2007 MINI COOPER ABS

Technology for driving comfort and safety
54
ABS Antilock Brake System
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during brak-
ing. Safe steering response is maintained even
during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
Braking safely, refer to page77.
ABS includes the following functions:
>CBC Cornering Brake Control
>Electronic brake-force distribution
Cornering Brake Control
Driving stability and steering characteristics are
further enhanced while braking in turns or dur-
ing a lane change.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Brake Assist
Rapid braking causes the system to automati-
cally develop maximum braking force. The sys-
tem helps keep the braking distance to a mini-
mum.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the
duration of the full braking application.
ASC All-Season Traction Control*
ASC prevents slip at the drive wheels while start-
ing off and accelerating the vehicle.
This system optimizes driving stability and trac-
tion, especially when driving off, accelerating
and cornering, by reducing engine output and, if
necessary, braking the front wheels.
ASC encompasses the following functions:
>ABS Antilock Brake System
>Brake Assist
>Hill Start Assist
DSC Dynamic Stability Control*
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. DSC also recognizes unstable driving con-
ditions, for example if the rear of the car is about
to swerve or if momentum is acting at an angle past the front wheels. In these cases, DSC helps
the vehicle maintain a safe course within physi-
cal limits by reducing engine output and
through braking actions at the individual
wheels.
DSC also encompasses the following functions:
>ASC All-Season Traction Control
>ABS Antilock Brake System
>Brake Assist
>Hill Start Assist
Deactivating ASC or DSC
Press the button repeatedly until the indicator
lamp for the ASC or DSC comes on. ASC or DSC
are deactivated. Stabilizing and drive-output
promoting actions are no longer executed.
When driving with snow chains or to 'rock free'
in snow, it can be helpful to switch off ASC/DSC
for a brief period.
To increase vehicle stability, activate ASC/DSC
again as soon as possible.
Activating ASC or DSC
Press the button again. The indicator lamps go
out.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
ASC or DSC controls the driving and
braking forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
ASC or DSC is fully deactivated.
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Things to remember when driving
76
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. Please follow the instructions below
in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do
not exceed the following:
>4,500/min or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kick-down mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive cautiously 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
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Close the tailgate
Drive the vehicle only when the tailgate is
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could
penetrate the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the tailgate open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2.Increase the air flow rate of the air condi-
tioner or automatic climate control consid-
erably, page65 or66.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact between
the hot exhaust system and any highly flamma-
ble materials such as hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such
contact could lead to a fire, with the risk of seri-
ous personal injuries and property damage. Do
not touch hot exhaust tail pipes. Otherwise
there is a risk of burns.<
Mobile phones in the vehicle
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends that you do not use mobile
devices, e.g. mobile phones, inside the vehicle
without directly connecting them to an outside
antenna. Otherwise, the vehicle electronics and
mobile communications device can influence
one another. In addition, there is no assurance
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ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
77
that the radiation which results from transmis-
sion will be dissipated from the vehicle inte-
rior.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can
cause partial or complete loss of tire contact
with the road surface, so that the car cannot be
steered or braked properly.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page91.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not 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.<
Parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-
wise greater clutch wear will result.<
For information on driving off using Hill Start
Assist
*, refer to page55.
Braking safely
Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a
situation which requires full braking, it is best to
brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the
vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you
can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with
the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that
ABS is actively taking effect.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger other
road users. The heat generated in this process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that
Then full braking force will be immediately avail-
able when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mode of the automatic transmis-
sion, page38.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in idle or with the
engine switched off; otherwise, engine braking
action will not be present or there will be no
power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic climate
control is in operation, and then exits under the
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Wheels and tires
92
6 years, regardless of the actual wear of the
tires.
Run-Flat Tires*
The symbol identifying Run-Flat Tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-Flat Tires comprise a conditionally self-sup-
porting tire and a special rim. The reinforcement
in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can con-
tinue to be used subject to certain restrictions,
even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page56.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires mounted only
by your MINI Dealer or a specialized tire
shop that has specially trained personnel work-
ing in accordance with the specifications of the
MINI manufacturer. If this work is not carried out
properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam-
age and related safety hazards. Make sure that
the new wheels are balanced.<
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends that you avoid using retreaded
tires, as this could impair driving safety. The
causes for this include potentially different tire
casing structures and often wide variations in
tire age, which can result in a limited service
life.<
Correct wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends mounting only wheels and tires
that it has specifically approved for use on your
particular model. Although other wheels and
tires may theoretically have the same dimen-
sions, variations in factors such as manufactur-
ing tolerances can result in contact between tire
and bodywork, ultimately leading to serious
accidents. The manufacturer of your MINI can-
not evaluate non-approved wheels and tires to
determine if they are suited for use, and there-
fore cannot ensure the operating safety of the
vehicle if they are mounted.<
Your MINI Dealer will be glad to inform you
about the correct wheel and tire combination for
your vehicle.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of
various vehicle systems such as ABS and DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand and
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your MINI
recommends certain tire brands. They are
marked with a clearly visible MINI designation
on the sidewall of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
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Indicator and warning lamps
122
Flashing:
Automatic Stability Control ASC or
Dynamic Stability Control DSC is con-
trolling drive and braking forces, refer
also to page53
Automatic Stability Control ASC or
Dynamic Stability Control DSC deacti-
vated, refer also to page53Driving stability limited during accel-
eration and cornering.
