2009 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE snow chains

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
63
Antilock Brake System ABS
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 page91.
Among others, ABS includes the following func-
tions:
>Cornering Brake Control CBC
>Electronic brake-force distribution EBV
>Brake Assist
Cornering Brake Control CBC
Driving stability and steering characteristics are
further enhanced while braking in turns or dur-
ing a lane change.
Electronic brake-force distribution EBV
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Brake Assist
Rapidly depressing the brake causes this system
to automatically develop maximum braking
force. Thus, the system helps keep braking dis-
tance to a minimum. At the same time, all the
benefits provided by ABS are exploited.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the
duration of the full braking application.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. The system also recognizes unstable driv-
ing conditions, 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 physical limits by reducing engine output
and through braking actions at the individual
wheels.
DSC also encompasses the following functions:>Antilock Brake System ABS
>Electronic brake-force distribution EBV
>Brake Assist
>Cornering Brake Control CBC
>Hill Start Assist
Deactivating DSC
Press the button repeatedly until the DSC indica-
tor lamps come on. DSC is deactivated. Stabiliz-
ing and propulsion promoting actions are no
longer executed.
When driving with snow chains or to 'rock free'
in snow, it can be helpful to switch off DSC for a
brief period.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps
go out.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
The DSC controls the driving and break-
ing forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC*
DTC is a type of DSC that is propulsion optimized
for special road conditions such as uncleared
snowy roads. The system ensures maximum pro-
pulsion though with restricted driving stability.
You therefore need to drive with suitable caution.

Technology for driving comfort and safety
64
In the following exceptional situations, it can be
useful to briefly activate DTC:
>when driving on snow-covered inclines, in
slush, or on uncleared snowy roads
>when rocking the vehicle free, driving out of
deep snow or on loose surfaces
>when driving with snow chains
Activating DTC
Press the button: the DTC indicator lamps come
on.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DTC controls the driving and breaking
forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DTC is activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps
go out.
Deactivating both DTC and DSC
Press the button for at least 3 seconds: the DSC
indicator lamps in the display elements come
on. The Dynamic Traction Control DTC and
Dynamic Stability Control DSC are both deacti-
vated. There will be no more stabilizing inter-
ventions.
Interventions (differential lock) in braking occur
to improve propulsion when drive wheels are
rotating unevenly, even when the DSC is deacti-
vated.
Activating DSC
Press the button again: the indicator lamps go
out.
Hill Start Assist*
Hill Start Assist aids you in comfortably driving
off on inclines. It is not necessary to use the
parking brake for this.
1.Hold the MINI with the brake.
2.Release the brake and immediately drive
off.
Hill Start Assist holds the car in place for approx.
2 seconds after the brake is released.
Depending on the load and gradient, the
vehicle can roll backward slightly during
this period. After you release the brake, immedi-
ately start driving since the hill start assist only
holds the vehicle for about 2 seconds, and it will
start to roll backwards.<
Sport button*
Pressing the button causes your MINI to respond
even more sportily.
>Engine responds more spontaneously to
movements of the accelerator.
>Steering response is more direct.
With automatic transmission:
>More rapid gear shifting in Sport program.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
65
Activating the system
Press the SPORT button.
The LED lights up.
SPORT is briefly displayed in the tachometer.
Deactivating the system
>Press the SPORT button again.
>Switch off the engine.
Flat Tire Monitor FTM*
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor detects pressure loss in a
tire by comparing the rotating speeds of the
individual tires while moving.
If a tire loses pressure, its rolling circumference
changes, and this in turn alters the speed of
rotation. This change is detected and is reported
as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat
tire, the system must be initialized for the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure.
Each time you correct the pressure in a
tire, or change a wheel or tire, the system
must be reinitialized.<
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor is unable to warn the driver
of sudden, severe tire damage caused by exter-
nal factors, nor can it identify the gradual loss of
pressure that will inevitably occur in all four tires
over a lengthy period of time.In the following situations, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
>System has not been initialized
>Driving on snowy or slippery road surface
>Performance-oriented style of driving: slip in
the drive wheels, high lateral acceleration
>Snow chains are attached
When the vehicle is driven with a space-saver
spare tire
*, page131, the Flat Tire Monitor can-
not function.
Initializing the system
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing, which can be interrupted at any time.
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically.
Do not initialize the system if you are driving
with snow chains or a space-saver spare tire
*.<
1.Start the engine, but do not start driving.
2.Briefly press the button in the turn indicator
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
3.Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
4.Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
corresponding symbol and "RESET" are dis-
played.

