transmission MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2015 User Guide

Things to remember when drivingVehicle 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.
When using the features and systems described
here, adhere to local regulations.
Breaking-in period
General information Moving parts need to be broken in to adjust to
each other.
The following instructions will help achieve a
long vehicle life and good economy.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 kmDrive at various engine and vehicle speeds, but
do not exceed:▷For a gasoline engine, 4,500 rpm and
100 mph/160 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode for the initial
miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac‐
tion potential until after an initial breaking-in
period.
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
Brake system Brakes require an initial break-in period of ap‐
prox. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and discs. Drive cautiously during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The clutch requires an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to function at an op‐
timal level.
During this break-in period, engage the clutch
gently.
Following part replacement
The same breaking in procedures should be ob‐
served if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Ground clearance Ensure adequate ground clearance
Ensure adequate ground clearance, e.g.,
when driving into underground garages, when
driving over curbs, or when driving in winter;
otherwise, damage may occur to the vehicle. ◀Seite 114DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving114
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Closing the tailgateDrive with the tailgate closed
Only drive with the tailgate closed; other‐
wise, passengers and other road users may be
endangered or the vehicle may be damaged if
an accident occurs or during braking or swerv‐
ing. In addition, exhaust fumes may enter the
passenger compartment. ◀
If, despite this, the vehicle must be driven with
the tailgate open:▷Drive moderately.▷Coupe: close all windows.▷Switch off recirculated air mode and greatly
increase the blower speed.
Hot exhaust system
Hot exhaust system
High temperatures are generated in the
exhaust system.
Do not remove the heat shields installed and
never apply undercoating to them. Make sure
that flammable materials, e. g. hay, leaves,
grass, etc. do not come in contact with the hot
exhaust system during driving, while in idle po‐
sition mode, or when parked. Such contact
could lead to a fire, and with it the risk of seri‐
ous personal injury as well as property damage.
Do not touch hot exhaust pipes; otherwise,
there is the danger of getting burned. ◀
Mobile communication devices in the
vehicle
Mobile communication devices in the ve‐
hicle
It is not recommended to use mobile phones,
such as mobile phones without a direct con‐
nection to an external aerial in the vehicle's
passenger compartment. Otherwise, the vehi‐
cle electronics and mobile communication de‐
vices can interfere with each other. In addition,
there is no assurance that the radiation gener‐
ated during transmission will be discharged
from the vehicle interior. ◀
Hydroplaning On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplan‐
ing. It is characterized by a partial or complete
loss of contact between the tires and the road
surface, ultimately undermining your ability to
steer and brake the vehicle.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, re‐
duce your speed to prevent hydroplaning. ◀
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tire
tread depth decreases. Minimum tread depth,
refer to page 164.
Driving through water Drive though calm water only if it is not deeper
than 12 inches/30 cm and at this height, no
faster than walking speed, up to
6 mph/10 km/h.
Adhere to water depth and speed limita‐
tions
Do not exceed this water depth and walking
speed; otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the
electrical systems and the transmission may be
damaged. ◀
Using the parking brake on inclines Using the parking brake
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle sta‐
tionary with a slipping clutch for extended pe‐
riod; use the parking brake instead. Otherwise,
the clutch will be subject to increased wear. ◀
Support from the hill drive-off assistant, refer to
page 93.Seite 115Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS115
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Braking safelyThe vehicle is equipped with ABS as a standardfeature.
Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations when this is neces‐
sary.
The vehicle maintains steering responsiveness.
You can still avoid any obstacles with a mini‐
mum of steering effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from
the hydraulic circuits indicate that ABS is in its
active mode.
Do not let your foot rest on the brake
pedal
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal. Even light but consistent pedal pressure
can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure. ◀
Objects in the area around the pedals No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the area of motion of the pedals;
otherwise, the function of the pedals could be
impeded while driving
Do not place additional floor mats over existing
mats or other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved
for the vehicle and can be properly fixed in
place.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened
again when they are returned after being re‐
moved, such as for cleaning. ◀
Driving in wet conditions When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other
road users.The heat generated in this process helps dry
the brake discs and pads.
