
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 65
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 page93.
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 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. 

Technology for driving comfort and safety
66
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 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 
deactivated.
Activating DSC
Press the button again: the indicator lamps 
go out.
Hill Assist
Hill 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 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 Assist only holds 
the vehicle for about 2 seconds, and it will start 
to roll backwards.< 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 67
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
*, page133, 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
*.< 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 115
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
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 page66.< 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 163
Engine
– breaking in92
– data154
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
temperature55
– speed154
– starting47
– starting, Comfort Access28
– switching off47
Engine compartment117
Engine coolant, refer to 
Coolant118
Engine oil
– adding118
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils118
– alternative oil types118
– approved engine oils118
– capacity118
– checking level117
– dipstick117
– intervals between changes, 
refer to Service 
requirements60
– MINI Maintenance 
System119
Engine oil level, checking117
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data154
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting the engine47
Error messages, refer to Check 
Control62
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to Dynamic 
Stability Control DSC65
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system92
Exterior mirrors41
– adjusting41
– automatic heating41
– folding in and out41
External audio device87
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing 
away137
– for tying down loads96F
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control62
Failure of an electrical 
consumer135
Fasten safety belts reminder, 
refer to Seat belt 
reminder41
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts40
Filter
– microfilter for air 
conditioner82
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic 
climate control84
Fine wood, care124
First aid pouch136
Fixture for remote control, 
refer to Ignition lock46
Flash when locking/
unlocking23
Flat tire
– run-flat tires114
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM69
Flat Tire Monitor FTM67
– indicating a flat tire68
– initializing the system67
– snow chains67
– system limits67
Flat tires, refer to Tire 
condition113
Floor mats, care123
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb127,129
Folding rear seat backrest94
Folding roof, refer to 
Convertible top with 
integrated sliding sunroof32
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely93
Footwell lamps78
For your own safety5
Front airbags72
Front fog lamps77,78
– indicator lamp140
– replacing bulb127Front seat adjustment37
Frost on windows, refer to 
Defrosting windows82,83
FTM, refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor67
Fuel103
– gauge56
– high-quality brands103
– quality103
– specifications103
– tank capacity158
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel 
gauge
56
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge56
Fuel filler flap102
– releasing in the event of 
electrical malfunction102
Fuses135
G
Garage door opener, refer to 
Integrated universal remote 
control85
Gasoline
– refer to Average 
consumption56
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel 
gauge56
Gasoline, refer to Required 
fuel103
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic48
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission48
– manual transmission48
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic48
– manual transmission48
General driving notes92
Glass sunroof, electric30
– convenient operation22,24
– opening, closing30
– raising30
– remote control22 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 167
Rubber parts, care123
Runflat System Component 
RSC, refer to Run-flat 
tires114
Run-flat tires114
– flat tire68
– new tires114
– tire inflation pressure104
– winter tires115
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-flat 
tires114
S
Safety belts40
– damage41
– indicator lamp41
– reminder41
– sitting safely37
Safety belts, care124
Safety systems
– airbags72
– Antilock Brake System 
ABS65
– Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC65
– safety belts40
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat 
tires114
Screw thread for tow 
fitting138
Seat adjustment
– mechanical38
Seats37
– adjusting the seats38
– heating40
– sitting safely37
Securing the vehicle
– from inside25
– from outside21
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic48
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic, refer to 
Shiftlock48
– overriding manually50Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic48
Service car, refer to Roadside 
Assistance136
Service data in the remote 
control119
Service Interval Display, refer 
to Condition Based Service 
CBS119
Service, refer to Roadside 
Assistance136
Service requirement display, 
refer to Condition Based 
Service CBS119
Service requirements60
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode59
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic49
– manual transmission48
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer 
to Changing selector lever 
positions48
Side airbags72
Side turn signal indicator
– replacing bulb128
Side windows, refer to 
Windows31
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely37
– airbags37
– safety belts
37
– with head restraint37
Size, refer to Dimensions155
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof, 
electric30
Slipstream deflector, refer to 
Wind deflector35
Slot for remote control46
Smokers' package, refer to 
Ashtray89
Snap-in adapter, refer to 
Center armrest storage 
compartment87Snow chains115
Socket for Onboard Diagnosis 
OBD119
Socket, refer to Connecting 
electrical appliances89
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires132
– inflation pressure104
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire132
Special oils, refer to Approved 
engine oils118
Speed154
– with winter tires115
Speed control, refer to Cruise 
control53
Speedometer12
Split rear backrest, refer to
Through-loading system95
Split rear seat backrest, refer to 
Expanding the cargo bay94
Sport button67
Stability control, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems64
Start/stop button46
– starting the engine47
– switching off the engine47
Starting assistance, refer to 
Jump-starting136
Starting, refer to Starting the 
engine47
Starting the engine
– start/stop button46
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC65
– Hill Assist66
Status of this Owner's Manual 
at time of printing4
Steering wheel42
– adjustment42
– buttons on steering wheel11
– lock46
– shift paddles49
Steptronic, refer to Automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic48