CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
72
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The laws of physics cannot be repealed,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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Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
73
Activating DSC
Press the switch again: the DSC indicator lamps
in the display elements go out.
For better control
The indicator lamp on the tachometer is
flashing:
DSC controls the dr iving and braking
forces.
The indicator lamp DSC OFF on the
speedometer is on and DSC OFF is dis-
played on the tachometer:
DSC is deactivated.
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 conditio ns 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-c overed 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 DTC
Press the switch; the indicator lamp DSC OFF on
the speedometer comes on and TRACTION is
displayed on the tachometer.
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC is deacti-
vated; the Dynamic Traction Control DTC is acti-
vated.
For better control
The indicator lamp on the tachometer is
flashing:
DTC controls the driving and braking
forces.
The indicator lamp on the speedometer
is on and TRACTION is displayed on the
tachometer:
DTC is activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press switch again, the indicator lamps DSC OFF
on the speedometer and TRACTION on the
tachometer go out.
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Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
75
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
The concept
The system does not measure the actual infla-
tion pressure in the tires.
The system detects a pressure 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-
sponding wheel change. This is detected and
reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
The system must have been initialized while the
tire inflation pressure was correct; otherwise,
reliable signaling of a fl at tire is not ensured.
Initialize the system afte r every correction of the
tire inflation pressure and after every tire or
wheel change.
System limitations
Sudden serious tire damage caused by
external influences ca nnot 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
Status display
The current status of the Flat Tire Monitor can be
displayed on the Control Display, e.g. whether or
not the FTM is active.
1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status" 3.
"Flat Tire Monitor"
The status is displayed.
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.
1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Reset"
4. Start the engine, but do not start driving.
5. Select "Reset" to start the initialization.
6. Start to drive.
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing, which can be interrupted at any time.
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically. <
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Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
213
puncture, refer to page78. Your MINI dealer will
be glad to advise you.
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 ow n 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 45 7/+7 6. Although all-
season 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 DSC or activate DTC, refer to
page 73.<
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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
264
Engine malfunction
– indicator lamp13
Engine oil
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils 216
– alternative oil types 216
– approved engine oils 216
– capacity 216
– checking level 215
– dipstick 215
– intervals between changes, refer to Service
requirements 64
– MINI Maintenance System 218
Engine oil level, checking 215
Engine output, refer to Engine data 244
Engine starti ng, refer to
Starting the engine 51
Entering destination 120
Entering intersection 121
Entertainment sound output on/off 140
Entry map for destination 125
ESP Electronic Stability Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 72
Exhaust system, refer to Hot exhaust system 105
Exterior mirrors 44
– adjusting 44
– automatic dimming
feature 45
– automatic heating 45
– folding in and out 44
External audio device 97
External audio device, refer to AUX-In connection 153
External care 220
External devices
– random play sequence 156
– Software update 161
External temperature display
– change units of measure 64
– in the onboard computer 64External temperature
warning 61
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away 238
– for tying down loads 112
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 67
Failure of an electrical consumer 234
Fastening safety belts, refer to Safety belts 42
Fastest route for
navigation 129
Fast forward
– CD player 152
Fault messages, refer to Check Control 67
Faulty
– tire 76
Filter
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 91
– microfilter for air
conditioner 89
Fine wood, care 223
First aid pouch 236
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 50
Flash when locking/ unlocking 28
Flat load floor 109
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 212
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 77
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 75
– indicating a flat tire 76
– initializing the system 75
– snow chains 75
– system limits 75
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition 211
Floor mats, care 222 Floor plate, refer to Flat load
floor 109
FM, waveband 143
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 226
Folding rear seat backrest 106
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely 105
Footwell lamps 87
For your own safety 4
Four-wheel drive, refer to ALL4 74
Front airbags 81
Front fog lamps 86
– replacing bulb 226
Front seat adjustment 39
Frost on windows, refer to Defrosting windows 89,91
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 75
Fuel 201
– gauge 60
– high-quality brands 201
– quality 201
– specificati
o
ns201
– tank capacity 251
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel gauge 60
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption 61
Fuel display, refer to Fuel gauge 60
Fuel filler flap 200
– releasing in the event of electrical malfunction 200
Fuses 234
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 93
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel consumption 61
Gasoline, refer to Required fuel 201
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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
270
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD player152
Side airbags 81
Side marker lamps, replacing
bulbs 227
Side turn signal
– replacing bulb 227
Side windows, refer to Windows 36
Signal horn, refer to Horn 10
Sitting safely 38
– airbags 38
– safety belts 38
– with head restraint 38
Size, refer to Dimensions 246
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass roof, electric 35
Slot for remote control 50
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray 100
Snap-in adapter
– inserting/removing 185
– use 174
Snap-in adapter, refer to Center armrest storage
compartment 97
Snow chains 213
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances 101
Socket for On-Board Diagnosis
OBD 219
Software update 161
Speaking, refer to Voice
instructions from navigation
system 133
Special destinations 124
Special oils, refer to Approved engine oils 216
Speed 244
– with winter tires 213
Speed limit 69
– setting 69
Speed limit warning, refer to Speed limit 69 Speedo, refer to
Speedometer 12
Speedometer 12
Speed volume 141
Split rear seat backrest, refer to Expanding the cargo
area 106
Sport button 74
Stability contro l, refer to
Driving stability control
systems 72
Start/Stop button 50
– starting the engine 51
– switching off the engine 51
Starting, refer to Starting the engine 51
Starting assistance, refer to Jump-starting 236
Starting route guidance 129
Sta rting th
e
engine 51
– Start/Stop button 50
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC 72
– Hill Assist 74
State/province, for
navigation 120
Station, selecting
– radio 143
Status information on the Control Display 19
Status of this Owner's Manual at time of printing 4
Steering wheel 45
– adjustment 45
– buttons on steering wheel 11
– lock 50
– shift paddles 54
Steptronic, refer to Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 52
Storage area
– cargo area 106
Storage compartments 98
Storage space
– storage compartments 98Storing a destination in the
address book 122
Storing the vehicle 223
Storing tires 213
Stowage, refer to Storage compartments 98
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires 203
SW, waveband 143
Switches, refer to Cockpit 10
Switching off
– engine 51
Switching off the engine 51
– Start/Stop button 50
Switching on
– audio 140
– CD player 140
– radio 140
Switching radio on/off 140
Switching the cooling function on and off 91
Symbols 4
– status information 19
T
Tachometer60
Tailgate 31
– Comfort Access 34
– opening/closing 31
– opening from outside 31
– unlocking with remote control 28
Tail lamp, refer to Tail lamps 228
– replacing bulb 228
Tail lamps 228
Tank volume, refer to Capacities 251
Target cursor for navigation 125
Tasks 192
Technical data 244
Technical modifications 4
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