Wheels and tires
112
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.
Run-Flat Tires*
When mounting new tires or changing over from
summer to winter tires and vice versa, mount
Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. Keep in mind
that no space-saver spare tire is available in the
event of a flat. Your MINI Dealer will be glad to
advise you.
Special characteristics of winter tires
The manufacturer of MINI recommends the use
of winter tires on snowy roads or if temperatures
drop below 457/ +76. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view. Spe-
cialist tire dealers and your MINI Dealer can sup-
ply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres-
sure indicated on the sidewall of the tire.
Swapping wheels among the axles
Depending on the individual use, front and rear
tires may exhibit different wear and tear.
In order to maintain an even wear and tear, the
wheels may be rotated between the axles. Your
MINI Dealer will be glad to advise you.
Always check the inflation pressure after the tire
rotation, if necessary change the pressure.
Snow chains*
Only certain types of fine-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI,
classified as road-safe and recommended. Con-
tact your MINI Dealer for more details.
Only attach snow chains in pairs to the front
wheels with the following tires.
>175/65 R 15 M+S
>175/60 R 16 M+S
MINI John Cooper Works:
>185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph or 50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted, otherwise the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, it can be useful
to briefly deactivate the DSC or activate the DTC,
refer to page64.<

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
161
Engine
– breaking in90
– data152
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature52
– speed152
– starting44
– starting, convenient
access26
– switching off44
Engine compartment114
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant115
Engine oil
– adding115
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils115
– approved engine oils115
– capacity115
– checking level114
– dipstick114
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements57
– MINI Maintenance
System117
Engine oil level, checking114
Engine output, refer to Engine
data152
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine44
Error messages, refer to Check
Control60
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC63
Event data recorders118
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system90
Exterior mirrors38
– adjusting38
– automatic heating38
– folding in and out38
External audio device85
External care
– 119Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away135
– for tying down loads95
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control60
Failure of an electrical
consumer133
Fasten safety belts reminder,
refer to Seat belt
reminder37
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts37
Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner80
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control82
Fine wood, care122
First aid pouch134
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock43
Flash when locking/
unlocking20
Flat tire
– Run-Flat Tires111
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM66
Flat Tire Monitor FTM65
– indicating a flat tire66
– initializing the system65
– malfunction66
– snow chains65
– system limits65
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition110
Floor mats, care121
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb125,127
Folding rear seat backrest92
Folding roof, refer to
Convertible top with
integrated sliding sunroof29
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely91
Footwell lamps76For your own safety4
Front airbags70
Front fog lamps76
– indicator lamp138
– replacing bulb125
Front seat adjustment34
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows80,82
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor65
Fuel101
– gauge53
– high-quality brands101
– quality101
– specifications101
– tank capacity
156
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge53
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge53
Fuel filler door100
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction100
Fuses133
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control83
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption53
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge53
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel101
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic45
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission46
– manual transmission45
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– manual transmission45
General driving notes90

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
165
Rubber parts, care121
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires111
Run-Flat Tires111
– flat tire66
– new tires111
– tire inflation pressure102
– winter tires112
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-Flat
Tires111
S
Safety belts37
– damage38
– indicator lamp37
– reminder37
– sitting safely34
Safety belts, care122
Safety systems
– airbags70
– Antilock Brake System
ABS63
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC63
– safety belts37
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires111
Screw thread for tow
fitting136
Seat adjustment
– mechanical35
Seats34
– adjusting the seats35
– heating37
– sitting safely34
Securing the vehicle
– from inside22
– from outside19
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock46
– overriding manually47Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance134
Service data in the remote
control117
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS117
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance134
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS117
Service requirements57
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode56
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– manual transmission45
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions46
Side airbags70
Side turn signal indicator
– replacing bulb126
Side windows, refer to
Windows28
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely34
– airbags34
– safety belts34
– with head restraint34
Size, refer to Dimensions153
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric27
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector33
Slot for remote control43
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray87
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment85
Snow chains112Socket for Onboard Diagnosis
OBD117
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances87
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires129
– inflation pressure102
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire129
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils115
Speed152
– with winter tires112
Speed control, refer to Cruise
control50
Speedometer12
Split rear backrest, refer to
Through-loading system93
Split rear seat backrest, refer to
Expanding the cargo bay92
Sport button64
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems62
Start/stop button43
– starting the engine44
– switching off the engine44
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting134
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine44
Starting the engine
– start/stop button43
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC63
– Hill Start Assist64
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing4
Steering wheel39
– adjustment39
– buttons on steering wheel11
– lock43
– shift paddles
46
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic45
Storage area
– cargo bay92