Things to remember when drivingVehicle equipmentAll standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not available in a vehi‐
cle, e. g., because of the selected optional
equipment or country variant. This also applies
for safety-related functions and systems.
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 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.▷For diesel engine, 3,500 rpm and
93 mph/150 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 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 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 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
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 road
users may be injured, and the vehicle may be
damaged. In addition, exhaust fumes may en‐
ter the passenger compartment. ◀
If driving with the tailgate open cannot be
avoided:▷Close all windows and the glass sunroof.▷Greatly increase the blower speed.Seite 148DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving148
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Avoid high engine speeds
Use 1st gear to get the vehicle in motion. Be‐
ginning with 2nd gear, accelerate rapidly. When
accelerating, shift up before reaching high en‐
gine 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.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
The gear shift indicator, refer to page 76, 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.
On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the
accelerator 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, switch off these functions if they are
not actually needed.
Have maintenance car‐
ried out
Have vehicles maintained regularly to achieve
optimal vehicle economy and operating life.
Have the maintenance carried out by your
service center.
Please also note the MINI Maintenance System,
refer to page 186.
GREEN mode The concept
The GREEN mode supports a driving style that
saves on fuel consumption. For this purpose,
the engine control and comfort functions, e. g.
the climate control output, are adjusted.
In cars with automatic transmission:
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 fuelSeite 156DRIVING TIPSSaving fuel156
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consumption. Selector lever position D remains
engaged. An indicator provides information
about the distance traveled in Coasting mode.
In addition, context-sensitive instructions can
be displayed that assist in driving in a manner
that optimizes fuel consumption.
The extension of the range that is achieved as a
result can be displayed in the instrument clus‐
ter.
At a glance
The system includes the following MINIMALISM
functions and displays:▷GREEN bonus range, refer to page 158▷GREEN tips driving instruction, refer to
page 158▷GREEN climate control, refer to page 157▷MINIMALISM analyzer, refer to page 160▷Coasting driving condition, refer to
page 159
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":
A reminder is displayed if the set GREEN
mode speed is exceeded.
Coasting
Fuel-efficiency can be optimized by disengag‐
ing the engine and Coasting, refer to page 159,
with the engine idling.
This function is only available in GREEN mode.
GREEN climate control
"GREEN climate control"
The climate control is adjusted to be fuel-effi‐
cient.
By making a slight change to the set tempera‐
ture, or adjusting the rate of heating or cooling
of the passenger compartment fuel consump‐
tion can be economized.
The outputs of the seat heater and the exterior
mirror heating are also reduced.
The exterior mirror heating is made available
when outside temperatures are very cold.
GREEN potential
The percentage of potential savings that can be
achieved with the current configuration is dis‐
played.
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Display in the instrument cluster
GREEN bonus range An extension of the range can be
achieved by an adjusted driving
style.
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
In the instrument cluster, a mark
in the bar display indicates the
current efficiency of the driving
style.
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.
The efficiency of the driving style is shown by
the color of the bar:
▷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-economy-optimized driving
are met.
GREEN tip driving instruction
The instruction indicates that the driving style
can be adjusted to be more fuel efficient by
backing off the accelerator for instance.
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."Instr. cluster display"3."GREEN Info"
GREEN tip symbols An additional symbol and a text instruction are
displayed.
SymbolMeasureFor efficient driving style, back off the
accelerator or delay accelerating to
allow time to assess road conditions.Reduce speed to the selected GREEN
speed.Automatic transmission: switch from
S/M to D or avoid manual shift inter‐
ventions.Seite 158DRIVING TIPSSaving fuel158
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SymbolMeasureManual shift transmission: follow
shifting instructions.Manual shift transmission: engage
neutral for engine stop.
Indications on the Control Display
MINIMALISM
Information on fuel consumption and technol‐
ogy can be displayed during 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.
The setting is 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 engaged.
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 mode,
refer to page 156, driving mode.
Coasting is automatically activated when
GREEN mode is called via the Driving Dynamics
Control, refer to page 108.
The function is available in a certain speed
range.
A forward-looking 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 if one of the fol‐
lowing conditions is satisfied.▷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 satisfied:
▷Accelerator pedal and brake pedal are not
operated.▷The selector lever is in transmission position
D.▷Engine and transmission are at operating
temperature.Seite 159Saving fuelDRIVING TIPS159
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FuelVehicle equipmentAll standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not available in a vehi‐
cle, e. g., because of the selected optional
equipment or country variant. This also applies
for safety-related functions and systems.
Fuel recommendation Note General fuel quality
Even fuels that conform to the specifica‐
tions can be of low quality. This may cause en‐
gine problems, for instance poor engine start‐
ing behavior, poor handling and/or
performance. Switch gas stations or use a
brand name fuel with a higher octane rating. ◀
Gasoline For the best fuel economy, the gasoline should
be sulfur-free or very low in sulfur content.
Fuels that are marked on the gas pump as con‐
taining metal must not be used.
Refuel only with unleaded gasoline with‐
out metallic additives.
Do not refuel with any leaded gasoline or gaso‐
line with metallic additives, e. g. manganese or
iron, or permanent damage to the catalytic
converter and other components. ◀
Fuels with a maximum ethanol content of
25 %, i. e. E10 or E25, may be used for refuel‐
ing.
