ABS MINI Clubman 2009 Owner's Manual

Technology for driving comfort and safety
56
An appropriate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Therefore do not
r e d u c e t h e a d d i t i o n a l s a f e t y m a r g i n b y e n g a g i n g
in hazardous driving thereby running the risk of
an accident.<
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 page83.
Among others, ABS includes the following
functions:
>Cornering Brake Control CBC
>Electronic brake-force distribution EBV
>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.
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:
>Antilock Brake System ABS
>Electronic brake-force distribution EBV
>Brake Assist
>Cornering Brake Control CBC
>Hill Start Assist
Deactivating DSC
Press the button repeatedly until the DSC indica-
tor lamps come on. DSC is deactivated. Stabiliz-
ing and propulsion promoting actions are no
longer executed.
When driving with snow chains or to 'rock free'
in snow, it can be helpful to switch off DSC for a
brief period.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps
go out.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
The DSC controls the driving and break-
ing forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DSC is deactivated.

Things to remember when driving
82
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. Please follow the instructions below
in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do
not exceed the following:
>Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kick-down mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Close splitdoor
Drive the vehicle only when the splitdoor
is closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could
penetrate the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the splitdoor open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2.Switch off the recirculated-air mode and sig-
nificantly increase the air flow rate of the air
conditioner or automatic climate control,
page71 or72.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact between
the hot exhaust system and any highly flamma-
ble materials such as hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such
contact could lead to a fire, with the risk of seri-
ous personal injuries and property damage. Do
not touch hot exhaust tail pipes. Otherwise
there is a risk of burns.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can
cause partial or complete loss of tire contact

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
83
with the road surface, so that the car cannot be
steered or braked properly.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page99.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-
wise greater clutch wear will result.<
For information on driving off using Hill Start
Assist*, refer to page57.
Braking safely
Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a
situation which requires full braking, it is best to
brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the
vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you
can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with
the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that
ABS is actively taking effect.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger other
road users. The heat generated in this process
helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that
Then full braking force will be immediately avail-
able when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mode of the automatic transmis-
sion, page40.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine brak-
ing action will not be present or there will be no
power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail
to cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic climate
control is in operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
In the MINI Cooper S, the coolant pump may
continue to run for some time after the engine is
switched off. This will generate noise in the
engine compartment.

Wheels and tires
100
Run-Flat Tires*
The symbol identifying Run-Flat Tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-Flat Tires comprise a conditionally self-sup-
porting tire and a special rim. The reinforcement
in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can con-
tinue to be used subject to certain restrictions,
even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page59.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires mounted only
by your MINI Dealer or a specialized tire
shop that has specially trained personnel work-
ing in accordance with the specifications of the
MINI manufacturer. If this work is not carried out
properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam-
age and related safety hazards. Make sure that
the new wheels are balanced.<
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends that you avoid using retreaded
tires, as this could impair driving safety. The
causes for this include potentially different tire
casing structures and often wide variations in
tire age, which can result in a limited service
life.<
Correct wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends mounting only wheels and tires
that it has specifically approved for use on your
particular model. Although other wheels and tires may theoretically have the same dimen-
sions, variations in factors such as manufactur-
ing tolerances can result in contact between tire
and bodywork, ultimately leading to serious
accidents. The manufacturer of your MINI can-
not evaluate non-approved wheels and tires to
determine if they are suited for use, and there-
fore cannot ensure the operating safety of the
vehicle if they are mounted.<
Your MINI Dealer will be glad to inform you
about the correct wheel and tire combination for
your vehicle.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of
various vehicle systems such as ABS and DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand and
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM electronics
When mounting new tires or changing over from
summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only use
wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise the Tire
Pressure Monitor may not be able to detect a
puncture, refer to page61. Your MINI Dealer will
be glad to advise you.
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.

Indicator and warning lamps
132
Flashing:
Dynamic Stability Control DSC or
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is con-
trolling drive and braking forces, refer
also to page55
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is acti-
vated, refer also to page57
The dynamic stability control DSC and
dynamic traction control DTC are
deactivated, refer also to page55Driving stability limited during accel-
eration and cornering.
Driving style must be adjusted.
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC
and Dynamic Traction Control DTC
have failed.Driving stability limited during accel-
eration and cornering.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
Indication in US models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Tire Pressure
Monitor, have failed, refer also to
page55Reduced braking and driving stability.
Drive cautiously and think well ahead.
Avoid braking with full force, driving
on rough tracks, and depressing the
accelerator pedal to full throttle or
kick-down position. Have the system
checked immediately.
Indication
* in Canadian models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Flat Tire
Monitor or the Tire Pressure Moni-
tor
*, have failed, refer also to page55Reduced braking and driving stability.
Drive cautiously and think well ahead.
Avoid braking with full force, driving
on rough tracks, and depressing the
accelerator pedal to full throttle or
kick-down position. Have the system
checked immediately.
12Cause What to do

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
133
Indication* in Canadian models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Flat Tire Moni-
tor or the Tire Pressure Monitor
*,
have failed, refer also to page55Drive cautiously and think well ahead.
Avoid braking with full force, driving
on rough tracks, and depressing the
accelerator pedal to full throttle or
kick-down position. Have the system
checked immediately.
Vehicles with Flat Tire Monitor
*
Light up in yellow and red:
>Tire damageCarefully bring the car to a stop.
Observe the information starting on
page58.
>Flat Tire Monitor not initializedInitialize Flat Tire Monitor, page58.
Light up in yellow:
Flat Tire Monitor failed. Punctures are
not indicatedHave the system checked.
Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor
*
Light up in yellow and red:
There is a flat tire or substantial loss
in tire pressureCarefully bring the car to a stop.
Observe the information starting on
page60.
12Cause What to do

