oil level MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2011 Owners Manual

Wheels and tires
126
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your MINI
recommends certain tire brands. They are
marked with a clearly visible MINI designation
on the sidewall of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
Run-flat tires*
When mounting new tires or changing over from
summer to winter tires and vice versa, mount
run-flat tires for your own safety. Keep in mind
that no space-saver spare tire is available in the
event of a flat. Your MINI dealer will be glad to
advise you.
Special characteristics of winter tires
The manufacturer of MINI recommends the use
of winter tires on snowy roads or if temperatures
drop below 457/ +76. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view. This
label is available at your tire dealer or MINI cen-
ter.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres-
sure indicated on the sidewall of the tire.
Swapping wheels among the axles
Depending on the individual use, front and rear
tires may exhibit different wear and tear.
In order to maintain an even wear and tear, the
wheels may be rotated between the axles. Your
MINI dealer will be glad to advise you.
Always check the inflation pressure after the tire
rotation, if necessary change the pressure.
Snow chains*
Only certain types of fine-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI,
classified as road-safe and recommended. Con-
tact your MINI dealer for more details.
Only attach snow chains in pairs to the front
wheels with the following tires.
>175/65 R 15 M+S
>175/60 R 16 M+S
John Cooper Works:
>185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph or 50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted; otherwise, the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, it can be useful
to briefly deactivate the DSC or activate the DTC,
refer to page64.<

Under the hood
128
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Battery, under the cover149
2Engine oil dipstick128
3Engine oil filler neck1294Coolant expansion tank129
5Reservoir for washer fluid for the headlamp
and window washer system51
6Engine compartment fuse box147
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on
driving style and driving conditions.
Check the engine oil level regularly, e.g. when
refueling.
Checking engine oil level
1.With the vehicle's engine at normal operat-
ing 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.
The oil quantity corresponding to the difference
between the two marks on the dipstick is 1 US
quart/1 liter.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the
dipstick. Excess oil will damage the
engine.<

129
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Adding engine oil
Do not add the maximum quantity of 1 US
quart/1 liter of engine oil until the oil level has
dropped to just above the lower mark on the
dipstick, page128.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km;
otherwise, the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Keep oils, greases, etc. out of the reach of
children and comply with the warnings on
the containers. Otherwise, health hazards may
result.<
Oil change
Have the oil changed only by a MINI dealer or a
workshop that has specially trained personnel
working in accordance with the specifications of
the MINI manufacturer.
Oil types
Do not use oil additives as this could result
in engine damage.<
Approved engine oils
Your dealer can advise you on which engine oils
have been approved by the manufacturer of
your MINI.
The engine oil quality is critical for the life of the
engine.
Only use approved High Performance oil.
The approved oils are SAE 0W-40, 0W-30,
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
Alternative oil types
If the approved engine oils are not available, up
to 1 US quart/1 liter of another oil with the fol-
lowing specification may be used:
API SM or higher
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of half water and half additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your MINI. Your MINI dealer knows
which additives are suitable and will be glad to
advise you.
Only use suitable additives; otherwise,
engine damage may result. Because addi-
tives are harmful to your health, it is important
to follow the instructions on the containers.<
Comply with the appropriate environmen-
tal protection regulations when disposing
of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
Do not open the hood until the engine has
cooled down.
The coolant level is correct if it is between the
Min and Max markings.

Indicator and warning lamps
162
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Ignition cannot be switched offEngage selector lever position P when
you wish to switch off the ignition,
page44.
Cruise control system failed Have the system checked.
Park Distance Control failed Have the system checked.
Bulb of exterior lighting system failed Have the exterior lighting checked as
soon as possible.
Low-beam headlamp or fog lamp
failedHave the lamps checked as soon as
possible.
High-beam headlamp failed Have the high-beam headlamps
checked.
Rear fog lamp failed Have the rear fog lamp checked.
Headlamp beam throw adjustment
system failedHave the headlamp beam throw
adjustment system checked.
Coolant level too low Add coolant immediately, page129.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your
journey. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in red:
Service appointment overdue Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page58.
Lights up in yellow:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page58.
12Cause What to do

