2011 MINI COOPER power steering

CockpitAT A GLANCE
15
1MINI: microphone for voice activation
system
* and for hands-free telephone*
MINI Convertible: microphone in the
steering column
2 Indicator/warning lamp
* for front
passenger airbags 76
4 Hazard warning flashers
5 Speedometer 12
6 Radio/CD
7 Air conditioner or automatic climate
control
*84 8
Switches in the center console
9 AUX-IN connection
USB audio interface
*113
10 Buttons on the center console
3
Reading lamps
*82
Color of ambient lighting
*83
Glass roof, electric
*30
MINI Convertible: opening and
closing the sliding/tilting roof 32
Interior lamps 82
Temperature
Recirculated-air mode
Air distribution for air conditioner
Air distribution to the windshield
*
Air distribution to the upper body
area
*
Air distribution to the footwell*
Automatic air distribution and flow
rate
*
Maximum cooling*
Cooling function
Defrosting windows
*
Rear window defroster
Windshield heating
*
Air flow rate
Seat heating
*40
Power windows 31
MINI Convertible: central power
window unit 31
Rear fog lamp
*81
Fog lamps
*81
Central locking system, inside 25
Sport button
*69
Driving stability control systems
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 67
Dynamic Traction Control

DTC*68

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. <

Giving and receiving assistanceMOBILITY
171
Tow-starting, towing
away
Observe the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing
vehicles. <
Do not transport an y passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed. <
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the MINI.
It is stored in the onbo ard vehicle toolkit in the
cargo area underneath the cover on the right-
hand side, page 157.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise, the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged. <
Access to screw thread
Push out the cover of the towing eye out of the
recess in the bumper.
Front Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page
46; otherwise, the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals, and windshield
wipers may be unavailable. Do not tow the vehi-
cle with just the rear ax le raised, as this would
allow the steering to turn. <
There is no power assist while the engine is off.
Thus, braking and steering will require increased
effort.
Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Tow vehicles with automatic transmission
only with a tow truck or with the front
wheels lifted; otherwise, the transmission can be
damaged. <

MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
176
Lights up in red:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.Check service requirements, page,
151.
Lights up in yellow:
The next time that the Start/Stop
button is pressed, the engine starts,
possibly even without a foot on the
brakes or without depressing the
clutch
Remote control malfunctioning or, in
cars with Comfort Access, not
detected The engine cannot be started. Have
the remote control
checked, if neces-
sary.
Remote control battery is discharged Use the remote control for a longer journey or, in cars with Comfort
Access, replace the battery.
Belt tensioners and/ or airbag system
failed Have the system checked immedi-
ately. Fasten the safety belts anyway.
Power steering failed You can continue your journey, but moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Steering response will be
markedly different. Have the system
checked without delay.
Lights up in red:
Engine malfunction Stop the car and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your
journey. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Full engine power no longer available Y ou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the engine
checked as soon as possible.
12Cause What to do

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
195
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 129
Battery 167
– charging 168
– disposal 30,168
– jump-starting 169
– temporary power failure 168
Battery renewal
– remote control 30
Being towed 171
Bell
– volume 106
Belts, refer to Safety belts 40
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety belts 40
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 93
Black ice, refer to External
temperature warning 57
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 85,87
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 120
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 93
Brake Assist 67
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 62
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs 162
Brake pads, breaking in 96
Brake rotors 98
– brakes 96
– breaking in 96
Brakes
– ABS 67
– breaking in 96
– MINI Maintenance
System 151
– parking brake 48
– service requirements 62
Brakes, refer to Braking safely 97 Brake system
96
– breaking in 96
– disc brakes 98
– MINI Maintenance
System 151
Breakdown service, refer to Roadside Assistance 169
Breaking in the clutch 96
Break-in period 96
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs 158
Button for starting the engine 46
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call
– accepting 124
– ending 124
– rejecting 124
Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing 124
Can holders, refer to Cupholders 93
Capacities 193
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery 167
Car care 153
Care 153
– car-care products 153
– car washes 153
– CD/DVD drives 156
– external 153
– high-pressure washers 154
– internal 155
– leather 155
– manual washing 154
– upholstery and fabrics 155
– windows 154
– wiper blades 154
Cargo, securing 101 Cargo area
98
– capacity 191
– Comfort Access 29
– cover 98
– lamp 82
– opening from outside 26
Cargo area, expanding 98
Cargo area lamp 82
Cargo area lid, refer to Liftgate 26
Cargo loading 100
– securing cargo 101
– stowing cargo 101
– vehicle 98
Car key, refer to Keys/remote controls 20
Carpets, care 156
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest 92
– refer to separate Owner's Manual
Car phone, refer to Telephone 118
Car wash, care 153
Car washes 153
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 96
CD player 111
– changing the track 112
– fast forward/reverse 112
– playing a track 112
– ran
dom order 112
– starting 111
– volume 106
Center armrest 92
Center brake lamp 163
Center console, refer to Around the center
console 14
Central locking system 21
– Comfort Access 28
– from inside 25
– from outside 21
Changing bulbs 158
Changing wheels 165

REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
200
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter tires 145
Maintenance, refer to Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Maintenance system 151
Malfunction
– convertible top 34
– liftgate 26
Malfunction warn ings, refer to
Check Control 64
Manual air distribution 86
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 49
Manual operation
– door lock 25
– fuel filler flap 132
– liftgate 26
– power convertible top 34
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 50
Manual station search 107
Manual transmission 48
Manual washing 154
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 20
Maximum cooling 87
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 145
Medical assistance, refer to First aid pouch 169
Microfilter
– for air conditioner 86
– for automatic climate
control 88
– MINI Maintenance System 151
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
– MINI Maintenance
System 151
Microphone for telephone 14MINI Internet page
4
MINI Maintenance System 151
Mirror dimming feature 42
Mirrors 41
– exterior mirrors 41
– heating 41
– interior rearview mirror 42
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume 124
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing 120
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 92
– pairing 120
– refer to separate Owner's Manual
– What to do if… 123
Mobile phone, installation location, refer to Center
armrest 92
Mobil

e phone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System 163
Modifications, technical, refer to For your own safety 5
Monitoring syst em for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 69
MP3 111
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel 11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/ headlamp flasher 51
– refer to Wiper system 52
Music tracks
– playing a track 112
– random order 112
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 39
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments 92
New tires 144 Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data 188
Number of safety belts 37
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope 172
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
On-Board Diagnosis 152
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel specifications 133
Odometer 56
Oil, refer to Engine oil 147
Oil consumption 147
Oil level 147
Oil types 148
Old batteries, refer to Disposal 168
Onboard vehicle toolkit 157
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access 28
– from inside 25
– from outside 21
– using the door lock 24
– using the remote control 21
Opening and unlocking
– from inside 25
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation 88
Outlets, refer to Air vents 84
Output, refer to Engine data 188
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control 87
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature 149
P
Paintwork, care155
Park Distance Control PDC 66
Parking
– vehicle 47
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC 66
Parking brake 48