Mini Cooper

Tail lights, bulb replacement

Overview

Vehicles with a rear fog light:

  1. Side tail lights
  2. Rear fog light
  3. License plate light
  4. Center brake light

Vehicles with two rear fog lights:

  1. Side tail lights
  2. Rear fog lights
  3. License plate light
  4. Center brake light

Side tail lights

  • Brake lights/tail lights
  • Turn signal
  • Reversing lights

Side LED tail lights

  • Tail lights
  • Turn signal
  • Brake light
  • Reversing lights

Replacement procedure

Follow the general instructions on lights and bulbs (refer to page 234).

Bulbs: P21W

  1. Open the tailgate.
  2. Remove left or right cover.
  3. Loosen the plug connector in the opening and press latches to remove the bulb holder.
  4. Remove the bulb holder from the opening.
  5. Press the nonworking bulb gently into the socket, turn counterclockwise and remove.
  6. Insert the new bulb and attach the bulb holder in reverse order.

Central brake light and license plate lights

These lights feature LED technology. For malfunctions, contact a dealer or qualified service center.

Vehicles with rear fog light

Bulbs: W16W

  1. If equipped with heat shield, loosen screws, push shield forward and bumper back.
  2. Turn bulb socket counterclockwise and remove.
  3. Replace nonworking bulb and reinstall in reverse order.

Vehicle with two rear fog lights

Left fog light: Same procedure as above.

Right fog light: Turn bulb socket counterclockwise and remove, replace bulb, reinstall in reverse order.

Side turn signal, bulb replacement

Bulbs:

  • Orange lens: W5W
  • White lens: WY5W
  1. Open the hood; covers are near the hinges.
  2. Loosen cover nuts by hand and remove cover.
  3. Turn bulb socket counterclockwise and remove.
  4. Replace the bulb.
  5. Reinstall cover in reverse order and press nuts down.

Vehicle battery

Maintenance

The battery is maintenance-free. The acid added is sufficient for the battery's service life. More info is available from a dealer or service center.

Replacing the vehicle battery

Have a dealer register the battery after replacement to ensure all comfort features function and related Check Control messages disappear.

Safety information

NOTE: Only install compatible vehicle batteries to avoid damage. Consult your dealer for compatibility.

Charging the battery

Keep the battery sufficiently charged for full service life. Red indicator light signals discharge.

  • Frequent short drives
  • Vehicle unused for over a month
  • Steptronic transmission parked long in D, R, or N
Safety information

NOTE: Use battery chargers only on starting aid terminals to avoid overloading the 12V network.

Starting aid terminals

Charge only via starting aid terminals in the engine compartment with engine off.

Power failure

After power loss, some systems require re-initialization:

  • Time
  • Date
  • Glass sunroof system

Disposing of old batteries

Dispose via a dealer, qualified service center, or collection point. Keep batteries upright and secure during transport.

Fuses

Safety information

WARNING: Incorrect or repaired fuses can overload lines/components. Never repair a blown fuse. Replace only with the correct color/amperage.

Accessing the fuses

Located under the dashboard in the passenger floor area:

  1. Loosen screws and open fuse holder.
  2. Fold down fuse holder.
  3. Use plastic tweezers; fuse types/locations are in the fuse box.

Replacing fuses

Dealer or qualified service center replacement is recommended.

Breakdown assistance

Vehicle features and options

All standard, country-specific, and optional features described. Compliance with safety laws is required.

Hazard warning flashers

Button located above the Control Display. Red light flashes when activated.

Roadside Assistance

Available 24/7 in many countries. Phone number shown on CID or connect directly via display.

Warning triangle

Located in tailgate. Loosen brackets to remove.

First-aid kit

Check expiration dates regularly and replace expired items. Located in the cargo area.

Jump-starting

General information

Use battery of another vehicle and fully insulated jumper cables. Only connect to starting aid terminals.

Safety information

DANGER: Live components can cause electric shock. Do not touch voltage-carrying components.

WARNING: Incorrect cable order may spark; follow correct sequence.

NOTE: Avoid body contact between vehicles to prevent short circuits.

Preparation
  1. Ensure assisting vehicle battery is 12V.
  2. Switch off engine and electronic systems in both vehicles.
Connecting the cables
  1. Pull off lid of starting aid terminal.
  2. Attach one clamp of positive jumper cable to assisting vehicle positive terminal or starting aid terminal.
  3. Attach other end to positive terminal of vehicle to be started.
  4. Attach one clamp of negative jumper cable to assisting vehicle ground or battery negative.
  5. Attach other clamp to negative or engine/body ground of vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
  1. Start assisting vehicle and let it run several minutes at increased idle.
  2. Start the vehicle to be started normally.
  3. If first attempt fails, wait a few minutes and retry.
  4. Let both engines run several minutes, then disconnect cables in reverse order.

Tow-starting and towing

Safety information

WARNING: Intelligent Safety systems can malfunction during tow-starting/towing. Switch them off prior.

Steptronic transmission with driven front axle

Do not tow with front wheels touching ground.

Pushing the vehicle

For short distance removal from danger area, follow the vehicle-specific instructions (refer to page 86).

Tow truck

Transport vehicle using lift bar or flat bed only. Do not lift or secure by tow fitting, body, or suspension parts.

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