
CONTROLSTransporting children safely
46
Transporting children safely
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.
The right place for 
children
Do not leave children unattended in the 
vehicle; otherwise, they could endanger 
themselves and/or other persons by opening the 
doors, for example. <
Children should always sit in the rear
Accident research has shown that the safest 
place for children is on the rear seat.
Only transport children under the age of 
13 or smaller than 5 ft/150 cm in the rear 
in a child restraint system suitable for their age, 
weight and size. Otherwise, there is an 
increased risk of injury in the event of an acci-
dent. <
Children 13 years of age or older must be buck-
led in with a safety belt  as soon as there no 
longer is any child restraint system that is appro-
priate for their age, size and weight.
Exception for front passenger seat
Front passenger airbags
Should it be necessary to use a child 
restraint system on the front passenger 
seat, the front and side  airbags must be deacti-
vated. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of 
injury to the child if th e airbags deploy, even if 
the child is seated in a child restraint system.< For more information on 
automatic deactivation 
of the front passenger airbags, refer to page 82.
Child restraint systems, 
installation
Before installing a child restraint system on the 
rear seats, move the seat  as far back as possible.
5-seater: adjust the inclination of the center 
backrest to the respective outer backrest.
After the child restr aint system has been 
installed on the respecti ve rear seat, move the 
backrest forward so that the it rests lightly 
against the child restrain t system, refer to Rear 
seat backrests on page 107.
Observe the child restraint system manu-
facturer's instructions when selecting, 
installing and using child restraint systems. Oth-
erwise, the protective effect may be dimin-
ished. <
On the front passenger seat
After installing a chil d restraint system on 
the front passenger se at, make sure that 
the front, side, and knee airbags for the front 
passenger are deactivated; otherwise, there is 
an increased risk of inju ry if the airbags deploy.<
Seat position
Before installing a child restraint system, move 
the front passenger seat as far back and up as 
possible to obtain the be st possible position for 
the belt. Do not change the seat position after 
this.
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Controls overviewCONTROLS
 61
The following information is displayed sequen-
tially:
> Trip odometer
> Time
> External temperature
Trip odometer
To display trip recorder:
Briefly press button 3.
Resetting the trip odometer:
While the trip recorder is displayed and the igni-
tion is switched on, press button 3.
Time
To set time, see page 66.
External temperature, external 
temperature warning
When the displayed temperature sinks to 
approx. +37 7/+3 6, a signal sounds and a 
warning lamp lights up. There is an increased 
risk of black ice.
Even at temperatures above +37 7/+3 6 
ice can form. Therefore, drive carefully, 
e.g. on bridges and sections of road in the 
shade; otherwise, there is an increased accident 
risk. <
Units of measure
Select the respective units of measure, miles or 
km for the odometer as well as  7 or 6  for the 
external temperature, page 64.
Computer
Displays in the tachometer
Press the button in the turn signal lever repeat-
edly to call up variou s items of information.
The following information is displayed sequen-
tially:
> Cruising range
> Average fuel consumption
> Current fuel consumption
> Average speed
To set the corresponding  units of measure, refer 
to Units of measure on page 64.
Cruising range
Displays the estimated cruising range available 
with the remaining fuel. The range is calculated 
on the basis of the way the car has been driven 
over the last 18 miles/30 km and the amount of 
fuel currently in the tank.
If the range displayed is less than 
30 miles/50 km, be sure to refuel; other-
wise, engine functions  are not guaranteed and 
damage could occur.<
Average fuel consumption
Calculated for the time the engine has been run-
ning.
With the trip computer, page 62, you can have 
the average fuel consumption for another trip 
displayed.
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CONTROLSControls overview
62
To reset average fuel consumption: press the 
button in the turn signal lever for approx. 
2seconds.
Current fuel consumption
Displays the current fuel consumption to allow 
you to see whether your current driving style is 
conducive to fuel economy with minimum 
exhaust emissions.
Average speed
Periods with the vehicle parked and the engine 
switched off are not included in the calculations 
of average speed.
With the trip computer, page 62, you can have 
the average speed for another trip displayed.
To reset average speed: press the button in the 
turn signal lever for approx. 2 seconds.
Displays on the Control Display
1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Onboard info" or "Trip computer"
Displays in the "Onboard info":
> Cruising range
> Distance from destination >
Probable arrival time when a destination has 
been input into the navigation system, 
page 120.
Displays in the "Trip computer":
> Departure time
> Trip duration
> Trip distance
Both displays show:
> Average fuel consumption and
> Average speed.
Resetting the fuel consumption and 
speed
To reset the values for the average speed and 
average fuel consumption:
1.Select the respective menu entry.
2. Press the MINI joystick to confirm the mes-
sage.
Resetting the trip computer
To reset all values:
1."Vehicle Info"
2. "Trip computer"
3. "Reset"
Settings and information
Operating principle
Certain settings and information are only avail-
able when the ignition is  switched on, the vehi-
cle is at a standstill and the doors are closed.
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Controls overviewCONTROLS
 67
4.Turn MINI joystick until the desired time 
zone is set and press the MINI joystick.
The time zone is stored.
Date
Setting date
1."Settings"
2. "Time/Date"
3. "Date:"
4. Turn MINI joystick until the desired day is 
displayed and press the MINI joystick.
5. Create the necessary settings for the month 
and year.
The date is stored.
