
 63
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 

 65
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. 

Wheels and tires
126
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. This 
label is available at your tire dealer or MINI cen-
ter.
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 page64.< 

 175
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap116
– liftgate24
– transmission lock, automatic 
transmission48
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance148
Engine
– breaking in92
– data166
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
temperature53
– speed166
– starting45
– starting, Comfort Access26
– switching off45
Engine compartment128
Engine coolant, refer to 
Coolant129
Engine oil
– adding129
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils129
– alternative oil types129
– approved engine oils129
– capacity129
– checking level128
– dipstick128
– intervals between changes, 
refer to Service 
requirements58
– MINI Maintenance 
System131
Engine oil level, checking128
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data166
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting the engine45
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to Dynamic 
Stability Control DSC63
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system92Exterior mirrors39
– adjusting39
– automatic heating39
– folding in and out39
External audio device85
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing 
away150
– for tying down loads97
F
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control60
Failure of an electrical 
consumer147
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts38
Fault messages, refer to Check 
Control60
Filter
– microfilter for air 
conditioner80
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic 
climate control82
Fine wood, care136
First aid pouch148
Fixture for remote control, 
refer to Ignition lock44
Flash when locking/
unlocking21
Flat tire
– run-flat tires125
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM67
Flat Tire Monitor FTM65
– indicating a flat tire66
– initializing the system65
– snow chains65
– system limits65
Flat tires, refer to Tire 
condition124
Floor mats, care136
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb139,141
Folding rear seat backrest94
Folding roof, refer to 
Convertible top with 
integrated sliding sunroof30Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely93
Footwell lamps77
For your own safety5
Front airbags70
Front fog lamps76
– indicator lamp152
– replacing bulb139
Front seat adjustment36
Frost on windows, refer to 
Defrosting windows80,82
FTM, refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor65
Fuel117
– gauge53
– high-quality brands117
– quality117
– specifications117
– tank capacity170
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel 
gauge53
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption54
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge53
Fuel filler flap116
– releasing in the event of 
electrical malfunction116
Fuses147
G
Garage door opener, refer to 
Integrated universal remote 
control83
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel 
consumption54
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel 
gauge53
Gasoline, refer to Required 
fuel117
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic46
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission46
– manual transmission46 

 179
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Restraint systems
– for children41
– refer to Safety belts38
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic47
– manual transmission46
Roadside Assistance148
Roadside parking lamps75
– replacing bulb139
Roadworthiness test, refer to 
Service requirements58
Roof load capacity169
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack97
Rope, refer to Tow-starting, 
towing away151
RSC Run-flat System 
Component, refer to Run-flat 
tires125
Rubber parts, care135
Run-flat System Component 
RSC, refer to Run-flat 
tires125
Run-flat tires125
– flat tire66
– tire inflation pressure118
– tire replacement125
– winter tires126
S
Safety belt
– number35
Safety Belt Reminder39
Safety belts38
– damage39
– indicator lamp39
– reminder39
– sitting safely35
Safety belts, care136
Safety systems
– airbags70
– Antilock Brake System 
ABS63
– Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC63
– safety belts38Safety tires, refer to Run-flat 
tires125
Screw thread for tow 
fitting150
Seat adjustment
– mechanical36
Seats36
– adjusting the seats36
– heating38
– sitting safely35
Securing the vehicle
– from inside23
– from outside19
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic46
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic, refer to 
Shiftlock46
– overriding manually48
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic46
Service car, refer to Roadside 
Assistance148
Service data in the remote 
control131
Service Interval Display, refer 
to Condition Based Service 
CBS131
Service, refer to Roadside 
Assistance148
Service requirement display, 
refer to Condition Based 
Service CBS131
Service requirements58
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode57
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic47
– manual transmission46
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer 
to Changing selector lever 
positions46
Side airbags70Side turn signal
– replacing bulb140
Side windows, refer to 
Windows29
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely35
– airbags35
– safety belts35
– with head restraint35
Size, refer to Dimensions167
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof, 
electric28
Slipstream deflector, refer to 
Wind deflector33
Slot for remote control44
Smokers' package, refer to 
Ashtray87
Snap-in adapter
– inserting/removing113
– use102
Snap-in adapter, refer to 
Center armrest storage 
compartment85
Snow chains126
Socket for On-Board Diagnosis 
OBD131
Socket, refer to Connecting 
electrical appliances87
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires144
– inflation pressure118
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire144
Special oils, refer to Approved 
engine oils129
Speed166
– with winter tires126
Speedo, refer to 
Speedometer12
Speedometer12
Split rear backrest, refer to 
Through-loading system95
Split rear seat backrest, refer to 
Expanding the cargo area94
Sport button64
Stability control, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems62