CockpitAT A GLANCE
13
Indicator and warning
lamps
The concept
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in var-
ious combinations and colors in indicator area1
or 2.
Some lamps will be tested for proper functioning
when the engine is started or the ignition is
switched on and will therefore light up briefly.
Explanatory text messages
Text messages at the uppe r edge of the Control
Display explain the mean ing of the displayed
indicator and warning lamps. You can call up more information, e.g. on the
cause of a malfunction and on how to respond,
via Check Control, page
63.
In urgent cases, this information will be shown
as soon as the corresponding lamp lights up.
Indicator lamps without text messages
The following indicator lamps in display area 1
indicate certain functions:
High beams/headlamp flasher 83
Front fog lamps 83
Rear fog lamp 83
Lamp flashes:
DSC or DTC is regulating the drive
forces in order to maintain driving
stability 69
Parking brake applied 49
Engine malfunction with adverse effect
on exhaust emissions 212
Cruise control 55
Turn signals 52
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CONTROLSDriving
48
Radio readiness and ignition off
All indicator and warning lamps in the displays
go out.
The ignition switches off automatically if the
driver's door is opened. Pressing the Start/Stop
button again switches the ignition back on.
The ignition is not switched off in situations such
as the following:
> The clutch or brake is depressed
> The low beams are switched on
Starting the engine
Do not allow the engine to run in enclosed
areas; otherwise, inha lation of the noxious
exhaust gases can lead to loss of consciousness
and death. Exhaust gase s contain carbon mon-
oxide, an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic
gas. Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running; otherwise, such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.
Before leaving the car while the engine is run-
ning, place the transmission in neutral or move
the selector lever to position P and forcefully
apply the parking brake to prevent the car from
moving. <
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion or repeated start attempts in which
the engine does not start. Otherwise, the fuel is
not burned or inadequate ly burned and there is
a danger of overheatin g and damaging the cat-
alytic converter. <
Do not let the engine warm up with the vehicle
at a standstill. Move off immediately at a moder-
ate engine speed.
When starting the engi ne, do not depress the
accelerator pedal.
Manual transmission
Key in ignition lock or inside vehicle with Com-
fort Access, refer to page 33.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Depress the clutch.
3. Press the Start/Stop button.
Automatic transmission
Key in ignition lock or inside vehicle with Com-
fort Access, refer to page 33.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Shift the selector lever into position P or N.
3. Press the Start/Stop button.
The starter operates auto matically for a certain
time, and stops automati cally as soon as the
engine has started.
Switching off the engine
Always take the key with you when you
leave the vehicle.
When parking, apply the parking brake force-
fully; otherwise, the vehicle could begin to roll.
Secure the vehicle on steep upward and down-
ward slopes, for example, turn the steering
wheel towards the curb. <
Manual transmission
1.With the car at a standstill, press the Start/
Stop button.
2. Shift into first gear or reverse.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.
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DrivingCONTROLS
49
Automatic transmission
1.With the car at a stop, move the selector
lever to position P.
2. Press the Start/Stop button.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.
Before driving into a car wash
By following these steps, the vehicle is able to
roll:
1.Place the remote control, even with Comfort
Access, in the ig nition lock.
2. Depress the brake.
3. Move the selector lever to position N.
4. Switch off the engine.
Parking brake
The parking brake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it
brakes the rear wheels.
In addition, follow the instructions on page 48
under Switching off the engine.
Applying
The lever locks in position automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upward, pre ss the button and lower
the lever.
In exceptional cases, if the parking brake
has to be used to slow or stop the car, do
not pull the lever up too hard. In doing so, con-
tinuously press the button of the parking brake lever.
Otherwise, excessive force could lead to over-
braking and loss of traction, i.e. fishtailing, at the
rear axle.
<
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, press
the gearshift lever to the right. Otherwise,
the engine could be damaged if you inadvert-
ently shift into 3rd or 4th gear.<
Reverse gear
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
When the gearshift lever is pressed to the left, a
slight resistance ha s to be overcome.
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic
In addition to the fully automatic mode, you can
shift gears manually using Steptronic, page 51.
Parking the vehicle
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always
select position P and apply the parking
brake before leaving the vehicle with the engine
running. <
Removing the key
To remove the key from the ignition lock, first
move the selector lever into position P and then
switch off the engine: Interlock. Remove the key
from the ignition lock, refer to page 47.
