traction control MINI Clubman 2008 Owner's Manual

Reference
At a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
15
1Microphone for voice command system*
and for telephone in hands-free mode*
2Indicator/warning lamp* for front passen-
ger airbags65
4Hazard warning flashers
5Speedometer12
6Drive for audio CDs
7Switching audio sources on/off and adjust-
ing volume
8Air conditioner or automatic climate con-
trol
*
9Switches in center console
10Driving stability control systems
>All-Season Traction Control ASC
*58
>Dynamic Stability Control DSC
*58
11Sport button
*59 3
Reading lamps
*70
Color of ambient lighting
*70
Glass sunroof, electric
*27
Interior lamps69
Temperature72, 74
Recirculated-air mode72, 74
Automatic recirculated-air control
AUC
* and recirculated-air
mode74
Air distribution for air
conditioner73
Air distribution to the
windshield
*74
Air distribution to the upper body
area
*74
Air distribution to the footwell
*74
Automatic air distribution and flow
rate
*74
Maximum cooling
*74
Cooling function72, 75
Defrosting windows
*73, 75
Rear window defroster72, 74
Windshield heating
*73, 75
Air flow rate72, 73
Seat heating
*33
Power windows28
Rear fog lamp
*69
Central locking system, inside22
Fog lamps
*69

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
41
In exceptional cases, if the parking brake
has to be used to slow or stop the car, do
not pull the lever up too hard. In doing so, con-
tinuously press the button of the parking brake
lever.
Otherwise, excessive force could lead to over-
braking and loss of traction, i.e. fishtailing, at the
rear axle.<
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, press
the gearshift lever to the right. Otherwise
the engine could be damaged if you inadvert-
ently shift into 3rd or 4th gear.<
Reverse gear
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
When the gearshift lever is pressed to the left, a
slight resistance has to be overcome.
Automatic transmission*
with Steptronic
In addition to the fully automatic mode, you can
shift gears manually using Steptronic, page42.
Parking the vehicle
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always
select position P and apply the parking
brake before leaving the vehicle with the engine
running.<
Removing the key
1.Move the selector lever to position P.
2.Switch off the engine.3.Remove the key.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Displays in the tachometer
P R N D DS M1 to M6
The selector lever position is displayed, or the
current gear in the manual mode.
Changing selector lever positions
>The selector lever can only be moved out of
position P if the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running: interlock.
>Before moving the lever away from P or N
with the vehicle stationary, first depress the
brake; otherwise the selector lever will
refuse to move: shiftlock.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping
after you select a driving position,
depress the brake until you are ready to
start.<
A lock prevents accidental shifting into selector
lever positions R and P.

Technology for driving comfort and safety
58
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during brak-
ing. Safe steering response is maintained even
during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
Braking safely, refer to page85.
Among others, ABS includes the following func-
tions:
>Cornering Brake Control CBC
>Electronic brake-force distribution
>Brake Assist
Cornering Brake Control CBC
Driving stability and steering characteristics are
further enhanced while braking in turns or dur-
ing a lane change.
Electronic brake-force distribution EBV
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Brake Assist
Rapidly depressing the brake causes this system
to automatically develop maximum braking
force. Thus, the system helps keep braking dis-
tance to a minimum. At the same time, all the
benefits provided by ABS are exploited.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the
duration of the full braking application.
All-Season Traction Control ASC*
ASC prevents slip at the drive wheels while start-
ing off and accelerating the vehicle.
This system optimizes driving stability and trac-
tion, especially when driving off, accelerating
and cornering, by reducing engine output and, if
necessary, braking the front wheels.
ASC encompasses the following functions:
>Antilock Brake System ABS
>Brake Assist
Dynamic Stability Control DSC*
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. The system also recognizes unstable driv-ing conditions, for example if the rear of the car
is about to swerve or if momentum is acting at
an angle past the front wheels. In these cases,
DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe course
within physical limits by reducing engine output
and through braking actions at the individual
wheels.
DSC also encompasses the following functions:
>All-Season Traction Control ASC
>Antilock Brake System ABS
>Brake Assist
>Hill Start Assist
Deactivating ASC or DSC
Press the button repeatedly until the indicator
lamp for the ASC or DSC comes on. ASC or DSC
are deactivated. Stabilizing and drive-output
promoting actions are no longer executed.
When driving with snow chains or to 'rock free'
in snow, it can be helpful to switch off ASC/DSC
for a brief period.
To increase vehicle stability, activate ASC/DSC
again as soon as possible.
Activating ASC or DSC
Press the button again; the indicator lamp for
ASC or DSC goes out.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
ASC or DSC controls the driving and
braking forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
ASC or DSC is deactivated.

