ECU MINI Coupe 2012 User Guide

Practical interior accessoriesCONTROLS
101
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster: lateral
storage tray behind the seats
Briefcases, for example, can be placed here.
Only transport light and small objects in
the lateral storage tray, otherwise, e.g.
during braking and evasive maneuvers, a hazard
will be posed by flying objects. Transport heavy
luggage only if it is appropriately secured in the
cargo area. <
In the cargo area
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, you
have the following storage options:
>Net on the rear cargo well and side trim for
smaller objects; for attaching to the lashing
eyes and the hook on the cargo area side-
wall
Cupholders and ashtray
Cupholders
Two cupholders are located in the front of the
center console; another is in the rear at the back
of the center console. Use lightweight, nonbreakable containers
and do not transport hot beverages.
Otherwise, there is an increased risk of injury in
the event of an accident. <
Do not push unsuitable containers forcibly
into the cupholder. Otherwise, you may
damage it.<
Ashtray
The ashtray is located in one of the cupholders in
the center console.
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 re sult 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, when the engine is running or if the
ignition is switched on, you can use electrical
devices such as flashlights, car vacuum cleaners,
etc., up to approx. 140 watts at 12 volts, as long
as one of the following sockets is available.
Avoid damaging the sockets by attempting to
insert plugs of unsui table shape or size.
Do not connect battery chargers to the
sockets installed in the vehicle at the
factory; otherwise you may cause damage to
the vehicle. <
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
107
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated on the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various se ctions of the exhaust
system, and never apply undercoating to them.
Make sure that when driving, idling or when
parking, no easily flamma ble materials, such as
hay, leaves, grass, etc. come into contact with
the hot exhaust system. Such contact could lead
to a fire, with the risk of serious 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 betw een 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 151.
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 drivin g off using Hill Assist,
refer to page 78.
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 steeri ng 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 functioning properly.
Objects in the movement range of the
pedals
Keep floor mats, carp
et, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhi bit the function of the
pedals during driving.
Do not place additional floor mats onto an
existing one or onto other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved for
the vehicle and can be appropriately fastened.
Make sure that the fl oor mats are securely
fastened again after they have been removed,
e.g. for cleaning. <
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or ther e 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
available when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheatin g 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 mo de of the automatic transmis-
sion, page 59.
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
109
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster: opening for
loading
Always secure snowboards and similar
items; otherwise, these may pose a hazard
to occupants during braking or evasive maneu-
vers. <
1. If necessary, fold seat forward, see page 47.
2. Open lock with integrated key, see page 22.
3. Pull handle and fold lid down.
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster: storage
compartment in luggage compartment
In the front of the luggage compartment, there
is a storage compartment under a cover.
By way of example, the illustration shows the
cargo area in the MINI Coupe.
1. Open load opening over the passenger
compartment.
2. Fold up cover, arrow 1.
MINI Convertible: luggage compartment
Do not place any objects on the luggage
compartment roller cover, as this may
damage the cover or the convertible top. <
Loading aid
When the convertible top is closed, you can load
the vehicle more easily by releasing the conver-
tible top and folding it up.
1.Release the convertible top using the
handles, refer to arrows 1.
2. Lift the convertible top, refer to arrow2.
3. Fold back the handles and place them on
holders 3.
Expanding the luggage compartment
volume
You can enlarge the luggage compartment
volume when the convertible top is closed.
1. Fold the convertible top upward, refer to
Loading aid.
2. Pull luggage compartment roller cover rear-
ward out of the lower brackets and pivot
upward, refer to arrows 1,
3. Push cover into the upper storage areas,
refer to arrows 2 and place down horizon-
tally.
To operate the convertible top, move the
cargo area cover back to its lower posi-
tion. <
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
110
Split-folding rear seats
To be able to transport larger objects, the rear
backrest can be folded down.
1.If necessary, use the integrated key to open
the backrest lock 1.
2. Press button 2 and fold down backrest
together with the belt strap.
3. Fold the backrest forward.
When folding the backrest back into its
original position, alwa ys ensure that the
catch engages securely. A loose backrest might
fail to prevent cargo from entering the passen-
ger compartment during sudden braking or
evasive maneuvers, posing a potential hazard to
occupants.
