Washing the windshield
Pull the wiper lever towards you.
The system sprays washer fluid on the wind‐
shield and activates the wipers briefly.
Do not use the washer system at freezing
temperatures
Do not use the washers if fluid could freeze
onto the windshield which might impede your
viewing field. Therefore use antifreeze fluid.
Avoid using the washer when the reservoir is
empty; operation might damage pump. ◀
Windshield washer nozzles The windshield washer nozzles are automati‐
cally heated while the ignition is switched on.
Rear window wiper
Switching on the rear window wiper
Turn the switch from idle position 0 upward, ar‐
row 1: interval mode. When reverse gear is en‐
gaged, the system switches to continuous op‐
eration.
Cleaning rear window
In interval mode: turn the reel further, arrow 2.
The reel automatically returns to its interval po‐
sition when released.
In idle position: turn reel downward, arrow 3.
The reel automatically returns to its idle posi‐ tion when released.
Fold-out position of the wipers
Helpful when changing the wiper blades or un‐
der frosty conditions, e.g.1.Switch the ignition on and off again.2.With icy conditions make sure that blades
are not frozen to the windshield.3.Press the wiper lever up beyond the point
of resistance and hold it for approx. 3 sec‐
onds, until the wiper remains in a nearly
vertical position.
After the wipers are folded back down, the
wiper system must be reactivated.
Folding wipers back down
Before switching the ignition on, fold the
wipers back down to the windshield; otherwise,
the wipers may become damaged when they
are activated. ◀
1.Switch on the ignition.2.Push wiper lever down. Wipers move to
their resting position and are ready again
for operation.
Washer fluid
General information Antifreeze for washer fluid
Antifreeze is flammable and can cause in‐
jury if it is used incorrectly.
Therefore, keep it away from possible sources
of ignition.
Only keep it in the closed original container and
inaccessible to children.
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KickdownKickdown is used to achieve maximum driving
performance. Step on the accelerator pedal be‐
yond the resistance point at the full throttle po‐
sition.
Engaging a selector lever position Press on the brake pedal until you start
driving
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after you
select a gear, maintain pressure on the brake
pedal until you are ready to start. ◀
The selector lever can only be taken out of se‐
lector lever position P if the ignition is on or the
engine is running.
With the vehicle is stationary, press on the
brake pedal before shifting out of selector lever
position P or N; otherwise, the selector lever is
blocked: shift lock.
A lock prevents inadvertent shifting into selec‐
tor lever position P or R.
Canceling the lock
Press button on the front of the selector lever,
arrow.
Sport program and manual mode M/S
Activating the sport program
Press the selector lever to the left out of selec‐
tor lever position D.
The engaged selector lever position, such as S1,
is displayed in the instrument cluster.
The sport program of the transmission is acti‐
vated.
Activating the M/S manual mode
1.Press the selector lever to the left out of se‐
lector lever position D.2.Push the selector lever forward or back‐
ward.
Manual mode becomes active and the selector
lever position is changed.
The engaged selector lever position is displayed
in the instrument cluster, for instance M1.
Once maximum engine speed is attained, M/S
manual mode is automatically upshifted as
needed.
Switching to manual mode
▷To shift down: press the selector lever for‐
ward.▷To shift up: pull the selector lever rear‐
wards.
Gears will only be shifted at appropriate engine
and road speeds, for example downshifting is
not possible if the engine speed is too high.
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Release the release lever.5.Bring the selector lever into the desired po‐
sition.
Steptronic Sport transmission: Launch
Control
The concept
Launch Control enables optimum acceleration
on surfaces with good traction.
Hints Component wear
Do not use Launch Control too often; oth‐
erwise, this may result in premature wear of
components due to the high stress placed on
the vehicle. ◀
Do not use Launch Control during the break-in,
refer to page 152, period.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
An experienced driver may be able to achieve
better acceleration values in DSC OFF mode, re‐
fer to page 109.
Requirements Launch Control is available when the engine is
warmed up, that is, after uninterrupted driving
of at least 6 miles/10 km.
To start with Launch Control do not steer the
steering wheel.
Start with launch control
While the engine is running:
1. Press button and select Sport+ with
Driving Dynamics Control, refer to
page 111.
The instrument cluster displays TRACTION
in combination with SPORT. The DSC OFF
indicator lamp lights up.2.Engage selector lever position S.3.With the left foot, forcefully press down on
the brake.4.Step on the accelerator pedal beyond the
resistance point at the full throttle position.
A flag symbol appears in the instrument
cluster.5.The starting engine speed adjusts. Within
3 seconds, release the brake.
Before using Launch Control, allow the trans‐
mission to cool down for approx. 5 minutes.
