Manually unlocking the selector lever
lock
If the selector lever is locked in position P al‐
though the ignition is switched on, the brake is
depressed, and the button on the selector lever
is pressed, the selector lever lock can be over‐
ridden:1.Switch off the ignition.2.Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.3.Pull the sleeve up over the selector lever
until the sleeve is inside out.
Pull off the plug-in cable connector if nec‐
essary.4.Insert the pulling hook 1 from the onboard
vehicle tool kit into the loop on the passen‐
ger side.5.Pull the loop upward.6.Move the selector lever into the desired po‐
sition, pressing the button on the front of
the selector lever.
Set the handbrake
Before manually unlocking the selector
lever lock, pull the handbrake firmly; otherwise,
the vehicle may roll away and cause personal
injury or property damage. ◀
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immediately after you start the engine or
switch on the ignition.
The current service requirements can be read
out from the remote control by the service spe‐
cialist.
Displaying the vehicle check
For certain maintenance operations, you can
view the distance remaining or the due date for
that operation in the tachometer.1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page 55.2.Press the button on the turn indicator lever
repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is displayed.3.Press and hold the button until the display
changes.4.Press the button repeatedly until the corre‐
sponding symbol and "SERVICE-INFO" are
displayed.5.Press and hold the button until the display
changes.6.Press the button to display the individual
service requirement items.Possible displays1Button for selecting the information.SymbolFunctionService requirementsEngine oilRoadworthiness testFront brake padsRear brake padsBrake fluidSeite 71DisplaysControls71
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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 89Driving stability control systemsControls89
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Press the button until the DSC OFF indi‐
cator lamp lights up in the speedometer
and DSC OFF appears in the tachome‐
ter. DSC is deactivated. Intervening measures to
stabilize the vehicle and give it forward mo‐
mentum are no longer executed.
When driving with snow chains or to rock the
vehicle free of snow, it may be useful to deacti‐
vate DSC temporarily.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again; the DSC indicator lamps
in the display elements go out.
Indicator/warning lamps The indicator lamp in the tachometer
flashes: DSC is controlling the drive
forces and brake forces.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC and DTC has
failed.
The indicator lamp in the speedometer
lights up and DSC OFF appears in the
tachometer.
DSC and DTC deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Con‐
trol DTC
The concept
The DTC system is a version of the DSC in which
forward momentum is optimized.
The system ensures maximum forward mo‐
mentum on special road conditions, e.g., unp‐
lowed snowy roads, but driving stability is lim‐
ited.
It is therefore necessary to drive with appropri‐
ate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:▷When driving in sand, on snowy inclines, in
slush, or on unplowed, snow-covered road
surfaces▷When rocking a vehicle free or starting off
in deep snow, sand, or on loose ground▷When driving with snow chains.
Activating DTC
Press the button; the DSC OFF indicator
lamp lights up in the speedometer and
TRACTION appears in the tachometer.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC is deactivated,
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is activated.
Deactivating DTCPress the button again; the DSC OFF indicator
lamp in the speedometer and TRACTION in the
tachometer go out.
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Indicator/warning lampsThe indicator lamp in the tachometer
flashes: DTC is controlling the drive
forces and brake forces.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC and DTC has
failed.
The indicator lamp in the speedometer
lights up and TRACTION appears in the
tachometer.
DTC is activated.
Hill drive-off assistant This system supports driving away on gradients.
The handbrake is not required.
1.Hold the vehicle in place with the foot
brake.2.Release the foot brake and drive away
without delay.
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
rolling back. ◀
Sport button
When this button is pressed, the vehicle re‐
sponds in an even sportier manner.
▷The engine responds more spontaneously
to accelerator movements.▷The steering responds more directly.▷Cooper S, John Cooper Works: the engine
sounds sportier when coasting.▷For automatic transmissions: more rapid
gear changes in the Sport program.
Activating the system
Press the button; the LED in the button
lights up and SPORT is displayed briefly
in the tachometer.
Deactivating the system
▷Press the button again.▷Switch the engine off.
MINI Coupe, MINI Road‐
ster: automatic rear
spoiler
General information The automatic rear spoiler increases the driving
stability of the vehicle.
Note the area of movement
Make sure that the area of movement of
the rear spoiler is clear; otherwise, damage or
injuries may result. ◀
Do not use the rear spoiler for pushing, or else
it could be damaged.
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Driving comfortVehicle 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.
Cruise control The concept
The system is functional at speeds beginning at
approx. 20 mph/30 km/h.
The vehicle stores and maintains the speed
specified using the controls on the steering
wheel.
Do not use cruise control
Do not use the system if unfavorable con‐
ditions make it impossible to drive at a constant
speed, for instance:▷On curvy roads.▷In heavy traffic.▷On slippery roads, in fog, snow or rain, or
on a loose road surface.
Otherwise, you could lose control of the vehicle
and cause an accident. ◀
Controls
At a glance1Maintaining, storing, and increasing the
speed2Activating/deactivating cruise control3Maintaining, storing, and reducing the
speed4Resuming cruise control
Switching on
Press button 2.
The indicator lamp lights up in thespeedometer. Cruise control is ready to
operate and can be activated.
Switching off Press button 2.
▷When activated: press twice.▷When interrupted: press once.
The displays go out. The stored target speed is
cleared.
Interrupting Press button 2.
The system is interrupted automatically if
▷The brakes are applied.▷The clutch pedal is depressed.Seite 93Driving comfortControls93
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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 112Driving tipsThings to remember when driving112
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Closing the tailgateDrive with the tailgate closed
Only drive with the tailgate closed; other‐
wise, passengers and other road users may be
endangered or the vehicle may be damaged if
an accident occurs or during braking or swerv‐
ing. In addition, exhaust fumes may enter the
passenger compartment. ◀
If, despite this, the vehicle must be driven with
the tailgate open:▷Drive moderately.▷Coupe: close all windows.▷Switch off recirculated air mode and greatly
increase the blower speed.
Hot exhaust system
Hot 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 during driving, while in idle po‐
sition mode, or when parked. Such contact
could lead to a fire, and with it the risk of seri‐
ous personal injury as well as property damage.
Do not touch hot exhaust pipes; otherwise,
there is the 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 without a direct con‐
nection to an external aerial in the vehicle's
passenger compartment. Otherwise, the vehi‐
cle electronics and mobile communication de‐
vices can interfere with each other. In addition,
there is no assurance that the radiation gener‐
ated during transmission will be discharged
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. ◀
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tire
tread depth decreases. Minimum tread depth,
refer to page 162.
Driving through water Drive though calm water only if it is not deeper
than 12 inches/30 cm and at this height, no
faster than walking speed, up to
6 mph/10 km/h.
Adhere to water depth and speed limita‐
tions
Do not exceed this water depth and walking
speed; otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the
electrical systems and the transmission may be
damaged. ◀
Using the handbrake on inclines Using the handbrake
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle sta‐
tionary with a slipping clutch for extended pe‐
riod; use the handbrake instead. Otherwise, the
clutch will be subject to increased wear. ◀
Support from the hill drive-off assistant, refer to
page 91.Seite 113Things to remember when drivingDriving tips113
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