transmission MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2016 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MINI, Model Year: 2016, Model line: COOPER CONVERTIBLE, Model: MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2016Pages: 252, PDF Size: 5.41 MB
Page 166 of 252

Things to remember when drivingVehicle features and op‐tions
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems. The respectively applicable country provi‐
sions must be observed when using the respec‐
tive features and systems.
Breaking-in period General information Moving parts need time to adjust to one an‐
other (break-in time).
The following instructions will help accomplish
a long vehicle life and good efficiency.
During break-in, do not use the Launch Control,
refer to page 78.
Information WARNING
Due to new parts and components, safety
and driver assistance systems can react with a
delay. There is risk of an accident. After instal‐
ling new parts or with a new vehicle, drive con‐
servatively and intervene early if necessary. Ob‐
serve the break-in procedures of the respective
parts and components. ◀
Engine, transmission, and axle drive
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km Do not exceed the maximum engine and road
speed:▷For gasoline engine 4,500 rpm and
100 mph/160 km/h.
Avoid full load or kickdown under all circum‐
stances.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
Tires Tire traction is not optimal due to manufactur‐
ing circumstances when tires are brand-new;
they achieve their full traction potential after a
break-in time.
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 optimal per‐
formance between brake discs and brake pads.
Drive moderately during this break-in period.
Clutch
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.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be ob‐
served if any of the components above-men‐
tioned have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
Seite 166DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving166
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 969 276 - II/16
Page 167 of 252

General driving notes
Closing the tailgate WARNING
An open tailgate protrudes from the vehi‐
cle and can endanger occupants and other traf‐
fic participants or damage the vehicle in the
event of an accident, braking or evasive ma‐
neuvers. In addition, exhaust fumes may enter
the vehicle interior. There is a risk of injury or
risk of property damage. Do not drive with the
tailgate open. ◀
If driving with the tailgate open cannot be
avoided:▷If the convertible top is closed, close all
windows and the sliding sun roof.▷Greatly increase the air flow from the vents.▷Drive moderately.
Hot exhaust system
WARNING
During driving operation, high tempera‐
tures can occur underneath the vehicle body,
e.g., caused by the exhaust gas system. If com‐
bustible materials, such as leaves or grass,
come in contact with hot parts of the exhaust
gas system, these materials can ignite. There is
a risk of injury or risk of property damage.
Do not remove the heat shields installed and
never apply undercoating to them. Make sure
that no combustible materials can come in con‐
tact with hot vehicle parts in driving operation,
idle or during parking. Do not touch the hot ex‐
haust system. ◀
Mobile communication devices in the vehicle
WARNING
Vehicle electronics and mobile phones
can influence one another. There is radiation
due to the transmission operations of mobile
phones. There is a risk of injury or risk of prop‐
erty damage. If possible, in the vehicle's interior
use only mobile phones with direct connections
to an exterior antenna in order to exclude mu‐
tual disturbance and deflect the radiation from
the vehicle's 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.
Driving through water ATTENTION
When driving too quickly through too
deep water, water can enter into the engine compartment, the electrical system or the
transmission. There is a risk of damage to prop‐
erty. When driving through water, do not ex‐
ceed the maximum indicated water level and
the maximum speed for driving through wa‐
ter. ◀
When driving through water, observe the fol‐
lowing:▷Drive through calm water only.▷Drive through water only if it is not deeper
than maximum 9.8 inches/25 cm.▷Drive through water no faster than walking
speed, up to 3 mph/5 km/h.
Braking safely
Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature.
Perform an emergency stop in situations that require such.
Steering is still responsive. You can still avoid
any obstacles with a minimum of steering ef‐
fort.
Seite 167Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS167
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 969 276 - II/16
Page 174 of 252

