MINI Roadster 2013 Owner's Manual

reduced track stability on braking, extended
braking distance, and altered self-steering
characteristics in the limit range. In conjunction
with winter tires, these characteristics are more
pronounced. ◀
Only mount one compact wheel
Only one compact wheel may be
mounted. Restore the wheels and tires to their
original size as quickly as possible. Failure to do
so is a safety risk. ◀
Check the tire inflation pressure at the next op‐
portunity and correct it if necessary. Replace
the defective tire as soon as possible and have
the new wheel balanced.
Preparing wheel change
Observe the safety precautions regarding flat
tires, refer to page 232.
Additional safety precautions in the event
of a wheel change
Change the wheel only on a level, firm surface
which is not slippery.
The vehicle or the jack could slip to the side if
you attempt to raise the vehicle on a soft or
slippery surface, snow, ice, tiles, etc. Do not use
a wooden block or similar object as a support
base for the jack, as this would prevent it from
extending to its full support height and reduce
its load-carrying capacity.
To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie under
the vehicle, and never start the engine while it
is supported by the jack. ◀1.Place the folding wheel chock behind the
front wheel of the other vehicle side; if the
vehicle is on an incline, place it in front of
this wheel. If the vehicle is parked on a
steep incline, additionally secure the vehi‐
cle against rolling.2.Expose the lug bolts if necessary.3.Loosen the lug bolts a half turn.Jacking up vehicle
The vehicle jack is designed for changing
wheels only.
The vehicle jack is designed for changing
wheels only. Do not attempt to raise another
vehicle model with it or to raise any load of any
kind. To do so could cause accidents and per‐
sonal injury. ◀
1.Position the vehicle jack at the jacking point
closest to the wheel.
The entire surface of the jack base must
rest on the ground vertically beneath the
jacking point.2.Guide the jack head into the rectangular re‐
cess of the jacking point when cranking up.3.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are
changing is raised from the ground.
Mounting the compact wheel
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel.2.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and
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3.Mount the new wheel.4.Screw in at least two bolts crosswise.5.Screw in the remaining lug bolts.6.Fully tighten all lug bolts in a diagonal pat‐
tern.7.Lower the vehicle.8.Remove the jack.
Retightening the lug bolts
Retighten the lug bolts diagonally.
Checking that the lug bolts are tight
Always have the lug bolts checked with a
calibrated torque wrench as soon as possible to
ensure that they are tightened to the specified
torque. Otherwise, incorrectly tightened lug
bolts are a hidden safety risk. ◀
The tightening torque equals
103.3 lb ft/140 Nm.
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel balanced.
Vehicle battery Maintenance
The battery is maintenance-free, i.e., the elec‐
trolyte will last for the life of the battery in tem‐
perate climate conditions.
The service center will be happy to answer any
questions on the battery.
Battery replacement Use approved vehicle batteries
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manufacturer;
otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged and
systems or functions may not be fully availa‐
ble. ◀
Have the vehicle battery registered by the serv‐
ice center after it is replaced to ensure that all comfort functions are available without restric‐
tions and that any associated Check Control
messages are no longer displayed.
Charging the battery
Note Do not connect the charger to the socket
Do not connect the battery charger to the
socket installed in the vehicle at the factory as
this could damage the battery. ◀
Only charge the battery in the vehicle when the
engine is switched off. Connections, refer to
page 254.
General information Ensure that the battery is sufficiently charged to
achieve the full battery life.
It may be necessary to charge the battery in
the following cases:▷When the vehicle is frequently used to
travel short distances.▷When the vehicle has not been driven for
more than one month.
Power failure
After a temporary power failure, some equip‐
ment will be restricted in its use and will need
to be reinitialized. In addition, certain individual
settings will be lost and must be updated:
▷Time and date: the values must be up‐
dated, refer to page 79.▷Radio: the stations need to be stored again,
refer to page 161.▷Onboard monitor: full functionality will be
restored after some time.
Indicator/warning lamps
Lights up red: the vehicle battery is no
longer being charged. Alternator mal‐
function.
Switch off all unnecessary electrical consumers.
Have the battery checked immediately.
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Lights up yellow: the battery charge
level is very low, the battery is old, or it
is not securely connected.
Charge the battery by taking a long drive or us‐
ing an external charger. If the indicators appear
again, have the battery checked as soon as
possible.
Disposing of old batteries Have used batteries disposed of by the
service center after they are replaced or
take them to a recycling center.
Maintain the battery in an upright position for
transport and storage. Secure the battery so
that it does not tip over during transport.
Fuses Replacing fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and
do not replace a defective fuse with a substi‐ tute of another color or amperage rating; this
could lead to a circuit overload, ultimately re‐
sulting in a fire in the vehicle. ◀
Fuses should be replaced by the service center.
Information on the fuses can be found on the
inside of the covers.
In the engine compartment
Opening the cover
Press the snap lock.