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System limitsSudden tire damage
Sudden serious tire damage caused by
external circumstances cannot be recognized in
advance. ◀
A natural, even tire inflation pressure loss in all
four tires will not be recognized. Therefore,
check the tire inflation pressure regularly.
The system could be delayed or malfunction in
the following situations:▷When the system has not been initialized.▷When driving on a snowy or slippery road
surface.▷Sporty driving style: spinning traction
wheels, high lateral acceleration (drifting).▷When driving with snow chains.
Actions in the event of a flat tire
Normal tires
1.Identify the damaged tire.
Do this by checking the air pressure in all
four tires.
The tire pressure gauge of the Mobility Sys‐
tem, refer to page 181, can be used for this
purpose.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires is
correct, the Flat Tire Monitor may not have
been initialized. In this case, initialize the
system.
If an identification is not possible, please
contact the service center.2.Fix the flat tire using the Mobility System,
refer to page 181.
Run-flat tires
Maximum speed
You may continue driving with a damaged tire at speeds up to 50 mph/80 km/h.
Continued driving with a flat tire
If continuing to drive with a damaged tire:1.Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu‐
vers.2.Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.3.Check the air pressure in all four tires at the
next opportunity.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires is
correct, the Flat Tire Monitor may not have
been initialized. In this case, initialize the
system.
Possible driving distance with complete loss of
tire inflation pressure:
The possible driving distance after a loss of tire
inflation pressure depends on cargo load, driv‐
ing style and road conditions.
A vehicle with an average load has a possible
driving range of approx. 50 miles/80 km.
A vehicle with a damaged tire reacts differently,
e.g., it has reduced lane stability during brak‐
ing, a longer braking distance and different
self-steering properties. Adjust your driving
style accordingly. Avoid abrupt steering ma‐
neuvers or driving over obstacles, e.g., curbs,
potholes, etc.
Because the possible driving distance depends
on how the vehicle is used during the trip, the
actual distance may be shorter or longer de‐
pending on the driving speed, road conditions,
external temperature, cargo load, etc.
Continued driving with a flat tire
Drive moderately and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
Your car handles differently when you lose tire
inflation pressure, e.g., your lane stability is re‐
duced when braking, braking distances are lon‐
ger and the self-steering properties will
change. ◀
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Configure the program.
SPORT can also be configured before it is acti‐
vated:1. "Settings"2."Driving mode"3."Configure SPORT"
This configuration is retrieved when SPORT is
activated.
Configuring driving program
Settings can be made for the following driving
programs in Driving mode:
▷GREEN, refer to page 111.▷SPORT, refer to page 111.
Displays
Program selection With Driving Dynamics Control
turned on a list of programs is
displayed and can be selected.
Selected program The instrument cluster displays
the selected program.
Display on the onboard monitor
Program changes can be displayed on the on‐
board monitor.
1."Settings"2."Control display"3."Driving mode info"Drive-off assistant
This system supports driving off on inclines. The
parking brake is not required.1.Hold the vehicle in place with the foot
brake.2.Release the foot brake and drive off with‐
out delay.
After the foot brake is released, the vehicle is
held in place for approx. 2 seconds.
For vehicles with respective equipment ver‐
sions, the possible holding duration amounts to
2 minutes.
Driving off without delay
After releasing the foot brake, start driv‐
ing without delay, since the drive-off assistant
will not hold the vehicle in place for more than
approx. 2 seconds and the vehicle will begin to
roll back. ◀
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Driving comfortVehicle features and op‐
tions
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
Camera-based cruise con‐
trol, ACC
The concept Use this system to select a desired speed that
the vehicle will maintain automatically on clear
roads.
To the extent possible, the system automati‐
cally adjusts the speed to a slower vehicle
ahead of you.
A camera on the interior rear view mirror is
used to detect vehicles driving ahead.
The distance that the vehicle maintains to the
vehicle ahead of you can be varied.
For safety reasons, it depends on the speed.
To maintain a certain distance, the system au‐
tomatically decelerates, applies the brakes
lightly, or accelerates again if the vehicle ahead
begins moving faster.
As soon as the road is clear, the vehicle acceler‐
ates to the desired speed.
The speed is also maintained downhill, but may
not be maintained uphill if engine power is in‐
sufficient.General information
The system is functional at speeds beginning at
approx. 20 mph/30 km/h.
Depending on the set drive mode, refer to
page 111, the features of the cruise control can
change in certain areas.
Hints Personal responsibility
Even an active system holds the driver re‐
sponsible for his or her driving, particularly for
staying in your lane, adjusting your speed,
keeping your distance and for your driving style
all in relation to traffic.
Technically the system has its limits, it cannot
independently react to all traffic situations.
