REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
117
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Battery, under the cover137
2Engine oil dipstick117
3Engine oil filler neck1184Coolant expansion tank118
5Reservoir for washer fluid for the headlamp
and window washer system51
6Engine compartment fuse box135
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
1USquart/1liter.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the
dipstick. Excess oil will damage the
engine.<
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
121
Care
Car-care products
Regular cleaning and care helps to maintain the
value of your MINI.
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
using manufacturer-approved products to clean
and care for your vehicle.
MINI Service would be pleased to advise you on
cleaning and care products and services for your
MINI.
The ingredients of original MINI Care Prod-
ucts have been tested, and the products
have been tested in the laboratory and in prac-
tice. They offer optimum care and protection for
your vehicle.<
Do not use any cleansers containing alco-
hol or solvents as these may cause dam-
age.<
Cleaning agents may contain hazardous
or health-damaging substances. Follow
the warning and hazard instructions on the
packaging. For interior cleaning, always open
the doors or windows of the vehicle.
Do not use any products that are not intended
for cleaning the vehicle.<
External care
Washing your vehicle
Especially during the winter months the
vehicle should be frequently washed. Dirt
and road salt can damage the vehicle.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them; otherwise,
water can reduce braking efficiency over the
short term and the brake rotors can corrode.<
Car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.Do not use automatic high-pressure car
washes; otherwise, water may drip into
the vehicle around the windows.<
Before driving into the car wash, check if the sys-
tem is suitable for your MINI. Observe the fol-
lowing points:
>Dimensions of the vehicle, page155
>If necessary: fold in the outside mirrors,
page 39.
>Maximum permissible tire width
Avoid car washes with tracks higher than
4 in/10 cm; otherwise, the chassis could
be damaged.<
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
>Unscrew the rod antenna.
>Deactivate the rain sensor
* to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
>Deactivate the rear window wiper
* and pro-
tect it from damage. Ask the car wash oper-
ator about measures that can be taken to
protect the wipers.
>Remove additional attachments, e.g. spoil-
ers or telephone antennas, if there is a pos-
sibility that they could be damaged.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, make sure that
the vehicle can roll:
1.Place the remote control, even with Comfort
Access, in the ignition lock.
2.Move the selector lever to position N.
3.Release the parking brake.
4.Switch off the engine.
5.Insert the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Care
122
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, ensure that you maintain suffi-
cient clearance to the vehicle and do not exceed
a temperature of 1407/606.
If the distance is too close, the pressure too high,
or the temperature too high, parts of the vehicle
can be damaged, or water can penetrate.
Observe the operating instructions for high-
pressure washers.<
Do not spray sensors such as Park Dis-
tance Control with high-pressure washers
for a long time or at a distance of less than 1 ft/
30 cm.<
Manual washing
Use a great deal of water and, if necessary, car
shampoo when washing your car by hand. Clean
the vehicle with a sponge or a washing brush
applying a slight amount of pressure.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or turn off the ignition
to prevent unintentional wiping.<
Observe local regulations regarding wash-
ing vehicles by hand.<
Headlamps
Do not wipe dry and do not use abrasive or cor-
rosive cleaning agents. Remove dirt and con-
tamination, such as insects, by soaking with
shampoo and then washing with plenty of
water.
Do not remove accumulated ice and snow with
an ice scraper; use window deicers instead.
Windows
Clean the outside and inside of the windows and
mirrors with a window cleaner.
Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners
containing quartz.<
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and change regularly to
prevent the formation of streaks.Wax, preservatives and dirt on the win-
dows cause streaks when the windshield
wipers are on, and can cause premature wear of
the wiper blades and interfere with the rain sen-
sor.<
Care of the convertible top
The appearance and service life of the convert-
ible top largely depends on its proper care and
operation.
Please follow these instructions:
>Never attempt to fold and stow the convert-
ible top in the convertible compartment
when the top is wet or frozen. Otherwise,
water stains, mildew, and chafe marks may
occur.
>If water spots occur on the inside headliner
despite precautions, remove them using a
microfiber cloth and interior cleaner.
