

Fog lamps*

Increasing brightness Press and hold the button until the desired brightness is reached.

Reducing brightness Press the button briefly. The brightness decreases every time the button is pressed briefly.

Interior lamps The interior lamps, the footwell lamps* and the cargo area lamp are controlled automatically. To avoid draining the battery, all lamps inside the car are switched off about

30 minutes after the ignition is switched off, refer to Start/stop button on page 35.<

Switching interior lamps on/off manually

To switch the interior lamps on/off. Press the switch. To switch off the interior lamps permanently, press the button for about 3 seconds.

1 Fog lamps* 2 Rear fog lamp* Press the respective switch to turn the lamps on/ off.

Fog lamps* The parking lamps or low beams must be switched on for the fog lamps to operate. The green indicator lamp comes on when the fog lamps are switched on. Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the fog lamps are switched off when you activate the headlamp flasher or switch on the high beams. If the automatic headlamp control is acti- vated, the low beams will come on auto- matically when you switch on the fog lamps.<

Rear fog lamp* The low beams or parking lamps with fog lamps must be switched on. The yellow indicator lamp comes on when rear fog lamp is switched on.

Instrument lighting You can adjust the brightness of the instrument lighting only when the parking lamps or the low beams are on.

62

Reading lamps*

To switch the reading lamps on and off. Press the switch.

Ambient lighting*

The color of the ambient lighting can be changed. > Press the switch forward.

The color changes in stages, ultimately to orange.

> Press the switch toward the rear.

The color changes in stages, ultimately to blue.

Intermediate settings and colors are possible.

63

Climate

Equipment versions Depending on your vehicle's equipment, your MINI may contain an air conditioner or an auto- matic climate control*. 1 Air conditioner 2 Automatic climate control*

Air vents 3 Airflow directed toward the windshield and

side windows

4 Air to the upper body area 5 Air to the footwell

64

Air conditioner

1 Air flow rate 2 Cooling function 3 Recirculated-air mode 4 Temperature

Air flow rate

Adjust the air flow rate. The higher the rate, the more effective the heating or cooling will be.

Switching the system on/off Turn the air flow rate rotary switch to 0. Blower and air conditioner are completely switched off and the air supply is cut off. Set any desired air flow rate to switch on the air conditioner.

Cooling function

When the cooling function is on, the air is cooled, dried, then reheated according to the temper- ature setting. The recirculated-air mode may be switched on automatically. Depending on the weather, the windshield may fog over briefly when the engine is started.

Recirculated-air mode

If the air outside the car has an unpleasant odor or contains pollut- ants, shut off the supply to the inte-

rior of the car temporarily. The system then recirculates the air currently within the vehicle.

5 Rear window defroster 6 Air distribution 7 Windshield heating

If condensation starts to form on the inside window surfaces, switch off the

recirculated-air mode and, if necessary, switch on the cooling function or increase the air flow rate.<

To prevent the air quality inside the vehi- cle from deteriorating during extended

use of the recirculated-air mode, fresh air is added briefly at regular intervals.<

Temperature

Turn upward, red, to increase the temper- ature. Turn downward, blue, to decrease the temperature.

Rear window defroster

The defroster is switched off auto- matically after a certain time.

Air distribution

Direct the flow of air to the win- dows

, to the upper body area . Interme-

or to the footwell

diate settings are possible.

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Windshield heating*

The windshield heating is switched off automatically after a short time.

Defrosting windows and removing condensation 1. Set air flow rate to the maximum level. 2. Set air distribution to position

Condensation is removed from the windows

more quickly when the cooling function* is also activated.

3. Set to the highest temperature, red. 4. Deactivate recirculated-air mode. 5. Turn on windshield heating if necessary. 6. Turn on rear window defroster if necessary.

Microfilter The microfilter captures dust and pollen. The microfilter is changed by your MINI Dealer dur- ing routine maintenance work.