Everything from A to Z
174
Condition Based Service
CBS131
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances87
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption54
Control Display
– settings56
Controls and displays10
Convenient access, refer to
Comfort Access26
Convenient operation
– convertible top22
– windows20
Convenient start, refer to
Starting the engine45
Convertible top30
Coolant129
– checking level129
– filling129
Coolant temperature53
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant129
Cooling, maximum81
Copyright2
Cornering light, refer to
Adaptive Light Control75
Cruising range54
Cupholders87
Curb weight, refer to
Weights169
Current fuel consumption54
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting76
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data166
– capacities170
– dimensions167
– engine166
– weights169
Data memory132Date
– setting60
Daytime running lights74
DBC Dynamic Brake Control,
refer to Brake Assist63
Deactivating front passenger
airbags71
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20
Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap116
Defogging windows80,82
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows80,82
Defrosting windows80,82
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control82
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting windows80,82
Differential, breaking in92
Dimensions167
Dipstick, engine oil128
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals48
Displacement, refer to Engine
data166
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting76
Displays12
– instrument cluster12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care136
Disposal
– of coolant129
– remote control battery28
– vehicle battery147
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements58
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC62
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control
18
Door lock22
Door lock, confirmation
signals21Doors, manual operation22
DOT Quality Grades123
Drinks holders, refer to
Cupholders87
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Assist64
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button64
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams73
Driving notes92
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Assist64
Driving stability control
systems62
Driving through water93
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes92
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function82
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC63
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake Assist63
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC63
Dynamic Traction Control63
E
Electric power windows
– initializing29
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap116
– liftgate24
Electronic brake-force
distribution63
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC63

175
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap116
– liftgate24
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission48
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance148
Engine
– breaking in92
– data166
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature53
– speed166
– starting45
– starting, Comfort Access26
– switching off45
Engine compartment128
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant129
Engine oil
– adding129
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils129
– alternative oil types129
– approved engine oils129
– capacity129
– checking level128
– dipstick128
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements58
– MINI Maintenance
System131
Engine oil level, checking128
Engine output, refer to Engine
data166
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine45
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC63
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system92Exterior mirrors39
– adjusting39
– automatic heating39
– folding in and out39
External audio device85
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away150
– for tying down loads97
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control60
Failure of an electrical
consumer147
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts38
Fault messages, refer to Check
Control60
Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner80
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control82
Fine wood, care136
First aid pouch148
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock44
Flash when locking/
unlocking21
Flat tire
– run-flat tires125
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM67
Flat Tire Monitor FTM65
– indicating a flat tire66
– initializing the system65
– snow chains65
– system limits65
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition124
Floor mats, care136
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb139,141
Folding rear seat backrest94
Folding roof, refer to
Convertible top with
integrated sliding sunroof30Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely93
Footwell lamps77
For your own safety5
Front airbags70
Front fog lamps76
– indicator lamp152
– replacing bulb139
Front seat adjustment36
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows80,82
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor65
Fuel117
– gauge53
– high-quality brands117
– quality117
– specifications117
– tank capacity170
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge53
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption54
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge53
Fuel filler flap116
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction116
Fuses147
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control83
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel
consumption54
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge53
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel117
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission46
– manual transmission46

Everything from A to Z
178
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints37
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments86
New tires125
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data166
Number of safety belts35
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope151
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
On-Board Diagnosis131
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications117
Odometer53
Oil consumption128
Oil level128
Oil, refer to Engine oil128
Oil types129
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal147
On-board vehicle tool kit137
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access26
– from inside23
– from outside19
– using the door lock22
– using the remote control19
Opening and unlocking
– from inside23
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation82
Outlets, refer to Air vents78
Output, refer to Engine
data166
Outside temperature display
– change units of measure57
– in the onboard computer57
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control81
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature53
P
Paintwork, care135
Park Distance Control PDC62
Parking
– vehicle45
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC62
Parking brake45
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb139
Parking lamps/low beams73
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle4
Pathway lighting73
Personal Profile18
Phone numbers
– dialing108
Pinch protection system
– windows30
Plastic parts, care136
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner80
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control82
Power convertible top30
Power failure147
Power windows29
Power windows, refer to
Windows29
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM67
Pressure monitoring, tires65
– Flat Tire Monitor65
Pressure, tires118
Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– windows30
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor65
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness44
Radio readiness44
– switched off44
– switched on44
Rain sensor49
Range, refer to Cruising
range54
Reading lamps77
Rear fog lamp76
– indicator lamp152
– replacing bulb141
Rear lamps
– bulb replacement141
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps140
Rear seat backrest, folding94
Rear seats
– folding the backrests94
Rear window defroster79,82
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors39
Recirculated-air mode79,81
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode79,81
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest36
Refueling116
Releasing
– hood127
Remote control18
– battery renewal28
– Comfort Access26
– garage door opener83
– liftgate21
– malfunctions22,27
– service data131
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs137
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires125
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge53
Reservoir for washer
systems51