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124Driving and operatingRide control systems
Traction Control system
The Traction Control system (TC) is a
component part of the Electronic
Stability Program (ESP® Plus
) which
improves driving stability when
necessary, regardless of the type of
road surface or tyre grip, by
preventing the drive wheels from
spinning.
As soon as the drive wheels starts to spin, engine output is reduced and
the wheel spinning the most is braked
individually. This considerably
improves the driving stability of the
vehicle on slippery road surfaces.
TC is operational as soon as the
ignition is switched on and control
indicator b extinguishes in the
instrument cluster. A corresponding
message also appears in the Driver
Information Centre 3 90.
When TC is active b flashes.9 Warning
Do not let this special safety
feature tempt you into taking risks
when driving.
Adapt speed to the road
conditions.
Control indicator b 3 87.
Trailer stability assist (TSA) 3 137.
Enhanced Traction function
If necessary, in the event of soft
ground, mud or snow-covered road
surfaces, the Traction control system
(TC) can be deactivated to enhance
traction:
Press the Ø button on the
instrument panel.
Control indicator Ø illuminates in the
instrument cluster and a
corresponding message appears in
the Driver Information Centre 3 90.
When vehicle speed reaches 50 km/h, the system switches
automatically from Enhanced
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Driving and operating125
Traction function to TC operation.
Control indicator Ø extinguishes in
the instrument cluster.
TC is reactivated by pressing the Ø
button again. Control indicator Ø
extinguishes.
TC is also reactivated the next time
the ignition is switched on.
Fault If the system detects a fault, control
indicator b 3 87 illuminates together
with F 3 86 in the instrument cluster
and a corresponding message
appears in the Driver Information
Centre 3 90.
TC is not operational. Have the cause of the fault remedied by a workshop.
Vehicle messages 3 91.
Electronic stability
program
The Electronic Stability Program
(ESP® Plus
) improves driving stability
when necessary, regardless of thetype of road surface or tyre grip. It also
prevents the drive wheels from
spinning.
As soon as the vehicle starts to
swerve (understeer/oversteer),
engine output is reduced and the
wheels are braked individually. This
considerably improves the driving
stability of the vehicle on slippery road
surfaces.
ESP® Plus
is operational as soon as
the ignition is switched on and control
indicator b extinguishes in the
instrument cluster. A corresponding message also appears in the Driver
Information Centre 3 90.
When ESP® Plus
comes into action b
flashes.9 Warning
Do not let this special safety
feature tempt you into taking risks
when driving.
Adapt speed to the road
conditions.
Control indicator b 3 87.
Trailer stability assist (TSA) 3 137.
Enhanced Traction function
If necessary, in the event of soft
ground, mud or snow-covered road
surfaces, ESP® Plus
can be
deactivated to enhance traction:
Press the Ø button on the
instrument panel.
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130Driving and operating
Deleting the limit speed
Press switch U: Yellow control
indicator U extinguishes in the
instrument cluster.
Speed limiter Maximum speed limiter
In accordance with local or national
regulations, the vehicle may be
equipped with a fixed maximum
speed limiter that cannot be disabled.
If equipped, a warning label indicating the fixed maximum speed limit (90 to
130 km/h) is located on the
instrument panel.
Deviations from the maximum speed
limit may occur briefly when driving
downhill, for physical reasons.
A warning buzzer will sound for
10 seconds every 40 seconds if the
vehicle briefly exceeds the set limit.
Vehicles also equipped with cruise
control speed limiter: the maximum
speed cannot be exceeded by
depressing the accelerator pedal
firmly beyond the point of resistance.
Cruise control speed limiter 3 126.Parking assist
The parking assist makes reverse
parking easier by measuring the
distance between the rear of the
vehicle and obstacles. It is the driver,
however, who bears full responsibility for parking.
The system consists of four ultrasonic
parking sensors in the rear bumper.
Note
Attached parts in the detection area
cause system malfunction.
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Driving and operating131
ActivationWhen reverse gear is engaged, the
system switches itself on
automatically. Readiness for
operation is indicated by a brief
acoustic signal.
An obstacle is indicated by buzzers
and, depending on vehicle, is also
indicated in the Info-Display. The
interval between the buzzers
becomes shorter as the vehicle gets
closer to the obstacle. When the
distance is less than 30 cm, the buzzer is continuous.
Note
In versions with Info-Display
indication, the volume of the buzzer
can be adjusted via the Infotainment
system. Refer to Infotainment
system manual for further
information.9 Warning
Under certain circumstances,
various reflective surfaces on
objects or clothing as well as
external noise sources may cause the system to fail to detect
obstacles.
Deactivation
Deactivate the system by pressing
the r button on the instrument
panel with the ignition on. LED
illuminates in the button when
deactivated. When reverse gear is
selected, no acoustic signal will
sound.
Note
In versions with Info-Display
indication, the function can be
deactivated via the Infotainment
system. Refer to Infotainment
system manual for further
information.