Automatic climate control*

1 Air flow rate, manual 2 AUTO program 3 AUC Automatic recirculated-air control/

Recirculated-air mode

4 Maximum cooling 5 Air distribution, manual

Comfortable interior climate AUTO program 2 offers the ideal air distribution and air flow rate for almost all conditions, refer to AUTO program below. All you need to do is select an interior temperature which is comfort- able for you. The following sections inform you in detail about how to adjust the settings. Most settings are stored for the remote control currently in use, refer also to Personal Profile set- tings on page 18.

6 Temperature 7 Defrosting windows and removing conden-

sation

8 Cooling function 9 Rear window defroster 10 Windshield heating*

Air flow rate, manual

Press the – button to reduce air flow. Press the + button to increase it. You can reactivate the automatic mode for the air flow rate with the AUTO button.

Switching the system on/off Reduce the air flow by pressing the – button repeatedly until the system is switched off. All indicators go out. Press the AUTO button to switch the automatic climate control back on.

66

AUTO program

Maximum cooling

The AUTO program adjusts the air distribution to the windshield and side windows, towards the upper body area and into the footwell for you. The air flow rate and your temperature specifications will be adapted to outside influences in accordance with sea- sonal changes, e.g. sunlight. The cooling function is automatically switched on along with the AUTO program.

AUC Automatic recirculated-air control/ Recirculated-air mode

Switch on the desired operating mode by pressing the button repeatedly.

Display of operating modes No display: outside air flows in continuously.

AUC mode: a sensor detects pollutants in the outside air. If necessary, the system blocks the supply of outside air and recir- culates the inside air. As soon as the concentra- tion of pollutants in the outside air has decreased sufficiently, the system automatically switches back to outside air supply. At outside temperatures below approx. 41 7/ +5 6, the AUC mode may be restricted due to the increased risk of window condensation.

Recirculated-air mode: the supply of out- side air is permanently shut off. The sys- tem then recirculates the air currently

within the vehicle.

If condensation starts to form on the inside window surfaces, switch off the

recirculated-air mode and, if necessary, switch on the cooling function or increase the air flow rate. <

To prevent the air quality inside the vehi- cle from deteriorating during extended

use of the recirculated-air mode, fresh air is added briefly at regular intervals.<

At outside temperatures above 32 7/0 6 and when the engine is running, you obtain a maximum

cooling effect as soon as possible. The automatic climate control switches to the lowest temperature and operates in recircu- lated-air mode. Air flows at maximum rate only from the vents for the upper body area. You should therefore open them for maximum cool- ing.

Air distribution, manual

The flow of air is directed to the windows, to the upper body area or to the footwell. You can switch the automatic air distribution back on by pressing the AUTO but- ton.

Temperature

Set the desired temperature individually. The automatic climate control achieves this temperature as quickly as possible regardless of the season, using maximum cooling or heating power if necessary, and then maintains it.

If you switch between different tempera- ture settings in quick succession, the auto-

matic climate control does not have enough time to achieve the set temperature.<

Rear window defroster

The defroster is switched off auto- matically after a certain time.

Defrosting windows and removing condensation

Quickly removes ice and condensa- tion from the windshield and front side windows. The windshield heat- ing* is switched on automatically.

67

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Windshield heating*

The windshield heating is switched off automatically after a certain time.

Opening/closing Turn the knob.

Direction of air flow Swivel the entire jet.

Cooling function

When the cooling function is on, the air is cooled, dried, then reheated according to the temper- ature setting.

Depending on the weather, the windshield may fog over briefly when the engine is started or the cooling function is switched off. The recircu- lated-air mode may is switched on automati- cally. The cooling function is automatically switched on along with the AUTO program. The passenger compartment can only be cooled while the engine is running.

Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter The microfilter captures dust and pollen. The activated-charcoal filter provides additional pro- tection by filtering gaseous pollutants from the outside air. Your MINI Dealer replaces this com- bined filter as a standard part of your scheduled maintenance. You can call up further information in the service requirements display, page 49.

