Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
61
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,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 respon se is maintained even
during full braking. Act ive safety is thus
increased.
Braking safely, refer to page 91.
ABS is operational every time you start the
engine.
Cornering Brake Control CBC
Driving stability and steering characteristics are
further enhanced while braking in turns or dur-
ing a lane change.
Electronic brake-forc e 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
The concept
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. DSC also detects unstable driving conditions
such as when the vehicle'
s rear end fishtails or
the vehicle is sliding on its front wheels. In these
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe
course within physical limits by reducing engine
output and through brakin g actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.
Every time that the engine is started, the DSC is
ready to operate.
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC OFF indicator light
on the speedometer is on and DSC OFF is dis-
played on the tachometer. DSC is deactivated.
Stabilizing and pr opulsion promoting actions are
no longer executed.
When driving with snow chains or to 'rock free'
in snow, it can be helpfu l 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
in the display elements go out.
For better control
Indicator light on the tachometer is
flashing:
The DSC controls the driving and brak-
ing forces.
CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
62
The indicator light DSC OFF on the
speedometer is on and DSC OFF is dis-
played on the tachometer:
DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC*
The concept
DTC is a type of DSC that is propulsion optimized
for special road conditions such as uncleared
snowy roads. The syst em ensures maximum
propulsion though with restricted driving stabil-
ity. You therefore need to drive with suitable
caution.
In the following exceptiona l situations, it can be
useful to briefly activate DTC:
> When driving on snow-c overed 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 the DTC*
Press the button; the indicator light DSC OFF on
the speedometer comes on and TRACTION is
displayed on the tachometer. The Dynamic Stability Control DSC is deacti-
vated; the Dynamic Traction Control DTC is acti-
vated.
For better control
The indicator light on the tachometer is
flashing:
DTC controls the driving and braking
forces.
The indicator light on the speedometer
is on and TRACTION is displayed on the
tachometer:
DTC is activated.
Deactivating the DTC*
Press the button again ; the indicator light
DSC OFF on the speedometer and TRACTION on
the tachometer go off.
Deactivating the DTC* and DSC together
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator light DSC OFF on the speedometer comes
on and DSC OFF is displayed on the tachometer.
The Dynamic Traction Control DTC and Dynamic
Stability Control DSC are both deactivated. There
will be no more stabilizing interventions.
CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
64
System limitations
Sudden serious tire damage caused by
external influences cannot be indicated in
advance. <
A natural, even pressure loss in all four tires can-
not be detected. Therefore, check the tire infla-
tion pressure regularly.
In the following situatio ns, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
> System has not been initialized
> Driving on snowy or sl ippery 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
*, page 154, the Flat Tire Monitor can-
not function.
Initializing the system
The initialization process adopts the set inflation
tire pressures as refere nce values for the detec-
tion of a flat tire. Initia lization is started by con-
firming the inflation pressures.
Do not initialize the system when driving with
snow chains.
Using the button in the turn signal lever
1. Start the engine, but do not start driving.
2. Press the button on the turn signal indicator
as often as necessary until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
3. Press and hold the button until the display
changes. 4.
Press the button as often as necessary until
the corresponding symbol and "RESET" are
displayed.
5. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
6. Start driving.
Initialization is completed while the car is on
the move, without any feedback.
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing, which can be interrupted at any time.
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically. <
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamps come on in yellow
and red. An acoustic signal also sounds.
There is a flat tire or a major loss in tire
inflation pressure.
1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with cau-
tion. Avoid sudden braking and steering
maneuvers.
2. Check whether the vehicle is equipped with
normal tires or with run-flat tires
*.
Run-flat tires, refer to page 134, are identi-
fied by a circular symbol containing the let-
ters RSC on the tire sidewall.
If the vehicle is not equipped with run-flat
tires, do not continue driving; continuing
to drive can result in serious accidents.<
When a flat tire is repo rted, the Dynamic Stability
Control DSC is activated.
Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
135
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 roads during the winter, or if
temperatures drop below 45 7/ +7 6.
