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71
NAVIGATION REFERENCE
5.If necessary, move the highlight marker to
the uppermost field. Select "PDC".
6.Select "PDC display on".
The PDC display is activated. It is shown on
the Control Display as soon as PDC is activated.
The setting is stored for the remote control in
use.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for esti-
mating the distance between the vehicle
and any obstructions always remains with the
driver. Sensors, too, have blind spots in which
objects cannot be detected. Moreover, ultra-
sonic detection can reach its physical limits with
objects such as trailer tow bars and couplings,
thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low
objects already indicated, such as curbs, may
enter the sensors' blind spots before or after a
continuous audible signal is given. Higher, pro-
truding objects, such as wall ledges, may not be
detectable. Therefore, always drive cautiously;
otherwise, there is a risk of personal injury or
property damage. Loud sound sources outside
or inside the car can drown out the PDC signal.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your MINI has a number of systems that help to
maintain the vehicle's stability even in adverse
driving conditions.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with driving stability control systems.
An appropriate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Therefore do not reduce the additional safety margin by engaging
in hazardous driving thereby running the risk of
an accident.<
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 page97.
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.
Technology for driving comfort and safety
72
DSC also encompasses the following functions:
>Antilock Brake System ABS
>Electronic brake-force distribution EBV
>Brake Assist
>Cornering Brake Control CBC
>Hill 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
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.
Things to remember when driving
96
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:
>Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown 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 splitdoor
Drive the vehicle only when the splitdoor
is closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could
penetrate the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the splitdoor open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof
*.
2.Switch off the recirculated-air mode and sig-
nificantly increase the air flow rate of the
automatic climate control, page86.
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.<
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.<
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NAVIGATION REFERENCE
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page164.
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 Assist
*,
refer to page73.
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.
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mode of the automatic transmis-
sion, page49.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine brak-
ing 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
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
In the MINI Cooper S, the coolant pump may
continue to run for some time after the engine is
switched off. This will generate noise in the
engine compartment.
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NAVIGATION REFERENCE
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, page74.
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.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor TPM
electronics
When mounting new tires or changing over from
summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only use
wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise, the Tire
Pressure Monitor may not be able to detect a
puncture, refer to page77. Y o u r M I N I d e a l e r w i l l
be glad to advise you.
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.
MOBILITYAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS ENTERTAINMENT
187
NAVIGATION REFERENCE
2.Release the tabs of the positive terminal
cover
* on the left and right, arrows1, and
lift the cover to open, arrow2.
3.Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or to a starting-aid terminal of the
vehicle providing assistance.
4.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of
the vehicle to be started.
5.Attach one terminal clamp of the minus/–
jumper cable to the negative terminal of the
battery or to an engine or body ground of
the assisting vehicle.
Body ground in MINI:
6.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the donor vehicle and
allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly
increased idle speed.
2.Start the engine of the other vehicle in the
usual manner. If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting, towing
away
Observe the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-
cles.<
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the MINI.
It is stored in the onboard vehicle tool kit in the
cargo bay underneath the cover on the right-
hand side, page176.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise, the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Push out the cover of the towing eye out of the
recess in the bumper.
Everything from A to Z
200
Everything from A to Z
INDEX
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions and tells
you where to find them.
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Acknowledgment signals for
locking/unlocking vehicle28
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control87
"Add to destination list"111
Additives
– coolant169
– engine oil169
Address for navigation
– deleting117
– entering108,111,116
– selecting116
– storing116
– storing current position116
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control86
Adjusting the sound during
audio playback, refer to Tone
control133
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate control86
– ventilation87
Air distribution
– automatic86
Air flow rate86
– automatic climate control86
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure158
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode86Air supply
– automatic climate control86
– ventilation87
Air vents85
Airbags79
– sitting safely37
– warning lamp80
Airing, refer to Ventilation87
AKI, refer to Fuel grade157
Alarm system31
"All channels"141
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires166
"AM", waveband132
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode86
Ambient lighting84
Antenna, care172
Antifreeze
– coolant169
– washer fluid52
Antilock Brake System ABS71
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system31
Anti-theft system27
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights
194
Approved engine oils169
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights194
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest90
Arrival time
– computer57
– destination guidance120
"Arrow display" in
Navigation121
Ashtray91
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC71Audio132
– controls132
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133
Audio device, external90
AUTO program for automatic
climate control86
Automatic
– air distribution86
– air flow rate86
– cruise control53
– headlamp control81
– storing of stations136
Automatic climate control85
– automatic air distribution86
Automatic station search136
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic48
– interlock48
– overriding selector lever
lock50
– shiftlock48
– sport program49
"Autostore"
– on the radio137
"AUX"149,151
– AUX-IN port149
– USB audio interface150
AUX-IN port149
AUX-IN, refer to External audio
device90
Average fuel consumption56
– setting the units60
Average speed57
"Avoid ferries" in
Navigation118
"Avoid highways" in
Navigation118
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
201
Avoid highways in
navigation118
"Avoid tollroads" in
Navigation118
Axle loads, refer to
Weights194
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting84
Backrests, refer to Seats37
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb179
Balance, tone control133
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch186
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away188
Bass sounds, refer to Tone
control133
Bass sounds, refer to Treble
and bass133
Bass, tone control133
Battery185
– charging185
– disposal34,185
– jump-starting186
– temporary power failure185
Battery renewal
– remote control34
Being towed188
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts40
Belts, refer to Safety belts40
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders91
Black ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning55
Blower, refer to Air flow rate86
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders91
Brake Assist71
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements60Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs179
Brake pads, breaking in96
Brake rotors97
– brakes96
– breaking in96
Brake system96
– breaking in96
– disc brakes97
– MINI Maintenance
System170
Brakes
– ABS71
– breaking in96
– MINI Maintenance
System170
– parking brake47
– service requirements60
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely97
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance186
Break-in period
96
Breaking in the clutch96
"Brightness" on the Control
Display69
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs176
Button for starting the
engine46
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders91
Capacities194
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery185
Car care172
"Car Data"57
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls26Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest90
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car radio, refer to Radio135
Car wash, care172
Car washes172
Care172
– car washes172
– car-care products172
– CD/DVD drives175
– external172
– high-pressure washers172
– internal174
– leather174
– manual washing173
– upholstery and fabrics174
– windows173
– wiper blades173
Cargo area
– capacity194
Cargo bay98
– Comfort Access33
– doors, refer to Splitdoor31
– lamp83
– opening from outside31
– trunk lid, refer to Splitdoor31
Cargo bay doors, refer to
Splitdoor31
Cargo bay, expanding98
Cargo bay lamp83
Cargo bay partition net, refer
to Partition net99
Cargo loading99
– securing cargo100
– stowing cargo100
– vehicle98
Cargo, securing100
Carpets, care174
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system96
"Categories"141
"CD"132,143