REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
57
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 page85.
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
breaking forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DSC is deactivated.
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Technology for driving comfort and safety
58
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
propulsion though with restricted driving stabil-
ity. You therefore need to drive with suitable
caution.
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 come on. The dynamic traction
control (DTC) and dynamic stability control (DSC)
are both deactivated. There will be no more sta-
bilizing interventions.
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.<
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REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
59
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.
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
*, page120, 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.
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Wheels and tires
102
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 your MINI recommends
winter tires for driving in adverse winter road
conditions. Although all-season M+S tires pro-
vide 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
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
that you do not swap the front wheels with the
rear wheels as this may impair the handling of
your MINI.
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 Clubman:
>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
(see page58).<
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REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
149
Engine oil
– adding105
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils105
– approved engine oils105
– capacity105
– checking level104
– dipstick104
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements52
– MINI Maintenance
System107
Engine oil level, checking104
Engine output, refer to Engine
data142
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine38
Error messages, refer to Check
Control54
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC57
Event data recorders108
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system84
Exterior mirrors33
– adjusting33
– automatic heating33
– folding in and out33
External audio device79
External care
– 109
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away125
– for tying down loads88
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control54
Failure of an electrical
consumer122
Fasten safety belts reminder,
refer to Seat belt
reminder32
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts32Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner74
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control76
Fine wood, care111
First aid pouch123
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock37
Flash when locking/
unlocking20
Flat tire
– Run-Flat Tires101
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM61
Flat Tire Monitor FTM59
– indicating a flat tire60
– initializing the system59
– malfunction60
– snow chains59
– system limits59
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition100
Floor mats, care111
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb115,117
Folding rear seat backrest86
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely85
Footwell lamps70
For your own safety4
Front airbags64
Front fog lamps70
– indicator lamp128
– replacing bulb115
Front seat adjustment29
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows74,76
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor59
Fuel93
– gauge48
– high-quality brands93
– quality93
– specifications93
– tank capacity144
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge48Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge
48
Fuel filler door92
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction92
Fuses122
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control77
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption48
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge48
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel93
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission40
– manual transmission39
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– manual transmission39
General driving notes84
Glass sunroof, electric27
– convenient operation20,22
– opening, closing27
– raising27
– remote control20
Glove compartment79
Grills, refer to Air vents72
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights144
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb114
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake39
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags64
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REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
153
Securing the vehicle
– from inside22
– from outside19
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock40
– overriding manually41
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance123
Service data in the remote
control107
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS107
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance123
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS107
Service requirements52
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode50
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– manual transmission39
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions40
Side airbags64
Side turn signal indicator
– replacing bulb116
Side windows, refer to
Windows28
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely29
– airbags29
– safety belts29
– with head restraint29
Size, refer to Dimensions143Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric27
Slot for remote control37
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray81
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment79
Snow chains102
Socket for Onboard Diagnosis
OBD107
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances81
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires119
– inflation pressure94
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire119
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils105
Speed142
– with winter tires102
Speed control, refer to Cruise
control45
Speedometer12
Split rear seat backrest, refer to
Expanding the cargo bay86
Sport button59
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems56
Start/stop button37
– starting the engine38
– switching off the engine38
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting123
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine38
Starting the engine
– start/stop button37
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC57
– Hill Start Assist58
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing4Steering wheel34
– adjustment34
– buttons on steering wheel11
– lock37
– shift paddles41
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic39
Storage area
– cargo bay86
Storage compartment, front
passenger side80
Storage compartments80
Storage space
– storage compartments80
Storing the vehicle112
Storing tires102
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments80
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires94
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine38
Switching off the engine
– start/stop button37
Switching the cooling function
on and off76
Symbols4
T
Tachometer47
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps116
– replacing bulb116
Tail lamps116
– replacing bulbs in MINI116
Tailgate23
– convenient access26
– opening from outside23
– opening/closing23
– unlocking with remote
control21
Tank volume, refer to
Capacities144
Technical data142
Technical modifications4
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