The function is reactivated by
pressing button r again or the next
time the ignition is switched on.
Fault If the system detects an operating
fault, when selecting reverse gear a
continuous acoustic alarm will sound
for approx. 5 seconds, a
corresponding message appears in
the Driver Information Centre 3 90
and F illuminates in the instrument
cluster 3 86. Consult a workshop to
have the cause of the fault remedied.
Page 144 of 205

142Vehicle careEngine coolantThe coolant provides freeze
protection down to approx. -28 °C.Caution
Only use approved antifreeze.
Coolant level
Caution
Too low a coolant level can cause engine damage.
If the cooling system is cold, the
coolant level should be just above the
MINI mark. Top up if the level is low.9Warning
Allow the engine to cool before
opening the cap. Carefully open
the cap, relieving the pressure
slowly.
Top up with antifreeze. If no
antifreeze is available, use clean tap
water or distilled water. Install the cap
tightly. Have the antifreeze
concentration checked and have the
cause 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.
If the coolant temperature is too high, control indicator W 3 88 illuminates
red in the instrument cluster, together
with C 3 86. Consult a workshop if
coolant level is sufficient.
Power steering fluidCaution
Extremely small amounts of
contamination can cause steering
system damage and cause it to not work properly. Do not allow
contaminates to contact the fluid
side of the reservoir cap or from
entering the reservoir.
The power steering fluid reservoir is located below the front wheel arch,
behind a trim panel.
The fluid level normally does not need
to be checked. If an unusual noise is
heard during steering or if the power
steering reacts conspicuously, seek
the assistance of a workshop.
Page 154 of 205
152Vehicle care
Glovebox light
1. Remove lens assembly using aflat blade screwdriver.
2. Renew bulb.
3. Install lens assembly.
Instrument panel
illumination
Have bulbs replaced by a workshop.
Electrical system
Fuses
Data on the replacement fuse must
match the data on the defective fuse.
Before replacing a fuse, turn off the
respective switch and the ignition.
A blown fuse can be recognised by its melted wire. Do not replace the fuse
until the cause of the fault has been
remedied.
It is advisable to carry a full set of
fuses. Provision is made in the fuse
box for the storing of spare fuses.
Some functions are protected by
several fuses.
Fuses may also be inserted without
existence of a function.
Page 155 of 205
Vehicle care153
Note
Not all fuse box descriptions in this
Owner's Manual may apply to your
vehicle. Refer to the fuse box label,
where fitted.
Fuse extractor
To help in replacing fuses, a fuse
extractor may be used.
Place the fuse extractor on the
various types of fuse from the top or
side, and withdraw fuse.
Instrument panel fuse box
The fuse box is located on the left-
hand side of the instrument panel, behind a trim panel.
Pull upper part of trim panel and
remove to access the fuse box.
Do not store any objects behind this
panel.
Some circuits may be protected by
several fuses.
Page 174 of 205

172Vehicle care
Paintwork polish with silicone forms a
protective film, making waxing
unnecessary.
Unpainted plastic body parts must not be treated with wax or polishing
agents.
Matt filmed body parts or decor tapes must not be polished, to avoid
gleaming. Do not use hot wax
programmes in automatic car washes if the vehicle is equipped with theseparts.
Matt painted decor parts, e.g. mirror housing cover, must not be polished.
Otherwise these parts would become
agleam or the colour would be
dissolved.
Windows and windscreen wiper blades
Use a soft lint-free cloth or chamois
leather together with window cleaner
and insect remover.
When cleaning the rear window from
inside, always wipe in parallel to the
heating element to prevent damage.For mechanical removal of ice, use a
sharp-edged ice scraper. Press the
scraper firmly against the glass so
that no dirt can get under it and
scratch the glass.
Clean smearing wiper blades with a
soft cloth and window cleaner.
Wheels and tyres
Do not use high-pressure jet
cleaners.
Clean rims with a pH-neutral wheel
cleaner.
Rims are painted and can be treated
with the same agents as the body.
Paintwork damageRectify minor paintwork damage witha touch-up pen before rust forms.
Have more extensive damage or rust areas repaired by a workshop.
Underbody Some areas of the vehicle underbody
have a PVC undercoating while other
critical areas have a durable
protective wax coating.After the underbody is washed, check the underbody and have it waxed if
necessary.
Bitumen/rubber materials could
damage the PVC coating. Have
underbody work carried out by a
workshop.
Before and after winter, wash the
underbody and have the protective
wax coating checked.
Towing equipment Do not clean the coupling ball bar with
a steam-jet or high-pressure jet
cleaner.
Interior care Interior and upholsteryOnly clean the vehicle interior,
including the instrument panel fascia
and panelling, with a dry cloth or
interior cleaner.
Clean any leather upholstery with clear water and a soft cloth. In case of
heavy soiling, use leather care.