61
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL (DSC)
*
The concept
This system maintains driving stability
even in critical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability
during acceleration and when starting
from a full stop, as well as optimizing trac-
tion. In addition, it recognizes unstable
vehicle conditions, such as under- or over-
steering, and, as far as is possible within
the laws of physics, helps keeping the
vehicle on a steady course by reducing the
rpms and brake applications to the indi-
vidual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you start
the engine. DSC contains the functions
Antilock Brake System ABS/Electronic Brake
Force Distribution EBV/ASC+T.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An appro-
priate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. We therefore
urge you to avoid using the additional
safety margin of the system as an excuse
for taking risks.
Do not make any modifications to the DSC
system. Allow only authorized technicians
to perform service procedures on the
DSC.<
To switch off the DSCBriefly press the switch.
The indicator lamp stays lit.
When driving with snow chains, it may be
effective to switch off the DSC for a brief
period.
To maintain stability, always drive
with the DSC switched on whenever
possible.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp on the instru-
ment cluster will go out shortly
after the ignition has been
switched on, see pages 16, 17.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive and braking forces.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out
after the engine is started, or if it
comes on during normal driving and stays
on:
If the system is either defective or was
switched off with the button, then the
stabilizing applications described are no
longer available. The vehicle will remain
completely operational, however, without
DSC.
In the event of a malfunction, please see
your MINI center, see pages 16, 17.<
65
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM Air supply
You can select blower speeds
from 1 to 4. Position 0: blower is
switched off. The button for
recirculated-air mode fully blocks
the supply of air from outside.
Heating and ventilation operate as of posi-
tion 1.
Temperature
Turn to the right (red) to increase
the temperature of the
passenger compartment.
Rapid heating: turn to the
extreme right. Then select a pleasant inte-
rior temperature.
Air distribution
Air distribution in upper body
region , upper body region
and footwell , footwell ,
footwell and windows and
windows .
All intermediate positions are possible, see
illustration and overview on page 64.
Rear window defroster
Rear window defroster switched
on:
Indicator lamp lights up.
As long as the indicator lamp is lit, the
heating operates at high power output
(rapid defrosting).
Indicator lamp goes out.
The heating continues to run with reduced
power output and then switches itself off
automatically.
Windshield heating*
Windshield heating switched on:
Indicator lamp lights up.
As long as the indicator lamp is
lit, the heating operates at high power
output (rapid defrosting).
Indicator lamp goes out.
The heating continues to run with reduced
power output and then switches itself off
automatically.
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation
switched on:
Indicator lamp lights up.
The air is cooled and dehumidified and Ð
depending on the temperature setting Ð
rewarmed.
After the engine start, the windshield can
fog over briefly.
Condensation forms in the air condi-
tioner system during operation, and
then exits under the vehicle. Traces of
condensed water under the vehicle are
therefore normal.<
Recirculated-air mode
Supply of outside air into the
vehicle is blocked: indicator lamp
lights up.
The air within the vehicle is recirculated.
Do not run the recirculated-air mode
for longer than approx. 30 minutes,
as otherwise the air quality in the interior
will deteriorate.
<< < <
If the windows fog over in the recir-
culated-air mode, switch the recircu-
lated-air mode off and increase the air
supply as required.
<< < <
68
AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL
*
Automatic air distribution and supply
Automatic program (AUTO):
Indicator lamp lights up.
Automatic adjustment of the air distribu-
tion and the air supply and adaptation of
the specified temperatures to external
influences (outside temperature and
sunlight).
In the automatic program (AUTO), the air
conditioner is activated automatically.
Switching the automatic climate
control on/off
The blower, heating and air condi-
tioner are switched off.
To switch the automatic climate control on
again:
Press any button of the automatic climate
control.
Air conditioner
Air conditioner switched on:
Indicator lamp lights up.
The air is cooled and dehumidified and Ð
depending on the temperature setting Ð
rewarmed.
In the automatic program (AUTO), the air
conditioner is activated automatically.
After the engine start, the windshield can
fog over briefly. Switching on the air condi-
tioner reduces condensation on the
windows.
Condensation forms in the air condi-
tioner system during operation, and
then exits under the vehicle. Traces of
condensed water under the vehicle are
therefore normal.
vehicle is blocked:
Indicator lamp lights up.
The air within the vehicle is recirculated.
In the automatic program (AUTO) in hot
weather conditions, the recirculated-air
mode is activated temporarily to enable
faster cooling.
Do not run the recirculated-air mode
for longer than approx. 30 minutes,
as otherwise the air quality in the interior
will deteriorate.<
If the windows fog over in the recir-
culated-air mode, switch the recircu-
lated-air mode off and increase the air
supply as required.<
Rear window defroster and windshield
heating*
Rear window defroster and wind-
shield heating switched on:
Indicator lamp lights up.
As long as the indicator lamp is lit, the
heating operates at high power output
(rapid defrosting).
Indicator lamp goes out.
The heating continues to run with reduced
power output and then switches itself off
automatically.
Temperature
Setting the temperature:
Move or turn the wheel in the
appropriate direction to increase
the temperature step by step.
The figures in the display provide a general
indication of interior temperature. When
you start the vehicle, the system ensures
that the selected temperature is achieved
as quickly as possible and then maintained.
Permanent heating with maximum
power output at temperature selec-
tion "HI". Permanent cooling at "LO".<
71
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT COVER FOLDABLE REAR BACKRESTWhen the tailgate is opened, the luggage
compartment cover is also raised.
Never place heavy or hard objects on
the luggage compartment cover, as
otherwise occupants could be injured
during braking maneuvers.<
The warning triangle
* is located
beneath the luggage compartment
cover, see page 113.
