CockpitVehicle 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 selectedspecial 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.
All around the steering wheel
1Setting the exterior mirror, folding it in and
out 40Power windows, front 33MINI Countryman: power win‐
dows, rear 33MINI Countryman: safety switch
for rear power windows 342Parking lights 66Low beams 66Automatic headlamp con‐
trol 66
Adaptive Light Control 68Turn signal 51Seite 12AT A GLANCECockpit12
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 961 084 - II/15
pending on how long the adjustment button is
pressed:▷Press briefly: switch the display on/off.▷3 to 6 seconds: set the compass zone.▷6 to 9 seconds: calibrate the compass.▷9 to 12 seconds: set left-hand/right hand
steering.▷12 to 15 seconds: set the language.
Setting compass zones
Set the compass zone corresponding to the ve‐
hicle's geographic location so that the compass
can function correctly; refer to the world map
with compass zones.
Press the adjustment button for 3‑4 seconds.
The number of the compass zone set is shown
in the display.
To change the zone setting, briefly press the
adjustment button repeatedly until the display
shows the number of the compass zone corre‐
sponding to the current location.
The compass is operational again after approx.
10 seconds.
Calibrating the digital compass The digital compass must be calibrated in the
following situations:▷An incorrect compass direction is shown.▷The cardinal direction displayed does not
change even if the direction of travel
changes.▷Not all compass directions are shown.
Procedure
1.Make sure that there are no large metal ob‐
jects or overhead power lines in the vicinity
of the vehicle and that there is enough
space to drive in a circle.2.Set the currently valid compass zone.3.Press the adjustment button for 6‑7 sec‐
onds to call up C. Then drive at least one full
circle at a maximum speed of
4 mph/7 km/h. When the system is cali‐
brated, the C is replaced by the compass di‐
rections.Seite 97Interior equipmentCONTROLS97
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 961 084 - II/15
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 56.
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.
Seite 112DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving112
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 961 084 - II/15
Rear
Being towedFollow the towing instructions
Follow all towing instructions, or vehicle
damage or accidents may occur. ◀
▷Make sure that the ignition is switched on;
otherwise, the low beams, tail lights, turn
signals, and windshield wipers may be un‐
available.▷Do not tow the vehicle with the rear axle
tilted, as the front wheels could turn.▷When the engine is stopped, there is no
power assist. Consequently, more force
needs to be applied when braking and
steering.▷Larger steering wheel movements are re‐
quired.▷Switch on the hazard warning system, de‐
pending on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Steptronic transmission Towing vehicles with a Steptronic trans‐
mission
Only transport vehicles with a Steptronic trans‐
mission on tow trucks or with raised front
wheels; otherwise, the transmission may be
damaged. ◀
Towing with a tow bar
Light towing vehicle
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than your vehicle, or it will not be possible to
control vehicle response. ◀
Correctly attach the tow bar
Only secure the tow bar on the tow fit‐
tings; damage can occur when it is secured on
other parts of the vehicle. ◀
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles.
Should it prove impossible to avoid mounting
the tow bar at an offset angle, please observe
the following:▷Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.▷The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it
is attached offset.
Towing with a tow rope
When starting to tow the vehicle, make sure
that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated stresses on
the vehicle components when towing, always
use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attaching the tow rope correctly
Only secure the tow rope on the tow fit‐
ting; otherwise, damage can occur when it is
secured on other parts of the vehicle. ◀
With a tow truck: vehicles without ALL4
all-wheel drive
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage
may result. ◀
Seite 184MOBILITYBreakdown assistance184
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 961 084 - II/15
12CauseHow to respondLights up in yellow:The engine will start the next time the Start/
Stop button is touched, possibly without the
brake or clutch being depressed.The remote control is malfunctioning or, in
cars with Comfort Access, was not detected.The engine cannot be started. Have
the remote control checked, if nec‐
essary.The battery in the remote control is dis‐
charged.Use the remote control for a longer
journey or, in cars with Comfort Ac‐
cess, replace the battery.The belt tensioners and/or airbag system
has failed.Have the system checked immedi‐
ately.
Fasten the safety belts anyway.Steering assistance has failed.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Markedly different
steering response. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.Lights up in red:Engine malfunctionStop the car and switch off the en‐
gine. You cannot continue your
journey. Contact your service cen‐
ter.Lights up in yellow:Full engine power is no longer available.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the engine
checked as soon as possible.Indicator lamp 1 flashes:Engine malfunction under high load. High
engine load will result in damage to the cat‐
alytic converter.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the vehicle
checked immediately.Seite 193Indicator/warning lampsMOBILITY193
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 961 084 - II/15