parking brake MINI COOPER 2015 User Guide
Page 71 of 248
usage instructions on the washer fluid con‐
tainer.
Use of BMW’s Windshield Washer Concentrate
or the equivalent is recommended. ◀
WARNING
Washer fluid can ignite and catch fire on
contact with hot engine parts. There is risk of
injuries or risk of property damage. Only add
washer fluid when the engine is cooled down.
Next, fully close the lid of the washer fluid res‐
ervoir. ◀
CAUTION
Silicon-containing additives in the washer
fluid for the water-repelling effect on the win‐
dows can lead to damage to the washing sys‐
tem. There is risk of property damage. Do not
add silicon-containing additives to the washer
fluid. ◀
CAUTION
The use of undiluted and different wind‐
shield washer concentrate or antifreeze can
lead to damage to the washing system. There is
risk of property damage. Dilute windshield
washer concentrate or antifreeze prior to filling.
Observe the information and mixing ratios pro‐
vided on the containers. Do not mix windshield
washer concentrates of different manufactur‐
ers. ◀
Overview
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the en‐
gine compartment.
Manual transmission
Information CAUTION
When shifting to a lower gear, excessive
speeds can damage the engine. There is risk of
property damage. When shifting into 5th or 6th
gear, press the gearshift lever to the right. ◀
WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can put itself into
motion and roll away. There is risk of an acci‐
dent. Before exiting, secure the vehicle against
rolling.
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, observe the following:▷Set the parking brake.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, turn the
front wheels in the direction of the curb.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, also secure
the vehicle, for example with a wheel
chock. ◀
Shifting
General information
The engine speed during a shifting operation is
adjusted automatically for harmonious and dy‐
namic gear shifting.
Reverse gear
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
To overcome the resistance push the selector
lever dynamically to the left and engage the re‐
verse gear.
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Steptronic transmissionInformation WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can put itself into
motion and roll away. There is risk of an acci‐
dent. Before exiting, secure the vehicle against
rolling.
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, observe the following:▷Set the parking brake.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, turn the
front wheels in the direction of the curb.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, also secure
the vehicle, for example with a wheel
chock. ◀
Selector lever positions
D Drive Selector lever position for normal vehicle oper‐
ation. All gears for forward travel are activated
automatically.
R Reverse Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral
The vehicle may roll. Use in automatic car
washes, for example.
P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. The
drive wheels are blocked.
Before exiting the vehicle, make sure that se‐
lector lever position P is set. Otherwise, the ve‐
hicle may begin to move.
Kickdown
Kickdown is used to achieve maximum driving
performance. Step on the accelerator pedal be‐
yond the resistance point at the full throttle po‐
sition.
Engaging selector lever positions
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after you
select a gear, maintain pressure on the brake
pedal until you are ready to start.
The selector lever can only be taken out of se‐
lector lever position P if the ignition is on or the
engine is running.
With the vehicle stationary, depress the brake
pedal before shifting out of selector lever posi‐
tion P or N; otherwise, the shift block will not be
deactivated and the shift command will not be
executed.
A block prevents the inadvertent switching to
selector lever position P or R or the inadvertent
change from selector lever position P.
Canceling the lock
Press unlock button on the front of the selector
lever, arrow.
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▷Shift down: briefly pull left shift paddle.▷The lowest possible gear can be selected by
pulling and holding the left shift paddle.
Gears will only be shifted at appropriate engine
and road speeds, for example downshifting is
not possible if the engine speed is too high.
The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in‐
strument cluster, followed by the current gear.
If the shift paddles on the steering wheel are
used to shift gears in automatic mode, the
transmission temporarily switches to manual
mode.
In the manual mode, after conservative driving
for a certain amount of time or if there has
been no acceleration or shifting of the shift
paddles within a certain amount of time, the
transmission switches back to automatic mode.
It is possible to switch into the automatic mode:
▷Pull and hold right shift paddle.
or▷In addition to the briefly pulled right shift
paddle, briefly pull the left shift paddle.
Displays in the instrument cluster
The selector lever position is dis‐
played, for example: P.
