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 56.2.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 72CONTROLSDisplays72
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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.
When using the features and systems described
here, adhere to local regulations.
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 replacement
The 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 114DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving114
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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 Steptronic
transmission, refer to page 64.
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.
Seite 116DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving116
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12CauseHow to respondLights up in yellow:The battery charge level is very low, the
battery is old or is not securely connected.Charge the battery by taking a long
drive or using an external charger. If
necessary, switch off automatic
power consumers. Have the battery
checked as soon as possible.Indication in US models
The parking brake is set.Indication in Canadian models
The parking brake is set.Indication in US models
The parking brake is set while driving.Release the parking brake.Indication in Canadian models
The parking brake is set while driving.Release the parking brake.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.Seite 204MOBILITYIndicator/warning lamps204
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12CauseHow to respondIndication 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.Lights up in red:Have the system in question
checked immediately.The starter has failed orThe engine cannot be restarted.Ignition malfunctioning. The engine can
only be restarted when the brake is de‐
pressed or
Lighting system failed. Low beams/tail
lights and brake lights still operational. All
other lights failed.Depress the brake to restart the en‐
gine.Lights up in yellow:Brake light control failed or
The fuel supply is malfunctioning.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system in
question checked immediately.Seite 205Indicator/warning lampsMOBILITY205
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Everything from A to ZIndexA
ABS, Antilock Brake Sys‐ tem 91
Acoustic signal, refer to Check Control 73
Activated charcoal filter with automatic climate con‐
trol 103
Adaptive Light Control 77
Additives, engine oil 173
Airbags 81
Airbags, indicator/warning light 83
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐ culated air mode, air condi‐
tioner 100
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐ culated air mode, automatic
climate control 102
Air conditioning 99
Air conditioning mode, air conditioner 99
Air conditioning mode, auto‐ matic climate control 101
Air distribution, air condi‐ tioner, manual 100
Air distribution, auto‐ matic 102
Air distribution, automatic cli‐ mate control, manual 103
Air distribution, individual 100
Air drying, refer to Cooling function 103
Air flow rate for air condi‐ tioner 100
Air flow rate with automatic climate control 102
Air pressure, refer to Tire infla‐ tion pressure 156
Air supply, air conditioner 99 Air supply, automatic climate
control 101
Alarm system 31
Alarm system, avoiding unin‐ tentional alarms 32
Alarm system, ending an alarm 31
Alarm system, interior motion sensor 32
Alarm system, tilt alarm sen‐ sor 32
Always Open Timer 68
Ambient lighting 79
Antifreeze, washer fluid 62
Antilock Brake System, ABS 91
Anti-slip control, refer to Dy‐ namic Stability Control
DSC 91
Anti-theft protection 21
Approved engine oils 173
Ashtray 105
Assistance, roadside 189
Assistance when driving off, refer to Hill drive-off assis‐
tant 93
Assistance with starting en‐ gine, refer to Jump-start‐
ing 189
Automatic air distribution 102
Automatic air flow 102
Automatic car wash 194
Automatic climate con‐ trol 101
Automatic climate control, au‐ tomatic air distribution 102
Automatic, cruise control 96
Automatic headlight con‐ trol 75
Automatic rear spoiler 93 Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 63
AUTO program with auto‐ matic climate control 102
AUX-IN port 134
Average fuel consumption 68
Average fuel consumption, setting the units 70
Average speed 68
Average speed, refer to Com‐ puter 67
B Backrest curvature, refer to Lumbar support 46
Backrests, refer to Seats 45
Backup lights, bulb replace‐ ment 182
Battery disposal 31
Battery, refer to Vehicle bat‐ tery 187
Battery, remote control 20
Battery replacement, remote control 31
Belts, refer to Safety belts 47
Belt tensioners, refer to Safety belts 47
Bi-xenon headlights 179
Brake assistant 91
Brake discs, breaking in 114
Brake fluid, refer to Service re‐ quirements 71
Brake force distribution, elec‐ tronic 91
Brake pads, breaking in 114
Brake, refer to Parking brake 58
Brakes, MINI maintenance system 175 Seite 218REFERENCEEverything from A to Z218
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