Comply with legal requirements requiring
you to carry a hazard warning triangle in
the vehicle.<
RemovalTo load bulky luggage, the compartment
cover can be removed.
1. Remove the retaining straps on the
tailgate
2. Pull the luggage compartment cover out
towards the rear.
Unlock and fold1. Pull lever
2. Fold the rear backrest forwards.
When folding the backrest back into
its original position always ensure
that the detent engages securely. A loose
backrest might fail to prevent cargo from
entering the passenger compartment
during sudden braking or evasive maneu-
vers, posing a potential hazard to occu-
pants.<
77
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
GENERAL DRIVING NOTES REFUELING Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 1 ft (30 cm),
and then only at walking speed at the
most. Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the
electrical systems and the transmission
may be damaged.<
Clothes hooks
When suspending clothing from the
hooks, ensure that they will not
obstruct the driver's vision. Do not hang
heavy objects on the hooks. If you do so,
they could cause personal injury during
braking or evasive maneuvers.<
High temperatures
High temperatures occur in any
vehicle equipped with a catalytic
converter. Do not remove the heat protec-
tion plates fitted in the area of the exhaust
system and do not apply body-cavity
protectant to this area. When driving,
standing at idle or when parking, take
precautions to avoid contact between the
hot exhaust system and easily flammable
materials (grass, hay or leaves, for
example). Such contact could lead to a fire,
resulting in serious personal injury and
property damage.<
Always switch off the engine before
refueling. If you do not, fuel cannot
be filled into the tank and the "Service
Engine Soon" lamp may come on.<
1. Open the fuel filler door
2. Turn the filler cap counterclockwise
3. Put the filler cap in the bracket attached
to the fuel filler door.
Always observe all applicable precau-
tions and regulations when handling
fuels. Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full, these
containers can leak, cause an explosion,
and lead to fire in the event of a collision.<
Simple and environmentally friendly
Always observe all safety precautions
posted at the service station when
handling fuel.<
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling the
nozzle out of the pipe during refueling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the fuel
vapor recovery system on the pump.
As long as the filler nozzle is used properly,
the fuel tank is full whenever the nozzle
shuts off the first time.
Tank capacity: approx. 13.2 gallons
(50 liters).
Close the fuel cap carefully after
refuelling until a "click" is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze the
strap which is fastened to the filler cap.
A loose or missing cap will activate the
"Service Engine Soon" warning lamp.<
Refill early to avoid damaging the
catalytic converter; never attempt to
drive to the last drop of fuel in the tank.<
78
FUEL SPECIFICATIONS ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)The engine uses lead-free gasoline only.
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI.
AKI = Anti Knock Index.
Do not use leaded fuels. The use of
leaded fuels will cause permanent
damage to the emissions-control system's
oxygen sensor and the catalytic
converter.<
The concept The ABS keeps the wheels from locking
while braking, thereby enhancing active
driving safety.
ABS also includes Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBV).Braking with ABSTo achieve optimal performance from ABS
when reacting to critical situations you
should apply maximum pressure to the
brake pedal ("panic stop").
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can nevertheless avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of
steering effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal in conjunction
with the sound of hydraulic regulation indi-
cates to you that you are driving at the limit
and reminds you to readapt your vehicle's
speed to road surface conditions.
86
HOOD
Do not attempt to service your
vehicle if you do not have the
required technical background. Before
working in the engine compartment,
switch off the engine and allow it to cool
down. Before working on the electrical
system, always disconnect the battery first.
For all work on the vehicle, comply with the
appropriate information and instructions.
Failure to work in an informed, professional
manner when servicing components and
materials constitutes a safety hazard
for vehicle occupants and other road users.
If you are not familiar with the guidelines,
please have the operations performed by
your MINI center.<
To unlock Pull the lever in the right door area beneath
the instrument panel.
To open1. Reach under the hood
2. Pull the release lever
3. Open the hood.To closeAllow the hood to fall from a height of
about 12 in (30 cm).
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the hood is clear when
it is closed, as with all closing procedures.
If it is determined that the hood is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely, see also
page 16.<
91
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
COOLANT
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot.
Escaping coolant can cause burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later on,
never use anything other than factory-
approved, nitrite and amino-free extended-
duty antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor.
Every MINI center is aware of these.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents are
hazardous to health. Always store these
agents in tightly-closed original containers
kept well away from the reach of children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor contains the flammable
substance ethylene-glycol. For this reason,
do not spill extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor on hot engine parts. It
could catch fire and cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal
of extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor.<
The illustration shows an example of the
coolant tank on the MINI COOPER.Checking coolant level Correct coolant level for cold engine
(approx. 68 7/20 6):
Up to the mark "MAX" of the transparent
expansion tank.
Only open the cap of the expansion
tank when the engine has cooled
down. The needle on the coolant tempera-
ture gauge in the instrument cluster must
be no higher than in the first quarter,
otherwise there is a danger of scalding.<
To add coolantMINI COOPER:
1. Slowly open the cap by turning it with
the tab to allow accumulated pressure
toescape.
2. Pull open the cap completely.
3. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached Ð do not
overfill.
MINI COOPER S:
1. Open the cap by turning it slightly coun-
terclockwise to allow accumulated pres-
sure to escape.
2. Unscrew the cap completely and open.
3. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached Ð do not
overfill.
The coolant consists of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. The mixing ratio of 50 to 50 must
be maintained all the year round due to the
required corrosion resistance. No other
additives are required.
Replace the coolant every 4 years.