Driving stability control systemsVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series.Therefore, it also
describes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
Antilock Brake System
ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels duringbraking.
Steerability is maintained even during full brak‐
ing. This increases active driving safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the en‐
gine.
Electronic brake-force distribution EBVThe system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
When braking in curves or during a lane
change, driving stability and steering response
are improved further.
Brake assistant When the brakes are applied rapidly, this sys‐
tem automatically produces the maximum
braking force boost. In this way, the system
helps keep the braking distance as short as
possible. This system utilizes all of the benefits
provided by ABS.Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of full braking.
Dynamic Stability Con‐
trol DSC
The concept
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels
when driving away and accelerating.
DSC also recognizes unstable vehicle condi‐
tions, such as fishtailing or nose-diving. Subject
to physical limits, DSC helps to keep the vehicle
on a steady course by reducing engine speed
and by applying brakes to the individual
wheels.
DSC is operational every time you start the en‐
gine.
Adjust your driving style to the situation
An appropriate driving style is always the
responsibility of the driver.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even
with DSC.
Do not reduce the additional safety margin
with a risky driving style, as otherwise there is a
risk of an accident. ◀
Deactivating DSCSeite 76ControlsDriving stability control systems76
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Braking safelyThe vehicle is equipped with ABS as a standardfeature.
Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations when this is neces‐
sary.
The vehicle maintains steering responsiveness.
You can still avoid any obstacles with a mini‐
mum of steering effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from
the hydraulic circuits indicate that ABS is in its
active mode.
Do not let your foot rest on the brake
pedal
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal. Even light but consistent pedal pressure
can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure. ◀
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 area of motion of the pedals;
otherwise, the function of the pedals could be
impeded while driving
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 fixed in
place.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened
again when they are returned after being re‐
moved, such as 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.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other
road users.The heat generated in this process helps dry
the brake discs and pads.
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
HillsDrive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Oth‐
erwise, the brake system may overheat, result‐
ing in a reduction in the brake system effi‐
ciency.
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, going all the way to first gear, if
necessary.
Downshifting in manual mode of the automatic
transmission, refer to page 52.
Avoid load on the brakes
Avoid placing excessive load on the brake
system. Light but consistent brake pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure. ◀
Do not drive in neutral
Never drive with the transmission in neu‐
tral, with the engine switched off or with the
clutch depressed; otherwise, you will have nei‐
ther the braking action of the engine or nor its
power assistance when braking or steering. ◀
Brake disc corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and contamina‐
tion on the brake pads are furthered by:▷Low mileage.▷Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.▷Infrequent use of the brakes.
Corrosion occurs when the minimum pressure
that must be exerted by the pads during brake
applications to clean the discs is not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake discs, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating ef‐
fect that generally cannot be corrected.
Seite 102Driving tipsThings to remember when driving102
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 911 429 - VI/13
pecially if your vehicle is equipped with low-
profile tires.
Indications of tire damage or other vehicle de‐
fects:▷Unusual vibrations during driving.▷Unusual handling such as a strong ten‐
dency to pull to the left or right.
Damage can be caused by driving over curbs,
road damage and similar situations.
In case of tire damage
If there are indications of tire damage, re‐
duce your speed immediately and have the
wheels and tires checked right away; other‐
wise, there is the increased risk of an accident.
Drive carefully to the next service center or tire
shop.
If necessary, have the vehicle towed.
Otherwise, tire damage can present a life-
threatening hazard to vehicle occupants and
other road users. ◀
Repair of tire damage
For safety reasons, the manufacturer of
your vehicle recommends that you do not have
damaged tires repaired; they should be re‐
placed. Otherwise, damage can occur as a re‐
sult. ◀
Tire age RecommendationFor several reasons, among other things be‐
cause of beginning brittleness, the manufac‐
turer of your MINI recommends mounting new
tires at the latest after six years, regardless of
the actual wear.
Manufacture date The date of manufacture of the tires is specified
in the tire label:
DOT … 2313: the tire was manufactured in
week 23 of 2013.
Changing wheels and
tires
Mounting Information on mounting tires
Have mounting and balancing performed
only by a service center or tire specialist.
If this work is not carried out properly, there is
the danger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards. ◀
Wheel and tire combination Information on the right wheel and tire combi‐
nation and rim version for your vehicle can be
obtained from the service center.
Incorrect wheel and tire combinations impair
the function of a variety of systems such as ABS
or DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle re‐
sponse, use only tires with a single tread con‐
figuration from a single manufacturer.
Following tire damage, have the original wheel
and tire combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.
Approved wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle recom‐
mends that you use only wheels and tires that
have been approved for your particular vehicle
model.
For example, despite having the same official
size ratings, variations can lead to body contact
and with it, the risk of severe accidents.