Wheels and tires
102
Tire coding
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Speed code letter
Q = up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph or 190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph or 210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph or 240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph or 270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph or 300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the
US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1γ) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, corner-
ing, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteris-
tics.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter, in
front of the R on ZR tires
225/45 R 17 91 V
e.g.
Manufacturer's
code for tire make
Tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 4707

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
105
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your MINI
recommends certain tire brands. They are
marked with a clearly visible MINI designation
on the sidewall of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
Run-Flat Tires*
When mounting new tires or changing over from
summer to winter tires and vice versa, mount
Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. Keep in mind
that no space-saver spare tire is available in the
event of a flat. Your MINI Dealer will be glad to
advise you.
Special characteristics of winter tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
winter tires for driving in adverse winter road
conditions. Although all-season M+S tires pro-
vide better winter traction than summer tires,
they generally fail to provide the same levels of
cold-weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view. Spe-
cialist tire dealers and your MINI Dealer can sup-
ply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres-
sure indicated on the sidewall of the tire.
Swapping wheels among the axles
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
that you do not swap the front wheels with the
rear wheels.
Snow chains*
Only certain types of fine-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI,
classified as road-safe and recommended. Con-
tact your MINI Dealer for more details.
Only attach snow chains in pairs to the front
wheels with the following tires.
>175/65 R 15 M+S
>175/60 R 16 M+S
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph or 50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted, otherwise the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it
helpful to deactivate ASC or DSC temporarily,
refer to page58.<

From A to Z
150
From A to Z
Index
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control75
Additives
– coolant108
– engine oil108
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner72
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control73
Airbags64
– sitting safely30
– warning lamp65
Air conditioner71
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner72
– automatic climate control73
– ventilation75
Air distribution
– automatic74
– individual73
– manual73
Air flow rate72,73
– air conditioning system72
– automatic climate control73
– heating, ventilation72
Airing, refer to Ventilation75
Air outlets, refer to Air vents71
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure96
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode72,74
Air supply
– air conditioner72
– automatic climate control73
– ventilation75
Air vents71AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications95
Alarm system24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires105
All-Season Traction Control
ASC58
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode72,74
Ambient lighting70
Antenna, care112
Antifreeze
– coolant108
– washer fluid46
Antilock Brake System ABS58
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system24
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights146,147
Approved engine oils108
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to
Weights146,147
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest78
Arrival time
– computer50
Ashtray80
Assistant systems, refer to
– All-Season Traction Control
ASC58
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC58
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control74
Audio device, external78
Automatic
– air distribution74
– air flow rate74
– cruise control46
– headlamp control66Automatic climate control71
– automatic air distribution74
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC74
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic41
– interlock41
– overriding selector lever
lock43
– shiftlock41
– sport program42
AUTO program for automatic
climate control74
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device78
Average fuel consumption49
– setting the units51
Average speed50
Axle loads, refer to
Weights146,147
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting70
Backrests, refer to Seats30
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb117
– replacing bulbs in MINI118
– replacing bulbs in MINI
Clubman118
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch127
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away129
Battery125
– charging125
– disposal27,125
– jump starting128
– temporary power failure125
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed129

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
157
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires104
Rubber parts, care113
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires104
Run-Flat Tires104
– flat tire60
– new tires104
– tire inflation pressure96
– winter tires105
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-Flat
Tires104
S
Safety belts33
– damage33
– indicator lamp33
– reminder33
– sitting safely30
Safety belts, care113
Safety systems
– airbags64
– All-Season Traction Control
ASC58
– Antilock Brake System
ABS58
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC58
– safety belts33
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires104
Screw thread for tow
fitting129
Seat adjustment
– mechanical31
Seats30
– adjusting the seats31
– heating33
– sitting safely30
Securing the vehicle
– from inside22
– from outside19
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic41Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock41
– overriding manually43
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic41
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance127
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance127
Service data in the remote
control110
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS110
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS110
Service requirements53
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode51
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic42
– manual transmission41
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions41
Side airbags64
Side door, rear, refer to
Clubdoor23
Side turn signal indicator
– replacing bulb117
Side windows, refer to
Windows28
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely30
– airbags30
– safety belts30
– with head restraint30
Size, refer to Dimensions145
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric27
Slot for remote control39Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray80
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment78
Snow chains105
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances80
Socket for Onboard Diagnosis
OBD110
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires122
– inflation pressure96
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire122
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils108
Speed144
– with winter tires105
Speed control, refer to Cruise
control46
Speedometer12
Splitdoor23
Split rear seat backrest, refer to
Expanding the cargo bay86
Sport button59
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems57
Start/stop button39
– starting the engine39
– switching off the engine40
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine39
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting128
Starting the engine
– start/stop button39
Start-off assistance, refer to
– ASC58
– DSC58
– Hill Start Assist59
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing4
Steering wheel34
– adjustment34
– buttons on steering wheel11
– lock
39
– shift paddles42