In interior
On the right side of the footwell.
Opening the cover
Push out at the recess.
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Breakdown assistanceVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series.Therefore, it also
describes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
Hazard warning flash‐
ers
The button is located on the speedometer.
Warning triangle The warning triangle is located in the front on
the trunk floor.
First aid kit Some of the articles contained in the first aid kit
have a limited service life. Therefore, check the
use-by dates of the contents regularly and re‐
place the items before they expire.
The first aid kit is located in the left side trim on
the cargo area floor.
Roadside Assistance
Service availability Roadside Assistance can be reached around the
clock in many countries. You can obtain assis‐
tance there in the event of a vehicle break‐
down.
Jump-starting
Notes If the battery is discharged, the engine can be
started using the battery of another vehicle and
two jumper cables. In the same way, you can
help jump-start another vehicle. Only use
jumper cables with fully insulated clamp han‐
dles.
To prevent personal injury or damage to both
vehicles, adhere strictly to the following proce‐
dure.
Do not touch live parts
To avoid the risk of potentially fatal injury,
always avoid all contact with electrical compo‐
nents while the engine is running. ◀
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Preparation1.Check whether the battery of the other ve‐
hicle has a voltage of 12 volts and approxi‐
mately the same capacitance in Ah. This in‐
formation can be found on the battery.2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi‐
cle.3.Switch off any electronic systems/power
consumers in both vehicles.
Bodywork contact between vehicles
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise there
is a danger of shorting. ◀
Connecting jumper cables
Connecting order
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order; otherwise, there is the danger of injury
from sparking. ◀1.Open the battery cover in the engine com‐
partment to access the positive terminal.2.Unlock the tabs of the positive terminal
cover on the left and right, arrows 1, and
raise the cover, arrow 2.3.Attach one terminal clamp of the positive
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or to a starting aid terminal of the
vehicle providing assistance.4.Attach the second clamp of the positive
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery of the vehicle to be started.5.Attach one terminal clamp of the negative
jumper cable to the negative terminal of
the battery, or to the corresponding engine
or body ground of the vehicle providing as‐
sistance.6.Attach the second clamp of the negative
jumper cable to the negative terminal ofSeite 255Breakdown assistanceMobility255
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the battery, or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Body ground:
Starting the engine
Never use spray fluids to start the engine.
1.Start the engine of the assisting vehicle and
let it run for several minutes at a slightly in‐
creased idle speed.2.Start the engine of the vehicle being started
in the usual way.
If the first starting attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before making another
attempt in order to allow the discharged
battery to recharge.3.Let both engines run for several minutes.4.Disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse
order.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Tow-starting and towing
Notes Observe applicable laws and regulations
Observe applicable laws and regulations
for tow-starting and towing. ◀
No additional passengers
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed. ◀
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the vehicle. It can be screwed in at the front
or rear of the MINI.
Tow fitting, information on use▷Use only the tow fitting provided with
the vehicle and screw it all the way in.▷Use the tow fitting for towing on paved
roads only.▷Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g.,
do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting.
Otherwise, damage to the tow fitting and the
vehicle can occur. ◀
Access to the screw thread Push out the tow fitting cover at the appropri‐
ate recess in the bumper.
Front
Rear
John Cooper Works with aerodynamic bumper:
Pull out the tow fitting cover in the bumper in
the lower section, arrow.
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Being towedFollow the towing instructions
Follow all towing instructions, or vehicle
damage or accidents may occur. ◀
▷Make sure that the ignition is switched on;
otherwise, the low beams, tail lamps, turn
signals, and windshield wipers may be un‐
available.▷Do not tow the vehicle with the rear axle
tilted, as the front wheels could turn.▷When the engine is stopped, there is no
power assist. Consequently, more force
needs to be applied when braking and
steering.▷▷Larger steering wheel movements are re‐
quired.▷Switch on the hazard warning system, de‐
pending on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission Towing vehicles with an automatic trans‐
mission
Only transport vehicles with an automatic
transmission on tow trucks or with raised front
wheels; otherwise, the transmission may be
damaged. ◀
Towing with a tow bar
Light towing vehicle
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than your vehicle, or it will not be possible to
control vehicle response. ◀
Correctly attach the tow bar
Only secure the tow bar on the tow fit‐
tings; damage can occur when it is secured on
other parts of the vehicle. ◀
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles.
Should it prove impossible to avoid mounting
the tow bar at an offset angle, please observe
the following:▷Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.▷The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it
is attached offset.
Towing with a tow rope
When starting to tow the vehicle, make sure
that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated stresses on
the vehicle components when towing, always
use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attaching the tow rope correctly
Only secure the tow rope on the tow fit‐
ting; otherwise, damage can occur when it is
secured on other parts of the vehicle. ◀
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Towing with a tow truck
Have the MINI transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage
may result. ◀
Tow-starting
If possible, do not tow-start the vehicle but
start the engine by jump-starting, refer to
page 254. Vehicles with a catalytic converter
should only be tow-started when the engine is
cold; vehicles with an automatic transmission
cannot be tow-started.
