16In brief
Manual transmission automatedN=neutralo=drive+=higher gear-=lower gearA/M=switch between automatic
and manual modeR=reverse gear
Manual transmission automated
3 114.
Starting off
Check before starting off ■ Tyre pressure and condition 3 152,
3 189.
■ Engine oil level and fluid levels 3 134.
■ All windows, mirrors, exterior lighting and number plates are free
from dirt, snow and ice and are
operational.
■ Proper position of mirrors, seats and seat belts 3 30, 3 36,
3 44.
■ Brake function at low speed, particularly if the brakes are wet.Starting the engine
■ Turn key to position A
■ move the steering wheel slightly to release the steering wheel lock
■ operate clutch and brake
■ do not operate accelerator pedal
■ turn the key to position M for
preheating and wait until control
indicator ! extinguishes in the
Driver Information Centre
■ turn key to position D and release
Starting the engine 3 107.
106Driving and operatingDriving and operatingDriving hints............................... 106
Starting and operating ...............106
Engine exhaust .......................... 112
Manual transmission ..................113
Manual transmission automa‐
ted .............................................. 114
Brakes ........................................ 118
Ride control systems .................119
Driver assistance systems .........121
Fuel ............................................ 127
Trailer hitch ................................ 129
Auxiliary features .......................130Driving hints
Control of the vehicleNever coast with engine not
running (except during Autostop)
Many systems will not function in this
situation (e.g. brake servo unit, power steering). Driving in this manner is a
danger to yourself and others. All
systems function during an Autostop,
but there will be a controlled reduction
in power steering assist and vehicle
speed is reduced.
Stop-start system 3 108.
Pedals
To ensure the pedal travel is
uninhibited, there must be no mats in the area of the pedals.
Power steering Never leave the steering wheel on full
lock when the vehicle is stationary as this may damage the power steering
pump.Starting and operating
New vehicle running-in
Do not brake unnecessarily hard for
the first few journeys and after new
disc brake pads have been fitted.
During the first drive, smoke may
occur because of wax and oil
evaporating off the exhaust system.
Park the vehicle in the open for a
while after the first drive and avoid
inhaling the fumes.
During the running-in period fuel and
engine oil consumption may be
higher and the cleaning process of the diesel particle filter may take
place more often. Autostop may be inhibited to allow for charging the
vehicle battery.
Stop-start system 3 108.
Diesel particle filter 3 112.
118Driving and operatingBrakes
The brake system comprises two
independent brake circuits.
If a brake circuit fails, the vehicle can
still be braked using the other brake
circuit. However, braking effect is
achieved only when you depress the
brake pedal firmly. You need to use
considerably more force for this. The
braking distance is extended. Seek
the assistance of a workshop before
continuing your journey.
When the engine is not running, the
support of the brake servo unit
disappears once the brake pedal has been depressed once or twice.
Braking effect is not reduced, but
braking requires significantly greater
force. It is especially important to bear this in mind when being towed.
Control indicator R 3 79.
If the brake pads wear to a
predetermined point, the braking
system will require inspection. Seek
the assistance of a workshop.
Control indicator F 3 80.Antilock brake system
Antilock brake system (ABS)
prevents the wheels from locking.
ABS starts to regulate brake pressure as soon as a wheel shows a tendency to lock. The vehicle remains
steerable, even during hard braking.
ABS control is made apparent
through a pulse in the brake pedal
and the noise of the regulation
process.
For optimum braking, keep the brake
pedal fully depressed throughout the
braking process, despite the fact that
the pedal is pulsating. Do not reduce
the pressure on the pedal.
Control indicator u 3 80.
Fault
If control indicators u and A
illuminate with the messages CHECK
ABS and CHECK ESP in the Driver
Information Centre, there is a fault in the ABS. The brake system remains
operational but without ABS
regulation.9 Warning
If there is a fault in the ABS, the
wheels may be liable to lock due
to braking that is heavier than
normal. The advantages of ABS are no longer available. During
hard braking, the vehicle can no longer be steered and may
swerve.
If control indicators u, A , R and
C illuminate, the ABS and ESP are
deactivated and the message
BRAKING FAULT is shown in the
Driver Information Centre. Seek the
assistance of a workshop.
Have the cause of the fault remedied
by a workshop.
Driving and operating129Trailer hitch
General information
Only use towing equipment that has
been approved for your vehicle.
Entrust fitting of towing equipment at
a later date to a workshop. It may be
necessary to make changes that
affect the cooling system, heat
shields or other equipment.
