
Driving
52
Activating
1Resuming cruise control
2Activating/deactivating cruise control
3Maintaining, storing and increasing speed
4Maintaining, storing and decreasing speed
Indicator lamp in the speedometer lights up. The 
cruise control system is ready and can be acti-
vated.
Activating/deactivating cruise control
Press button 2.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
>When the brakes are applied
>When the clutch is depressed
>When the automatic transmission is in selec-
tion lever position N
>When the driving stability control system is 
active
Cruise control is not deactivated by depressing 
the accelerator pedal. Once the accelerator 
pedal is released, the stored speed is achieved 
again and maintained.
The stored speed is cleared when the ignition is 
switched off.
Maintaining current speed
Press button3.
The system maintains and stores the current 
vehicle speed.
If, on a downhill grade, the engine braking effect 
is not sufficient, the controlled speed may be 
exceeded. On uphill grades vehicle speed may 
drop if the engine output is insufficient.
Increasing speed
Press button3 repeatedly until the desired 
speed is reached. Every time you press the but-
ton, the speed increases by approx. 1 mph or 
2km/h.
Accelerating using the button
Press and hold button3.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on the 
accelerator pedal. After the button is released, 
the driving speed is maintained and stored.
Decreasing speed
Press button4 repeatedly until the desired 
speed is reached.
The functions here are the same as for increas-
ing the speed or accelerating, except that the 
speed will be decreased.
Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Press button 1.
The last speed stored is achieved again and 
maintained.
The stored speed is cleared when the ignition is 
switched off.
Display in tachometer*
Selected speed is displayed briefly.
If --- mph or --- km/h is displayed briefly in 
the tachometer, the conditions necessary 
for operation may not be fulfilled.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp in the tachometer 
lights up if the system fails.  

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AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Controls overview
Tachometer
Never operate the engine with the needle in the 
red overspeed zone of the gauge. In this range, 
the fuel supply is interrupted to protect the 
engine.
Displays in tachometer
1Current vehicle speed
2Odometer, trip odometer, outside tempera-
ture display
3Resetting the trip odometer
Outside temperature warning
When the displayed temperature sinks to 
approx. +377/+36, a signal sounds and a 
warning lamp lights up. There is an increased 
risk of black ice.
Black ice can also form at temperatures 
above +377/+36. Therefore, drive 
carefully, e.g. on bridges and sections of road in 
the shade; otherwise, there is an increased acci-
dent risk.<
Odometer and trip odometer
Resetting the trip odometer
With the ignition switched on, press knob 3 in 
the tachometer.
Units of measure
Select the respective units of measure, miles or 
km for the odometer as well as 7 or 6 for the 
outside temperature, page57.
Coolant temperature
A warning lamp will come on if the coolant, and 
therefore the engine, becomes too hot. 
Check coolant level, refer to page129.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 13.2 US gallons/50 liters.
You can find information on refueling on 
page117.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period, 
when you are driving in mountainous areas, for 
example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
The arrow next to the gas pump symbol of the 
fuel gauge points toward the side of the vehicle 
with the fuel filler flap. 

Controls overview
56
Settings and information
Operating principle
Certain settings and information are only avail-
able when the ignition is switched on, the vehi-
cle is at a standstill and the doors are closed.
1Button for:
>Selecting display
>Setting values
>Confirming selected display or set values
>Calling up computer information54
2Calling up Check Control60
3Displaying vehicle check61
4Initializing the Flat Tire Monitor65
Resetting the Tire Pressure Monitor675Setting formats and units of measure, reset-
ting to factory settings58
6Adjusting settings
>Confirmation signals when locking and 
unlocking the vehicle21
>Response during unlocking 
procedure19
>Automatic locking23
>Pathway lighting73
>Daytime running lights74
>Triple turn signal activation48
7Exiting the menu 

Controls overview
60
Clock
Setting the time
Setting time, refer to owner's manual for Radio 
Boost CD.
Date
Setting date
Setting date, refer to owner's manual for Radio 
Boost CD.
Check Control
The concept
The Check Control monitors vehicle functions 
and alerts you to any malfunctions in the sys-
tems monitored. Check Control messages 
involve indicator or warning lamps in the dis-
plays and, in some circumstances, an acoustic 
signal. To adjust the volume of the signal, refer 
to the Owner's Manual for Radio. 
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in var-
ious combinations and colors in the indicator 
areas 1 and2.
What to do in case of a malfunction
The meaning of each lamp in the event of a mal-
function and tips on how to respond are listed 
starting on page152.
Hiding Check Control messages
Press the button in the turn signal lever.
>Some Check Control messages are displayed 
until the malfunctions have been rectified. 
They cannot be hidden. If several malfunc-
tions occur at the same time, they are dis-
played in succession.
>Other Check Control messages are automat-
ically hidden after approx. 20 seconds, but 
remain stored.
 This symbol indicates that Check Control 
messages have been stored. Check Control mes-
sages can be viewed whenever it is convenient. 