Monitor your driving, be on the alert, observe
the vehicle surroundings and other traffic and
react when needed, e.g. through braking,
steering or make evasive maneuvers - risk of
accident. ◀
Unfavorable weather conditions
In the event of unfavorable weather and
light conditions, for instance if there is rain,
snowfall, slush, fog or glare, this may result in
poorer recognition of traffic situations as well
as short-term interruptions for vehicles that are
already detected. Drive attentively, and react to
the current traffic situation. Intervene actively
when necessary, e.g., by braking, steering or
making an evasive maneuver, otherwise, there
is the risk of an accident. ◀Seite 113Driving comfortCONTROLS113
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Hot exhaust systemHot exhaust system
High temperatures are generated in the
exhaust system.
Do not remove the heat shields installed and
never apply undercoating to them. Make sure
that flammable materials, e. g. hay, leaves,
grass, etc. do not come in contact with the hot
exhaust system while driving, while in idle posi‐
tion mode, or when parked. Such contact could
lead to a fire, resulting in an increased risk of
serious personal injury as well as property dam‐
age.
Do not touch hot exhaust pipes; otherwise,
there is a danger of getting burned. ◀
Mobile communication devices in the
vehicle
Mobile communication devices in the ve‐hicle
It is not recommended to use mobile phones,
such as mobile phones, in the vehicle interior
without a direct connection to an external aer‐
ial. Otherwise, the vehicle's electronics and mo‐
bile communication devices can interfere with
each other. In addition, there is no assurance
that the radiation generated during transmis‐
sion will be conducted away from the vehicle
interior. ◀
Hydroplaning On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplan‐
ing. It is characterized by a partial or complete
loss of contact between the tires and the road
surface, ultimately undermining your ability to
steer and brake the vehicle.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, re‐
duce your speed to prevent hydroplaning. ◀Driving through water
Drive through calm water only if it is not deeper
than 9.8 inches/25 cm and at this height, no
faster than walking speed, up to 3 mph/5 km/h.
Observe water level and speed
Do not exceed the maximum water level
and maximum speed; otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the transmis‐
sion may be damaged. ◀
Braking safely
Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature.
Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations needed.
Steering is still responsive. You can still avoid
any obstacles with a minimum of steering ef‐
fort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from
the hydraulic circuits indicate that ABS is in its
active mode.
Objects in the area around the pedals No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the pedal area; otherwise, the
function of the pedals could be impeded while
driving and create the risk of an accident.
Do not place additional floor mats over existing
mats or other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved for the vehicle and can be properly attached to
floor.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened
again after they were removed for cleaning,
e.g. ◀
Driving in wet conditions When roads are wet or in heavy rain, press
brake pedal ever so gently every few miles.Seite 153Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS153
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By maintaining a suitable distance to the vehi‐
cle driving ahead of you.
Driving smoothly and proactively reduces fuel
consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Use 1st gear to get the vehicle moving. Starting
with the 2nd gear, accelerate rapidly. When ac‐
celerating, shift up before reaching high engine
speeds.
When you reach the desired speed, shift into
the highest applicable gear and drive with the
engine speed as low as possible and at a con‐
stant speed.
The gear shift indicator, refer to page 78, of
your vehicle indicates the most fuel efficient gear.
Use coasting conditions When approaching a red light, take your foot
off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to a
halt.
For going downhill take your foot off the accel‐
erator and let the vehicle roll.
The flow of fuel is interrupted while coasting.
Switch off the engine
during longer stops
Switch off the engine during longer stops, e.g.,
at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in traffic
congestion.
Auto Start/Stop function
The Auto Start/Stop function of your vehicle au‐
tomatically switches off the engine during a
stop.If the engine is switched off and then restarted
rather than leaving the engine running con‐
stantly, fuel consumption and emissions are re‐
duced. Savings can begin within a few seconds
of switching off the engine.
In addition, fuel consumption is also deter‐
mined by other factors, such as driving style,
road conditions, maintenance or environmental
factors.
Switch off any functions
that are not currently
needed
Functions such as seat heating and the rear
window defroster require a lot of energy and
consume additional fuel, especially in city and stop-and-go traffic.
Therefore, reel off these functions if they are
not actually needed.
Have maintenance car‐
ried out
Have vehicles maintained regularly to achieve
optimal vehicle efficiency and operating life.
Have the maintenance carried out by your
service center.
Please also note the MINI Maintenance System,
refer to page 193.
GREEN mode The concept
The GREEN mode supports a driving style that
saves on fuel consumption. For this purpose,
the engine control and comfort features, e. g.
the climate control output, are adjusted.
For Steptronic transmission:Seite 160DRIVING TIPSSaving fuel160
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