Ventilation

1 Knob for continuous opening and closing 2 Jet for direction of air flow

68

Practical interior accessories

Integrated universal remote control*

HomeLink is a registered trademark of Johnson Controls, Inc.<

The concept The integrated universal remote control can replace as many as three hand-held transmitters for various remote-controlled devices, such as door openers and house alarm systems. The integrated universal remote control registers and stores signals from the original hand-held transmitters. The signal of an original hand-held transmitter can be programmed on one of the three mem- ory buttons 1. The system in question can then be operated by means of the programmed memory button 1. The LED 2 flashes to confirm transmission of the signal. If you decide to sell your vehicle one day, in the interest of your own security, remember to clear the stored programs before the vehicle leaves your possession, page 70.

To prevent possible damage or injury, before programming or using the inte-

grated universal remote control, always inspect the immediate area to make certain that no people, animals or objects are within the pivot- ing or travel range of the device being operated. Comply also with the safety instructions supplied with the original hand-held transmitter.<

Checking compatibility

If this symbol appears on the package or in the instructions supplied with the original hand-held transmitter, you can assume that the radio remote control device will be compatible with the integrated universal remote control. For additional information, please contact your MINI Dealer or call: 1-800-355-3515. You can also obtain information on the Internet at: www.MINI.com or www.homelink.com.

Programming

1 Memory buttons 2 LED

Fixed-code hand-held transmitters 1. Switch on the ignition, page 35. 2. When starting operation for the first time:

press both outer memory buttons 1 for approx. 20 seconds until the LED 2 flashes rapidly. All stored programs are cleared.

3. Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a

distance of approx. 2 to 12 in/5 to 30 cm from the memory buttons 1.

The required distance between the hand-held transmitter and the mem- ory buttons 1 depends on the system of the respective original hand-held transmitter used.<

4. Simultaneously press the transmit key on the original hand-held transmitter and the desired memory button 1 on the integrated universal remote control. The LED 2 flashes slowly at first. As soon as the LED 2 flashes rapidly, release both buttons. If the LED 2 does not flash rapidly after approx. 15 sec- onds, alter the distance.

5. To program other original hand-held trans-

mitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.

69

s

The corresponding memory button 1 is now programmed with the signal of the original hand-held transmitter.

Clearing stored programs Press both outer memory buttons 1 for approx. 20 seconds until the LED 2 flashes: all stored programs are cleared. It is not possible to clear individual programs.

Glove compartment

Opening

Press the button to open the cover. The light in the glove compartment comes on.

Closing Fold cover up.

To prevent injury in the event of an acci- dent, close the glove compartment after

use while the vehicle is being driven.<

Ventilation* Depending on your vehicle's equipment, it may be possible to ventilate the glove compartment.

The corresponding memory button 1 is now programmed with the signal of the original hand-held transmitter. You can operate the system with the engine running or with the ignition switched on.

If the system fails to function even after repeated programming, check whether

the original hand-held transmitter uses an alter- nating-code system. To do so, either read the instructions for the original hand-held transmit- ter or hold down the programmed memory button 1 of the integrated universal remote con- trol. If the LED 2 on the integrated universal remote control flashes rapidly for a short while and then remains lit for about two seconds, the original hand-held transmitter uses an alternat- ing-code system. If it uses an alternating-code system, program the memory buttons 1 as described under Alternating-code hand-held transmitters.<

Alternating-code hand-held transmitters To program the integrated universal remote control, consult the operating instructions for the device to be set. You will find information there on the possibilities for synchronization. When programming hand-held transmitters that employ an alternating code, please observe the following supplementary instructions:

Programming will be easier with the aid of a second person.<

1. Park your vehicle within the range of the

remote-controlled device.

2. Program the integrated universal remote control as described above in the section Fixed-code hand-held transmitters.

3. Locate the button on the receiver of the

device to be set, e.g. on the drive unit. 4. Press the button on the receiver of the device to be set. After step 4, you have approx. 30 seconds for the next step 5.

5. Press the programmed memory button 1 of

the integrated universal remote control three times.

70

Connection for external audio device You can connect an external audio device such as a CD or MP3 player and play audio recordings over the vehicle loudspeakers. The volume and tone settings can be adjusted via the car radio, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio.