Manually release the transmission lock Should the selector lever be blocked in selector
lever position P despite the ignition being
turned on, the brake being depressed and the
unlock button being pressed, the transmission
lock can be manually canceled:
Before unlocking the transmission lock man‐
ually, engage the parking brake forcefully to
prevent the vehicle from rolling away.
1.Loosen the selector lever sleeve together
with the lower retaining ring and possibly
the Driving Dynamics Control from the cen‐ter console. For this purpose, pull the re‐
taining ring and possibly the Driving Dy‐
namics Control upward on the rear edge.2.Lift the sleeve. Unplug the cable connector
if needed.3.Using the screwdriver from the onboard ve‐
hicle tool kit, refer to page 204, press the
yellow release lever downward, arrow.4.Move the selector lever slightly toward the
rear; to do this press the unlock button on
the front of the selector lever.
Release the release lever.5.Bring the selector lever into the desired po‐
sition.
Steptronic Sport transmission: Launch
Control
The concept
Launch Control enables optimum acceleration
on surfaces with good traction.
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be activated if objects are placed on the front
passenger seat.
Make sure that the safety belts are positioned
correctly.
Airbag system Airbag system and belt tensioner are
not working.
Have the vehicle checked immediately
by a dealer’s service center or another qualified
service center or repair shop.
Parking brake, brake system The parking brake is set.
For additional information, refer to Re‐
lease parking brake, refer to page 67.
Front-end collision warning Illuminated: advance warning is issued,
e.g., when there is the impending dan‐
ger of a collision or the distance to the
vehicle ahead is too small.
Increase distance.
Flashing: acute warning of the imminent dan‐
ger of a collision when the vehicle approaches
another vehicle at a relatively high differential
speed.
Intervention by braking or make an evasive
maneuver.
Pedestrian warning If a collision with a person detected in
this way is imminent, the symbol lights
up and a signal sounds.Orange lights
Active Cruise Control The number bars shows the selected
distance from the vehicle driving ahead.
For more information, see Camera-
based cruise control, refer to page 120.
Vehicle detection, Active Cruise Control Illuminated: vehicle driving ahead de‐
tected.
Flashing: the conditions are not ade‐
quate for operating the system.
The system was deactivated but applies the
brakes until you actively resume control by
pressing on the brake pedal or accelerator
pedal.
Yellow lights Anti-lock Braking System ABS Avoid sudden braking as much as possi‐
ble. Braking force boost may not be
working. Stop cautiously. Take into ac‐
count the longer brake distance. Have
the system immediately checked by a
dealer’s service center or another quali‐
fied service center or repair shop.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control Flashing: DSC controls the drive and
braking forces. The vehicle is stabilized.
Reduce speed and adapt driving style to
the driving circumstances.
Illuminated: DSC failed. Have the system
checked by a dealer’s service center or another
qualified service center or repair shop.
For additional information, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC, refer to page 116.Seite 78CONTROLSDisplays78
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Activating SPORT
Turn Driving Dynamics Control to the left until
SPORT is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Configuring SPORT Depending on your vehicle's optional features,
when the display is activated on the Control
Display, the SPORT driving mode can be config‐
ured for individual specifications.
Activating SPORT.
Select "Configure SPORT".
Configure the program.
SPORT can also be configured before it is acti‐
vated:1. "Settings"2."Driving mode"3."Configure SPORT"
This configuration is retrieved when SPORT is
activated.
Configuring driving program
Settings can be made for the following driving
programs in Driving mode:
▷GREEN, refer to page 118.▷SPORT, refer to page 118.
Displays
Program selection With Driving Dynamics Control
turned on a list of programs is
displayed and can be selected.
Selected program The instrument cluster displays
the selected program.
Display on the onboard monitor
Program changes can be displayed on the on‐
board monitor.1. "Settings"2."Control display"3."Driving mode info"
Drive-off assistant
The concept
This system supports driving off on inclines. The
parking brake is not required.
Driving off with the drive-off assistant
1.Hold the vehicle in place with the foot
brake.2.Release the foot brake and drive off with‐
out delay.
After the foot brake is released, the vehicle is
held in place for approx. 2 seconds.
For vehicles with respective equipment ver‐
sions, the possible holding duration amounts to
2 minutes.
