MINI COOPER 2008 Workshop Manual
Manufacturer: MINI, Model Year: 2008, Model line: COOPER, Model: MINI COOPER 2008Pages: 164, PDF Size: 2.87 MB
Page 51 of 164

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
 49
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity
You can find information on refueling on 
page94.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period, 
when you are driving in mountainous areas, for 
example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S
Approx. 13.2 US gallons/50 liters.
Reserve
Once the fuel level has fallen to the reserve zone 
of approx. 2.1 gallons/8 liters, the remaining 
indicator lamps change from orange to red, 
arrow. The tachometer displays the remaining 
cruising range. An indicator lamp comes on 
when the remaining range is less than approx. 
30 miles/50 km.
If the range displayed is less than 
30 miles/50 km, be sure to refuel; other-
wise engine functions are not guaranteed and 
damage could occur.<
Computer*
Displays in tachometer
Press the button in the turn indicator lever 
repeatedly to call up various items of informa-
tion.
The following items of information are displayed 
in the order listed:
>Cruising range
>Average fuel consumption
>Current fuel consumption
>Average speed
>Current vehicle speed
To set the corresponding units of measure, refer 
to Formats and units of measure on page51.
Cruising range
Displays the estimated cruising range available 
with the remaining fuel. The range is calculated 
on the basis of the way the car has been driven 
over the last 18 miles/30 km and the amount of 
fuel currently in the tank.
If the range displayed is less than 
30 miles/50 km, be sure to refuel; other-
wise engine functions are not guaranteed and 
damage could occur.<
Average fuel consumption
Calculated for the time the engine has been run-
ning.
To reset average fuel consumption: press the 
button in the turn indicator lever for approx. 
2seconds.
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Everything under control
50
Current fuel consumption
Displays the current fuel consumption to allow 
you to see whether your current driving style is 
conducive to fuel economy with minimum 
exhaust emissions.
Average speed
Periods with the vehicle parked and the engine 
switched off are not included in the calculations 
of average speed.
To reset average speed: press the button in the 
turn indicator lever for approx. 2 seconds.
Current vehicle speed
To have the current speed shown in the upper 
display otherwise serving for the outside tem-
perature display and clock.
1.Press the button in the turn indicator lever 
repeatedly until the current speed appears 
in the lower display.
2.Wait for the speed display to automatically 
move to the upper display.
The outside temperature then appears in the 
lower display of the computer.
Settings and information
Operating principle
Certain settings and information are only avail-
able when the ignition is switched on, the vehi-
cle is at a standstill and the doors are closed.
1Button for:
>Selecting display
>Setting values
>Confirming selected display or set values
>Calling up computer information49
2Calling up Check Control553Displaying vehicle check56
4Initializing the Flat Tire Monitor60
Resetting the Tire Pressure Monitor61
5Setting formats and units of measure, reset-
ting to factory settings52
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ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
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6Adjusting settings
>Confirmation signals when locking and 
unlocking the vehicle20
>Response during unlocking 
procedure19
>Automatic locking22
>Pathway lighting66
>Daytime running lamps67
>Triple turn signal activation437Setting the time54
8Setting the date55
9Exiting the menu
Exiting displays
1.Briefly press the button in the turn indicator 
lever repeatedly until "HOME" is displayed.
2.Press the button for a longer period.
The display again shows the outside tempera-
ture and the time.
Displays are also exited if no entries are made 
for approx. 8 seconds.
Next setting or item of information
1.Within a setting or item of information, 
briefly press the button in the turn indicator 
lever repeatedly until "NEXT" is displayed.
2.Press the button for a longer period.The display changes directly to the next setting 
or item of information.
Formats and units of 
measure
To set the formats and units of measure. The set-
tings are stored for the remote control currently 
in use, refer also to Personal Profile on page18.
1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page39.
2.Briefly press the button in the turn indicator 
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
3.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
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Everything under control
52
4.Briefly press the button repeatedly until the 
symbol and "SET" are displayed.
5.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
6.Briefly press the button repeatedly until the 
display shows the illustrated symbol, arrow.
> Fuel consumption: l/100 km, mpg, 
km/l
*
> Distance covered: mls, km
> Time: 12h, 24h mode
> Date: day.month dd.mm, 
month/day mm/dd
> Temperature: 7, 6
7.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
8.Press the button briefly to change the for-
mat or unit of measure.
9.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
The settings are stored.
Resetting to factory settings
The settings for formats and units of measure 
can be reset to the factory settings. The settings 
are stored for the remote control currently in 
use, refer also to Personal Profile on page18.1.Briefly press the button in the turn indicator 
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
2.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
3.Briefly press the button repeatedly until the 
symbol and "SET" are displayed.
4.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
5.Briefly press the button repeatedly until 
"RESET" is displayed.
6.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes to the first setting. 
The settings are reset.
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ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
 53
Service requirements
The remaining driving distance and the date of 
the next scheduled service are briefly displayed 
immediately after you start the engine or switch 
on the ignition.
The extent of service work required can be 
read out from the remote control by your 
MINI Dealer.<
Displaying vehicle check
For certain maintenance operations, you can 
view the respective distance remaining or due 
date individually in the tachometer.
1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page39.
