ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
60
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,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 safe t y m a r g i n b y e n g a g i n g
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 page 91.
ABS is operational every time you start the
engine.
Cornering Brake Control CBC
Driving stability and stee ring 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 unstabl e 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 ve
hicle maintain a safe
course within physical limits by reducing engine
output and through braking 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 propulsion 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 stabil ity, 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
The indicator light on the tachometer is
flashing:
The DSC controls the driving and brak-
ing forces.
The indicator light DSC OFF on the
speedometer is on and DSC OFF is dis-
played on the tachometer:
DSC is deactivated.
Technology for driving comfort and safetyControls
61
Dynamic Traction Control DTC*
The concept
D TC is a ty pe o f DSC t hat is prop ulsion op timiz ed
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 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
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 Co ntrol DSC is deacti-
vated; the Dynamic Tracti on 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 button again, the indicator light DSC OFF
on the speedometer and TRACTION on the
tachometer go out.
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 stab ilizing interventions.
Interventions (differential lock
*) in braking
occur to improve propulsion when drive wheels
are rotating unevenly, even when the DSC is
deactivated.
Technology for driving comfort and safetyControls
63
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 styl e of driving: slip in
the drive wheels, high lateral acceleration
> Snow chains are attached
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 butt on until the display
changes. 4.
Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
corresponding symbol and "RESET" are dis-
played.
5. Press and hold the butt on 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 136, 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
137
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 your MINI recommends the
use of winter tires on snowy roads or if temper-
atures drop below 457/ +76. Although all-sea-
son 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 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 side wall 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.
> 195/60 R 16 M+S
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 61.<
ReferenceEverything from A to Z
184
Flat Tire Monitor FTM62
– indicating a flat tire 63
– initializing the system 63
– snow chains 63
– system limits 63
Flat tires, refer to Tire condition 135
Floor mats, care 146
Floor plate, refer to Flat load floor 94
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 150
Folding rear seat backrest 92
Footbrake, refer to Braking safely 91
Footwell lamps 75
For your own safety 5
Four-wheel drive, refer to ALL4 62
Front airbags 68
Front fog lamps 74
– indicator lamp 162
– replacing bulb 150
Front seat adjustment 33
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows 78,80
FTM, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 62
Fuel 129
– gauge 51
– high-quality brands 129
– quality 129
– specifications 129
– tank capacity 179
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel gauge 51
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption 52
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 51
Fuel filler flap 128
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction 128
Fuses 156G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 81
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel
consumption 52
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel gauge 51
Gasoline, refer to Required fuel 129
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 44
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission 44
– manual transmission 43
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 44
– manual transmission 43
General driving notes 90
Glass roof, electric 29
– convenient operation 22,24
– opening, closing 30
– remote control 22
– tilting 29
Glove compartment 83
Grills, refer to Air vents 76
Gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 178
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb 149
Handbrake, refe r to Parking
brake 43
Hands-free system 14,122
Hazard warning flashers 14
HD Radio 105
Head airbags 68
Head Light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 73
Head restraints 34
– sitting safely 32 Headlamp control,
automatic 71
Headlamp flasher 46
– indicator lamp 11,162
Headlamp glass lens 149
Headlamps
– replacing bulb 149
Headlamps, care 145
Heated
– mirrors 36
– rear window 77,79
– seats 35
Heating 76
– mirrors 36
– rear window 77,79
– seats 35
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing cargo 96
Height adjustment
– seats 33
– steering wheel 37
Height, refer to
Dimensions 177
High beams 74
– headlamp flasher 74
– indicator lamp 162
– replacing bulb 149
High water, refer to Driving
through water 91
Hill Assist 62
Hills 91
Holders for cups 85
Homepage 4
Hood 138
Horn 10
Hot exhaust system 90
Hydroplaning 91
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio 105
Ice warning, refer to External
temperature warning 52
Ignition 41
– switched off 42
– switched on 41
ReferenceEverything from A to Z
188
Roadside Assistance158
Roadside parking lamps 74
– replacing bulb 150
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements 55
Roof load capacity 178
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 97
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away 161
RSC Run-flat System Component, refer to Run-flat
tires 136
Rubber parts, care 145
Run-flat System Component RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires 136
Run-flat tires 136
– flat tire 63
– Flat Tire Monitor 63
– tire inflation pressure 130
– tire replacement 136
– winter tires 137
S
Safety belt
– number32
Safety Belt Reminder 36
Safety belts 35
– damage 36
– indicator lamp 36
– reminder 36
– sitting safely 32
Safety belts, care 147
Safety systems
– airbags 68
– Antilock Brake System ABS 60
– driving stability control systems 59
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 60
– safety belts 35
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires 136 Satellite radio
105
– enabling 105
Scan, listening to test
– Radio MINI Boost CD 104
Screw thread for tow fitting 160
Searching
– CD player 107
– radio 103
Searching for a music track
– CD 107
Seat adjustment
– mechanical 33
– rear 34
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 158
Service data in the remote control 142
Service Interval Display, refer to Condition Based Service
CBS 142
Service, refer to Roadside Assistance 158
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS 142
Service requirements 55
Setting the time format 103Setti
ngs
– clock, 12 h/24 h mode 54
Settings and information 52
Shift paddles 45
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 45
– manual transmission 43
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions 44
Side airbags 68
Side marker lamps, replacing bulbs 151
Side turn signal
– replacing bulb 151
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 29
Slot for remote control 41
Smokers' package, refer to Ashtray 85
Snap-in adapter
– inserting/removing 124
– use 114
Snap-in adapter, refer to Center armrest storage
compartment 83
Snow chains 137
Socket for On-Board Diagnosis OBD 143
Socket, refer to Connecting electrical appliances 86
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils 140
Speed 176
– with winter tires 137
Speed-dependent volume 102