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InformationA component of the parking assistant is the
PDC Park Distance Control, refer to page 128.
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 relieve from the per‐
sonal responsibility to correctly assess the traf‐
fic situation. Based on the limits of the system,
it cannot independently react to all traffic situa‐
tions. There is risk of an accident. Adjust the
driving style to the traffic conditions. Watch
traffic closely and actively interfere in the re‐
spective situations. ◀
CAUTION
The parking assistant can steer the vehi‐
cle over or onto curbs. There is risk of property
damage. Watch traffic closely and actively in‐
terfere 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
Parking assistant
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 134CONTROLSDriving comfort134
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General driving notes
Closing the tailgate WARNING
An open tailgate protrudes from the vehi‐
cle and can endanger occupants and other traf‐
fic participants or damage the vehicle in the
event of an accident, braking or evasive ma‐
neuvers. In addition, exhaust fumes may enter
the vehicle interior. There is risk of injuries or
risk of property damage. Do not drive with the
tailgate open. ◀
If driving with the tailgate open cannot be
avoided:▷Close all windows and the glass sunroof.▷Greatly increase the air flow from the vents.▷Drive moderately.
Hot exhaust system
WARNING
During driving operation, high tempera‐
tures can occur underneath the body, for ex‐
ample caused by the exhaust gas system. If
combustible materials, such as leaves or grass,
come in contact with hot parts of the exhaust
gas system, these materials can ignite. There is
risk of injuries or risk of property damage.
Do not remove the heat shields installed and
never apply undercoating to them. Make sure
that no combustible materials can come in con‐
tact with hot vehicle parts in driving operation,
idle or during parking. Do not touch the hot ex‐
haust system. ◀
Mobile communication devices in the vehicle
WARNING
Vehicle electronics and mobile phones
can influence one another. There is radiation
due to the send operations of mobile phones.
There is risk of injuries or risk of property dam‐
age. If possible, in the car's interior use only
mobile phones with direct connections to an
exterior antenna in order to exclude mutual
disturbance and deflect the radiation from the
car's interior. ◀
Hydroplaning On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplan‐
ing. It is characterized by a partial or complete
loss of contact between the tires and the road
surface, ultimately undermining your ability to
steer and brake the vehicle.
Driving through water CAUTION
When driving too quickly through too
deep water, water can enter into the engine compartment, the electrical system or the
transmission. There is risk of property damage.
When driving through water, do not exceed the
maximum indicated water level and the maxi‐
mum speed for driving through water. ◀
When driving through water, observe the fol‐
lowing:▷Drive through calm water only.▷Drive through water only if it is not deeper
than maximum 9.8 inches/25 cm.▷Drive through water no faster than walking
speed, up to 3 mph/5 km/h.
Braking safely
Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature.
Perform an emergency stop in situations that require such.
Steering is still responsive. You can still avoid
any obstacles with a minimum of steering ef‐
fort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from
the hydraulic circuits indicate that ABS is in its
active mode.
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Objects in the area around the pedalsWARNING
Objects in the driver's floor area can limit
the pedal distance or block a depressed pedal.
There is risk of an accident. Stow objects in the
vehicle such that they are secured and cannot
enter into the driver's floor area. Use floor mats
that are suitable for the vehicle and can be
safely attached to the floor. Do not use loose
floor mats and do not layer several floor mats.
Make sure that there is sufficient clearance for
the pedals. Ensure that the floor mats are se‐
curely fastened again after they were removed,
for example for cleaning. ◀
Driving in wet conditions When roads are wet, salted, or in heavy rain,
press brake pedal ever so gently every few
miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other
traffic.
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.
Hills WARNING
Light but consistent brake pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brakes wearing out
and possibly even brake failure. There is risk of
an accident. Avoid placing excessive stress on
the brake system. ◀
WARNING
In idle or with the engine switched off,
safety-relevant functions are restricted or not
available anymore, for example braking effect
of the engine or braking force and steering
support. There is risk of an accident. Do not
drive in idle or with the engine switched off. ◀
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear that requires least braking efforts. Other‐wise the brakes may overheat and reduce
brake efficiency.
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, going all the way to first gear, if
needed.
