maintenance MINI COOPER 2012 User Guide
Page 102 of 207
Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
101
Closing windows
Open windows increase air resistance and
therefore fuel consumption.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check and, if necessary, correct tire inflation
pressure at least twic e a month and before
starting 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.
Think ahead while driving
Avoid unnecessary accelera tion and braking. by
maintaining a suitable di stance to the vehicle
driving ahead.
Looking-ahead an d smooth driving reduces fuel
consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
Use first gear only for dr iving 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 lo w engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red traffic light, take your
foot off the accelerator and let the car roll to a
stop in the highest gear possible.
On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the
accelerator and let the vehi cle 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.
Switch off any features that are not
currently required
Features such as air conditioning, seat heaters
and the rear window defroster require a great
deal of energy and result in greater fuel con-
sumption, especially in
city driving and during
Stop & Go operation. For this reason, switch off
these features if they are not really needed.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. The
manufacturer of your MINI recommends having
the vehicle serviced by a MINI dealer. Also note
the MINI Maintenance System, page 147.
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Page 132 of 207
Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
131
Wheels and tires
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. Equipment is also described
that is not available because of, for example,
selected options or count ry version. This also
applies to safety related functions and systems.
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 inflatio n pressure regularly
and correct it, if nece ssary: 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 67,
or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor, page 69.<
MINI: checking the tire inflation
pressure of the compact tire
A valve extension for checking the inflation
pressure is located behind the bumper.
MINI Clubman: checking the tire
inflation pressure of the compact tire
To check the inflation pressure, fold up the flat
load floor. Remove the toolkit and the space-
saver spare tire, refer to page 163.
Inflation pressure specifications
MINI:
The tables below provide all the correct inflation
pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient
temperature.
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
inflation pressures, observe the following:
> Tire sizes for your vehicle
> 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 dr iving comfort, adjust
pressures to the respective tire inflation
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Page 148 of 207
MaintenanceMOBILITY
147
Maintenance
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. Equipment is also described
that is not available because of, for example,
selected options or count ry version. This also
applies to safety related functions and systems.
MINI Maintenance System
The MINI Maintenance System will remind you
of necessary maintenance measures and by
doing so, will assist you in maintaining the traffic
and operating safety of your vehicle.
If and when you come to sell your MINI, a
comprehensive record of servicing will prove
a significant benefit.
Condition Based Service CBS
Sensors and special algori thms take the different
driving conditions of your MINI into account.
Condition Based Service uses this to determine
the current and future se rvice 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 59.
Service data in the remote control
Your vehicle continuously stores service-
requirement info rmation 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.
Make sure that the date in the tachometer
is always set correctly, page 61; 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
procedures are confirmed by entries in your
vehicle's Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models. These
entries verify that your vehicle has received the
specified regula r maintenance.<
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Page 149 of 207
MOBILITYMaintenance
148
Socket for On-Board
Diagnosis OBD
The primary components that make up the
emissions can be checked by a device via the
OBD socket.
Emissions
The warning lamps come on. The vehicle
is producing higher emissions. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Have the car checked as soon as possible.
Under certain circumstances, one of the lamps
will flash or light up cont inuously. This indicates
excessive misfiring or a malfunction in the
engine. If this happens, reduce your speed and
visit the nearest MINI dealer as soon as possible.
Severe misfiring can quickly lead to serious
damage of emissions-related components,
especially the catalytic converter. In addition,
mechanical engine components can become
damaged.
If the fuel cap is not properly tightened,
the OBD system may conclude that fuel
vapors are escaping, causing an indica-
tor to light up. If the fuel cap is then tightened,
the indicator should go out within a few days.
Data memory
Your vehicle displays da ta about the operation,
malfunctions, and user settings. These data are
stored in the vehicle and can be partly stored in
the remote control; the data can be read by suitable devices, in pa
rticular at your MINI
dealer. The data read out are used for support-
ing the service processe s and repair or for
optimization and development of vehicle
functions.
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Page 166 of 207
Replacing componentsMOBILITY
165
6.Tighten all the lug bolts firmly in a diagonal
pattern.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Remove the jack.
Tightening the lug bolts
Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
Immediately have the wheels checked
with a calibrated torque wrench to ensure
that the lug bolts are firmly seated. Otherwise,
incorrectly tightened lug bolts can present a
safety hazard. <
Tightening torque: 103.3 lb ft or 140 Nm.
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly
balanced.
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is maintenance-free; that is, the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate
climate.
Battery replacement
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manu-
facturer; otherwise, the vehicle could be
damaged and systems or functions may not
be fully available. <
After a battery replacement, have the battery
registered on the vehicle by your MINI dealer to
ensure that all convenience functions are fully
available and, if nece ssary, the corresponding
Check Control messages are no longer dis-
played.