1.Switch on the hazard warning system and
comply with local regulations.2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page 64.3.Shift into 3rd gear.4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the
clutch depressed and then slowly release
the clutch. After the engine starts, immedi‐
ately depress the clutch completely again.5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope, and switch off the hazard
warning system.6.Have the vehicle checked.Seite 258MobilityBreakdown assistance258
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CareVehicle equipmentThis chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series.Therefore, it also
describes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
Car washes Notes Steam jets or high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, hold them a sufficient distance away
and use a maximum temperature of
140 ℉/60 ℃.
Holding them too close or using excessively
high pressures or temperatures can cause dam‐
age or preliminary damage that may then lead
to long-term damage.
Follow the operating instructions for the high-
pressure washer. ◀
Cleaning sensors/cameras with high-pres‐
sure washers
When using high-pressure washers, do not
spray the seals of the retractable hardtop and
the exterior sensors and cameras, for Park Dis‐ tance Control, for instance, for extended peri‐ods of time and only from a distance of at least
12 in/30 cm. ◀
During the winter months
Ensure that the vehicle is washed more
frequently in winter. Intense soiling and road
salt can damage the vehicle. ◀After washing the vehicle, apply the brakes
briefly to dry them; otherwise, braking action
can be reduced and corrosion of the brake
discs can occur.
Regularly remove foreign bodies, such as
leaves, from the area of the windshield when
the hood is open.
Washing in automatic car washes Give preference to cloth car washes or those
that use soft brushes in order to avoid paint
damage.
Do not use automatic high-pressure washers;
otherwise, water may drip into the interior in
the area of the windows.
Before driving into the car wash, check whether
the system is suitable for your MINI. Note the
following points:▷Vehicle dimensions, refer to page 267.▷If necessary: fold in the exterior mirrors, re‐
fer to page 57.▷Maximum permissible tire width.
Guide rails in car washes
Avoid car washes with guide rails higher
than 4 in/10 cm; otherwise, the vehicle chassis
could be damaged. ◀
Preparations before driving into the car wash:
▷Unscrew the road antenna.▷MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster: retract the rear
spoiler.▷Deactivate the rain sensor to avoid unin‐
tentional wiper activation.▷Remove additional attachments, for in‐
stance a spoiler or telephone antenna, if
there is a risk that these may be damaged.▷Insert the remote control into the ignition
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Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, note the fol‐
lowing to ensure that the vehicle can roll:1.Insert the remote control into the ignition
lock, even with Comfort Access.2.Move the selector lever to position N.3.Release the handbrake.4.Switch the engine off.5.Leave the remote control in the ignition
lock so that the vehicle can roll.
Hand car wash
If washing the vehicle by hand, use copious
quantities of water and car shampoo if neces‐
sary. Clean the vehicle with a sponge or a
washing brush by applying gentle pressure.
Before cleaning the windshield, deactivate the
rain sensor to avoid unintentional wiper activa‐
tion or switch off the ignition.
Adhere to the local regulations regarding
washing cars by hand.
Headlamps
Do not rub dry and do not use abrasive or caus‐
tic cleansers. Soak areas that have been soiled,
e.g., due to insects, with shampoo and rinse off
with copious quantities of water.
Thaw ice with a window deicer; do not use an
ice scraper.
Windows Clean the outside and inside surfaces of the
windows and the mirror glasses with window
cleaner.
Do not clean mirror glass with cleaners contain‐
ing quartz.
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and replace regularly to
avoid streaking.
Wax and preservative residue and soiling on
the windows cause streaking during window
wiping and lead to premature wear on the
wiper blades and malfunctions of the rain sen‐
sor.
Vehicle care
Car care products
Regular cleaning and care contributes signifi‐
cantly to vehicle value retention.
The manufacturer recommends using cleaning
and care products from MINI, since these have
been tested and approved.
Original MINI CareProducts have been tested
on materials, in the laboratory, and in the field,
and offer optimum care and protection for MINI
vehicles.
Do not use cleansers that contain alcohol
or solvents
Do not use cleansers that contain alcohol or
solvents, such as lacquer thinners, heavy-duty
grease removers, fuel, or such; this could lead
to surface damage. ◀
Car care and cleaning products
Follow the instructions on the container.
When cleaning the interior, open the doors or
windows.
Only use products intended for cleaning vehi‐
cles.
Cleansers can contain substances that are dan‐
gerous and harmful to your health. ◀
Caring for the convertible top The appearance and life of the convertible top
depend on proper care and operation.
Adhere to the following instructions:▷Do not fold the convertible top and stow it
in the convertible top box while it is wet orSeite 260MobilityCare260
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