From A to Z
158
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic41
Storage area
– cargo bay86
Storage compartment, front
passenger side79
Storage compartments79
Storage space
– storage compartments79
Storing the vehicle113
Storing tires105
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments79
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires96
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine40
Switching off the engine
– start/stop button39
Switching the cooling function
on and off75
Symbols4
T
Tachometer48
Tailgate23
– convenient access26
– opening/closing24
– opening from outside24
– unlocking with remote
control21
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps117
– replacing bulb117
Tail lamps117
– replacing bulbs in MINI118
– replacing bulbs in MINI
Clubman118
Tank volume, refer to
Capacities148
Technical data144
Technical modifications4Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest78
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Telephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature display
– ice warning48
– outside temperature48
– setting the units51
Temperature of coolant, refer
to Coolant temperature48
Temperature setting
– air conditioner72
– automatic climate control74
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo89
The individual vehicle4
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp119
Three-point safety belt33
Tightening the lug bolts
– keys122,123
– torque125
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening the lug bolts125
Tire change set
– MINI Mobility System122
– space-saver spare
tire122,123
Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor60
– indicator/warning lamp60
– MINI Mobility System120
– Run-Flat Tires60
– space-saver spare tire122
– Tire Pressure Monitor61
Tire inflation pressure96
– loss60
– space-saver spare tire
96
Tire pressure monitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor59
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM61
– limitations of system61
– resetting system61
– warning lamp62
Tire Quality Grading102Tires
– age103
– breaking in84
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels122
– condition103
– damage103
– inflation pressure96
– inflation pressure loss62
– minimum tread depth103
– new tires104
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor59
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM61
– puncture60
– Run-Flat Tires104
– size102
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth103
– winter tires105
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-Flat Tires104
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit114
Torque144
– lug bolts125
Tow bar129
Tow fitting129
– screw thread129
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away129
Towing129
– car with automatic
transmission129
– methods129
Tow rope130
Tow-starting129
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor61
Track width, refer to
Dimensions145
Traction control, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC58

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
159
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic41
– manual transmission41
– overriding selector lever lock
for automatic transmission
with Steptronic43
Transporting children safely36
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo89
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread103
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer48
Triple turn signal activation43
Trip odometer48
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions145
Turn signal indicator43
– front, replacing bulb116
– indicator lamp12
– rear, replacing bulb117
– side, replacing bulb117
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading89
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
UTQR102
Units
– average fuel consumption51
– temperature51
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control76
Universal remove control76
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking26
Unlocking
– from inside22
– from outside19
– tailgate26
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access26
Upholstery, care112
V
Valve
– dust cap123
Vehicle
– battery125
– breaking in84
– cargo loading86
– dimensions145
– Identification Number, refer
to Engine compartment107
– parking40
– storage113
– weight146,147
Vehicle jack122,123
– jacking points124
Ventilation
– air conditioner75
Vents, refer to Air vents71
Vents, refer to Ventilation75
Volume of cargo area147
W
Warning and indicator
lamps13,131
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control55
Warning triangle127
Washer fluid46
– capacity of reservoir46
Washer fluid reservoir46
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray80
Waterfall lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting70
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water85
Wear indicators in tires, refer to
Minimum tread depth103
Weights146,147
Welcome lamps66
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions145
Wheels, new104
Wheels and tires96
Wheelslip control, refer to
– All-Season Traction Control
ASC58Wheel stud wrench
– space-saver spare
tire122,123
Width, refer to Dimensions145
Windows28
– closing28
– convenient operation20
– opening28
– pinch protection system29
Window washer, refer to
Washer fluid46
Window washer reservoir,
refer to Washer fluid
– volume, refer to
Capacities148
Windshield
– cleaning45
– defrosting and removing
condensation73,75
Windshield, defrosting, refer to
Defrosting windows73,75
Windshield washer system44
– washer fluid46
– washer nozzles46
Windshield wiper blades,
changing114
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper system44
Winter tires105
– storage105
Wiper blade replacement114
Wiper blades, care113
Wiper system44
Work in the engine
compartment106
Wrench/screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit114
X
Xenon lamps
– replacing bulb115