Driving stability control systemsVehicle features and op‐
tions
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems. The respectively applicable country provi‐
sions must be observed when using the respec‐
tive features and systems.
Anti-lock Braking System
ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking.
The vehicle contains its steering power even
during full brake applications, thus increasing
active safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the en‐
gine.
Brake assistant
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the greatest possible
braking force boost. It reduces the braking dis‐
tance to a minimum during emergency stop.
This system utilizes all of the benefits provided
by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the emergency stop.DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
The concept
Within the physical limits, the system helps to
keep the vehicle on a steady course by reduc‐
ing engine speed and by applying brakes to the
individual wheels.
General information
Dynamic Stability Control detect for example
the following unstable driving conditions:▷Fishtailing, which can lead to oversteering.▷Loss of traction of the front wheels, which
can lead to understeering.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC, refer to
page 123, is a version of the DSC where for‐
ward momentum is optimized.
Information The laws of physics cannot be repealed, not
even with DSC.
WARNING
The system does not release from the
personal responsibility to correctly assess the
traffic situation. Based on the limits of the sys‐
tem, it cannot independently react to all traffic
situations. There is risk of an accident. Adjust
the driving style to the traffic conditions. Watch
traffic closely and actively intervene in the re‐
spective situations. ◀
Indicator/warning lights The indicator lamp flashes: DSC controls
the drive and braking forces.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC has
failed.
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Dynamic Damping Con‐
trol
The concept
The tuning of the suspension can be changed
with the system.
Programs The system offers several different programs.
Select the programs via the Driving Dynamics
Control, refer to page 124.
MID/GREEN
Balanced tuning of the shock absorbers for
more comfort.
SPORTConsistently sporty tuning of the shock absorb‐
ers for greater driving agility.
Driving Dynamics Con‐
trol
The concept
The Driving Dynamics Control helps to fine-
tune the vehicle's settings and features. Choose
between three different programs. Driving Dy‐
namics Control will activate the particular pro‐
gram.
Operating the programsDriving Dynamics ControlProgramMID
GREEN
SPORT
MID For balanced tuning.
With each starting operation, MID is activated
using the Start/Stop button.
GREEN GREEN, refer to page 174, provides consistent
tuning to maximize range.
Activating GREEN
Turn Driving Dynamics Control to the right until
GREEN is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Configuring GREEN
Via the Driving Dynamics Control1.Activate GREEN.2."Configure GREEN"3.Configure the program.
This configuration is retrieved when GREEN is
activated.
Via onboard monitor:
1. "Settings"2."GREEN Mode"
or
1. "Settings"2."Driving mode"3."Configure GREEN"
Configure the program.
This configuration is retrieved when GREEN is
activated.
SPORT
Consistently sporty tuning of the drivetrain for
greater driving agility.
With the appropriate equipment, the tuning of
the suspension also changes and SPORT can be
individually configured.
The configuration is stored for the profile cur‐
rently used.
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Cornering
If the desired speed is too high for a curve, the
speed is reduced slightly, although curves can‐
not be anticipated in advance. Therefore, drive
into a curve at an appropriate speed.
In tight curves the system offers only restricted
detection where a vehicle ahead of you might
be detected late or not at all.
When you approach a curve the system may
briefly report vehicles in the next lane due to
the bend of the curve. If the system decelerates
you may compensate it by briefly accelerating.
After releasing the gas pedal the system is reac‐
tivated and controls speed independently.
Weather
In the event of unfavorable weather and light conditions, e. g. if there is rain, snowfall, slush,
fog or glare, this may result in poorer recogni‐
tion of vehicles as well as short-term interrup‐
tions for vehicles that are already detected.
Drive attentively, and react to the current traffic
situation. If necessary, intervene actively, for
example by braking, steering or evading.
Engine power
The desired speed may not be maintained on
uphill grades if engine power is insufficient.
Malfunction A Check Control message is displayed if the sys‐
tem fails or was automatically deactivated.
The system may not be fully functional in the
following situations:▷When an object was not correctly detected.▷In heavy fog, rain, sprayed water or snow‐
fall.▷In tight curves.▷If the field of view of the camera or the
windshield are dirty or covered.▷When driving toward bright lights.▷Up to 20 seconds after the start of the en‐
gine, via the Start/Stop button.▷During calibration of the camera immedi‐
ately after vehicle delivery.
Cruise control
The concept
Using this system, a desired speed can be ad‐
justed using the buttons on the steering wheel.
The system maintains the desired speed. The
system accelerates and brakes automatically as
needed.
General information
The system is functional at speeds beginning at
approx. 20 mph/30 km/h.
Depending on the driving settings, the features
of the cruise control can change in certain
areas.
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InformationA component of the parking assistant is the
PDC Park Distance Control, refer to page 134.