Setting the date format
1. "Settings"
2. "Time/Date"
3. "Format:"
4. Select the desired format.
The settings are stored for the remote control 
currently in use, refer also  to Personal Profile on 
page 26.
Check Control
The concept
The Check Control monitors vehicle functions 
and alerts you to any ma lfunctions in the sys-
tems monitored. Check Control messages  involve indicator and warning lamps in the dis-
play and, in some circ
umstances, an acoustic 
signal as well as text  messages at the bottom of 
the Control Display.
Indicator and warning lamps
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in var-
ious combinations and colors in the indicator 
areas 1 and 2.
Text messages
Text messages at the upper edge of the Control 
Display explain the meaning of the displayed 
indicator and warning lamps.
Supplemental text messages
For most Check Control  messages, you can view 
more information  later, e.g. regarding the cause 
of a malfunction and how  to respond, refer to 
page 68.
In urgent cases, this  information will be shown 
as soon as the corresponding lamp lights up.
Exit display: 
"OK"
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CONTROLSControls overview
68
Hiding Check Control messages
Press the button in the turn signal lever.
> Some Check Control me ssages are displayed 
until the malfunctions have been rectified. 
They cannot be hidden. If several malfunc-
tions occur at the same time, they are dis-
played in succession.
>They are marked with the symbol 
shown here.
> Other Check Control messages are automat-
ically hidden after approx. 20 seconds, but 
remain stored.
>They are marked with the symbol 
shown here.
The  symbol indicates that Check Control mes-
sages have been stor ed. Check Control mes-
sages can be viewed whenever it is convenient.
Viewing stored Check Control messages
Stored Check Control me ssages can only be dis-
played if the driver's door is closed. 1.
Press the button in the turn signal indicator 
as often as necessary until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
2. Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
3. Press the button repeatedly until the corre-
sponding symbol and "CHECK INFO" appear 
in the display.
4. Press and hold the button.
If there are no Check Control messages, then 
"CHECK OK" is displayed.
If a Check Control message has been stored, 
the corresponding message is displayed. In 
addition, the text message appears on the 
Control Display. 
5. Press the button to  display any other mes-
sages.
Displaying on the onboard computer
1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Check Control"
4. Select a text message.
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CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
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enter the sensors' blind spots before or after a 
continuous audible signal is given. Higher, pro-
truding objects, such as wall ledges, may not be 
detectable. Therefore, always drive cautiously; 
otherwise, there is a risk of personal injury or 
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 stability 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 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 105.
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 detect
s 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 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, DSC is 
ready to operate.
Deactivating DSC
Press the switch until the DSC OFF indicator 
lamp on the speedometer lights up 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 helpfu l to switch off DSC for a 
brief period.
To increase vehicle stabil ity, activate DSC again 
as soon as possible.
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CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
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Deactivating both DTC and DSC
Press the switch 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 stabilizing interventions.
Interventions (differential lock) in braking occur 
to improve propulsion when drive wheels are 
rotating unevenly, even when DSC is deacti-
vated.
Activating DSC
Press the switch again: the indicator lamps in the 
display elements 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 driv e system of your MINI. 
The combined effects of  ALL4 and DSC further 
optimize the traction and dynamic driving char-
acteristics. The ALL4 all- wheel drive system vari-
ably 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 switch.
The LED lights up.
SPORT is briefly displayed in the tachometer.
Deactivating the system
>Press the switch again.
> Switch off the engine.
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CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
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Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamps come on in yellow 
and red. A message appears on the 
Control Display. 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 212, 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.
Actions in the event of a flat tire
Normal tires
1. Identify the damaged tire.
To do so, check the infl ation pressure in all 
four tires.
The inflation pressure display of the Mobility 
Kit, page 230, can be used for this purpose.
If the inflation pressure in all four tires is cor-
rect, the Flat Tire Mo nitor might not have 
been initialized. The system must then be 
initialized.
If it is not possible to  identify the damaged 
tire, contact your MINI dealer
2. Use the Mobility Kit to remedy the flat tire on 
the damaged wheel, refer to page 230.
Run-flat tires
You can continue driving with a damaged tire at 
speeds up to 50 mph or 80 km/h.
Continued driving with a flat tire
When driving with a damaged tire:
1.Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu-
vers.
2. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph or 
80 km/h.
3. At the next opportunity, check the air pres-
sure in all four tires.
If the inflation pressure in all four tires is cor-
rect, the Flat Tire Monitor might not have 
been initialized. The system must then be 
initialized.
Possible driving distance with complete loss of 
tire inflation pressure:
The distance it is possible to drive depends on 
the load and the stress on the vehicle while driv-
ing.
With an average load, it may be possible to drive 
for approx. 50 miles/80 km.
When driving with damaged tires, the handling 
characteristics change, e. g. the vehicle will skid 
sooner when braking, braking distances will be 
longer, or self-steerin g response will change. 
Adapt your driving style accordingly. Avoid turn-
ing abruptly and  driving over obstacles such as 
curbs, potholes, etc.
Since the possible driving distance depends to a 
considerable degree on the strain exerted on 
the vehicle while driving, it can be shorter or, 
with a gentle driving styl e, can also be longer, 
depending on the speed, road condition, exter-
nal temperature, vehicle load, etc.
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
A loss of tire inflation pressure results in a 
change in the handling characteristics, e.g. 
reduced lane stability during braking, a longer 
braking distance and alte red self-steering prop-
erties. <
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