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.
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.
Engine, transmission, and axle drive
Always obey the official speed limit.
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.
General driving notes
Closing the tailgate Drive with the tailgate closed
Only drive with the tailgate closed; other‐
wise, in the event of an accident or braking and
evasive maneuvers, passengers and other traf‐
fic may be injured, and the vehicle may be
damaged. In addition, exhaust fumes may en‐
ter the vehicle interior. ◀
If driving with the tailgate open cannot be
avoided:▷Close all windows and the glass sunroof.▷Greatly increase the air flow from the vents.▷Drive moderately.Seite 152DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving152
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 957 280 - X/14
By maintaining a suitable distance to the vehi‐
cle driving ahead of you.
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 78, 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, e.g.,
at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in traffic
congestion.
Auto Start/Stop function
The Auto Start/Stop function of your 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, reel off these functions if they are
not actually needed.
Have maintenance car‐
ried out
Have vehicles maintained regularly to achieve
optimal vehicle efficiency and operating life.
Have the maintenance carried out by your
service center.
Please also note the MINI Maintenance System,
refer to page 193.
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:Seite 160DRIVING TIPSSaving fuel160
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 957 280 - X/14
The Coasting driving condition is enabled under
certain conditions.
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.
At a glance The system includes the following MINIMAL
functions and displays:▷GREEN bonus range, refer to page 162.▷GREEN tips driving instruction, refer to
page 162.▷GREEN climate control, refer to page 161.▷MINIMALISM analyzer, refer to page 164.▷Coasting driving condition, refer to
page 163.
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"
Or
1. "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 163,
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 161Saving fuelDRIVING TIPS161
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 957 280 - X/14
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 reel to a more fuel-effi‐
cient driving style when you back off the accel‐
erator.
Note 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: reel from S/M
to D or avoid manual shift interven‐
tions.Seite 162DRIVING TIPSSaving fuel162
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 957 280 - X/14
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:
▷Automatic engine 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 in
use.
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.
Hints
Coasting is a component of the GREEN driving
mode, refer to page 160.
Coasting is automatically activated when
GREEN mode is called via the Driving Dynamics
Control, refer to page 111.
The function is available in a certain speed
range.
A proactively driving style helps the driver to
use the function as often as possible and sup‐
ports 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 163Saving fuelDRIVING TIPS163
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 957 280 - X/14
Too much engine oil
Have the vehicle checked immediately;
otherwise, surplus engine oil can lead to engine
damage. ◀
Detailed measurement
The concept In the detailed measurement the engine oil
level is checked and displayed via a scale.
If the engine oil level reaches the minimum
level or an overfilling is detected, a check con‐
trol message is displayed.
During the measurement, the idle speed is in‐
creased somewhat.
Requirements▷Vehicle is on level road.▷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
In order to perform a detailed measurement of
the engine oil level:
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
General information
Switch off the ignition and safely park the vehi‐
cle before engine oil is added.
Oil filler neck
Only replenish the maximum engine oil
amount of 1 US quart/liter if the signal is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.
After refilling, perform a detailed measure‐
ment, refer to page 189.
Adding engine oil
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km;
otherwise, this may cause engine damage. ◀
Do not add too much engine oil
When too much engine oil is added, im‐
mediately have the vehicle checked, otherwise,
this may cause engine damage. ◀
Protect children
Keep oil, grease, etc., out of reach of chil‐
dren and observe the warnings on the contain‐
ers to prevent health risks. ◀
Engine oil types to add
Hints No oil additives
Oil additives may lead to engine dam‐
age. ◀
Seite 189Engine oilMOBILITY189
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 957 280 - X/14
Jacking points for the vehicle jack
The jacking points for the vehicle jack are lo‐
cated at the positions shown.
Compact wheel
Hints Safety measures in case of a breakdown
or a wheel change
▷Park the vehicle as far away as possible
from passing traffic and on solid ground.
Switch on the hazard warning system.▷Set the parking brake, and engage first gear
or transmission position P.▷Have all vehicle occupants get out of the
vehicle and ensure that they remain out‐
side the immediate area in a safe place,
such as behind a guardrail.▷If necessary, set up a warning triangle or
portable hazard warning lamp at an appro‐
priate distance. Comply with all safety
guidelines and regulations.▷Perform wheel change only on a flat, solid
and slip-resistant surface. On soft or slip‐
pery ground, e.g., snow, ice, tiles, etc., the
vehicle or vehicle jack can slip away to the
side.▷Do not place wood blocks or similar items
under the vehicle jack; otherwise, it cannot
reach its carrying lidacity because of the re‐
stricted height.▷If the vehicle is raised, do not lie under the
vehicle and do not start the engine; other‐
wise, a fatal hazard exists. ◀Use the vehicle jack only for changing
wheels
Use the vehicle jack only for changing wheels.
Do not attempt to use it to jack up a different
type of vehicle or loads of any kind; otherwise,
this could cause material damage and personal
injury. ◀
Removing compact wheel The compact wheel is housed in a well on the
underbody of the vehicle. The screw connec‐
tion of the compact wheel is located in the
cargo area under the floor mat, on the floor of
the storage compartment for the wheel chang‐
ing set.1.Loosen the nut from the wheel change set
using the wheel wrench.2.Remove the retaining plate.3.Screw wheel lug wrench onto the thread
and hold in place with one hand.Seite 203Replacing componentsMOBILITY203
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 957 280 - X/14
The defective wheel cannot be stored in the
compact wheel bracket because of its size.3.Check tire inflation pressure at the next op‐
portunity and correct as needed.4.Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page 100.
Reinitialize the Tire Pressure Monitor, refer
to page 97.5.Replace the damaged tires as soon as pos‐
sible.
Driving with the compact wheel
Watch the speed when driving with the
emergency wheel
Drive conservatively and do not exceed a speed
of 50 mph/80 km/h; otherwise, changed driving
characteristics such as reduced lane stability
while braking, extended braking distance and
changed self-steering properties in the limit
area. ◀
Mount one emergency wheel only
Only a single emergency wheel may be
mounted. Reinstall wheels and tires of the orig‐
inal size as quickly as possible; otherwise, there
is a safety risk. ◀
Vehicle battery Maintenance
The battery is maintenance-free, i.e., the elec‐
trolyte will last for the life of the battery.
Your service center will be glad to advise you
on questions regarding the battery.
Battery replacement Use approved vehicle batteries only
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manufacturer;
otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged and
systems or functions may not be fully availa‐
ble. ◀
After a battery replacement, have the battery
registered on the vehicle by your service center
to ensure that all comfort features are fully
available and that any Check Control messages
are no longer displayed.
Charging the battery
Note Do not connect charging devices to the
12 volt socket in the vehicle
Do not connect battery chargers to the factory-
installed 12 volt sockets in the vehicle as this
may damage the vehicle battery due to an in‐
creased power consumption. ◀
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 prolonged peri‐
ods, longer than a month.▷Steptronic transmission: when parked for
long periods of time in selector lever posi‐
tion D, R or N.
Starting aid terminals
In the vehicle, only charge the battery via the
starting aid terminals, refer to page 208, in the
engine compartment with the engine off.
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, some equipment
needs to be reset.
Individual settings need to be reprogrammed:
▷Time: update.Seite 205Replacing componentsMOBILITY205
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 957 280 - X/14