Charging the battery
Note
Do not connect battery chargers to the
sockets installed in the vehicle at the
factory; otherwise you may cause damage to
the battery. <
Only charge the battery in the vehicle when
the engine is off. Connections, refer to Jump-
starting on page 168.
General information
To guarantee the full service life of the battery,
ensure that the battery is always properly
charged.
It may be necessary to charge the battery in the
following situations:
>If frequent short trips are taken.
> If the vehicle is frequently parked for more
than a month.
Disposal
After replacing old batteries, return the
used batteries to your MINI dealer or to
arecycling center. Maint ain the battery in an
upright position for transport and storage.
Always secure the battery against tipping over
during transport. <
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, some equipment
may not be fully functional and may require ini-
tialization. Individual se ttings are also lost and
must be reprogrammed:
> Time and date
These values must be updated, page 61.
> Radio
In some cases, statio ns may have to be
stored again, page 106.
> Glass sunroof, electric
It may only be possible to tilt the sunroof, if
applicable. The system must be initialized.
Contact your nearest MINI dealer.
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Page 196 of 207
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
195
Battery165
– disposal 32,165
– jump-starting 168
– temporary power failure 165
Battery renewal
– remote control 32
Being towed 170
Belts, refer to Safety belts 38
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety belts 38
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 90
Black ice, refer to External
temperature warning 55
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 81,83
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 118
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 90
Brake Assist 64
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 59
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs 158,159
Brake pads, breaking in 94
Brake rotors 96
– brakes 94
– breaking in 94
Brakes
– ABS 64
– breaking in 94
– MINI Maintenance
System 147
– parking brake 46
– service requirements 59
Brakes, refer to Braking safely 95
Brake system 94
– breaking in 94
– disc brakes 96
– MINI Maintenance
System 147
Breakdown service, refer to Roadside Assistance 167
Breaking in the clutch 94
Break-in period 94 Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs 155
Button for starting the engine 44
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call ending 122
Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing 122
Calling, refer to Telephone 89
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders 90
Capacities 192
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery 165
Car care 149
Care 149
– car-care products 149
– car washes 149
– CD/DVD drives 152
– high-pressure washers 150
– leather 151
– manual washing 150
– upholstery and fabrics 151
– windows 150
– wiper blades 150
Cargo, securing 99
Cargo area 96
– capacity 191
– Comfort Access 31
– cover 96
– doors, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 28
– expanding 97
– lamp 79
– opening from outside 28
– trunk lid, refer to Split Rear
Barn Doors 28
Cargo area doors, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 28
Cargo area lamp 79 Cargo area lid, refer to
Tailgate 28
Cargo area partition net, refer to Cargo net 98
Cargo loading 98
– securing cargo 99
– stowing cargo 99
– vehicle 96
Cargo net 98
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls 22
Carpets, care 151
Car phone
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 89
– refer to Telephone 89,116
Car radio, refer to Radio 16
Car wash, care 149
Car washes 149
Cataly
tic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system 95
CD player 109
– changing the track 109
– fast forward/reverse 109
– playing a track 110
– random order 109
– volume 104
Center armrest 89
Center brake lamp 160
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console 14
Central locking system 23
– Comfort Access 30
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
Changing bulbs 155
Changing wheels 162
Charging the battery 165
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 143
Check Control 61
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 42
Child restraint systems 41
Child seats 41
Chrome parts, care 151
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Page 198 of 207
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
197
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Assist 66
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 66
Driving lamps, refer to Parking lamps/low beams 75
Driving notes 94
Driving off on inclines, refer to Hill Assist 66
Driving stability control
systems 64
Driving through water 95
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes 94
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 84
DSC Dynamic Stability Control 64
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 65
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, refer to Brake Assist 64
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 64
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC 65
E
Eject button 110
Electrical malfunction
– door lock 26
– fuel filler flap 128
Electric power windows
– initializing 33
Electronic brake-force
distribution 64
Electronic Stability Program ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 64
Emergency operation, refer to Manual operation
– door lock 26
– fuel filler flap 128
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 48 Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance 167
Ending a call 122
Engine
– breaking in 94
– data 186
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature 146
– speed 186
– starting, Comfort Access 30
Engine compartment 143
Engine coolant, refer to Coolant 146
Engine oil
– additives, refer to Approved engine oils 145
– alternative oil types 145
– approved engine oils 145
– capacity 145
– checking level 144
– dipstick 144
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements 59
– MINI Maintenance
System 147
Engine oil level, checking 144
Engine output, refer to Engine
data 186
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine 45
ESP Electronic Stability Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 64
Exhaust system, refer to Hot exhaust system 95
Exterior mirrors 39
– adjusting 39
– automatic heating 39
– folding in and out 39
External audio device 89,104
External care 149
External temperature display
– change units of measure 58
– in the onboard computer 58Eyes
– for tow-
starting and towing
away 169
