SymbolFunctionRoadworthiness testFront brake padsRear brake padsBrake fluidExit the display, refer to
page 57Next setting or information, re‐
fer to page 57
Check Control
The concept
The Check Control monitors vehicle functions
and alerts you to any malfunctions in the sys‐
tems being monitored.
A Check Control message consists of indicator
and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
and, in some circumstances, an acoustic signal.
Indicator/warning lamps
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in
a variety of combinations and colors in display
area 1 or 2.
Several of the lamps are checked for proper
functioning and light up temporarily when the
engine is started or the ignition is switched on.
The symbol indicates that Check Control
messages have been stored. The Check Control
messages can be displayed later.
What to do in case of a malfunction
The meaning of each lamp in the event of a
malfunction and tips on how to respond are
provided in the list, refer to page 183.
Seite 60ControlsDisplays60
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Things to remember when drivingVehicle equipmentThis 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.
Breaking-in period General information Moving parts need to be broken in to adjust to
each other.
The following instructions will help achieve a
long vehicle life and good economy.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 kmDrive at various engine and vehicle speeds, but
do not exceed:▷For a gasoline engine, 4,500 rpm and
100 mph/160 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode for the initial
miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
Tires Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac‐
tion potential until after an initial breaking-in
period.
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
Brake system Brakes require an initial break-in period of ap‐
prox. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and discs. Drive cautiously during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The clutch requires an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to function at an op‐ timal level.
During this break-in period, engage the clutch
gently.
Following part replacementThe same breaking in procedures should be ob‐
served 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 Ensure adequate ground clearance
Ensure adequate ground clearance, e.g.,
when driving into underground garages, when
driving over curbs, or when driving in winter;
otherwise, damage may occur to the vehicle. ◀Seite 100Driving tipsThings to remember when driving100
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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.
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12CauseHow to respondIndication in US models
The handbrake is set while driving.Release the handbrake.Indication in Canadian models
The handbrake is set while driving.Release the handbrake.Indication in US modelsLights up in red:
The brake fluid level is too low.Reduced braking effect, stop the
car carefully. Contact the nearest
service center.Indication in Canadian modelsLights up in red:
The brake fluid level is too low.Reduced braking effect, stop the
car carefully. Contact the nearest
service center.Indication in US models.Brake pads worn.Have the condition of the brake
pads checked without delay.Indication in Canadian modelsBrake pads worn.Have the condition of the brake
pads checked without delay.Indication in US modelsThe vehicle electronics have failed.You cannot continue your jour‐
ney. Contact your service center.Seite 187Indicator/warning lampsMobility187
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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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