Driving smoothly and proactively reduces fuel
consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Use 1st gear to get the vehicle moving. Starting
with the 2nd gear, accelerate rapidly. When ac‐
celerating, shift up before reaching high engine
speeds.
When you reach the desired speed, shift into
the highest applicable gear and drive with the
engine speed as low as possible and at a con‐
stant speed.
The gear shift indicator, refer to page 87, of
your vehicle indicates the most fuel efficient gear.
Use coasting conditions When approaching a red light, take your foot
off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to a
halt.
For going downhill take your foot off the accel‐
erator and let the vehicle roll.
The flow of fuel is interrupted while coasting.
Switch off the engine
during longer stops
Switch off the engine during longer stops, for
example, at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in
traffic congestion.
Auto Start/Stop function
The Auto Start/Stop function of the vehicle au‐
tomatically switches off the engine during a
stop.
If the engine is switched off and then restarted
rather than leaving the engine running con‐stantly, fuel consumption and emissions are re‐
duced. Savings can begin within a few seconds
of switching off the engine.
In addition, fuel consumption is also deter‐
mined by other factors, such as driving style,
road conditions, maintenance or environmental
factors.
Switch off any functions
that are not currently
needed
Functions such as seat heating and the rear
window defroster require a lot of energy and
consume additional fuel, especially in city and
stop-and-go traffic.
Therefore, switch off these functions if they are
not actually needed.
Have maintenance car‐
ried out
Have vehicles maintained regularly to achieve
optimal vehicle efficiency and service life. MINI
recommends that maintenance work be per‐
formed by a MINI service center.
Also note the MINI maintenance systems, refer
to page 206.
GREEN Mode
The concept The GREEN Mode supports a driving style that
saves on fuel consumption. For this purpose,
the engine control and comfort features, e. g.
the climate control output, are adjusted.
For Steptronic transmission:
The Coasting driving condition is enabled under
certain conditions.Seite 174DRIVING TIPSSaving fuel174
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 969 276 - II/16
Page 175 of 252

Under certain conditions the engine is auto‐
matically decoupled from the transmission in
selector lever position D. The vehicle continues
traveling with the engine idling to reduce fuel
consumption. Selector lever position D remains
engaged. An indicator provides information
about the distance traveled in Coasting mode.
In addition, context-sensitive instructions are
displayed to assist with an optimized fuel con‐
sumption driving style.
The achieved extended range is displayed in
the instrument cluster.
Overview The system includes the following MINIMAL
functions and displays:▷GREEN bonus range, refer to page 176.▷GREEN tips driving instruction, refer to
page 176.▷GREEN climate control, refer to page 175.▷MINIMALISM analyzer, refer to page 178.▷Coasting driving condition, refer to
page 177.
Activating GREEN Mode
Turn Driving Dynamics Control to
the right until GREEN Mode is
displayed in the instrument clus‐
ter.
Configuring GREEN Mode
Via the Driving Dynamics Control
1.Activating GREEN Mode.2."Configure GREEN"3.Configure the program.
Via onboard monitor:
1. "Settings"2."GREEN Mode"Or1. "Settings"2."Driving mode"3."Configure GREEN"
Configure the program.
GREEN tip
▷"Tip at:"
Set the GREEN Mode speed at which a
GREEN Mode tip is to be displayed.▷"GREEN speed warning":
Displays a reminder when the set GREEN
Mode speed is exceeded.
Coasting
Fuel-efficiency can be optimized by disengag‐
ing the engine and Coasting, refer to page 177,
with the engine idling.
This function is only available in GREEN Mode.
GREEN climate control
"GREEN climate control"
Climate control is set to be fuel-efficient.
By making a slight change to the set tempera‐
ture, or adjusting the rate of heating or cooling
of the car's interior fuel consumption can be
economized.
The outputs of the seat heater and the exterior
Additionally heat output to seats and exterior
mirror is reduced.
Exterior mirror heat is available when outside
temperatures are very low.
GREEN potential
The percentage of potential savings that can be
achieved with the current configuration is dis‐
played.
Seite 175Saving fuelDRIVING TIPS175
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 969 276 - II/16
Page 176 of 252