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
HillsDrive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Oth‐
erwise, the brake system may overheat, result‐
ing in a reduction in the brake system effi‐
ciency.
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, going all the way to first gear, if
necessary.
Downshifting in manual mode of the Steptronic
transmission, refer to page 64.
Avoid load on the brakes
Avoid placing excessive load on the brake
system. Light but consistent brake pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure. ◀
Do not drive in neutral
Never drive with the transmission in neu‐
tral, with the engine switched off or with the
clutch depressed; otherwise, you will have nei‐
ther the braking action of the engine or nor its
power assistance when braking or steering. ◀
Brake disc corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and contamina‐
tion on the brake pads are furthered by:▷Low mileage.▷Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.▷Infrequent use of the brakes.
Corrosion occurs when the minimum pressure
that must be exerted by the pads during brake
applications to clean the discs is not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake discs, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating ef‐
fect that generally cannot be corrected.
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Connecting
The USB audio interface is in the
center console.
Connection of Apple iPod/iPhone via USB
audio interface
To connect the iPod, use the special cable
adapter for the Apple iPod. Additional informa‐
tion can be obtained from the service center or
on the Internet: www.mini.com/connectivity
Connect the Apple iPod/iPhone with the AUX-
IN port and USB interface.
The Apple iPod/iPhone menu structure is sup‐
ported by the USB audio interface.
Connection of a USB device via the USB
audio interface
Connect using a flexible adapter cable to pro‐
tect the USB audio interface and the USB device
against physical damage.
Connect the USB device to the USB interface.
Audio device
Connect the headphone connector or line-out
connector of the device to the AUX-IN port of
the USB audio interface.
Ensure that the connector is inserted all the
way into the AUX-IN port.
After connecting for the first time
Information on all music tracks, e.g. artist or
type of music, as well as playback lists are
transmitted into the vehicle. This may take
some time, depending on the USB device and
the number of tracks.
During transmission, the tracks can be called up
via the file directory.
Number of tracks
Information from up to four USB devices or for
approx. 20,000 tracks can be stored in the ve‐
hicle. If a fifth device is connected or if more
than 20,000 tracks are stored, information on
existing tracks may be deleted.
Copy protection
Music tracks with integrated Digital Rights Man‐
agement (DRM) cannot be played.
Playback1. Press the button.2."IPOD" or "USB" or "AUX"
Changing the music track
Skipping to another track
It is possible to skip to another track within the
selected directory.
Press the button repeatedly until
the desired track is played.
With the right knob:
Turn the right knob until the desired track is
played back.
Fast forward/reverse
Hold the button down.
Tracks can be heard but are distorted.
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Connecting a particular mobile phone1.Switch on the radio ready state or the igni‐
tion.2. Press the button.3."PHONE"4."BT"5.Turn the right knob until the mobile phone
to be connected is displayed.6."PRIO"
Press the button repeatedly until the de‐
sired position is reached.
Unpairing the mobile phone
1.Switch on the radio ready state or the igni‐
tion.2. Press the button.3."PHONE"4."BT"5.Turn the right knob until the mobile phone
to be unpaired is displayed.6."DELETE"7."YES"
What to do if...
Information on suitable mobile phones, refer to
page 140.
The mobile phone could not be paired or con‐
nected.
▷Is Bluetooth activated in the vehicle and on
the mobile phone? Activate Bluetooth on
the vehicle and on the mobile phone.▷Do the Bluetooth passkeys on the mobile
phone and the vehicle match? Enter the
same passkey on the mobile phone and on
the radio.▷Did it take longer than 30 seconds to enter
the passkey? Repeat the pairing procedure.▷Are too many Bluetooth devices connected
to the mobile phone or vehicle? Delete con‐
nections with other devices if necessary.▷Is the mobile phone in power-save mode or
does it have only a limited remaining bat‐
tery life? Charge the mobile phone in the
snap-in adapter or via the charging cable.▷Depending on the mobile phone, it is possi‐
ble that only one mobile phone can be con‐
nected to the vehicle. Unpair the connected
mobile phone from the vehicle and pair
and connect only one mobile phone.