Driving characteristics and
towing tips In the case of trailers with brakes,
attach the breakaway stopping cable.
Before attaching a trailer, lubricate
the coupling ball. However, do not do
so if a stabiliser, which acts on the
coupling ball, is being used to reduce snaking movements. For trailers with
low driving stability the use of a
stabiliser is recommended.
A maximum speed of 50 mph must
not be exceeded, even in countries
where higher speeds are permitted.If the trailer starts snaking, drive more
slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if
necessary.
When driving downhill, drive in the
same gear as if driving uphill and
drive at a similar speed.
Adjust tyre pressure to the value
specified for full load 3 189.
Trailer towing Trailer loads
The permissible trailer loads are
vehicle-dependent and engine-
dependent maximum values which
must not be exceeded. The actual trailer load is the difference between
the actual gross weight of the trailer
and the actual coupling socket load
with the trailer coupled.
The permissible trailer loads are
specified in the vehicle documents. In general, they are valid for gradients
up to max. 12 %.
The permitted trailer load applies up to the specified incline and up to an
altitude of 1000 metres above sealevel. Since engine power decreases
as altitude increases due to the air
becoming thinner, therefore reducing
climbing ability, the permissible gross
train weight also decreases by 10 %
for every 1000 metres of additional
altitude. The gross train weight does
not have to be reduced when driving
on roads with slight inclines (less than
8 %, e.g. motorways).
The permissible gross train weight
must not be exceeded. This weight is
specified on the identification plate
3 171.
Vertical coupling load
The vertical coupling load is the load
exerted by the trailer on the coupling
ball. It can be varied by changing the
weight distribution when loading the
trailer.
The maximum permissible vertical
coupling load is specified on the
towing equipment identification plate
and in the vehicle documents. Always aim for the maximum load, especially
in the case of heavy trailers. The
vertical coupling load should never
fall below 25 kg.
136Vehicle care
concentration checked and have thecause of the coolant loss remedied by a workshop.
If a substantial amount of coolant is
required, it will be necessary to bleed
any trapped air from the cooling
system.Seek the assistance of a
workshop.
Power steering fluid
If the fluid level in the reservoir falls
below the MINI mark consult a
workshop.
Washer fluid
Fill with clean water mixed with a
suitable quantity of windscreen
washer fluid which contains
antifreeze.
Caution
Only washer fluid with a sufficient
antifreeze concentration provides
protection at low temperatures or
a sudden drop in temperature.
Brakes
A squealing noise, or illumination ofbrake pad wear control indicator F
indicates that the brake lining is at its
minimum thickness.
Continued driving is possible but
have the brake linings replaced as
soon as possible.
Once new brake linings are installed,
do not brake unnecessarily hard for
the first few journeys.
Brake pad wear indicator F 3 80.
Brake fluid9 Warning
Brake fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, fabrics and painted surfaces.
194IndexAAccessories and vehicle modifications .......................... 132
Adaptive forward lighting .....89, 142
Adjustable air vents ...................103
Airbag and belt tensioners ...........78
Airbag deactivation ................50, 78
Airbag label................................... 45 Airbag system .............................. 45
Air conditioning regular operation ................................ 105
Air conditioning system ................ 95
Air intake .................................... 104
Air suspension ........................... 110
Air vents...................................... 103
Antifreeze ................................... 135
Antilock brake system ................ 118
Antilock brake system (ABS) .......80
Anti-theft alarm system ................27
Anti-theft locking system .............. 27
Appearance care ........................164
Armrest ........................................ 40
Ashtrays ....................................... 72 Automatic light control .................87
Automatic locking ........................23
Auxiliary heater ........................... 100B
Battery, jump starting.................. 160
Belts.............................................. 43 Bonnet ....................................... 133
Brake assist ............................... 119
Brake fluid .......................... 136, 168
Brake pad wear ............................ 80
Brakes ............................... 118, 136
Brake system ............................... 79
Breakdown.................................. 162
Bulb replacement ....................... 140
C
Capacities .................................. 188
Cargo management system ........63
Car Pass ...................................... 18
Catalytic converter .....................112
Central locking system ................19
Centre high-mounted brake light 145
Changing tyre and wheel size ...153
Charging system .......................... 78
Child locks ................................... 23
Child restraint installation locations ................................... 53
Child restraints.............................. 51
Child restraint systems ................51
Cigarette lighter ........................... 72
Cleaning the vehicle ...................164
Climate control ............................. 14