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 will built up when the maximum
pressure applied to the brake pads during brak‐
ing is not reached - thus discs don't get
cleaned.
Corrosion buildup on the brake discs will cause
a pulsating effect on the brakes in their re‐
sponse - generally that cannot be corrected.
Condensation under the parked vehicle When using the automatic climate control, con‐
densation water develops collecting under‐
neath the vehicle.
Ground clearance CAUTION
If ground clearance is insufficient, there
might be contact with the front or rear spoiler
for example when driving over curbs or enter‐
ing into underground car parking garages.
There is risk of property damage. Ensure that
there is sufficient ground clearance available. ◀
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Run-flat tiresLabel
RSC label on the tire sidewall.
The wheels are composed of tires that are self-
supporting to a limited degree.
The support of the sidewall allows the tire to re‐
main drivable to a restricted degree in the
event of a tire inflation pressure loss.
Continued driving with a damaged tire, refer to
page 108.
Continued driving with a damaged tire, refer to
page 105.
Changing run-flat tires
For your own safety, only use run-flat tires. No
spare tire is available in the case of a flat tire.
A dealer’s service center will be glad to answer additional questions at any time.
Repairing a flat tireSafety measures
▷Park the vehicle as far away as possible
from passing traffic and on solid ground.▷Switch on the hazard warning system.▷Secure the vehicle against rolling away by
setting the parking brake.▷Turn the steering wheel until the front
wheels are in the straight-ahead position
and engage the steering wheel lock.▷Have all vehicle occupants get out of the
vehicle and ensure that they remain out‐
side the immediate area in a safe place,
such as behind a guardrail.▷If necessary, set up a warning triangle at an
appropriate distance.
Mobility System
The concept
With the Mobility System, minor tire damage
can be sealed temporarily to enable continued
travel. To accomplish this, sealant is pumped
into the tires, which seals the damage from the
inside.
The compressor can be used to check the tire
inflation pressure.
Information
▷Follow the instructions on using the Mobi‐
lity System found on the compressor and
sealant container.▷Use of the Mobility System may be ineffec‐
tive if the tire puncture measures approx.
1/8 inches/4 mm or more.▷Contact a dealer’s service center or another
qualified service center or repair shop if the
tire cannot be made drivable.▷If possible, do not remove foreign bodies
that have penetrated the tire.▷Pull the speed limit sticker off the sealant
container and apply it to the steering
wheel.▷The use of a sealant can damage the TPM
wheel electronics. In this case, have the
electronics checked at the next opportunity
and have them replaced if needed.
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or ventila‐
tion is insufficient, harmful exhaust gases can
enter into the vehicle. The exhaust gases con‐
tain carbon monoxide, an odorless and color‐
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LED parking lights/LED fog lightsFollow the general instructions on lights and
bulbs, refer to page 205.
The lights feature LED technology. In the case
of a malfunction, contact a dealer’s service cen‐
ter or another qualified service center or repair
shop.
Parking lights/fog lights/daytime
running lights
Follow the general instructions on lights and
bulbs, refer to page 205.
Bulbs:▷Parking lights for halogen headlights: W5W
Parking lights for LED headlights: W5W NBV▷Daytime running light: PSX24W▷Fog lamp: H8
Replacing the bulbs
1.Turn the steering wheel.2.Turn the lid counterclockwise, arrow 2, and
remove.3.Remove the corresponding connector.4.Remove the bulb holder.▷Turn the parking light bulb holder coun‐
ter-clockwise, arrow 1, and remove.▷Press together the upper and lower
locking of the daytime running lights
bulb holder, arrow 2, and remove the
bulb holder.For better accessibility, if needed, re‐
move the bulb of the fog lamp before‐
hand.▷Turn the fog light bulb holder counter-
clockwise, arrow 3, and remove.5.Pull the bulb out of the fixture.6.Insert the new bulb and install the cover in
the reverse order.
The daytime running lights bulb holder en‐
gages audibly, first below, then above.
Tail lamps, bulb replacement
Overview
Vehicles with a rear fog lamp
1Side tail lamps2Rear fog lamp3License plate lamp4Center brake lampSeite 208MOBILITYReplacing components208
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