The mobile phone no longer reacts?
▷Switch the mobile phone off and on again.▷Is the ambient temperature too high or
low? Do not expose the mobile phone to
extreme environmental conditions.
No phone book entries or only some phone
book entries are displayed, or they are incom‐
plete.
▷Transmission of the phone book entries is
not yet complete.▷It is possible that only the phone book en‐
tries of the mobile phone or the SIM card
are transmitted.▷It may not be possible to display phone
book entries with special characters.▷The number of phone book entries to be
stored is too high.▷Is the data volume of the contact too large,
e. g., due to stored information such as
notes? Reduce the data volume of the con‐
tact.
The phone connection quality is poor.
▷The strength of the Bluetooth signal on the
mobile phone can be adjusted, depending
on the mobile phone.▷Insert the mobile phone into the snap-in
adapter or place it in the area of the center
console.▷Adjust the volume of the microphone and
loudspeakers.Seite 143TelephoneCOMMUNICATION143
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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 lights, 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.
Steptronic transmission Towing vehicles with a Steptronic trans‐
mission
Only transport vehicles with a Steptronic trans‐
mission 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, start the engine by jump-starting,
refer to page 189, it rather than tow-starting
the vehicle. 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 56.3.Engage third gear.4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the
clutch is 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 193Breakdown assistanceMOBILITY193
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▷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
lock.
Steptronic 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 parking brake.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.
Headlights 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. ◀Seite 195CareMOBILITY195
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12CauseHow to respondDrive malfunctioning.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Transmission limp-
home program with reduced accel‐
eration is active. Have the system
checked immediately.Flashing:
Dynamic Stability Control DSC or Dynamic
Traction Control DTC is controlling drive
and braking forces, refer to page 91.Dynamic Traction Control DTC is activated,
refer to page 92.Dynamic Stability Control DSC and Dy‐
namic Traction Control DTC are deacti‐
vated, refer to page 91.Driving stability limited during accel‐
eration and cornering.
Driving style must be readjusted.Dynamic Stability Control DSC and Dy‐
namic Traction Control DTC failed.Driving stability limited during accel‐
eration and cornering.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.Indication in US modelsThe driving stability control systems includ‐
ing ABS and the Tire Pressure Monitor dis‐
play have failed, refer to page 91.Reduced braking and driving stabil‐
ity. Drive cautiously and defensively.
Avoid full brake application, opera‐
tion on poor roads, and use of full
throttle and kickdown positions of
the accelerator. Have the system
checked immediately.Seite 206MOBILITYIndicator/warning lamps206
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12CauseHow to respondThe small light flashes yellow and then
stays on, the large light lights up in yellow:Tire Pressure Monitor failed. Punctures are
not indicated.Have the system checked.A wheel without TPM electronics is
mounted.Have the system checked.TPM is temporarily malfunctioning due to
other systems or devices using the same
radio frequency.In vehicles with the Tire Pressure MonitorThe small light flashes yellow and then
stays on, the large light lights up in yellow:Tire Pressure Monitor failed. Punctures are
not indicated.Have the system checked.A wheel without TPM electronics is
mounted.Have the system checked.Lights up in red:Transmission limp-home program active
with restricted range of gears, possibly
with reduced acceleration.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system
checked immediately.Gears can be engaged without depressing
the brake.Always depress the brake to engage
a gear.Automatic selector lever locked:Manually unlock the selector lever
lock, refer to page 65.Lights up in yellow:Have the system checked as soon as
possible.Automatic selector lever locked:
The selector lever is locked in position P
with the engine running or the ignition
switched on and the brake depressed orManually unlock the selector lever
lock, refer to page 65.Seite 208MOBILITYIndicator/warning lamps208
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