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CONTROLSDriving
52
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 signals
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."Settings"
2. "Lighting"
3. "Triple turn signal" The setting is stored fo
r the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Wiper system
Do not turn on the wipers when they are
frozen; otherwise, th e wiper blades and
the windshield wiper motor may be damaged. <
Do not use the windshield wipers when
the windshield is dry; otherwise the wiper
blades may wear out faster or be damaged.<
1 Switching on wipers
2 Switching off wipers or brief wipe
3 Activating/deactivating intermittent wipe or
rain sensor
4 Cleaning windshield and headlamps
Switching on wipers
Press the lever upward, arrow 1.
The lever automatically returns to its initial posi-
tion when released.
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Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
71
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. <
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.
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
The concept
The system does not me asure the actual infla-
tion pressure in the tires.
The system detects a pre ssure 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-
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
100
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, make sure that there is suf-
ficient ground clearance, such as when
entering underground parking garages, driving
over curbs or when driving in winter; otherwise
damage to the vehicle may result. <
Close tailgate/Split Rear Barn Doors
Only drive with the tailgate/Split Rear Barn
Doors closed. Failure to do so may endan-
ger passengers or other road users or may dam-
age the vehicle in the even t of an accident or a
braking and evasive maneuver. In addition,
exhaust gas may flow into the passenger com-
partment. <
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
101
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the tailgate/Split Rear Barn
Doors open:
1. Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2. Switch off the recirc ulated-air mode and
switch the airflow contro l of the heating, air
conditioner, or automatic climate control to
high, refe r to page 86 or 88.
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.
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. <
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 204.
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 driving off using Hill Assist,
refer to page 71.
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 exist-
ing 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 make
sure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this pro-
cess helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that. Then full braking fo rce will be immediately
available when it is needed.
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MOBILITYCare
214
>Remove additional atta chments, e.g. spoil-
ers or telephone antennas, if there is a pos-
sibility that they could be damaged.
> Insert the remote control into the ignition
lock.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, make sure that
the vehicle can roll:
1.Place the remote control, even with Comfort
Access, in the ignition lock.
2. Move the selector lever to position N.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Switch off the engine.
5. Insert the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, make sure th at you maintain suf-
ficient distance from the vehicle and do not
exceed a maximum temperature of 140 7/
60 6 .
If the distance is too close, the pressure too high,
or the temperature too high, parts of the vehicle
can be damaged, or water can penetrate.
Observe the operating instructions for high-
pressure washers. <
Do not spray sensors such as Park Dis-
tance Control with high-pressure washers
for a long time or at a di stance of less than 1 ft/
30 cm. <
Manual washing
Use a great deal of water and, if necessary, car
shampoo when washing your car by hand. Clean
the vehicle with a sponge or a washing brush
applying a slight amount of pressure.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or turn off the ignition
to prevent unintentional wiping. <
Observe local regulations regarding wash-
ing vehicles by hand. <
Headlamps
Do not wipe dry and do not use abrasive or cor-
rosive cleaning agents. Remove dirt and con-
tamination, such as inse cts, by soaking with
shampoo and then washing with plenty of
water.
Do not remove accumulated ice and snow with
an ice scraper; use window deicers instead.
Windows
Clean the outside and inside of the windows and
mirrors with a window cleaner.
Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners
containing quartz. <
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and change regularly to
prevent the formation of streaks.
Wax, preservatives and dirt on the win-
dows cause streaks wh en the windshield
wipers are on, and can cause premature wear of
the wiper blades and interfere with the rain sen-
sor. <
Paintwork, care
Regular care helps your vehicle retain its value
and protects the paint from the long-term
effects of aggressive substances.
Environmental influences in areas with
increased air pollution or natural contaminants,
such as tree sap or pollen, can affect the vehicle
paintwork. It is therefore important to adjust the
frequency and extent of vehicle care corre-
spondingly.
Immediately remove any pa rticularly aggressive
substances, such as fuel that has overflowed, oil,
grease, brake fluid, or bird droppings; otherwise,
paint damage can be caused.
Removing paintwork damage
Depending on the severity of the damage,
immediately repair stone damage or
scratches to prevent rusting. <
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