– for tying down loads 99
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 61
Failure of an electrical
consumer 166
Fastening safety be lts, refer to
Safety belts 38
Fast forward
– CD 109
Fault messages, refer to Check
Control 61
Filter
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 84
– microfilter for air
conditioner 82
Fine wood, care 152
First aid pouch 167
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 44
Flash when locking/
unlocking 24
Flat load floor 98
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 140
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 69
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 66
– indicating a flat tire 67
– initializing the system 67
– snow chains 67
– system limits 67
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition 139
Floor mats, care 151
Floor plate, refe r to Flat load
floor 98
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 156,159
Folding rear seat backrest 97
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
199
Incoming call121
Indicator and warning lamps 13,172
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 70
Indicator lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 78
Individual air distribution 82
Individual settings, refer to Personal Profile 22
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 69
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM 67
– glass roof, electric 33
Initializing the
– compass, see Calibration 88
Instrument lighting 78
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit 10
Instrument panel, refer to Displays 12
Integrated key 22
Integrated universal remote control 85
Interior lamps 79
– remote control 25
Interior rearview mirror 39
– automatic dimming feature 40
Interlock 47
Intermittent mode of the wipers 50
Internal care 151
Internet page 4
J
Jacking points 164
Jets, refer to Window washer nozzles 51
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting 168
Jump-starting 168
K
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls 22
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort Access 30
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access 30
Key Memory, refer to Personal Profile 22
Keypad dialing 122
Kickdown 47
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 47
Knock control 129
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams 75
Lamps and bulbs, replacing bulbs 155
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing cargo 99
LATCH child restraint fixing
system 42
Leather care 151
LEDs light-emitting diodes 155
Length, refer to Dimensions 187
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement 159,160
Light alloy wheels, care 151
Light-emitting diodes LEDs 155
Lighter 91
– socket 91
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs 155
– of the instruments 78
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps 75
Light switch 75
Limit 183
Listening to test, scan
– radio MINI Boost CD 106Load
98
Load securing equipment, refer to Securing cargo 99
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking 26
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal 24
– from inside 26
– from outside 24
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access 30
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals 24
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
Longlife oils
– approved motor oils 145
Low beams 75
– automatic 75
– replacing bulb 156
Lower back suppo rt, refer to
Lumbar support 36
Luggage compartment, refer to Cargo area 28
Luggage compartment doors, refer to Split Rear Barn
Doors 28
Luggage compartment lid, refer to Tailgate 28
Luggage compartment partition net, refer to Cargo
net 98
Luggage rack, re fer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 100
Lumbar support 36
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 141
Maintenance, refer to Service
and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
200
Maintenance system147
Malfunction warn ings, refer to
Check Control 61
Manual air distribution 82
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 48
Manual operation
– door lock 26
– fuel filler flap 128
– transmission lock, automatic transmission 48
Manual station search 105
Manual transmission 46
Manual washing 150
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 22
Maximum cooling 83
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 142
Medical assistance, refer to First aid pouch 167
Microfilter
– for air conditioner 82
– for automatic climate
control 84
– MINI Maintenance System 147
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
– MINI Maintenance System 147
Microphone for telephone 14
MINI Internet page 4
MINI Maintenance System 147
Mirror dimming feature 40
Mirrors 39
– exterior mirrors 39
– heating 39
– interior rearview mirror 39Mobile phone
– adjusting volume
121
– connecting, refer to Mobile phone, pairing 118
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 89
– pairing 118
– refer to Telephone 89
– What to do if…. 120
Mobility Kit 160
Modifications, technical, refer to For your own safety 4
Monitoring syst em for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 66
MP3 109
Multifunctional steering wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel 11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/ headlamp flasher 49
– refer to Wiper system 50
Mus
ic tracks
– playing a track 110
– random order 109
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 37
Nets, refer to Storage compartments 90
New tires 141
Number of cylinders, refer to Engine data 186
Number of safety belts 35
Nylon rope, refer to Tow rope 170
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
On-Board Diagnosis 148
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications 129 Odometer
55
Oil, refer to Engine oil 144
Oil consumption 144
Oil level 144
Oil types 145
Old batteries, refer to Disposal 165
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access 30
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
– using the door lock 26
– using the remote control 23
Opening and unlocking
– from inside 26
Outlets
– refer to Air vents 80
– refer to Ventilation 84
Output, refer to Engine
data 186
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control 83
Overheated engine, refer to Coolant temperature 146
P
Paintwork, care150
Park Distance Control PDC 63
Parking
– vehicle 45
Parking aid, refer to Park Distance Control PDC 63
Parking brake 46
Parking lamps, replacing bulb 156
Parking lamps/low beams 75
Parts and accessories, see Vehicle equipment 4
Pathway lighting 76
PDC
– volume 104
Personal Profile 22
Phone numbers
– dialing 122
Pinch protection system
– windows 34
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