2016 MINI Hardtop 4 Door Owner's Manual (Mini Connected)

On 5-door models: in front of the rear seats.
Clothes hooks WARNING
Clothing articles on the clothes hooks can
obstruct the view while driving. There is risk of
an accident. When suspending clothing articles
from the hooks, ensure that they will not ob‐
struct the driver's view. ◀
WARNING
Improper use of the clothes hooks can
lead to a danger of objects flying about during
braking and evasive maneuvers. There is risk of
injuries and risk of property damage. Only hang
lightweight objects, e.g. clothing articles, from
the clothes hooks. ◀
The clothes hooks are located above the side
windows in the rear.
Storage space under
cargo floor panel
Located under the cargo floor panel on the
right side is a trough for the onboard vehicle
tool kit.
To remove the onboard vehicle tool kit, fold the
right side of the cargo floor panel upward.
Variable trunk floor
With the variable trunk floor, the trunk can be
configured corresponding to transport require‐
ments. To do this, remove the trunk floor, and
insert it in the desired position.
Follow instructions on securing cargo, refer to
page 161.
Removing the cargo floor panel
On 5-door models: To change the position of
the cargo floor panel, first fold up the rear part
of the cargo floor panel.
Seite 153Storage compartmentsCONTROLS153
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 963 334 - VI/15

Grasp the cargo floor panel in the rear and fold
slightly upward. Next, pull it backward from the
supports.
The cargo floor panel can be removed from the
trunk above the tail lamps.
Lower position
▷Larger objects can be transported.▷Space for smaller objects remains between
the fixed and variable trunk floor.
Folded up position
WARNING
Improper use of the variable cargo floor
panel can lead to a danger of objects flying
about during braking and evasive maneuvers.
There is risk of injuries and risk of property
damage.
▷Do not use the variable cargo floor panel to
separate the cargo area and vehicle interior
in the sense of a partition net.▷Only use the variable cargo floor in the
folded-up position when the backrests are
folded up and locked.▷Always secure cargo against shifting, using
straps, belts and lashing eyes, e.g. ◀
Fold up the cargo floor panel in the lower posi‐
tion and push it behind the locks, arrow.
You've reached the maximum cargo height.
Upper position
▷With the backrests folded down, a long, flat
loading surface is produced.▷On 3-door models:
Maximum load in this position:
330 lbs/150 kg.▷On 5-door models:
Maximum load in this position:
441 lbs/200 kg.▷Space for objects remains between the
fixed and variable trunk floor.Seite 154CONTROLSStorage compartments154
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 963 334 - VI/15

Seite 155Storage compartmentsCONTROLS155
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 963 334 - VI/15

DRIVE ME.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 963 334 - VI/15

AT A GLANCE
CONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITYREFERENCE
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 963 334 - VI/15

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 74.
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.
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 risk of injuries or
risk of property damage. Do not drive with the
tailgate open. ◀Seite 158DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving158
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 963 334 - VI/15

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.
Hot exhaust system
WARNING
During driving operation, high tempera‐
tures can occur underneath the body, e.g.
caused by the exhaust gas system. If combusti‐
ble materials, such as leaves or grass, come in
contact with hot parts of the exhaust gas sys‐
tem, these materials can ignite. There is risk of
injuries 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 send operations of mobile phones.
There is risk of injuries or risk of property dam‐
age. If possible, in the car's interior use only
mobile phones with direct connections to an
exterior antenna in order to exclude mutual
disturbance and deflect the radiation from the
car'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
CAUTION
When driving too quickly through too
deep water, water can enter into the engine
compartment, the electrical system or the
transmission. There is risk of property damage.
When driving through water, do not exceed the
maximum indicated water level and the maxi‐
mum speed for driving through water. ◀
Drive through calm water only if it is not deeper
than 9.8 inches/25 cm and at this height, no
faster than walking speed, up to 3 mph/5 km/h.
Braking safely
Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature.
Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations needed.
Steering is still responsive. You can still avoid
any obstacles with a minimum of steering ef‐
fort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from
the hydraulic circuits indicate that ABS is in its
active mode.
Objects in the movement area around
pedals and floor area
WARNING
Objects in the driver's floor area can limit
the pedal distance or block a depressed pedal.
There is risk of an accident. Stow objects in the
vehicle such that they are secured and cannot
enter into the driver's floor area. Use floor mats
that are suitable for the vehicle and can be
safely attached to the floor. Do not use loose
floor mats and do not layer several floor mats.
Make sure that there is sufficient clearance for
the pedals. Ensure that the floor mats are se‐
curely fastened again after they were removed,
e.g. for cleaning. ◀Seite 159Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS159
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 963 334 - VI/15

Driving in wet conditionsWhen roads are wet, salted, or in heavy rain,
press brake pedal ever so gently every few
miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other
traffic.
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.
Hills WARNING
Light but consistent brake pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brakes wearing out
and possibly even brake failure. There is risk of
an accident. Avoid placing excessive stress on
the brake system. ◀
WARNING
In idle or with the engine switched off,
safety-relevant functions are restricted or not
available anymore, e.g. braking effect of the
engine or braking force and steering support.
There is risk of an accident. Do not drive in idle
or with the engine switched off. ◀
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear that requires least braking efforts. Other‐
wise the brakes may overheat and reduce
brake efficiency.
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, going all the way to first gear, if
needed.
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 will built up when the maximum
pressure applied to the brake pads during brak‐
ing is not reached - thus discs don't get
cleaned.
Corrosion buildup on the brake discs will cause
a pulsating effect on the brakes in their re‐
sponse - generally that cannot be corrected.
Condensation under the parked vehicle When using the automatic climate control, con‐
densation water develops collecting under‐
neath the vehicle.
These traces of water under the vehicle are
normal.
Ground clearance CAUTION
If ground clearance is insufficient, there
might be contact with the front or rear spoiler
e.g. when driving over curbs or entering into
underground car parking garages. There is risk
of property damage. Ensure that there is suffi‐
cient ground clearance available. ◀Seite 160DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving160
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 963 334 - VI/15