Driving style must be adjusted.
Suspension control system failed,
refer also to page55Driving stability limited during accel-
eration and cornering.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
Indication in US models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Flat Tire Moni-
tor, have failed, refer also to page55You can continue your journey. Drive
cautiously and think well ahead.
Avoid braking with full force, driving
on rough tracks, and depressing the
accelerator pedal to full throttle or
kick-down position. Have the system
checked immediately.
Indication
* in Canadian models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Flat Tire Moni-
tor, have failed, refer also to page55You can continue your journey. Drive
cautiously and think well ahead.
Avoid braking with full force, driving
on rough tracks, and depressing the
accelerator pedal to full throttle or
kick-down position. Have the system
checked immediately.
12Cause What to do
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ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
123
Indication* in Canadian models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Flat Tire Moni-
tor, have failed, refer also to page55You can continue your journey. Drive
cautiously and think well ahead.
Avoid braking with full force, driving
on rough tracks, and depressing the
accelerator pedal to full throttle or
kick-down position. Have the system
checked immediately.
Light up in yellow and red:
>Tire damage Carefully bring the car to a stop.
Observe the information starting on
page55.
>Flat Tire Monitor not initialized Initialize Flat Tire Monitor, page55.
Light up in yellow:
Flat Tire Monitor failed. Punctures
are not indicatedHave the system checked.
12Cause What to do
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From A to Z
134
From A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake System54
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle5
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control68
Additives
– coolant96
– engine oil96
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner65
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control66
Airbags57
– sitting safely28
– warning lamp58
Air conditioner64
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner65
– automatic climate control66
– ventilation68
Air distribution
– automatic67
– individual65
– manual65
Air flow rate65,66
– air conditioning system65
– automatic climate control66
– heating, ventilation65
Airing, refer to Ventilation68
Air outlets, refer to Air vents64
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure86
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode65,67
Air supply
– air conditioner65
– automatic climate control66
– ventilation68Air vents64
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications85
Alarm system, preparation
package24
Alarm system preparation
package24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires93
All-Season Traction Control
ASC54
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode65,67
Âmbient lighting63
Antenna, care100
Antifreeze
– coolant96
– washer fluid
42
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights132
Approved engine oils96
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights132
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest71
Arrival time
– computer46
ASC All-Season Traction
Control54
Ashtray72
Assistant systems, refer to
– All-Season Traction Control
ASC54
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC54
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control67
Audio device, external71Automatic
– air distribution67
– air flow rate67
– cruise control42
– headlamp control59
Automatic climate control64
– automatic air distribution67
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC67
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic37
– interlock37
– overriding selector lever
lock39
– shiftlock38
– sport program38
AUTO program for automatic
climate control67
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device71
Average fuel consumption45
– setting the units47
Average speed46
Axle loads, refer to
Weights132
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting63
Backrests, refer to Seats28
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb105
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps105
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch112
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away114
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ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
135
Battery111
– charging111
– disposal26,111
– jump starting112
– temporary power failure111
Battery renewal
– remote control26
Being towed114
Belts, refer to Safety belts30
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts30
Beverage holders, refer to Cup
holders72
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate65,66
Bonnet94
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders72
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements49
Brake lamps
– replacing bulb105
Brake pads, breaking in76
Brake rotors77
– brakes76
– breaking in76
Brakes
– ABS54
– breaking in76
– MINI Maintenance System98
– parking brake37
– service requirements49
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely77
Brake system76
– breaking in76
– disc brakes77
– MINI Maintenance System98
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance112
Breaking in the clutch76
Break-in period76
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs102
Button for starting the
engine35
Buttons on the steering
wheel11C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders72
Capacities133
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery111
Car care100
Car-care products, refer to
Suitable car-care
products100
Care100
Cargo, securing80
Cargo area78
– capacity132
– convenient access24
– cover78
– lamp62
– lid, refer to Tailgate23
– opening from outside23
Cargo area, expanding78
Cargo loading
– securing cargo80
– stowing cargo79
– vehicle78
Car jack
– jacking points110
Car key, refer to Key/remote
control18
Carpets, care101
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest71
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash78
Car wash, refer to Care100
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system76
CBS Condition Based
Service98
CDs/DVDs, care101
Cell phones, use inside the car,
refer to Mobile phone in the
vehicle76
Center armrest71
Center brake lamp106Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking system19
– convenient access24
– from inside22
– from outside19
Changing bulbs102
Changing wheels108
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment95
Check Control51
Child's seats33
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH34
Child-restraint systems33
Chock, folding
– space-saver spare tire108
Chrome parts, care100
Chrome parts, refer to
Care100
Cigarette lighter72
Cleaning headlamps41
– washer fluid42
Clock44
– 12h/24h mode47
– setting time50
Closing
– from inside22
– from outside19
Clothes hooks72
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine36
Comfort access, refer to
Convenient access24
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock35
Computer45
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked77
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Confirmation signals for
vehicle locking/unlocking20
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