When parking, also take note of the visual and
acoustic information issued by the PDC, the
parking assistant and, where applicable, the
rearview camera, and react accordingly.
Loud noises from outside and inside the vehicle
may prevent you from hearing the PDC's signal tone.
WARNING
The system does not release from the
personal responsibility to correctly assess the
traffic situation. Based on the limits of the sys‐
tem, it cannot independently react to all traffic situations. There is risk of an accident. Adjust
the driving style to the traffic conditions. Watch
traffic closely and actively intervene in the re‐
spective situations. ◀
ATTENTION
The parking assistant can steer the vehi‐
cle over or onto curbs. There is a risk of damage
to property. Watch traffic closely and actively intervene in the respective situations. ◀
An engine that has been switched off by the
Auto Start Stop function is restarted automati‐
cally when the parking assistant is activated.
Overview
Button in the vehicle
Park assistance button
Ultrasound sensors
The ultrasound sensors for measuring parking
spaces are located on the wheel housing.
To ensure full functionality:
▷Keep the sensors clean and free of ice.▷When using high-pressure washers, do not
spray the sensors for long periods and
maintain a distance of at least 12 in‐
ches/30 cm.▷Do not put stickers over sensors.
Requirements
For measuring parking spaces
▷Maximum speed while driving forward ap‐
prox. 22 mph/35 km/h.▷Maximum distance to row of parked vehi‐
cles: 5 ft/1.5 m.
Suitable parking space
▷Gaps behind an object that has a min.
length of 5 ft/1.5 m.▷Gap between two objects with a minimum
length of approx. 5 ft/1.5 m.▷Min. length of gap between two objects:
your vehicle's length plus approx.
3.3 ft/1.0 m.▷Minimum depth: approx. 5 ft/1.5 m.
Regarding the parking procedure
▷Doors and tailgate closed.▷Parking brake released.Seite 140CONTROLSDriving comfort140
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Driving smoothly and proactively reduces fuel
consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Use 1st gear to get the vehicle moving. Starting
with the 2nd gear, accelerate rapidly. When ac‐
celerating, shift up before reaching high engine
speeds.
When you reach the desired speed, shift into
the highest applicable gear and drive with the
engine speed as low as possible and at a con‐
stant speed.
The gear shift indicator, refer to page 87, of
your vehicle indicates the most fuel efficient gear.
Use coasting conditions When approaching a red light, take your foot
off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to a
halt.
For going downhill take your foot off the accel‐
erator and let the vehicle roll.
The flow of fuel is interrupted while coasting.
Switch off the engine
during longer stops
Switch off the engine during longer stops, for
example, at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in
traffic congestion.
Auto Start/Stop function
The Auto Start/Stop function of the vehicle au‐
tomatically switches off the engine during a
stop.
If the engine is switched off and then restarted
rather than leaving the engine running con‐stantly, fuel consumption and emissions are re‐
duced. Savings can begin within a few seconds
of switching off the engine.
In addition, fuel consumption is also deter‐
mined by other factors, such as driving style,
road conditions, maintenance or environmental
factors.
Switch off any functions
that are not currently
needed
Functions such as seat heating and the rear
window defroster require a lot of energy and
consume additional fuel, especially in city and
stop-and-go traffic.
Therefore, switch off these functions if they are
not actually needed.
Have maintenance car‐
ried out
Have vehicles maintained regularly to achieve
optimal vehicle efficiency and service life. MINI
recommends that maintenance work be per‐
formed by a MINI service center.
Also note the MINI maintenance systems, refer
to page 206.
GREEN Mode
The concept The GREEN Mode supports a driving style that
saves on fuel consumption. For this purpose,
the engine control and comfort features, e. g.
the climate control output, are adjusted.
For Steptronic transmission:
The Coasting driving condition is enabled under
certain conditions.Seite 174DRIVING TIPSSaving fuel174
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SymbolMeasureManual transmission: follow shifting
instructions.Manual transmission: engage neutral
for engine stop.
Indications on the Control Display
MINIMALISM
Information on fuel consumption and technol‐
ogy can be displayed while driving.
1. "Vehicle info"2."MINIMALISM"
Displaying MINIMALISM info
The current efficiency can be displayed.
"MINIMALISM info"
The following systems are displayed:
▷Auto Start/Stop function.▷Energy recovery.▷Climate control output.▷Coasting.
Displaying GREEN Mode tips
"GREEN tips"
Driving instruction and an additional symbol
are displayed.
Settings are stored for the profile currently
used.
Coasting
The concept The system helps to conserve fuel.
To do this, under certain conditions the engine
is automatically decoupled from the transmis‐ sion when selector lever position D is set. The
vehicle continues traveling with the engine
idling to reduce fuel consumption. Selector
lever position D remains engaged.