The belt guide loop, refer to page 49, must be
closed. <
Determining cargo limit
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, this could
damage the vehicle and produce unstable
vehicle operating conditions. <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 pounds or YYY
kilograms.
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
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available 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.
6. 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.
Load
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster:
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
111
MINI Convertible:
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
forward as possible, id eally directly behind
the rear seat backrests.
> Cover sharp edges and corners.
> 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.
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster MINI Convertible
Securing cargo
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster:
MINI Convertible:
>
Secure smaller and lighter items using
retaining or draw straps.
> Heavy-duty cargo straps for securing larger
and heavier objects ar e 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
area.
Comply with the information enclosed with
the load-securing devices.
Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
112
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or swerves are necessary.
Do not exceed the approved gross vehicle
weight and axle loads, page 203; otherwise, the
operating safety of the vehicle is no longer
assured and the vehicle will not be in compli-
ance with the construction and use 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 52; they may
become damaged. <
Rear luggage rack
A special rack system is available as an option for
your MINI. Please note the information con-
tained in the assembly instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are under the protective
caps in the bumper.
Push out the caps at the respective slots.
Loading rear luggage rack
When loading, make su re that the maximum
allowed roof load, the gross vehicle weight and
the axle loads are not exceeded.
You can find the applicable data under Weights
on page 203.
Saving fuel
Your vehicle incorporates numerous technolo-
gies for reducing fuel consumption and emis-
sions.
Fuel consumption depends on a number of
different factors. Fuel consumption and environ-
mental pollution are affect ed by various actions,
the manner of driving and regular maintenance.
Remove unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove attached parts no longer in use
Remove luggage rack if no longer needed after
use.
Attached parts on the ve hicle affect its aerody-
namics and increase fuel consumption.
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 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 engi ne speeds. This is the
fastest way for the cold engine to reach its
operating temperature.
Think ahead while driving
Avoid unnecessary accelera tion and braking. by
maintaining a suitable di stance to the vehicle
driving ahead.
Looking-ahead and smooth driving reduces fuel
consumption.
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COMMUNICATIONSTelephone
132
To display the number for the Hotline: Press the button.
Turn the right knob to show the phone number
for the Hotline and the re quired information for
the pairing procedure on the display.
Following the initial pairing
> The mobile phone is detected/connected in
the vehicle within a short period of time
when the engine is running or radio readi-
ness is switched on.
> After identification, phone book entries are
imported from the mobile phone and/or SIM
card of the telephone, depending on the
telephone.
> Specific settings may be necessary in some
mobile phones, e.g. authorization or a
secure connection, re fer to the Owner's
Manual for the mobile phone.
Connecting a particular mobile phone
The connected mobile phone is identified with
the following symbol in the radio display:
To change the sequence of mobile phones in the
list:
1. Press the MENU button.
2. Press the button.
3. Press the button.
4. Turn the right rotary knob until the display
shows the mobile phone whose position in
the list is to be changed.
5. Press the button the number of
times required to reach the desired position.
Unpairing mobile phone
1. Switch off mobile phone.
2. Press the MENU button.
3. Press the button.
4. Press the button.
5. Turn the right rotary knob to show the
desired mobile phone on the radio display.
6. Press the button.
7. Press the button to acknowledge
the message displayed.
What to do if…
For information on suitab le mobile phones, refer
to page 128.
The mobile phone could not be paired or con-
nected.
> Is Bluetooth activated in the vehicle and in
the mobile phone? Activate Bluetooth in the
vehicle and in the mobile phone.
> Do the Bluetooth passkeys on the mobile
phone and the vehicle match? Enter the
same passkey on the mobile phone and via
the radio.
> A multi-digit passkey may be required.
> Is the passkey input taking longer than
30 seconds? Repeat th e pairing procedure.
> Are too many Bluetoot h devices connected
to the mobile phone? If so, delete the con-
nections with other devices on the mobile
phone.
> Is the mobile phone in power economy
m o d e o r d o e s i t o n l y have a small amount of
battery charge remaining? Charge the
mobile phone in the snap-in adapter or via a
charging cable.
> Depending on the mobile phone, it may only
be possible to connect one device to the
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MOBILITYEngine compartment
156
Hood
Releasing
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.
