Get DRIVING TIPS Guide for Mini Cooper 2 Door Second Generation (2006-2015)

AT A GLANCE

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DRIVING TIPS

MOBILITY

REFERENCE

Things to remember when driving

Following part replacement

Break-in period

The same break-in procedures should be

Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to

observed if any of the components mentioned

each other. Please follow the instructions below

above have to be renewed in the course of the

in order to achieve the optimal service life and

vehicle's operating life.

economy of operation for your vehicle.

Engine and differential

General driving notes

Always obey all official speed limits.

Close splitdoor

Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km

Drive the vehicle only when the splitdoor

Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do

not exceed the following:

is closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could

penetrate the interior of the vehicle.<

>

Gasoline engine

4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h

If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-

essary to drive with the splitdoor open:

Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the

transmission's kickdown mode.

1. Close all windows and the glass sunroof*.

2. Switch off the recirculated-air mode and sig-

nificantly increase the air flow rate of the air

conditioner or automatic climate control,

page 72 or 74.

After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km

Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually

increased.

Hot exhaust system

Tires

In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-

tures are generated in the exhaust sys-

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.

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.<

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.

Hydroplaning

Clutch

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 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.

84

The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining

tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread

depth on page 102.

You can increase the engine's braking effect by

shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-

sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing

excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-

ing in manual mode of the automatic transmis-

sion, page 41.

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.<

Never drive with the clutch held down,

with the transmission in neutral or with

the engine switched off; otherwise, engine brak-

ing action will not be present or there will be no

power assistance to the brakes or steering.

Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other

objects to protrude into the area around the

pedals; otherwise, pedal function could be

impaired.<

Parking brake on inclines

On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with

the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-

wise, greater clutch wear will result.<

For information on driving off using Hill Assist*,

refer to page 58.

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.

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.

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.

Driving in wet conditions

When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly

exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every

few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure

that this maneuver does not endanger other

road users. The heat generated in this process

helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that

Then full braking force will be immediately avail-

able when it is needed.

When the vehicle is parked

Condensation forms while the automatic climate

control is in operation, and then exits under the

vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the

vehicle are therefore normal.

In the MINI Cooper S, the coolant pump may

continue to run for some time after the engine is

switched off. This will generate noise in the

engine compartment.

Hills

To prevent overheating and the resulting

reduced efficiency of the brake system,

drive long or steep downhill gradients in the

gear in which the least braking is required. Even

light but consistent brake pressure can lead to

high temperatures, brake wear and possibly

even brake failure.<

85

Expanding the cargo bay

Cargo loading

The rear set backrest is split. Both sides can be

folded separately to expand the cargo bay.

To avoid loading the tires beyond their

approved carrying capacity, never over-

load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-

heating and increases the rate at which damage

develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can

assume the form of a sudden blowout.<

If necessary, remove the third head restraint,

refer to Head restraints, Removing page 31.

Avoid fluid spills in the cargo bay as they

could damage the vehicle.<

Cargo bay cover

Do not place any objects on the cover;

otherwise, they could endanger the car's

occupants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden

swerving, or they may damage the cover.<

By way of example, the illustration shows the

cargo compartment in the MINI.

The cargo bay cover can be locked in intermedi-

ate positions 1 to 3.

1. Pull the lever.

2. Fold rear seat backrests forward.

When folding the backrest back up, make

sure that the seat's locking mechanisms

engage properly. Otherwise, cargo could be

thrown around in the event of sharp braking or

swerving and endanger the occupants.<

Adjusting rear seat backrest*

Expand the cargo bay by raising the split rear

seat backrests to a steeper angle.

To load bulky luggage, the cover can be

removed.

1. Pull on the handle, arrow 1, to detach the

cargo bay cover.

By way of example, the illustration shows the

cargo compartment in the MINI.

1. Pull the lever, arrow 1, and fold the rear seat

backrest forward.

2. Lift the cargo bay cover up out of the hold-

ers, arrows 2.

2. Fold up the lever of the backrest lock until it

audibly engages, arrow 2.

3. Fold back the backrest until it engages.

86

If the rear seat backrests are positioned at

a steeper angle, do not install child-

3. Fold up the eyelets on the rear seat and

hook the partition net into them, arrow 2.

restraint systems in the rear of the vehicle as

their protective features may be ineffective.<

Level load floor*

The maximum load of the level load floor

is 165 lbs/75 kg. Do not exceed a maxi-

mum permissible load of 55 lbs/25 kg for the

storage compartment beneath the level load

floor; otherwise, damage can occur.<

Partition net*

Ensure that the partition net is firmly

attached; otherwise, injuries may occur.<

The partition net can be mounted in the cargo

bay or behind the front seats.

In the cargo bay

1. Fold the rear seat backrest forward if neces-

sary, page 86.

Raise the level load floor and fold it up toward

the front, arrow.

Removing

1. Fold up the level load floor.

2. Pull the load floor back slightly.

3. Then take it out toward the top.

2. Insert each partition net mounting pin all the

way into its respective rear mount in the

headliner, arrow 1, and push it forward.