This driving condition is referred to as coasting.
As soon as the brake or accelerator pedal is de‐
pressed, the engine is automatically coupled to
the transmission again.
Information
Coasting is a component of the GREEN driving
mode, refer to page 174.
Coasting is automatically activated when
GREEN Mode is called via the Driving Dynamics
Control, refer to page 124.
The function is available in a certain speed
range.
A proactive driving style helps the driver to use
the function as often as possible and supports
the fuel-conserving effect of coasting.
Safety mode
The function is not available under one of the
following conditions.▷DSC OFF or TRACTION activated.▷Driving in the dynamic limit range and on
steep uphill or downhill grades.▷Battery charge status temporarily too low
or vehicle electrical system drawing exces‐
sive current.▷Cruise control activated.
Functional requirements
In GREEN Mode, this function is available in a
speed range from approximately 30 mph, ap‐
prox. 50 km/h to 100 mph, approx. 160 km/h,
if the following conditions are met:
▷Accelerator pedal and brake pedal are not
operated.▷The selector lever is in selector lever posi‐
tion D.▷Engine and transmission are at operating
temperature.Seite 177Saving fuelDRIVING TIPS177
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FuelVehicle features and op‐
tions
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems. The respectively applicable country provi‐
sions must be observed when using the respec‐
tive features and systems.
Fuel recommendation General information Depending on the region, many gas stations
sell fuel that has been customized to winter or
summer conditions. Fuel that is available in
winter helps make a cold start easier, for exam‐
ple.
Information ATTENTION
Even fuels that conform to the specifica‐
tions can be of low quality. This may cause en‐
gine problems, e.g., poor engine start-up be‐
havior, poor handling and/or poor
performance. There is a risk of damage to
property. In case of engine problems, switch
gas stations or use a brand name fuel with a
higher octane rating. ◀
Gasoline
General information For the best fuel efficiency, the gasoline should
be sulfur-free or very low in sulfur content.Fuels that are marked on the gas pump as con‐
taining metal must not be used.
Fuels with a maximum ethanol content of
25 %, i. e. E10 or E25, may be used for refuel‐
ing.
Ethanol should meet the following quality
standards:
US: ASTM 4806–xx
CAN: CGSB-3.511–xx
xx: comply with the current standard in each
case.
Information ATTENTION
Do not press the Start/Stop button after
refueling with the wrong fuel. Furthermore, the
catalytic converter is permanently damaged.
There is a risk of damage to property. Do not
refuel or add the following in the case of gaso‐
line engines:▷Leaded gasoline.▷Metallic additives, e.g., manganese or iron.
Do not press the Start/Stop button after refuel‐
ing with the wrong fuel. Contact a dealer’s serv‐
ice center or another qualified service center or
repair shop. ◀
ATTENTION
Incorrect fuels can damage the fuel sys‐
tem and the engine. There is a risk of damage
to property. Do not use a fuel with a higher
ethanol percentage than recommended or one
with other types of alcohol, e.g., M5 to M100. ◀
ATTENTION
Fuel that does not comply with the mini‐
mum quality can compromise engine function
or cause engine damage. There is a risk of
damage to property. Do not fill with fuel that
does not comply with the minimum quality. ◀
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▷Make sure that the ignition is switched on;
otherwise, the low beams, tail lamps, turn
signals, and wipers may be unavailable.▷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.▷The towing vehicle must not be lighter than
the vehicle being towed; otherwise, it will
not be possible to control the vehicle's re‐
sponse.▷Do not exceed a towing speed of
30 mph/50 km/h.▷Do not exceed a towing distance of
30 miles/50 km.
Tow truck
With driven front axle
Have your vehicle transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
ATTENTION
When lifting the vehicle by the tow fitting
or body and chassis parts; damage can occur
on vehicle parts. There is a risk of damage to
property. Lift vehicle using suitable means. ◀
Towing other vehicles
Information WARNING
If the approved gross vehicle weight of
the towing vehicle is lighter than the vehicle to
be towed, the tow fitting can tear off or it will
not be possible to control the vehicle's re‐ sponse. There is risk of an accident! Make sure
that the gross vehicle weight of the towing ve‐
hicle is heavier than the vehicle to be towed. ◀
ATTENTION
If the tow bar or tow rope is attached in‐
correctly, damage to other vehicle parts can oc‐ cur. There is a risk of damage to property. Cor‐
rectly attach the tow bar or tow rope to the tow
fitting. ◀▷Switch on the hazard warning system, de‐
pending on local regulations.▷If the electrical system has failed, clearly
identify the vehicle being towed by placing
a sign or a warning triangle in the rear win‐
dow.
Tow bar
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:
▷Maneuvering capability is limited going
around corners.▷The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it
is secured with an offset.
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.
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