Closing
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. <
Engine oil
Engine oil consumption depends on driving style
and operating conditions, e.g., with a very
sporty driving style, the engine oil consumption
is significantly increased.
Therefore, check the engine oil level regularly
after each refueling.
Checking engine oil level
1. With the vehicle's engine at normal opera-
ting 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.
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the way into
the guide tube and pull it out again.
The oil level should be between the two
marks on the dipstick.
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MOBILITYCare
164
Leather/leather coverings
The leather processed by the manufac-
turer of your MINI is a high-quality natural
product. Light variations in the grain is one of
the typical properties of natural leather. <
Dust and road grit in th e pores and folds of the
leather have an abrasive effect, leading to
increased wear and causing the leather surface
to become brittle prematurely. Use a cloth or
vacuum cleaner to remo ve dust on a regular
basis.
Especially when the leather has a light color, it
should be cleaned regularl y since it tends to get
heavily soiled.
Treat the leather twice a year using a leather
lotion since dirt and grease will gradually attack
the leather's protective layer.
Carpets/floor mats
Keep floor mats, carpet, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhibit the function of the
pedals during driving.
Do not place additional floor mats onto an
existing one or onto other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved for
the vehicle and can be appropriately fastened.
Make sure that the fl oor mats are securely
fastened again after they have been removed,
e.g. for cleaning. <
Floor mats can be removed to be cleaned.
If the carpets are very dirty, clean with a micro-
fiber cloth and water or an interior cleaner.
When doing so, rub forw ard and back in the
driving direction; othe rwise, the carpet may
become matted.
Interior plastic parts
These include:
> Plastic surfaces
> Lamp glass
> Display panes
> Mat parts Only clean with water and, if necessary, solvent-
free plastic cleaners.
Do not use solvents such as alcohol,
lacquer thinner, cold cleaners, fuel, or
similar, as these will damage the surfaces. <
Decorative strips
Only clean decorative strips and fine wood parts
with damp cloths. Wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Safety belts
Dirty belt straps impede the reeling action and
thus have a negative impact on safety.
Do not clean chemically, as this may
destroy the webbing. <
Displays
To clean displays, such as the radio or display
elements, use an anti-static microfiber cloth.
Avoid pressing too hard when cleaning
the display as this can cause damage. <
Do not use chemical or abrasive house-
hold cleaning agents. Keep fluids of any
kind away from the device. Surfaces or electrical
components may otherwise become corroded
or damaged. <
CD/DVD drives
Do not use cleaning CDs as this could
damage parts of the drive. <
Vehicle storage
If you park your vehicle longer than three
months, ask your MINI dealer to advise you.
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Replacing componentsMOBILITY
173
If the tire cannot maintain the inflation
pressure, drive the vehicle again, refer to
Distributing the sealan t. Then repeat steps
1to4.
If an inflation pressure of 1.8 bar/26 psi still
cannot be reached, then the tire is too heavily
damaged. Contact your nearest MINI dealer. <
Driving on
Do not exceed the permitted maximum
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h; doing so may
result in an accident. <
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly
balanced.
Have the Mobility Kit refilled.
Changing wheels
Run-flat tires
Tire change for run-flat tires:
> Prepare for tire change, page 174
> Jack up vehicle, page 174
> Tighten lug bolts, page 175
Space-saver spare tire
Tire change with space-saver spare tire:
>Remove the space-saver spare tire,
page 173
> Prepare for tire change, page 174
> Jack up vehicle, page 174
> Mount space-saver spare tire, page 175
> Tighten lug bolts, page 175
> Drive with space-saver spare tire, page 174
Removing the space-saver spare tire
The screw connection of the space-saver spare
tire is under the floor mat in the cargo area, on
the base of the storage compartment for the tire
change set. 1.
Unscrew the screw connection with the
special wrench.
2. Take out the cover panel.
3. Screw the lifting handle from the toolkit onto
the thread.
4. Raise the lifting handle slightly.
5. Squeeze the securing spring.
6. The space-saver spare tire is released and
must be held by the lifting handle.
7. Lower the space-saver spare tire with the
lifting handle.
8. Unscrew the lifting handle.
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