Display in the instrument cluster
GREEN bonus range An adjusted driving style helps
you extend your driving range.
This may be displayed as the bo‐
nus range in the instrument clus‐
ter.
The bonus range is shown in the range display.
The bonus range is automatically reset every
time the vehicle is refueled.▷Green display: efficient driving style.▷Gray display: adjust driving style, e.g. by
backing off the accelerator pedal.
Driving style
A bar display in the instrument
cluster indicates your current
driving efficiency.
Mark in the left area, arrow 1:
display for energy recovered by
coasting or when braking.
Mark in the right area, arrow 2: display when
accelerating.
Your driving style's efficiency is shown by the
bar's color:
▷Green display: efficient driving style as long
as the mark moves within the green range.▷Gray display: adjust driving style, e.g. by
backing off the accelerator pedal.
The display switches to green as soon as all
conditions for fuel-efficiency-optimized driving
are met.
GREEN tip driving instruction
Instructions tell you to switch to a more fuel-ef‐
ficient driving style when you back off the ac‐
celerator.
Information The driving style display and GREEN Mode tips
in the instrument cluster appear when the
GREEN Mode display is activated.
Activating driving style and GREEN Mode tips:
1. "Settings"2."Instrument cluster"3."GREEN Info"
GREEN tip symbols An additional symbol and text instructions aredisplayed.
SymbolMeasureFor efficient driving back off the ac‐
celerator or delay accelerating to al‐
low time to assess road conditions.Reduce speed to the selected GREEN
speed.Steptronic transmission: switch from
M/S to D or avoid manual shift inter‐
ventions.Seite 176DRIVING TIPSSaving fuel176
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 969 276 - II/16
Page 177 of 252

SymbolMeasureManual transmission: follow shifting
instructions.Manual transmission: engage neutral
for engine stop.
Indications on the Control Display
MINIMALISM
Information on fuel consumption and technol‐
ogy can be displayed while driving.
1. "Vehicle info"2."MINIMALISM"
Displaying MINIMALISM info
The current efficiency can be displayed.
"MINIMALISM info"
The following systems are displayed:
▷Auto Start/Stop function.▷Energy recovery.▷Climate control output.▷Coasting.
Displaying GREEN Mode tips
"GREEN tips"
Driving instruction and an additional symbol
are displayed.
Settings are stored for the profile currently
used.
Coasting
The concept The system helps to conserve fuel.
To do this, under certain conditions the engine
is automatically decoupled from the transmis‐ sion when selector lever position D is set. The
vehicle continues traveling with the engine
idling to reduce fuel consumption. Selector
lever position D remains engaged.
This driving condition is referred to as coasting.
As soon as the brake or accelerator pedal is de‐
pressed, the engine is automatically coupled to
the transmission again.
Information
Coasting is a component of the GREEN driving
mode, refer to page 174.
Coasting is automatically activated when
GREEN Mode is called via the Driving Dynamics
Control, refer to page 124.
The function is available in a certain speed
range.
A proactive driving style helps the driver to use
the function as often as possible and supports
the fuel-conserving effect of coasting.
Safety mode
The function is not available under one of the
following conditions.▷DSC OFF or TRACTION activated.▷Driving in the dynamic limit range and on
steep uphill or downhill grades.▷Battery charge status temporarily too low
or vehicle electrical system drawing exces‐
sive current.▷Cruise control activated.
Functional requirements
In GREEN Mode, this function is available in a
speed range from approximately 30 mph, ap‐
prox. 50 km/h to 100 mph, approx. 160 km/h,
if the following conditions are met:
▷Accelerator pedal and brake pedal are not
operated.▷The selector lever is in selector lever posi‐
tion D.▷Engine and transmission are at operating
temperature.Seite 177Saving fuelDRIVING TIPS177
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 969 276 - II/16
Page 201 of 252