>If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area
for a longer period of time, make sure that
there is sufficient ventilation.
>Remove any bird droppings immediately,
since they have corrosive properties which
will corrode the convertible top and damage
the rubber seals.
When attempting to remove stains from
the convertible top, do not use spot
removers, paint thinners, solvents, gasoline, or
similar fluids. These cleaners may damage the
rubber seals. The improper care or cleaning
methods may cause the convertible top and its
seams to leak.<
Use special convertible top cleaning agents if
attempting to remove heavy stains.
Always read and follow the manufacturer's
instructions.
Use an impregnating agent to treat the convert-
ible top once a year.
Paintwork, care
Regular care helps your vehicle retain its value
and protects the paint from the long-term
effects of aggressive substances.
Indicator and warning lamps
142
Sliding/tilting sunroof or soft top of
MINI ConvertibleExcessive vehicle speed, activation
not possible, reduce speed and con-
tinue activation .
Lights up in red:
Control system for convertible top
failed!Position of convertible top and locking
mechanism not recognized. If con-
vertible top securely locked, drive
may be continued. Manually close
convertible top/sliding roof, refer to
page32. Have your MINI Service
inspect the system.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive of convertible top overheated! Let drive of convertible top cool down,
refer to page32.
Sliding/tilting sunroof or soft top of
MINI ConvertibleControl system of convertible top/tilt
roof malfunctioning. Close convertible
top/tilt roof manually, refer to
page32. Contact your MINI Service.
Tailgate of MINI Convertible not
closedClose the tailgate.
Gas cap missing or loose Make sure that the gas cap is correctly
positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks. Do not jam the strap between
the gas cap and the vehicle.
Window washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible,
page51.
Lights up in red:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page,
119.
Lights up in yellow:
The engine will start the next time the
start/stop button is touched, possibly
without the brake or clutch being
depressed
12Cause What to do
Technical data
158
MINI Convertible
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
CooperCooper SJohn Cooper Works
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 2,745/1,245 2,855/1,295 2,877/1,305
>Automatic transmis-
sion lbs/kg 2,822/1,280 2,921/1,325 –
Approved gross weight
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 3,560/1,615 3,671/1,665 3,693/1,675
>Automatic transmis-
sion lbs/kg 3,638/1,650 3,737/1,695 –
Approved front axle load
>Manual transmission
>Automatic transmis-
sion lbs/kg 1,863/845 1,951/885 1,962/890
lbs/kg 1,940/880 2,017/915 –
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 1,786/810 1,786/810 1,797/815
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/
liters6.0-23.3/
170-6606.0-23.3/
170-6606.0-23.3/
170-660
US gal/US quartslitersNotes
Fuel tank 13.2/– approx. 50 Fuel grade: page103
including reserve of 2.1/– approx. 8
Window washer system incl.
headlamp washer system –/4.8 approx. 4.5 For more details: page51
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
161
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders88
Brake Assist64
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements58
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs129
Brake pads, breaking in92
Brake rotors93
– brakes92
– breaking in92
Brake system92
– breaking in92
– disc brakes93
– MINI Maintenance
System119
Brakes
– ABS64
– breaking in92
– MINI Maintenance
System119
– parking brake45
– service requirements58
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely93
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance136
Break-in period92
Breaking in the clutch92
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs125
Button for starting the
engine44
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders88
Capacities158
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery134
Car care121
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest86
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash, care121
Car washes121
Care121
– car washes121
– car-care products121
– CD/DVD drives124
– external121
– high-pressure washers122
– internal123
– leather123
– manual washing122
– upholstery and fabrics123
– windows122
– wiper blades122
Cargo area
– capacity157
Cargo bay94
– Comfort Access27
– cover94
– lamp77
– opening from outside24
Cargo bay, expanding94
Cargo bay lamp77
Cargo bay lid, refer to
Liftgate24
Cargo loading95
– securing cargo96
– stowing cargo96
– vehicle94
Cargo, securing96
Carpets, care123
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system92
Center armrest86
Center brake lamp129
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking system19
– Comfort Access26
– from inside23
– from outside19
Changing bulbs
125
Changing wheels132Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment117
Check Control61
Child restraint systems41
Child seats41
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH42
Chock, folding
– space-saver spare tire132
Chrome parts, care123
Chrome parts, refer to
Care121
Cigarette lighter88
Cleaning headlamps50
– washer fluid51
Clock53
– 12h/24h mode57
– setting time60
Closing
– from inside23
– from outside19
Clothes hooks87
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine45
Comfort Access26
– replacing the battery28
– what to observe before
entering a car wash27
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock44
Computer54
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked93
Condition Based Service
CBS119
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances88
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption54
Control Display
– settings56
Controls and displays10
Everything from A to Z
162
Convenient access, refer to
