SymbolFunctionRoadworthiness testFront brake padsRear brake padsBrake fluidExit the display, refer to
page 62Next setting or information, re‐
fer to page 62
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 190.
Seite 65DisplaysControls65
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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 110Driving tipsThings to remember when driving110
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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 57.
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.
When the vehicle is parked
When using the automatic climate control, con‐
densation water develops that exits under‐
neath the vehicle.
Therefore, traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are normal.
After the engine is switched off, the coolant
pump may continue running for some time in
the MINI Cooper S. This causes noises in the en‐
gine compartment.
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12CauseHow to respondIndication 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 journey.
Contact your service center.Indication in Canadian modelsThe vehicle electronics have failed.You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your service center.Seite 194MobilityIndicator/warning lamps194
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Everything from A to ZIndexA
ABS, Antilock Brake Sys‐ tem 81
Acoustic signal, refer to Check Control 65
Activated charcoal filter with automatic climate con‐
trol 91
Adaptive Light Control 69
Additives, engine oil 167
Airbags 72
Airbags, indicator/warning light 75
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐ culated air mode 88, 90
Air conditioner 87
Air conditioning 87
Air conditioning mode– Air conditioner 87– Automatic climate con‐
trol 89
Air distribution
– Automatic 90– Individual 88– Manual 88, 90
Air drying, refer to Cooling
function 91
Air flow rate 87, 90
Air pressure, refer to Tire infla‐ tion pressure 152
Air supply
– Air conditioner 87– Automatic climate con‐
trol 89
Alarm system 32
Alarm system
– Avoiding unintentional
alarms 32– Interior motion sensor 32– Tilt alarm sensor 32
ALL4 all-wheel system 83
All-wheel drive, refer to
ALL4 83
Alternating-code hand-held transmitter 93
Ambient lighting 71
Antifreeze, washer fluid 55
Antilock Brake System, ABS 81
Anti-slip control, refer to Dy‐ namic Stability Control
DSC 81
Anti-theft protection 23
Approved engine oils 167
Ashtray 96
Assistance, roadside 180
Assistance when driving off, refer to Hill drive-off assis‐
tant 83
Assistance with starting en‐ gine, refer to Jump-start‐
ing 180
Automatic– Air distribution 90– Air flow rate 90
Automatic car wash 186
Automatic climate control
– Automatic air distribution 90
Automatic, cruise control 84
Automatic headlamp con‐ trol 67
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
– Kickdown 57– Overriding selector lever
lock 58
AUTO program with auto‐
matic climate control 90
AUX-IN port 130
Average fuel consumption 61
Average fuel consumption
– Setting the units 62Average speed 61
Average speed, refer to Com‐ puter 60
B Backrest curvature, refer to Lumbar support 37
Backrests, refer to Seats 36
Backup lamps, bulb replace‐ ment 175
Battery– Disposal 32– Remote control 22
Battery, refer to Vehicle bat‐
tery 178
Battery replacement
– Remote control 32
Belts, refer to Safety belts 38
Belt tensioners, refer to Safety belts 38
Bi-xenon headlamps 172
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 87, 90
Brake assistant 81
Brake discs, breaking in 110
Brake fluid, refer to Service re‐ quirements 64
Brake force distribution, elec‐ tronic 81
Brake pads, breaking in 110
Brakes
– Handbrake 51
Brakes, MINI maintenance
system 169
Brakes, service require‐ ments 64
Brake system, MINI mainte‐ nance system 169
Braking, notes 111
Seite 208ReferenceEverything from A to Z208
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