ATTENTION
Too much engine oil can damage the en‐
gine or the catalytic converter. There is a risk of
damage to property. Do not add too much en‐
gine oil. When too much engine oil is added,
have oil level corrected by a dealer’s service
center or another qualified service center or re‐
pair shop. ◀
Detailed measurement
The concept
In the detailed measurement the engine oil
level is checked when the vehicle is stationary,
and displayed via a scale.
If the engine oil level reaches the minimum
level, a check control message is displayed.
During the measurement, the idle speed is in‐
creased somewhat.
Requirements▷Vehicle is parked in a horizontal position.▷Manual transmission: shift lever in neutral
position, clutch and accelerator pedals not
depressed.▷Steptronic transmission: selector lever in se‐
lector lever position N or P and accelerator
pedal not depressed.▷Engine is running and is at operating tem‐
perature.
Performing a detailed measurement
On the Control Display:
1. "Vehicle info"2."Vehicle status"3. "Measure engine oil level"4."Start measurement"
The engine oil level is checked and displayed
via a scale.
Time: approx. 1 minute.
Adding engine oil
Information WARNING
Operating materials, e.g., oils, greases,
coolants, fuels, can contain harmful ingredi‐
ents. There is a risk of injury or danger to life. Observe the instructions on the containers.Avoid the contact of articles of clothing, skin or
eyes with operating materials. Do not refill op‐
erating materials into different bottles. Store
operating materials out of reach of children. ◀
ATTENTION
Too low of an engine oil level causes en‐
gine damage. There is a risk of damage to
property.
Add engine oil within the next
125 miles/200 km. ◀
ATTENTION
Too much engine oil can damage the en‐
gine or the catalytic converter. There is a risk of
damage to property. Do not add too much en‐
gine oil. When too much engine oil is added,
have oil level corrected by a dealer’s service
center or another qualified service center or re‐
pair shop. ◀
General information
Only add engine oil when the message is dis‐ played in the instrument cluster. The quantity
to be added is indicated in the message dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.
Switch off the ignition and safely park the vehi‐
cle before engine oil is added.
Overview The oil filler neck is located in the engine com‐
partment, refer to page 198.
Opening the oil filler neck1.Open the hood, refer to page 198.Seite 201Engine oilMOBILITY201
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 969 276 - II/16
Page 218 of 252

More information about the battery can be re‐
quested from a dealer’s service center or an‐
other qualified service center or repair shop.
Battery replacement ATTENTION
Vehicle batteries that are not compatible
can damage vehicle systems and impair vehicle
functions. There is a risk of personal and prop‐
erty damage. Only vehicle batteries that are
compatible with your vehicle type should be in‐
stalled in your vehicle. Information on compati‐
ble vehicle batteries is available at your dealer’s
service center. ◀
After a battery replacement, the manufacturer
of your vehicle recommends that the vehicle
battery be registered on the vehicle by a
dealer’s service center or another qualified
service center or repair shop to ensure that all
comfort features are fully available and that
any Check Control messages of these comfort
features are no longer displayed.
Charging the battery
General information
Make sure that the battery is always sufficiently
charged to guarantee that the battery remains
usable for its full service life.
The battery may need to be charged in the fol‐
lowing cases:▷When making frequent short-distance
drives.▷If the vehicle is not used for more than a
month.▷Steptronic transmission: when parked for
long periods of time in selector lever posi‐
tion D, R or N.Information
ATTENTION
Battery chargers for the vehicle battery
can work with high voltages and currents, which means that the 12 volt on-board net‐
work can be overloaded or damaged. There is a
risk of damage to property. Only connect bat‐
tery chargers for the vehicle battery to the
starting aid terminals in the engine compart‐
ment. ◀
Starting aid terminals In the vehicle, only charge the battery via the
starting aid terminals, refer to page 221, in the
engine compartment with the engine off.
Power failure
After a power loss, some equipment needs to
be newly initialized or individual settings up‐
dated, for example:▷Time: update.▷Date: update.▷Navigation system: wait for the operability
of the navigation.▷Seat and mirror memory: store the posi‐
tions again.
Disposing of old batteries
Have old batteries disposed of by a
dealer’s service center or another quali‐
fied service center or repair shop or
take them to a collection point.
Maintain the battery in an upright position for
transport and storage. Secure the battery so
that it does not tip over during transport.
Seite 218MOBILITYReplacing components218
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 969 276 - II/16
Page 222 of 252