Comfort Access26
Convenient operation
– convertible top22
– windows20
Convenient start, refer to
Starting the engine45
Convertible top30
Coolant118
– checking level118
– filling118
Coolant temperature53
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant118
Cooling, maximum82
Copyright2
Cruising range54
Cupholders88
Curb weight, refer to
Weights157
Current fuel consumption55
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting77
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data154
– capacities158
– dimensions155
– engine154
– weights157
Data memory120
Date
– setting61
Daytime running lights75
DBC Dynamic Brake Control,
refer to Brake Assist64
Deactivating front passenger
airbags72
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20
Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap102
Defogging windows81,83Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows81,83
Defrosting windows81,83
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner81
– automatic climate control83
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting windows81,83
Differential, breaking in92
Digital clock53
Dimensions155
Dipstick, engine oil117
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals48
Displacement, refer to Engine
data154
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting77
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care124
Disposal
– of coolant118
– remote control battery28
– vehicle battery135
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements58
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC63
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Door lock22
Door lock, confirmation
signals21
Doors, manual operation22
DOT Quality Grades112
Drinks holders, refer to
Cupholders88
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Assist65
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button65
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams74
Driving notes92Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Assist65
Driving stability control
systems63
Driving through water93
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes92
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function83
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC64
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake Assist64
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC64
Dynamic Traction Control64
E
Electric power windows
– initializing29
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap102
– trunk lid24
Electronic brake-force
distribution64
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC64
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap102
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission48
– trunk lid24
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance136
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
163
Engine
– breaking in92
– data154
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature53
– speed154
– starting45
– starting, Comfort Access26
– switching off45
Engine compartment117
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant118
Engine oil
– adding118
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils118
– alternative oil types118
– approved engine oils118
– capacity118
– checking level117
– dipstick117
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements58
– MINI Maintenance
System119
Engine oil level, checking117
Engine output, refer to Engine
data154
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine45
Error messages, refer to Check
Control61
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC64
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system92
Exterior mirrors39
– adjusting39
– automatic heating39
– folding in and out39
External audio device86
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away138
– for tying down loads96F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control61
Failure of an electrical
consumer135
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts38
Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner81
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control83
Fine wood, care124
First aid pouch136
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock44
Flash when locking/
unlocking21
Flat tire
– run-flat tires114
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM68
Flat Tire Monitor FTM66
– indicating a flat tire67
– initializing the system66
– snow chains66
– system limits66
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition113
Floor mats, care123
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb127,129
Folding rear seat backrest94
Folding roof, refer to
Convertible top with
integrated sliding sunroof30
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely93
Footwell lamps77
For your own safety5
Front airbags71
Front fog lamps77
– indicator lamp140
– replacing bulb127
Front seat adjustment35
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows81,83FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor66
Fuel103
– gauge54
– high-quality brands103
– quality103
– specifications103
– tank capacity158
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge54
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption54
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge
54
Fuel filler flap102
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction102
Fuses135
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control84
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel
consumption54
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge54
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel103
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission46
– manual transmission46
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– manual transmission46
General driving notes92
Glass sunroof, electric28
– convenient operation20,22
– opening, closing28
– raising28
– remote control20
Glove compartment85
Grills, refer to Air vents79