2.Briefly press the button in the turn indicator 
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
3.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.4.Briefly press the button repeatedly until the 
corresponding symbol and "SERVICE-INFO" 
are displayed.
5.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
6.Briefly press the button to display the indi-
vidual service items, refer to the following 
information.
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Everything under control
54
Possible displays
1Button for selecting information
2Engine oil
3Front brakes
4Rear brakes
5Vehicle check6Roadworthiness test
7Brake fluid
8Exit display51
9Next setting or item of information51
More information on the MINI Maintenance Sys-
tem can be found on page110.
Clock
Setting the time
To set the 12h/24h mode, refer to Formats and 
units of measure on page51.1.Briefly press the button in the turn indicator 
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
2.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
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ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
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3.Briefly press the button repeatedly until the 
symbol and "SET" are displayed.
4.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
5.Press the button to set the hours.
6.Wait for the display to change to minutes.
7.Press the button to set the minutes.
8.Wait for the display to change.
The settings are stored.
Date
Setting the date
To set the dd/mm or mm/dd date format, refer 
to Formats and units of measure on page51.
1.Briefly press the button in the turn indicator 
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
2.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.3.Briefly press the button repeatedly until the 
symbol and "SET" are displayed.
4.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
5.Press the button to set the day of the month.
6.Wait for the display to change to month.
7.Set the month and year in the same way.
8.Wait for the display to change.
The settings are stored.
Check Control
The concept
The Check Control monitors vehicle functions 
and alerts you to any malfunctions in the sys-
tems monitored. Check Control messages 
involve indicator or warning lamps in the dis-
plays and, in some circumstances, an acoustic 
signal. To adjust the volume of the signal, refer 
to the Owner's Manual for Radio. 
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in var-
ious combinations and colors in the indicator 
areas 1 and2.
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Everything under control
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What to do in case of a malfunction
The meaning of each lamp in the event of a mal-
function and tips on how to respond are listed 
starting on page131.
Hiding Check Control messages
Press the button in the turn indicator lever.
Some Check Control messages are displayed 
until the malfunctions have been rectified. They 
cannot be hidden. If several malfunctions occur 
at the same time, they are displayed in succes-
sion.
Other Check Control messages are automatically 
hidden after approx. 20 seconds, but remain 
stored.
 This symbol indicates that Check Control 
messages have been stored. Check Control mes-
sages can be viewed whenever it is convenient.
Viewing stored Check Control messages
Stored Check Control messages can only be dis-
played if the driver's door is closed.1.Briefly press the button in the turn indicator 
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
2.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
3.Press the button repeatedly until the display 
shows the corresponding symbol and 
"CHECK INFO".
4.Hold the button down.
"CHECK OK" appears if there are no Check 
Control messages.
If a Check Control message has been stored, 
the corresponding message is displayed. 
5.Briefly press the button to check for other 
messages.
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ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
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Technology for driving comfort and 
safety
Park Distance Control 
PDC*
The concept
PDC assists you with parking backwards. Acous-
tic signals warn you of the presence of an object 
behind the vehicle. To measure the distance, 
there are four ultrasonic sensors in either 
bumper.
However, an acoustic warning does not sound 
until an object is approx. 24 in/60 cm from the 
corner sensors, or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m from the 
center sensors.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate 
objects when they are approached slowly, 
as is usually the case when parking. Avoid 
approaching an object at high speed, otherwise 
physical circumstances may lead to the system 
warning being issued too late.<
Automatic mode
With the engine running or the ignition switched 
on, the system is activated automatically after 
approx. 1 second when you engage reverse gear 
or move the automatic transmission selector 
lever to position R. Wait this short period before 
driving.
Acoustic signals
As the distance between vehicle and object 
decreases, the intervals between the tones 
become shorter. If the distance to the nearest 
object falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a 
continuous tone sounds.
If the distance remains constant, e.g. when driv-
ing parallel to a wall, the acoustic signal stops 
after approx. 3 seconds.
Adjustments
The volume of the acoustic signals can be 
adjusted, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio.
Malfunction
Indicator lamp comes on: PDC is mal-
functioning. Have the system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors 
clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure 
that they will continue to operate effectively. 
When using a high-pressure cleaner, do not 
direct the jet toward the sensors for lengthy 
periods and only spray from a distance of at least 
4in/10cm.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for esti-
mating the distance between the vehicle 
and any obstructions always remains with the 
driver. Sensors, too, have blind spots in which 
objects cannot be detected. Moreover, ultra-
sonic detection can reach its physical limits with 
objects such as trailer tow bars and couplings, 
thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low 
objects already indicated, such as curbs, may 
enter the sensors' blind spots before or after a 
continuous audible signal is given. Higher, pro-
truding objects, such as wall ledges, may not be 
detectable. Therefore, always drive cautiously, 
otherwise there is a risk of personal injury or 
property damage. Loud sound sources outside 
or inside the car can drown out the PDC signal.<
Driving stability control 
systems
Your MINI has a number of systems that help to 
maintain the vehicle's stability even in adverse 
driving conditions.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, 
even with driving stability control systems. 
An appropriate driving style always remains the 
responsibility of the driver. Therefore, do not 
reduce the additional safety margin again by 
taking risks.<
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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.
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