From A to Z
144
From A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control74
Additives
– coolant105
– engine oil104
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner71
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control72
Air conditioner70
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner71
– automatic climate control72
– ventilation74
Air distribution
– automatic73
– individual72
– manual72
Air flow rate71,72
– air conditioning system71
– automatic climate control72
– heating, ventilation71
Air outlets, refer to Air vents70
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure94
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode71,73
Air supply
– air conditioner71
– automatic climate control72
– ventilation74
Air vents70
Airbags63
– sitting safely29
– warning lamp64
Airing, refer to Ventilation74AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications93
Alarm system24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires101
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode71,73
Ambient lighting69
Antenna, care108
Antifreeze
– coolant105
– washer fluid44
Antilock Brake System ABS56
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system24
Anti-theft system
19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights142
Approved engine oils104
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights142
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest77
Ashtray79
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC56
Audio device, external77
AUTO program for automatic
climate control73
Automatic
– air distribution73
– air flow rate73
– cruise control44
– headlamp control65
Automatic climate control70
– automatic air distribution73Automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– interlock39
– overriding selector lever
lock41
– shiftlock39
– sport program40
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device77
Average fuel consumption47
– setting the units49
Average speed48
Axle loads, refer to
Weights142B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting69
Backrests, refer to Seats29
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb115
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch122
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away124
Battery120
– charging120
– disposal27,120
– jump starting122
– temporary power failure120
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed124
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts32
Belts, refer to Safety belts32
Beverage holders, refer to Cup
holders79
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate71,72
Bonnet102

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
145
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders79
Brake Assist56
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements51
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs115
Brake pads, breaking in82
Brake rotors83
– brakes82
– breaking in82
Brake system82
– breaking in82
– disc brakes83
– MINI Maintenance
System106
Brakes
– ABS56
– breaking in82
– MINI Maintenance
System106
– parking brake38
– service requirements51
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely83
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance122
Break-in period82
Breaking in the clutch82
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs112
Button for starting the
engine37
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders79
Capacities142
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery120
Car care108
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest77
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash, care108
Car washes108
Care108
– car washes108
– car-care products108
– CD/DVD drives111
– external108
– high-pressure washers108
– internal110
– leather110
– manual washing109
– upholstery and fabrics110
– windows109
– wiper blades109
Cargo area
– capacity142
Cargo bay84
– convenient access26
– doors, refer to Splitdoor23
– lamp68
– opening from outside24
– trunk lid, refer to Splitdoor23
Cargo bay doors, refer to
Splitdoor23
Cargo bay, expanding84
Cargo bay lamp68
Cargo bay partition net, refer
to Partition net85
Cargo loading85
– securing cargo86
– stowing cargo86
– vehicle84
Cargo, securing86
Carpets, care110
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system82
Center armrest77
Center brake lamp116
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14Central locking system19
– convenient access25
– from inside22
– from outside19
Changing bulbs112
Changing wheels118
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment103
Check Control53
Child's seats34
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH35
Child-restraint systems34
Chrome parts, care109
Chrome parts, refer to
Care108
Cigarette lighter79
Cleaning headlamps43
– washer fluid44
Clock46
– 12h/24h mode49
– setting time52
Closing
– from inside22
– from outside19
Clothes hooks78
Clubdoor23
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine37
Comfort access
– what to observe before
entering a car wash26
Comfort access, refer to
Convenient access25
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock37
Computer47
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked83
Condition Based Service
CBS106
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Confirmation signals for
vehicle locking/unlocking20

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
151
S
Safety belts32
– damage32
– indicator lamp32
– reminder32
– sitting safely29
Safety belts, care110
Safety systems
– airbags63
– Antilock Brake System
ABS56
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC56
– safety belts32
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires100
Screw thread for tow
fitting124
Seat adjustment
– mechanical30
Seats29
– adjusting the seats30
– heating31
– sitting safely29
Securing the vehicle
– from inside22
– from outside19
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock39
– overriding manually41
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance122
Service data in the remote
control106
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS106
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance122Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS106
Service requirements51
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode49
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– manual transmission39
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions39
Side airbags63
Side door, rear, refer to
Clubdoor23
Side turn signal indicator
– replacing bulb115
Side windows, refer to
Windows
28
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely29
– airbags29
– safety belts29
– with head restraint29
Size, refer to Dimensions141
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric27
Slot for remote control37
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray79
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment77
Snow chains101
Socket for Onboard Diagnosis
OBD106
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances79
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires118
– inflation pressure94
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire118
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils104Speed140
– with winter tires101
Speed control, refer to Cruise
control44
Speedometer12
Split rear seat backrest, refer to
Expanding the cargo bay84
Splitdoor23
– opening from outside24
– unlocking with remote
control21
Sport button57
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems55
Start/stop button37
– starting the engine37
– switching off the engine38
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting122
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine37
Starting the engine
– start/stop button37
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC56
– Hill Start Assist57
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing4
Steering wheel33
– adjustment33
– buttons on steering wheel11
– lock37
– shift paddles40
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic39
Storage area
– cargo bay84
Storage compartment, front
passenger side78
Storage compartments78
Storage space
– storage compartments78
Storing the vehicle111
Storing tires101
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments78