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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Notes on the car washes and care, refer to
page 191.
Automatic operation
If the rear spoiler is retracted, it is in automatic
mode when the engine is started. In this case,
the system is initialized when the vehicle is set
into motion; this may cause a short noise to be heard.
Automatic extension:
When the vehicle exceeds a speed of ap‐
prox. 50 mph/80 km/h.
Automatic retraction:
When the vehicle drops below a speed of ap‐
prox. 38 mph/60 km/h.
The rear spoiler cannot be manually retracted
in automatic mode at speeds above
38 mph/60 km/h.
Manual mode Manual mode can, for example, be used to
clean the rear spoiler when the ignition is
switched on or the engine is running. In manual
mode, the LED in the switch is lit.
If the rear spoiler stops in an intermediate posi‐
tion after it is extended and retracted multiple
times, the system is overheated. The rear
spoiler can be operated again after a short
cooling period.
Extending the rear spoiler
Press the switch back.
Retracting the rear spoiler
If the rear spoiler was manually extended and a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h has not been ex‐
ceeded, the rear spoiler can be retracted again.
Otherwise, it can only be retracted after the
speed drops to below 38 mph/60 km/h.▷Speed range between 12 mph/20 km/h and
50 mph/80 km/h: press the switch forward
briefly or hold.▷Speed below 12 mph/20 km/h: press the
switch forward and hold.
Malfunction
The indicator lamp lights up briefly
when the ignition is switched on and an
acoustic signal is issued.
Display in the following situations:
▷The rear spoiler is extended.
Retract the rear spoiler manually, or it is re‐
tracted again automatically at ap‐
prox. 12 mph/20 km/h.▷The rear spoiler cannot be extended from
the rear spoiler box.
Check whether the rear spoiler is free of
snow or ice, for example. Clear the rear
spoiler or de-ice it.
The warning lamp lights up and an
acoustic signal is issued a number of
times.
Display in the following situation:
The rear spoiler cannot be fully extended; re‐
frain from exceeding a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h. Have the system checked.
If a malfunction occurs, Dynamic Stability Con‐
trol DSC is activated at speeds greater than
30 mph/50 km/h.
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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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▷The transmission position D is disengaged.▷DSC intervenes.
Maintaining, storing the current speedPress button 1 or button 3.
The current speed is maintained and stored. It
is displayed briefly in the tachometer.
On downhill gradients, it may prove impossible
to maintain the set speed if the engine braking
power is insufficient. On uphill gradients, it may
prove impossible to maintain the set speed if
the engine power output is insufficient.
Increasing speed
▷Press button 1 repeatedly until the desired
speed is reached.
Each time the button is pressed, the speed
increases by approx. 1 mph/1 km/h.▷Press and hold button 1 until the desired
speed is reached.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. After the button is
released, the achieved speed is maintained
and stored.
Decreasing speed
Press button 3 repeatedly or hold it until the
desired speed is reached.
The functions are the same those when the
speed is increased, only that the speed is re‐
duced.
Resuming a speed stored beforehand Press button 4.
The last stored speed is resumed and main‐
tained.
The stored speed is cleared when the ignition is
switched off.
Display in the tachometer
The selected speed is displayed briefly.
If the display --- mph or --- km/h appears
briefly, conditions may not be adequate to op‐
erate the system.
For better control The indicator lamp lights up in the
speedometer. Cruise control is ready to
operate and can be activated.
Malfunction The warning lamp in the tachometer
lights up. The system is malfunctioning
or has failed.
Park Distance Control
PDC
The concept
PDC provides support when parking in reverse.
Signal tones indicate that the vehicle is ap‐
proaching an object behind it. Measurements
are made by four ultrasound sensors in the
bumpers.
The range of these sensors is approx. 6 ft/2 m.
An acoustic warning is first given:
▷By the two corner sensors at ap‐
prox. 24 in/60 cm.▷By the rear middle sensors at approx.
5 ft/1.50 m.Seite 94ControlsDriving comfort94
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Avoid driving quickly with PDC
PDC is a parking aid that can display ob‐
jects when the vehicle approaches them slowly,
as is the case during parking maneuvers. Avoid
driving toward an object quickly as the system
may then be too late in issuing a warning for
technical reasons. ◀
Automatic operation
The system is activated after approx. one sec‐ ond when reverse gear or selector lever posi‐
tion R is engaged while the engine is running or
the ignition is switched on. Await this short pe‐
riod before setting the vehicle into motion.
Signal tones
The closer the vehicle is to the object, the
shorter the intervals become. If the distance to
a detected object is less than approx.
12 in/30 cm, a continuous tone is sounded.
If the distance remains constant, for example
when driving parallel to a wall, the signal tone
is stopped after approx. 3 seconds.
Volume
The signal tone volume can be adjusted.
Radio MINI Boost CD, refer to page 126.
System limits Check the traffic situation as well
PDC cannot serve as a substitute for the
driver's personal judgment of the traffic situa‐
tion. Check the traffic situation around the ve‐
hicle with your own eyes. Otherwise, an acci‐
dent could result from road users or objects
located outside of the PDC detection range.
Loud noises from outside and inside the vehicle
may prevent you from hearing the PDC's signal
tone. ◀Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. PDC is mal‐functioning or has failed. Have the sys‐
tem checked.
To ensure full functionality of the sensors, keep
the sensors clean and free of ice. When using
high-pressure washers, do not spray the sen‐
sors for long periods and maintain a distance of
at least 12 in/30 cm.Seite 95Driving comfortControls95
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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.
Fuel savings are already achieved after the en‐
gine is turned off for as little as 4 seconds.
Automatic Engine Start/Stop Function
The Automatic Engine Start/Stop Function auto‐
matically switches the engine off during a stop.
If the engine is stopped and then started again,
fuel consumption and emissions drop com‐
pared to an engine that runs permanently.
Stopping the engine even for just a few sec‐
onds can result in savings.
In addition, fuel consumption depends on other
factors as well, such as driving style, road con‐
ditions, maintenance, and environmental fac‐
tors.
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, switch off these functions if they are
not actually needed.
Have maintenance carried out
Have vehicles maintained regularly to achieve
optimal vehicle economy and operating life.
Have the maintenance carried out by the serv‐
ice center.
Please also note the MINI maintenance system,
refer to page 173.Seite 120Driving tipsSaving fuel120
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CoolantVehicle 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.
General information Danger of burns from hot engine
Do not open the cooling system while the
engine is hot; otherwise, escaping coolant may
cause burns. ◀
Suitable additives
Only use suitable additives; otherwise,
engine damage may occur. The additives are
harmful to your health. ◀
Coolant consists of water and additives.
Not all commercially available additives are
suitable for your MINI vehicle. Ask your service
center for suitable additives.
Coolant temperature
If the coolant and therefore the engine over‐
heat, a warning lamp lights up, refer to
page 196.
Coolant level
Checking1.Do not open the hood until the engine has
cooled down.2.Turn the expansion tank cap counterclock‐
wise slightly to allow any accumulated
pressure to escape; then continue turning
to open.3.The coolant level is correct if it is between
the markings. The markings are located on
the side of the coolant reservoir.
Refilling
1.Do not open the hood until the engine has
cooled down.2.Turn the expansion tank cap counterclock‐
wise slightly to allow any accumulated
pressure to escape, then continue turning
to open.3.If the coolant level is low, slowly add cool‐
ant up to the specified level; do not overfill.4.Twist the cap closed.5.Have the cause of the coolant loss elimi‐
nated as soon as possible.
Disposal
Comply with the appropriate environ‐mental protection regulations when dis‐
posing of coolant additives.
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Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnosis
Socket for Onboard Diagnosis
The socket for Onboard Diagnosis may
only be used by the service center, by work‐
shops that operate according to the specifica‐
tions of the vehicle manufacturer with appro‐
priately trained personnel, and by other
authorized persons. Otherwise, its use may
lead to vehicle malfunctions. ◀
Primary components in the vehicle emissions
can be checked via the OBD socket using a de‐
vice.
Emissions The warning lamps light up. The vehicle
is producing higher emissions. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution. Have the
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Under certain circumstances, one of the lamps
flashes or lights up continuously. This indicates
that there is excessive misfiring or a malfunc‐
tion in the engine. If this happens, reduce the
vehicle speed and drive to the next service cen‐
ter promptly. Serious engine misfiring within a
brief period can seriously damage emission
control components, in particular the catalytic
converter. In addition, the mechanical engine
components may become damaged.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight‐
ened, the OBD system may conclude
that fuel vapor is escaping; this will cause a dis‐
play to light up. If the filler cap is then tight‐
ened, the display should go out in a few days.Seite 174MobilityMaintenance174
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