Starting the engineNever use spray fluids to start the engine.1.Start the engine of the assisting vehicle and
let it run for several minutes at an increased
idle speed.2.Start the engine of the vehicle that is to be
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 needed.
Tow-starting and towing
Information WARNING
Due to system limits, individual functions
can malfunction during tow-starting/towing
with the Intelligent Safety systems activated,
e.g., approach control warning with light brak‐
ing function. There is risk of an accident. Switch
all Intelligent Safety systems off prior to tow-
starting/towing. ◀
Switching off Intelligent Safety systems, refer to
page 115.
Steptronic transmission with driven
front axle: transporting the vehicle
Information The vehicle must not be towed if the front
wheels are touching the ground.
CAUTION
The vehicle can be damaged when tow‐
ing the vehicle with a lifted rear axle. There is
arisk of property damage. Have vehicle trans‐
ported only with lifted front axle or on a load‐
ing platform. ◀
Tow truck
Your vehicle should be transported with a tow
truck with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
ATTENTION
When lifting the vehicle by the tow fitting
or body and chassis parts; damage can occur
on vehicle parts. There is a risk of damage to
property. Lift vehicle using suitable means. ◀
Use tow fitting located in the front only for po‐
sitioning the vehicle.
Pushing vehicle
To maneuver vehicle from the danger area,
manually unlock the transmission lock, refer to
page 78, if needed.
Manual transmission
Observe before towing your vehicle
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Towing CAUTION
If manual unlocking of the parking brake
is not possible, the vehicle cannot be moved or
towed. There is risk of property damage. The
vehicle should only be transported on a loading
platform. ◀
Follow the following instructions:
Seite 222MOBILITYBreakdown assistance222
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 969 276 - II/16
Page 224 of 252

ATTENTION
If the tow bar or tow rope is attached in‐
correctly, damage to other vehicle parts can oc‐
cur. There is a risk of damage to property. Cor‐
rectly attach the tow bar or tow rope to the tow
fitting. ◀
Tow fitting
General information
The screw-in tow fitting should always be car‐
ried in the vehicle.
The tow fitting can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the vehicle.
The tow fitting and the onboard vehicle tool kit,
refer to page 208, are together in the cargo
area.
Information ATTENTION
If the tow fitting is not used as intended,
there can be damage to the vehicle or to the
tow fitting. There is a risk of damage to prop‐
erty. Observe the notes on using the tow fit‐ ting. ◀
Use of the tow fitting:
▷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.▷Use tow fitting located in the front only for
positioning the vehicle.▷Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, for
example, do not lift the vehicle by the tow
fitting.
Screw thread for tow fitting
Threaded holes for the tow fitting are located in
the front and rear of the vehicle on the right
side with respect to the direction of travel.
Push out the cover by pressing on the top edge.
Tow-starting
Steptronic transmission Do not tow-start the vehicle.
Tow-starting the engine is not possible due to
the Steptronic transmission.
Have the cause of the starting problems fixed.
Manual transmission
If possible, do not tow-start the vehicle but
start the engine by jump-starting, refer to
page 220. If the vehicle is equipped with a cat‐
alytic converter, only tow-start while the engine
is cold.
1.Switch on the hazard warning system and
comply with local regulations.2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page 66.3.Engage third gear.4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the
clutch pedal pressed and slowly release the
pedal. After the engine starts, immediately
press on the clutch pedal again.Seite 224MOBILITYBreakdown assistance224
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 969 276 - II/16