The manufacturer of your vehicle cannot evalu‐
ate non-approved wheels and tires to deter‐
mine if they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of the vehi‐
cle if they are mounted. ◀Seite 149Wheels and tiresMobility149
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Connecting jumper cablesConnecting order
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order; otherwise, there is the danger of injury
from sparking. ◀1.Open the battery cover in the engine com‐
partment to access the positive terminal.2.Unlock the tabs of the positive terminal
cover on the left and right, arrows 1, and
raise the cover, arrow 2.3.Attach one terminal clamp of the positive
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or to a starting aid terminal of the
vehicle providing assistance.4.Attach the second clamp of the positive
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery of the vehicle to be started.5.Attach one terminal clamp of the negative
jumper cable to the negative terminal of
the battery, or to the corresponding engine
or body ground of the vehicle providing as‐
sistance.6.Attach the second clamp of the negative
jumper cable to the negative terminal ofthe battery, or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Body ground:
Starting the engine
Never use spray fluids to start the engine.
1.Start the engine of the assisting vehicle and
let it run for several minutes at a slightly in‐
creased idle speed.2.Start the engine of the vehicle being started
in the usual way.
If the first starting attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before making another
attempt in order to allow the discharged
battery to recharge.3.Let both engines run for several minutes.4.Disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse
order.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Tow-starting and towing
Notes Observe applicable laws and regulations
Observe applicable laws and regulations
for tow-starting and towing. ◀
No additional passengers
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed. ◀
Seite 176MobilityBreakdown assistance176
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12CauseHow to respondDynamic Stability Control DSC and Dynamic
Traction Control DTC failed.Driving stability limited during ac‐
celeration and cornering.
You can continue your journey,
but moderate your speed and ex‐
ercise due caution. Have the sys‐
tem checked as soon as possible.Indication in US modelsThe driving stability control systems including
ABS and the Tire Pressure Monitor display
have failed, refer to page 76.Reduced braking and driving sta‐
bility. Drive cautiously and defen‐
sively. Avoid full brake applica‐
tion, operation on poor roads,
and use of the full throttle and
kickdown positions of the acceler‐
ator. Have the system checked
immediately.Indication in Canadian modelsThe driving stability control systems including
ABS and the Flat Tire Monitor or the Tire Pres‐
sure Monitor have failed, refer to page 76.Reduced braking and driving sta‐
bility. Drive cautiously and defen‐
sively. Avoid full brake applica‐
tion, operation on poor roads,
and use of full throttle and kick‐
down positions of the accelerator.
Have the system checked imme‐
diately.In vehicles with the Flat Tire MonitorLight up in yellow and red:A tire is deflated.Carefully bring the car to a stop.
Additional information, refer to
page 69.Seite 189Indicator/warning lampsMobility189
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Everything from A to ZIndexA
ABS, Antilock Brake Sys‐ tem 76
Acoustic signal, refer to Check Control 60
Activated charcoal filter with automatic climate con‐
trol 86
Adaptive Light Control 64
Additives, engine oil 158
Airbags 67
Airbags, indicator/warning light 69
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐ culated air mode 83, 85
Air conditioner 82
Air conditioning 82
Air conditioning mode– Air conditioner 82– Automatic climate con‐
trol 84
Air distribution
– Automatic 85– Individual 83– Manual 83, 85
Air drying, refer to Cooling
function 86
Air flow rate 82, 85
Air pressure, refer to Tire infla‐ tion pressure 142
Air supply
– Air conditioner 82– Automatic climate con‐
trol 84
Alarm system 30
Alarm system
– Avoiding unintentional
alarms 30– Interior motion sensor 30– Tilt alarm sensor 30Alternating-code hand-held
transmitter 88
Ambient lighting 66
Antifreeze, washer fluid 50
Antilock Brake System, ABS 76
Anti-slip control, refer to Dy‐ namic Stability Control
DSC 76
Anti-theft protection 21
Approved engine oils 158
Ashtray 91
Assistance, roadside 175
Assistance when driving off, refer to Hill drive-off assis‐
tant 78
Assistance with starting en‐ gine, refer to Jump-start‐
ing 175
Automatic– Air distribution 85– Air flow rate 85
Automatic car wash 179
Automatic climate control
– Automatic air distribution 85
Automatic, cruise control 79
Automatic headlamp con‐ trol 62
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
– Kickdown 52– Overriding selector lever
lock 53
AUTO program with auto‐
matic climate control 85
AUX-IN port 120
Average fuel consumption 56
Average fuel consumption
– Setting the units 57
Average speed 56
Average speed, refer to Com‐
puter 55
B Backrest curvature, refer to Lumbar support 35
Backrests, refer to Seats 34
Backup lamps, bulb replace‐ ment 167
Battery– Disposal 30– Remote control 20
Battery, refer to Vehicle bat‐
tery 172
Battery replacement
– Remote control 30
Belts, refer to Safety belts 36
Belt tensioners, refer to Safety belts 36
Bi-xenon headlamps 165
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 82, 85
Brake assistant 76
Brake discs, breaking in 100
Brake fluid, refer to Service re‐ quirements 59
Brake force distribution, elec‐ tronic 76
Brake pads, breaking in 100
Brakes
– Handbrake 46
Brakes, MINI maintenance
system 160
Brakes, service require‐ ments 59
Brake system, MINI mainte‐ nance system 160
Braking, notes 102
Breakdown assistance, Road‐ side Assistance 175
Seite 200ReferenceEverything from A to Z200
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