Although all-season M+S tires provide better
winter traction than summer tires, they gener-
ally 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 ti res, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view. This
label is available at your tire dealer or MINI
dealer.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires agains t 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 diff erent 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 fi ne-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI,
classified as road-saf e and recommended. Con-
tact your MINI deal er 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 page 62.<
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
183
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Assist 63
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 63
Driving lamps, refer to Parking lamps/low beams 72
Driving notes 90
Driving off on inclines, refer to Hill Assist 63
Driving stability control
systems 60
Driving through water 91
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes 90
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 82
DSC Dynamic Stability Control 61
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 62
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, refer to Brake Assist 61
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 61
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC 62
E
Eject button 106
Electrical malfunction
– door lock 24
– fuel filler flap 126
Electronic brake-force distribution 61
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 61
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock 24
– fuel filler flap 126
– transmission lock, automatic transmission 45
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance 157Engine
– breaking in
90
– data 176
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature 139
– speed 176
– starting 42
– starting, Comfort Access 28
– switching off 42
Engine compartment 137
Engine coolant, refer to Coolant 139
Engine oil
– adding 138
– additives, refer to Approved engine oils 138
– alternative oil types 138
– approved engine oils 138
– capacity 138
– checking level 137
– dipstick 137
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements 56
– MINI Maintenance
System 140
Engine oil level, checking 137
Engine output, refer to Engine
data 176
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine 42
ESP Electronic Stability Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 61
Exhaust system, refer to Hot exhaust system 90
Exterior mirrors 36
– adjusting 36
– automatic heating 36
– folding in and out 36
External audio device 85,100
External temperature display
– change units of measure 55
– in the on-board computer 55Eyes
– for tow-
starting and towing
away 159
– for tying down loads 95
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 58
Failure of an electrical
consumer 156
Fast forward
– CD 106
Fastening safety be lts, refer to
Safety belts 35
Fault messages, refer to Check
Control 58
Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner 80
– microfilter/activated- charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 82
Fine wood, care 145
First aid pouch 157
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 41
Flash when locking/
unlocking 22
Flat load floor 94
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 134
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 65
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 63
– indicating a flat tire 64
– initializing the system 64
– snow chains 64
– system limits 64
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition 133
Floor mats, care 144
Floor plate, refe r to Flat load
floor 94
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 149,150
Folding rear seat backrest 92
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
188
Safety belts35
– damage 36
– indicator lamp 35
– reminder 35
– sitting safely 32
Safety belts, care 145
Safety systems
– airbags 69
– Antilock Brake System ABS 61
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 61
– safety belts 35
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat tires 134
Satellite radio 104
– enabling 104
Scan, listening to test
– Radio MINI Boost CD 102
Screw thread for tow fitting 159
Searching
– CD player 106
– radio 101
Searching for a music track
– CD 106
Seat adjustment
– mechanical 33
Seats 33
– adjusting the seats 33
– heating 35
– sitting safely 32
Securing the vehicle
– from inside 24
– from outside 21
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 44
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock 44
– overriding manually 45
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 44 Service car, refe
r to Roadside
Assistance 157
Service data in the remote control 140
Service Interval Display, refer to Condition Based Service
CBS 140
Service, refer to Roadside Assistance 157
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS 140
Service requirements 56
Setting the time format 101
Settings
– clock, 12 h/24 h mode 55
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 45
– manual transmission 43
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
t
o Changing selector lever
positions 44
Side airbags 69
Side door, rear, refer to Club Door 26
Side turn signal
– replacing bulb 150
Side windows, refer to
Windows 30
Signal horn, refer to Horn 10
Sitting safely 32
– airbags 32
– safety belts 32
– with head restraint 32
Size, refer to Dimensions 177
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass roof, electric 30
Slot for remote control 41
Smokers' package, refer to Ashtray 87
Snap-in adapter
– inserting/removing 123
– use 112 Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment 85
Snow chains 135
Socket for On-Board Diagnosis OBD 141
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances 87
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires 153
– inflation pressure 128
Spare wheel, refer to Space- saver spare tire 153
Special oils, refer to Approved engine oils 138
Speed 176
– with winter tires 135
Speed-dependent volume 100
Speedo, refer to
Speedometer 12
Speedometer 12
Split Rear Barn Doors 26
– opening from outside 26
– unlocking with remote control 23
Split rear seat backrest, refer to Expanding the cargo area 92
Sport button 63
Stability control, refer to Driving stability control
systems 60
Start/Stop button 41
– starting the engine 42
– switching off the engine 42
Starting assistance, refer to Jump-starting 157
Starting, refer to Starting the engine 42
Starting the engine
– Start/Stop button 41
Start-off assi
stance, refer to
– DSC 61
– Hill Assist 63
Stations, refer to Radio MINI
Boost CD 102
Status of this Owner's Manual at time of printing 4