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AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
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.
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-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
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 braking actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.
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.
The indicator lamp in the display ele-
ments lights up:
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 

Technology for driving comfort and safety
64
Activating DTC
Press the button, the indicator lamp for DTC 
lights up in the display elements and TRACTION 
is displayed in the tachometer.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes: 
DTC controls the driving and breaking 
forces.
The indicator lamp lights up and TRAC-
TION is displayed in the tachometer: 
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 backward.<
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.
>Cooper S, John Cooper Works: the engine 
sounds more sporty in coasting mode.
With automatic transmission:
>More rapid gear shifting in Sport program. 

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AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
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 system does not measure the actual infla-
tion pressure in the tires.
The system detects a pressure loss in a tire by 
comparing the rotational speeds of the individ-
ual wheels while moving.
In the event of a pressure loss, the diameter and 
therefore the rotational speed of the corre-
sponding wheel change. This is detected and 
reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
The system must have been initialized while the 
tire inflation pressure was correct; otherwise, 
reliable signaling of a flat tire is not ensured.
Initialize the system after every correction of the 
tire inflation pressure and after every tire or 
wheel change.
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 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
*, page145, the Flat Tire Monitor can-
not function.
Initializing the system
The initialization process adopts the set inflation 
tire pressures as reference values for the detec-
tion of a flat tire. Initialization 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.Briefly press the button in the turn signal 
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
3.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes. 

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AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Continued driving with a flat tire
When driving with a damaged tire:
1.Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu-
vers.
2.Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
3.At the next opportunity, check the air pres-
sure in all four tires.
If the inflation pressure is correct in all four 
tires, then the Tire Pressure Monitor may not 
have been reset. The system must then be 
reset.
Possible driving distance with complete loss of 
tire inflation pressure:
The distance it is possible to drive with a flat tire 
depends on the load and the stress on the vehi-
cle while driving.
With an average load, it may be possible to drive 
for approx. 50 miles/80 km.
When driving with damaged tires, the handling 
characteristics change, e.g. the vehicle will skid 
sooner when braking, braking distances will be 
longer, or self-steering response will change. 
Adapt your driving style accordingly. Avoid turn-
ing abruptly and driving over obstacles such as 
curbs, potholes, etc.
Since the possible driving distance depends to a 
considerable degree on the strain exerted on 
the vehicle while driving, it can be shorter or, 
with a gentle driving style, can also be longer, 
depending on the speed, road condition, out-
side temperature, vehicle load, etc.
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
A loss of tire inflation pressure results in a 
change in the handling characteristics, e.g. 
reduced lane stability during braking, a longer 
braking distance and altered self-steering prop-
erties.<
Vibrations or loud noises while driving can 
indicate complete failure of the tire. 
Reduce your speed and bring the vehicle to a 
stop; otherwise, pieces of tire may come off, 
which could result in an accident. Do not con-
tinue driving and contact your MINI center.<
Malfunction
The small warning lamp flashes in yel-
low and then lights up continuously; the 
larger warning lamp comes on in yel-
low. No punctures can be detected.
This type of message is shown in the following 
situations:
>If there is a malfunction.
Have the system checked.
>If a wheel without TPM electronics has been 
mounted.
>If TPM is temporarily malfunctioning due to 
other systems or devices using the same 
radio frequency.
Message for unsuccessful system reset
Both warning lamps come on in yellow. 
The system is not reset after a tire has 
been changed, for example.
Check the tire inflation pressure and 
reset the system, page67.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring 
Systems
Each tire, including the spare, should be 
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the 
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle 
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label. If your vehicle has tires of a 
different size than the size indicated on the vehi-
cle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you 
should determine the proper tire inflation pres-
sure for those tires. As an added safety feature, 
your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pres-
sure monitoring system TPMS that illuminates a 
low tire pressure telltale when one or more of 
your tires are significantly underinflated. 
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale 
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires 
as soon as possible, and inflate them to the 
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly 
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat 
and can lead to tire failure. Underinflation also 
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and 
may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping 
ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substi-