Ethanol should satisfy the following quality
standards:
US: ASTM 4806–xxCAN: CGSB-3.511–xx
xx: comply with the current standard in each
case.
Do not use a fuel with a higher percent‐
age of ethanol
Do not use a fuel with a higher ethanol per‐
centage than recommended or one with other
types of alcohol, i.e. no Flex Fuel, otherwise this
could damage the engine and fuel supply sys‐
tem. ◀
Recommended fuel grade
MINI recommends AKI 91.
Minimum fuel grade MINI recommends AKI 89.
Minimum fuel grade
Do not use any gasoline below the mini‐
mum fuel grade as this may impair engine per‐
formance. ◀
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI Rat‐
ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds
when starting at high outside temperatures.
This has no effect on the engine life.
Fuel quality
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
harmful engine deposits or damage. Addition‐
ally, problems relating to drivability, starting
and stalling, especially under certain environ‐
mental conditions such as high ambient tem‐
perature and high altitude, may occur.
If drivability problems are encountered, we rec‐
ommend switching to a high quality gasoline
brand and a higher octane grade — AKI num‐
ber — for a few tank fills. To avoid harmful en‐
gine deposits, it is highly recommended to pur‐
chase gasoline from BP or Top Tier retailers.Seite 166MOBILITYFuel166
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Wheels and tiresVehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not available in a vehi‐
cle, e. g., because of the selected optional
equipment or country variant. This also applies
for safety-related functions and systems.
Tire inflation pressure
Safety information The tire characteristics and tire inflation pres‐
sure influence the following:▷The service life of the tires.▷Road safety.▷Driving comfort.
Checking the pressure
Tires have a natural, consistent loss of pressure.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
Regularly check the tire inflation pressure,
and correct it as needed: at least twice a month
and before a long trip. If you fail to observe this
precaution, you may be driving on tires with in‐
correct tire pressures, a condition that may not
only compromise your vehicle's driving stabil‐
ity, but also lead to tire damage and the risk of
an accident. ◀
Tires heat up during driving, and the tire infla‐
tion pressure increases along with the temper‐
ature of the tire. The tire inflation pressure
specifications relate to cold tires or tires with
the ambient temperature.
Only check the tire inflation pressure when the
tires are cold. This means after driving no more
than 1.25 miles/2 km or when the vehicle has
been parked for at least 2 hours.
The displays of inflation devices may under-
read by up to 0.1bar, 2psi.
For Flat Tire Monitor: after correcting the tire
inflation pressure, reinitialize the Flat Tire Moni‐
tor.
For Tire Pressure Monitor: after correcting the
tire inflation pressure, reset the Tire Pressure
Monitor.▷Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor.▷Reinitialize the Tire Pressure Monitor.
Checking the inflation pressure of the
compact wheel
Located behind the bumper on the underside
of the vehicle is an opening for checking the
tire inflation pressure.
Pressure specifications
The tire inflation pressure table, refer to
page 169, contains all pressure specifications
for the specified tire sizes at the ambient tem‐
perature. Pressure specifications apply to ap‐
proved tire sizes and recommended tire
brands. This information can be obtained from
your service center.
To identify the correct tire inflation pressure,
please note the following:
▷Tire sizes of your vehicle.▷Maximum permitted driving speed.Seite 168MOBILITYWheels and tires168
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MaintenanceVehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not available in a vehi‐
cle, e. g., because of the selected optional
equipment or country variant. This also applies
for safety-related functions and systems.
MINI maintenance system
The maintenance system indicates required
maintenance measures, and thereby provides
support in maintaining road safety and the op‐
erational reliability of the vehicle.
Condition Based Service
CBS
Sensors and special algorithms take into ac‐
count the driving conditions of your vehicle.
Based on this, Condition Based Service deter‐
mines the maintenance requirements.
The system makes it possible to adapt the
amount of maintenance you need to your user
profile.
Detailed information on service requirements,
refer to page 76, can be displayed on the Con‐
trol Display.
Service data in the remote control
Information on the required maintenance is
continuously stored in the remote control. Your
service center will read out this data and sug‐
gest the right array of service procedures for
your vehicle.
Therefore, hand your service specialist the re‐
mote control that you used most recently.Storage periods
Storage periods during which the vehicle bat‐
tery was disconnected are not taken into ac‐
count.
If this occurs, have a service center update the
time-dependent maintenance procedures, such
as checking brake fluid and, if necessary,
changing the engine oil and the microfilter/acti‐
vated-charcoal filter.
Service and Warranty In‐
formation Booklet for
US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Book‐
let for Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor‐
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models
for additional information on service require‐
ments.
Maintenance and repair should be performed
by your service center. Make sure to have regu‐
lar maintenance procedures recorded in the ve‐
hicle's Service and Warranty Information Book‐
let for US models, and in the Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
These entries are proof of regular maintenance.
Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnosis
Note Socket for Onboard Diagnosis
The socket for onboard diagnostics may
only be used by the service center or a work‐ shop that operates in accordance with theSeite 186MOBILITYMaintenance186
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