> Connection for audio playback:

3.5 mm jack

> Power supply for the additional device via the cigarette lighter socket or the socket in the center console, page 72

Storage compartments inside the vehicle Depending on your vehicle's equipment, you will find storage compartments in the doors, next to the rear seats and in the center console*. Nets* are located in the passenger footwell and on the backs of the front seat backrests.

71

Opening Turn the switch to the horizontal position, see arrow.

Closing Turn the switch to the vertical position. Depending on the temperature setting of the air conditioning or the automatic climate control, high temperatures may result in the glove com- partment.

Center armrest*

Storage compartment The center armrest between the front seats con- tains either a compartment or the cover for the mobile phone base plate* or the snap-in adapter*.

Opening The cover slides along guide rails and can be opened fully by pushing it back and lifting it.

Closing Push the cover forwards.

s

Storage compartment on the front passenger side*

Emptying Remove the entire ashtray.

Lighter With the engine running or the ignition switched on, press in the cigarette lighter. The lighter can be pulled out as soon as it pops back out.

Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by the knob only. Holding or touching it in

other areas could result in burns. When leaving the car, always remove the key so that children cannot operate the cigarette lighter and burn themselves.<

Connecting electrical appliances In your MINI, you can use electrical devices such as a flashlight, car vacuum cleaner, etc., up to approx. 200 watts at 12 volts, as long as one of the following sockets is available. Avoid damag- ing the sockets by attempting to insert plugs of unsuitable shape or size.

Cigarette lighter socket Remove the lighter* or cover from the socket.

Socket in the cargo area

Opening Briefly press the bottom edge of the cover.

Closing Push the cover back into its original position.

To prevent injury in the event of an acci- dent, close the storage compartment after

use while the vehicle is being driven.<

Clothes hooks There are clothes hooks on the grab handles in the rear passenger compartment.

Items of clothing hung from the hooks must not obstruct the driver's view. Do not hang heavy objects from the hooks, otherwise they could endanger the car's occupants, e.g. in case of heavy braking or sudden swerving.<

Cup holders and ash- tray*

Cup holders Two cup holders are located in the front of the center console, another is in the rear at the back of the center console.

Do not place glass containers in the cup holders, as this increases the risk of injury

Pull out the cover.

in the event of an accident.<

Ashtray* The ashtray is located in one of the cup holders in the center console.

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73

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: > 4,500/min or 100 mph/160 km/h Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the transmission's kick-down 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.

76

General driving notes

Close the tailgate

Drive the vehicle only when the tailgate is closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could

penetrate the interior of the vehicle.< If special circumstances make it absolutely nec- essary to drive with the tailgate open: 1. Close all windows and the glass sunroof. 2. Increase the air flow rate of the air condi- tioner or automatic climate control consid- erably, page 65 or 66.

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.<

Mobile phones in the vehicle

The manufacturer of your MINI recom- mends that you do not use mobile

devices, e.g. mobile phones, inside the vehicle without directly connecting them to an outside antenna. Otherwise, the vehicle electronics and mobile communications device can influence one another. In addition, there is no assurance

that the radiation which results from transmis- sion will be dissipated from the vehicle inte- rior.<

helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that Then full braking force will be immediately avail- able when it is needed.

Hydroplaning

Hills

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 91.

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 Start Assist*, refer to page 55.

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

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 38.

Never drive with the clutch held down, with the transmission in idle or with the

engine switched off; otherwise, engine braking 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

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vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the vehicle are therefore normal. In the 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 com- partment.

Before driving into a car wash For general information about vehicle care for your MINI, refer to the chapter beginning on page 100.

With convenient access and automatic transmission Insert the key into the ignition lock. The engine can be switched off when the selec- tor lever is in position N. Refer also to page 25.

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 blow-out.<

Cargo area cover When the tailgate is opened, the cargo area cover is raised.

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.<

Removing To load bulky luggage, the cargo area cover can be removed.

1. Unhook the lift straps from the tailgate. 2. Pull the cover out of the holders toward the

rear.

Expanding the cargo area The rear seat backrest is split and can be folded. Both sides can be folded separately to expand the cargo area.

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* To expand the cargo area without keeping the rear seat backrests folded forward.