2011 MINI COOPER ABS

CONTROLSOpening and closing
34
For better control
>The LED lights up during convertible top
operation until the opening or closing
procedure is completely finished.
> The LED flashes after releasing the switch.
The opening or closing procedure has not
yet been completed. The procedure can be
continued in the desired direction by
pressing the appropriate switch.
> The indicator lamp Convertible top not
locked, refer to page 174, lights up.
Interruption
A convertible top which is not completely
open or closed is hazardous. <
The automatic movement is immediately inter-
rupted when the button for the convertible top
operation is released. The procedure can be
continued in the desired direction by pressing
the appropriate button.
If the opening or closing procedure is inter-
rupted by releasing the respective button, the
convertible top stays in its current position for
several seconds before it slowly moves into a
more stable position. The procedure can be
continued by pressing the appropriate button.
The opening and closing procedure is also inter-
rupted in case of a mech anical blockage. In this
case, in order to operate the convertible top
again:
1. Switch off the ignition and then switch it on
again.
2. Press the button to continue the procedure
in the desired direction.
Opening and closing procedure
Do not interrupt and restart the closing
procedure several times one after
another, or the convertible top mechanism
could be damaged. < If the convertible top can be moved in only
one direction after several consecutive
attempts to operate it, the convertible top
system has overheated. A llow the system to cool
down for approx. 4 minutes. <
If the battery was disconnected, e.g. for
changing batteries or vehicle storage,
reinitialize the power windows, refer to page 31.
Otherwise, the windows cannot be lowered or
the convertible top cannot be opened. <
Convenient operation
For Convenient operation using the remote
control, refer to page21; for operation via the
door lock, refer to page 24.
Manual closing in the event of an
electrical malfunction
Only close the convertible top manually if
it is absolutely necessary. Never open it
manually. Improper handli ng of the convertible
top can result in damage . The closing procedure
must be completely finished. Otherwise,
damage or injury could result. <
Before closing
1.Remove Allen key and screwdriver from
vehicle tools, refer to page157.
2. Pry out luggage compartment lamp from
the left side trim using the screwdriver.
3. Use the screwdriver and turn the gold-
colored screw, refer to arrow, one and a
half turns in the direction of the arrow.

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
67
Driving stability control
systems
Your MINI has a number of systems that help to
maintain the vehicle's st ability even in adverse
driving conditions.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with driving stab ility 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
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
Braking safely, refer to page 97.
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
during 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
distance 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
accelerate.
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 br aking actions at the
individual 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.

DRIVING TIPSThings 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
traction potential until af ter 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 distan ce 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 the liftgate
Only drive with the liftgate closed. Failure
to do so may endanger passengers or
other road users or may damage the vehicle in
the event of an accident or a braking and eva-
sive maneuver. In addi tion, exhaust gas may
flow into the passenger compartment. <
If special circumstances make it absolutely
necessary to drive with the liftgate open:
1. Close all windows and the glass roof
*.
2. Switch off the recirculated-air mode and sig-
nificantly increase the air flow rate of the air
conditioner or automa tic climate control,
page 85 or 87.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated on 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.
Make sure that when driving, idling or when
parking, no easily flamma ble materials, such as
hay, leaves, grass, etc. come into contact with
the hot exhaust system. Such contact could lead
to a fire, with the risk of serious personal injuries
and property damage. Do not touch hot exhaust
tail pipes. Otherwise, there is a risk of burns. <

Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
97
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form betw een 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. <
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page 143.
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 drivin g off using Hill Assist,
refer to page 69.
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 steeri ng 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 functioning properly.
Objects in the move ment range of the
pedals
Keep floor mats, carpet, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhibit the function of the
pedals during driving.
Do not place additional floor mats onto an
existing one or onto other objects. Only use floor mats that
have been approved for
the vehicle and can be appropriately fastened.
Make sure that the floo r mats are securely fas-
tened again after they have been removed, e.g.
for cleaning. <
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or ther e 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
available when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheatin g 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. <
You can increase the engine's braking effect
by shifting down, all the way to first gear if
necessary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mo de of the automatic transmis-
sion, page 49.
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 th e 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. <

MOBILITYWheels and tires
144
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 continui ng to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page 71.
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 haza rds. 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 resu lt 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 an d tire combination for
your vehicle.
The correct combin ation 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. Afte r a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pr essure 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 page 73. Your MINI dealer will
be glad to advise you.

MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
170
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other vehi-
cle has a voltage of 12 volts and approxi-
mately the same capacitance in Ah. This
information can be found on the battery.
2. Switch off the engine of the support vehicle.
3. Switch off any consumer s in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles; otherwise,
there is a danger of shorting. <
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order, so that no sparks which could cause
injury occur. <
1. Open the battery cover in the engine
compartment to access the positive terminal
of your MINI.
2. Release the tabs on the left and right sides of
the positive terminal cover
*, arrows 1, and
lift the cover to open, arrow 2.
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 te rminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a star ting-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 te rminal 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. <

MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
180
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is
activated, refer also to page68
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC
and Dynamic Traction Control DTC
are deactivated, refer also to page 67Driving stability limited during
acceleration and cornering.
Driving style must be adjusted.
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC
and Dynamic Traction Control DTC
have failed. Driving stability limited during
acceleration and cornering.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
Indication in US models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Tire Pressure
Monitor, have failed, refer also to
page 67 Reduced braking and driving stability.
Drive cautiously and think well ahead.
Avoid braking with full force, driving
on rough tracks, and depressing the
accelerator pedal to full throttle or
kickdown position. Have the system
checked immediately.
Indication
* in Canadian models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Flat Tire Moni-
tor or the Tire Pressure Monitor
*,
have failed, refer also to page 67Reduced braking and driving stability.
Drive cautiously and think well ahead.
Avoid braking with full force, driving
on rough tracks, and depressing the
accelerator pedal to full throttle or
kickdown position. Have the system
checked immediately.
12Cause What to do

194
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
INDEX
A
ABS Antilock Brake System67
Accessories, refer to Your individual vehicle 4
Acknowledgment signals for
locking/unlocking vehicle 23
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 88
Adaptive Light Control 80
Additives
– coolant 149
– engine oil 149
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 85
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 86
Airbags 75
– sitting safely 37
– warning lamp 77
Air conditioner 84
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 85
– automatic cl imate control86
– ventilation 88
Air distribution
– automatic 87
– individual 86
– manual 86
Air flow rate 85,87
– air conditioning system 85
– automatic cl imate control87
– heating, ventilation 85
Airing, refer to Ventilation88
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 84
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure 134Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 85,87
Air supply
– air conditioner 85
– automatic climate control 86
– ventilation 88
Air vents 84
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 133
Alarm system 27
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 145
Always Open Timer 58
Ambient air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 85,87
Ambient lighting 83
Antenna, care 153
Antifreeze
– coolant 14
9
– washer fluid 53
Antilock Brake System ABS 67
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system 27
Anti-theft system 21
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights 191
Approved engine oils 149
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights 191
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 92
Ashtray 93
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 67
Audio device, external 91Automatic
– air distribution
87
– air flow rate 87
– cruise control 54
– headlamp control 78
Automatic climate control 84
– automatic air distribution 87
Automatic station search 107
Automatic station storage 108
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 48
– interlock 49
– overriding selector lever lock 50
– shiftlock 49
– sport program 49
AUTO program for automatic climate control 87
Auto radio, refer to Radio MINI Boost CD 106
AUX-IN, refer to External audio device 91
AUX In connection 106
Average fuel consumption 57
– setting the units 61
Average speed 57
Axle loads, refer to Weights 191
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 83
Backrests, refer to Seats 38
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 161,162
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 169
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 172