3. Hang the hooks of the partition net into the

Determining cargo limit

eyelets on the cargo bay floor, arrow 2.

Behind the front seats

1. Locate the following statement on your

vehicle's placard*:

The combined weight of occupants

and cargo should never exceed

XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, the vehicle

may be damaged and unstable driving con-

ditions may result.<

1. Fold down the rear seat backrests, refer to

Expanding the cargo bay.

2. Insert each partition net mounting pin all the

way into its respective front mount in the

headliner, arrow 1, and push it forward.

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2. Determine the combined weight of the

driver and passengers that will be riding in

your vehicle.

>

For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is

not occupied, secure each safety belt in the

respective opposite buckle.

3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver

and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY

pounds.

>

Do not stack higher than the top edge of the

backrests.

Use the partition net, refer to page 87.

Ensure that no objects can penetrate

through the net.

4. The resulting figure equals the available

amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.

For example, if the XXX amount equals

1,400 lbs and there will be four 150 lbs pas-

sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-

able cargo and luggage load capacity is

650 lbs:

1,400 lbs minus 750 lbs = 650 lbs.

5. Determine the combined weight of luggage

and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That

weight may not safely exceed the available

cargo and luggage load capacity calculated

in step 4.

Securing cargo

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

By way of example, the illustration shows the

cargo compartment in the MINI.

>

Secure smaller and lighter items using

retaining or draw straps*.

>

Heavy-duty cargo straps*for securing larger

and heavier objects are available at your

MINI dealer. Four lashing eyes are provided

for attaching the cargo straps. Two of them

are located on the forward wall of the cargo

bay.

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.

Comply with the information enclosed with

the load-securing devices.

Always position and secure the cargo as

described above, so that it cannot endan-

ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden

braking or swerves are necessary.

Do not exceed the approved gross weight and

axle loads, page 144; otherwise, the vehicle's

Stowing cargo

>

Position heavy objects as low and as far for-

ward as possible, ideally directly behind the

rear seat backrests.

>

Cover sharp edges and corners.

88

operating safety is no longer assured and the

vehicle will not be in compliance with the certifi-

cation regulations.

The roof load must be distributed uniformly and

should not be too large in area. Heavy items

should always be placed at the bottom.

Heavy or hard objects should not be carried

loose inside the car, since they could be thrown

around, for example as a result of heavy braking,

sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-

pants. Do not secure cargo using the fastening

points for the tether strap, page 36; they may

become damaged.<

When loading, make sure that there is sufficient

space for the movement of the glass sunroof.

Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and

securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off

during the trip.

Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and

braking maneuvers, and take corners gently.

Roof-mounted luggage

rack*

Saving fuel

Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif-

ferent factors. The implementation of certain

measures, your driving style and regular mainte-

nance can have an influence on fuel consump-

tion and on the environmental impact.

A special rack system is available as an option for

your MINI. Your MINI dealer will be glad to

advise you. Comply with the installation instruc-

tions supplied with the rack system.

Mounting points

Remove unnecessary cargo

Additional weight increases fuel consumption.

Remove attached parts no longer in use

Remove auxiliary mirrors, roof- or rear-mounted

luggage racks whenever you are not using

them.

Attached parts on the vehicle affect its aerody-

namics and increase fuel consumption.

By way of example, the illustration shows the

roof of the MINI.

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.

Remove the cover panel.

Loading roof-mounted luggage rack

Low inflation pressure increases rolling resis-

tance and thus leads to greater fuel consump-

tion and tire wear.

Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of

gravity when loaded, they have a major effect

on vehicle handling and steering response.

You should therefore always remember not to

exceed the approved roof load capacity, the

approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads

when loading the rack.

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.

You can find the applicable data under Weights

on page 144.

89

Think ahead while driving

Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking by

maintaining a suitable distance to the vehicle

driving ahead.

Driving smoothly and anticipating impending

traffic situations reduces fuel consumption.

Avoid high engine speeds

Use first gear only for driving off. In second and

higher gears, accelerate smoothly to a suitable

engine and road speed. In doing so, avoid high

engine speeds and shift up early.

When you reach your desired traveling speed,

shift to the highest suitable gear and drive at

constant speed.

As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers

fuel consumption and reduces wear.

Coasting

When approaching a red traffic light, take your

foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast

to a halt in the highest suitable gear.

On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the

accelerator and let the vehicle coast in a suitable

gear.

Fuel supply is shut off automatically when the

vehicle is coasting.

Switch off the engine during lengthy

stops

Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy

periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings or

in traffic jams.

Have the vehicle serviced

Have your vehicle serviced regularly to achieve

good economy and a long vehicle life. The man-

ufacturer of your MINI recommends having the

vehicle serviced by a MINI dealer. Also note the

MINI Maintenance System, page 108.

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DRIVING TIPS for Your Mini Cooper 2 Door Second Generation (2006-2015)

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