CONTROLSDriving
50
The extractor hook is in the onboard
document holder or in the pouch for
the tire-changing set, page 162.<
4. Pull the loop up.
5. Move the selector lever into the desired
position by pressing the button on the front
of the selector lever.
Before manually unlo cking the selector
lever lock, firmly set the parking brake to
prevent the vehicle from rolling away. <
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
1Turn signal
2 Headlamp flasher
Using turn signals
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
To turn off manually, press the lever to the resis-
tance point. Unusually rapid flashing of the indicator
lamp indicates that an indicator bulb has
failed. <
Signaling a turn briefly
Press the lever as far as the resistance point for
as long as you wish to signal a turn.
Triple turn signal activation
Press the lever as far as the resistance point.
You can set whether the turn signal flashes once
or three times. 1.
Switch on the ignition, refer to page 45.
2. Press the button in the turn signal indicator
as often as necessary until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
3. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
4. Press the button as often as necessary until
the symbol and "SET" are displayed.
5. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
6. Press the button repeat edly until the display
shows the illustra ted symbol, arrow.
7. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
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Controls overviewCONTROLS
61
Service requirements
The remaining driving distance and the date of
the next scheduled service are briefly displayed
immediately after you start the engine or switch
on the ignition.
The extent of service work required can be
read out from the remo te control by your
MINI dealer. <
Displaying vehicle check
For certain maintenance operations, you can
view the respective distance remaining or due
date individually in the tachometer.
1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page 45.
2. Press the button in the turn signal indicator
as often as necessary until "SET/INFO" is
displayed.
3. Press and hold the butt on until the display
changes. 4.
Press the button repeatedly until the corre-
sponding symbol and "SERVICE- INFO" are
displayed.
5. Press and hold the butt on until the display
changes.
6. Press the button to display the individual
service items, refer to the following informa-
tion.
Possible displays
1 Button for select ing information
SymbolFunction
Engine oil
Front brakes
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CONTROLSControls overview
62
More information on the MINI Maintenance
System can be found on page149.
Clock
Setting the time
Radio MINI Boost CD:
1.Press the MENU button.
2. Press the button.
3. Press the button.
4. Select the desired menu item, "FORMAT",
"HRS" or "MIN", and then press the button.
5. Turn the knob on the right to set values.
6. Press the knob on the right to store values.
7. Press the button to exit setting
values.
Date
Setting date
Radio MINI Boost CD:
1. Press the MENU button.
2. Press the button.
3. Press the button.
4. Select the desired menu item "DD", "MM" or
"YY".
5. Turn the knob on the right to set values.
6. Press the knob on the right to store values.
7. Press the button to exit setting
values.
Check Control
The concept
The Check Control monitors vehicle functions
and alerts you to any malfunctions in the sys-
Rear brakes
Road worthiness test
Vehicle check
Brake fluid
Exit display
59
Next setting or item of
information 59
SymbolFunction
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Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
65
property damage. Loud sound sources outside
or inside the car can drown out the PDC signal.<
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 stability 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 brak-
ing. Safe steering respon se is maintained even
during full braking. Act ive 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 dur-
ing 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 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 brakin g actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.
Every time that the engine is started, DSC is
ready to operate.
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC OFF indicator
lamp on the speedometer is on and DSC OFF is
displayed on the tachometer. DSC is deacti-
vated. Stabilizing 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
in the display elements go out.
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Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
67
Deactivating both DTC and DSC
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator lamp 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 (differentia l lock) in braking occur
to improve propulsion when drive wheels are
rotating unevenly, even when DSC is deacti-
vated.
Activating DSC
Press the button again: the indicator lamps go
out.
Hill Assist
Hill Assist aids you in co mfortably 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 backwa rd 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. <
ALL4 all-wheel drive system
ALL4 is the all-wheel drive system of your MINI.
The combined effects of ALL4 and DSC further
optimize the traction and dynamic driving
characteristics. The ALL4 all-wheel drive system
variably distributes the drive force to the front
and rear axle depending on the driving situation
and prevailing road conditions.
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.
Activating the system
Press the button.
The LED lights up.
SPORT is briefly displayed in the tachometer.
Deactivating the system
>Press the button again.
> Switch off the engine.
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Practical interior accessoriesCONTROLS
91
1.Turn handwheel counterclockwise until it
reaches the stop, arrow 1.
2. Push center armrest in the base plate gently
towards the back, arrow 2.
3. Raise the armrest in front and swing out.
Installing
1.Insert center armrest in the back into the
rear recess of the base plate, arrow 1.
2. Push to rear and sw ing down in front,
arrow 2.
3. Push center armrest in the base plate
forward.
4. Tighten handwheel by turning clockwise.
Ensure that the center armrest engages properly
when it is installed; ot herwise, it may be dam-
aged, for example, during braking maneuvers.
Storage compartments
Do not put any unsecured objects into the
interior of the vehicle; otherwise these
may endanger the occupants, e.g., during brak-
ing and evasive maneuvers. < Do not use the instrument panel as a shelf,
for example with non-slip mats; other-
wise, it could be damaged. <
In the vehicle interior
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, you
will find storage compartments in the front and
rear doors and in the center console.
Pockets
are provided on the backrest rear
panels of the front seats.
Center Rail
Various accessory parts ca n be attached to the
Center Rail and installed in different positions.
Do not use accessory parts near the hand
brake; otherwise these could be damaged
when the hand brake lever is operated.
In addition, do not po sition accessory parts
directly behind the center armrest on the rail;
otherwise they could be damaged upon open-
ing the center armrest. <
Smartphone holder
The upper part of the smartphone holder can be
rotated by 360°.
When installing in the front of the rail, ensure
that there is sufficient space, e.g., away from the
seat; otherwise, damage may be caused when
rotating.
1.Pull the lever 1 up to unlock the mounts.
2. First install the smartp hone on the Center
Rail with the mounts 2.
3. To secure, push lever 1 down. Ensure that
the lever can lock it properly.
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
96
Things to remember when driving
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. Equipment is also described
that is not available because of, for example,
selected options or coun try version. This also
applies to safety relate d functions and systems.
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 trac-
tion potential until after 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
Ground clearance
When driving, ensure that there is suffi-
cient ground clearance, such as when
entering underground parking garages, driving
over curbs or when driving in winter; otherwise
damage to the vehicle may result. <
Closing tailgate
Only drive with the tailgate 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 tailgate open:
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
97
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2. Switch off recirculated -air mode and switch
the airflow control of the air conditioner or
automatic climate control to high, refer to
page 82 or 84.
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 sect ions of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact between
the hot exhaust system and any highly flamm-
able materials such as hay, leaves, grass, etc.
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. <
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 142.
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.
67.
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 movement range of the
pedals
Keep floor mats, carp et, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhi bit 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 appropri-
ately fastened. Make sure that the floor mats are
securely fastened again after they have been
removed, e.g. for cleaning. <
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there 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 avail-
able 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. <
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 828 - \251 07/12 BMW AG