59
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
ALL SEASON TRACTION CONTROL (ASC)
*
The concept
This system optimizes driving stability and
traction, especially when just starting off,
when accelerating or when cornering.
ASC recognizes the danger present in trac-
tion loss and will increase driving stability
and traction by reducing the engine's out-
put and, if necessary, by applying the
brakes to the front wheels.
ASC is operational each time you start the
engine. It contains the following functions:
>Antilock Brake System (ABS)
>Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
>Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with ASC. An appropri-
ate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Avoid using the
additional safety margin provided by the
system as an excuse for taking unnecessary
risks.
Do not make any modifications to the ASC
system. Allow only authorized technicians
to perform service procedures on the
ASC.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the display
elements will go out shortly after
the ignition has been switched on,
refer to pages 16, 17.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
ASC controls the drive and braking forces.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine is started, or if it comes on dur-
ing normal driving and stays on:
The system is defective or was turned off
using the button.
The described stabilizing operations are no
longer available.
You can, however, drive the vehicle nor-
mally without ASC.
In the event of a malfunction, please see
your MINI Dealer, refer to pages 16, 17.
To switch off the ASCBriefly press the switch.
The indicator lamp stays lit.
When driving with snow chains or to 'rock
free' in snow, it can be helpful to switch off
the ASC for a brief period.
To maintain vehicle stability, always
drive with the ASC switched on
whenever possible.
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DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL (DSC)
*
The concept
This system optimizes driving stability and
traction, especially when just starting off,
when accelerating or when cornering. It
also maintains driving stability even in criti-
cal driving situations.
DSC recognizes unstable vehicle conditions,
such as understeering or oversteering, and,
as far as is possible within the laws of phys-
ics, helps keep the vehicle on a steady
course by reducing the rpms and by brake
applications to the individual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you start
the engine. It contains the following func-
tions:
>All Season traction Control (ASC)
>Antilock Brake System (ABS)
>Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
>Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An appropri-
ate driving style always remains the respon-
sibility of the driver. Avoid using the addi-
tional safety margin provided by the system
as an excuse for taking unnecessary risks.
Do not make any modifications to the DSC
system. Allow only authorized technicians to
perform service procedures on the DSC.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the display
elements will go out shortly after
the ignition has been switched on,
refer to 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 dur-
ing normal driving and stays on:
The system is defective or was turned off
using the button.
The described stabilizing operations are no
longer available.
The vehicle will remain completely opera-
tional, however, without DSC.
In the event of a malfunction, please see
your MINI Dealer, refer to pages 16, 17.
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.
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OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) The concept The ABS keeps the wheels from locking
while braking, thereby enhancing active
driving safety.
ABS also includes Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD).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 remains maneuverable,
you can still go around any obstacles with
the smallest possible steering movements.
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.
Cornering Brake Control (CBC)Cornering Brake Control (CBC) is an
enhancement of ABS that improves vehicle
stability especially when braking during
cornering.
When the vehicle is being braked, the rear
wheels are relieved from load, and this can
cause the vehicle to oversteer in curves.
CBC counteracts this by making use of uni-
lateral braking pressure to generate a stabi-
lizing counter torque while braking outside
of the ABS control range.Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD)In order to achieve a short braking distance
when the vehicle is fully loaded, your vehi-
cle is equipped with relatively large brakes
on the rear axle. EBV continuously moni-
tors the speeds of the rear wheels in rela-
tion to the front wheels in order to prevent
overbraking of the rear wheels even when
the vehicle has a light load. If the rear
wheels tend to lock, the EBV controls their
slip, ensuring operating stability.
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68
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
*
Air supply
You can select blower speeds
from 1 to 4. Position 0: fan is
turned off. The button for recir-
culated air mode fully blocks the
supply of air from outside.
Heating and ventilation operate as of
position 1.
Temperature
Turn to the right, red, to increase
the temperature of the passen-
ger 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,
refer to illustration and overview on
page 67.
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 out-
put: rapid defrosting.
Indicator lamp goes out.
The heating continues to run with reduced
power output and then switches itself off
automatically.
Air conditioning
Air conditioner switched on: indi-
cator lamp lights up.
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and – depending on the temperature
setting – rewarmed.
Condensation on the windows is reduced
when the air conditioning is turned on.
When the air conditioner is operat-
ing, condensation is formed which
then exits under the vehicle. Traces of con-
densed water on the ground 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
over a longer period of time, as the air
quality in the vehicle's interior will other-
wise diminish.<
If the windows fog up in the recircu-
lated air mode, turn the recirculated
air mode off and if necessary increase the
air supply.<
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OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL
*
Automatic air distribution and supply
Automatic program (AUTO):
Indicator lamp lights up.
Automatic adjustment of the air distribu-
tion and supply, and adaptation of the
specified temperatures to external influ-
ences, i.e. outside temperature and sun-
light.
In the automatic program (AUTO), the air
conditioner is activated automatically.
You can change the unit from 6 to
7 by keeping extended pressure on
the button.<
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 conditioning
Air conditioner switched on: indi-
cator lamp lights up.
The air is cooled and dehumidified and –
depending on the temperature setting –
rewarmed.
In the automatic program (AUTO), the air
conditioner is activated automatically.
Condensation on the windows is reduced
when the air conditioning is turned on.
Condensation forms in the air condi-
tioning system during operation, and
then exits under the vehicle. Traces of con-
densed water on the ground are therefore
normal.
cle 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
over a longer period of time, as the air
quality in the vehicle's interior will other-
wise diminish.<
If the windows fog up in the recircu-
lated air mode, turn the recirculated
air mode off and if necessary increase the
air supply.<
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.<
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REFUELING
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 gas cap counterclockwise
3. Put the gas 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.<
Unlocking manually In the event of an electrical malfunction,
the gas cap can be unlocked manually.
1. Remove the side trim panel on the left-
hand side of the cargo area.
Remove the first aid pouch
2. Pull the white lever toward the rear.
The central locking system releases the
gas cap
3. Open the fuel filler door.
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
>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.
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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
REFUELING FUEL SPECIFICATIONS Close the tank1. Put on gas cap
2. Turn gas cap clockwise until it clicks
3. Close fuel filler door.
Fuel tank capacity:
Approx. 13.2 gallons / 50 liters, of which
approx. 2.1 gallons / 8 liters are reserve
capacity.
Close the gas cap carefully after refu-
elling until a click is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze the
strap which is fastened to the cap.
US models only:
A loose or missing cap will activate the
message CHECK GAS CAP in the Check Con-
trol
* or the Check Gas Cap lamp
*.<
Do not drive until the fuel tank is
totally empty. Otherwise engine
operations are not guaranteed and damage
could occur.<
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 con-
verter.<
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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
BONNET
Do not attempt to service your vehi-
cle 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. If you are not
familiar with the guidelines, the manufac-
turer of your MINI recommends that you
have the service work performed by your
MINI Dealer. Otherwise, work improperly
carried out on the parts and components
can pose a safety hazard for vehicle occu-
pants and other road users.<
To unlockPull the lever in the right door area beneath
the instrument panel.
To open1. Reach under the bonnet
2. Pull the release lever
3. Open the bonnet.To closeAllow the bonnet to fall from a height of
approx. 1 ft / 30 cm.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the bonnet is clear
when it is closed, as with all closing proce-
dures.
If it is determined that the bonnet is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely, also refer
to page 16.<
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