wheel MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2008 User Guide

54
STARTING THE ENGINE SWITCHING OFF THE ENGINE PARKING BRAKEManual transmission1. Engage the parking brake
2. Gearshift lever in idle position
3. Depress the clutch
4. Start the engine.Automatic transmission with
Steptronic1. Press the footbrake
2. Put the selector lever in position P or N
3. Start the engine.Special starting conditionsIn the following situations, depress the
accelerator pedal halfway and continue
starting the engine for up to approx.
10 seconds:
>If the engine does not start on the first
attempt, for instance if the engine is very
hot or cold.
>The engine is started at very low temper-
atures, below approx. +57/–156, at
high altitudes above 3,300 ft/1000 m.You should never remove the ignition
key when the vehicle is in motion, as
the steering lock could engage.
When you leave the vehicle, always remove
the ignition key and engage the steering
lock.
When parking on inclines, engage the park-
ing brake, or the vehicle could roll.<
Manual transmissionTurn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.Automatic transmission with
SteptronicEngage selector lever position P, turn the
ignition key to position 1 or 0.
The parking brake is designed primarily to
prevent the vehicle from rolling when it is
parked. It operates against the rear wheels.To engageLever automatically locks in position.
The indicator lamp in the instrument clus-
ter lights up from ignition key position 2,
refer to page17.To release1. Pull up slightly
2. Press the button
3. Push the lever downwards.
If, in exceptional circumstances, it
should be necessary to engage the
parking brake while the vehicle is in
motion, do not pull the lever with excessive

56
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH STEPTRONIC
*
In addition to the fully automatic mode,
you can shift gears manually using Step-
tronic, refer to page57.Selector lever positionsP R N D M/S + –
Range selection>The selector lever can be moved out of
position P when the ignition is switched
on or the engine is running: interlock.
>While the vehicle is stationary and
before shifting out of P or N, depress the
footbrake in order to disengage the
selector lever's lock mechanism: shift-
lock.
Keep your foot on the brake until start-
ing off, otherwise the vehicle will start
to move when a drive position is
engaged.
A lock prevents the selector lever from acci-
dentally being moved to the R or P posi-
tions. To override the lock, press the button
on the front of the selector lever knob, see
arrow.
If the engine speed is too high when
the vehicle is at a standstill, the selec-
tor lever is also blocked to protect the
transmission.
If the selector lever is not placed in
position P when the vehicle is parked, the
position display of the selector lever stays
on. This can lead to battery discharge.<
PParkSelect only when the vehicle is completely
stopped. The transmission locks to prevent
the drive wheels from turning.R Reverse Select only when the vehicle is completely
stopped.N Neutral: idleSelect this when you are in a car wash, for
example. The vehicle can roll.D Drive: automatic driving positionThis position is designed for driving under
all normal operating conditions.
Under normal operation conditions, fuel
consumption is lowest when you drive in
position D.

58
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH STEPTRONIC
*
Switching from M/S + – Manual mode into
the selector lever positions P, R and N is
only possible via D.Shifting with the selector lever>Briefly press the selector lever in the +
direction:
Transmission shifts up
>Briefly press the selector lever in the –
direction:
Transmission shifts down.
M1 to M6 appear in the gear indicator.
Shifting on the steering wheel*The shift paddles allow the gears to be
changed rapidly and, above all, safely, since
both hands can remain on the steering
wheel.
To shift up or down with one of the two
shift paddles:
>Pull the shift paddle:
Transmission shifts up
>Press the shift paddle:
Transmission shifts down.
M1 to M6 appear in the gear indicator.
The transmission will execute only gear
changes that result in a plausible combina-
tion of vehicle speed and engine rpm, e.g. it
will not shift down if that would result in
excessive engine speed.
In the MINI COOPER S, with the selec-
tor lever in position D, automatic
mode, you can shift gears using the shift
paddles on the steering wheel. The trans-
mission automatically switches to manual
mode. If you do not shift gears with the
shift paddles or accelerate for a certain
amount of time, the transmission auto-
matically returns to automatic mode.<
MalfunctionEP appears on the display. The transmission
system is malfunctioning. Avoid high loads.
All selector lever positions can still be
engaged; in the forward driving positions,
however, the vehicle can only be driven
with a limited gear selection.
Have the system checked immediately.
Jump-starting and towing, refer to
page146 ff.

65
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
WASHER FLUID CRUISE CONTROL
*
Always observe the instructions on the con-
tainers.<
Washer fluid levelThe yellow LED in the wiper control lever
lights up when the washer fluid level is too
low.
In the following situations, the LED flashes
for approx. 10 seconds when the washer
fluid level has dropped to a minimum:
>When cleaning the windshield and head-
lamps by pulling the wiper control lever
>When the ignition is switched on
>When starting the engine
On the multifunction sports steering
wheelAbove approx. 20 mph / 30 km/h the cruise
control maintains and stores any desired
speed.
Do not use cruise control when unfa-
vorable conditions make it inadvis-
able to drive at a constant speed. Other-
wise, the vehicle could go out of control
and an accident could be caused. Unfavor-
able conditions include, for example, twist-
ing roads, high traffic density, or adverse
road conditions such as snow, rain, ice, or
loose surfaces.<

66
CRUISE CONTROL
*
To activate via the multifunction
sports steering wheel
1. Start the engine
2. Press button 2.
The indicator lamp in the instrument clus-
ter lights up.
Cruise control is active.To deactivatePress button 2 repeatedly until the indica-
tor lamp goes out.
The cruise control is deactivated when the
ignition key is turned to position 0.
The stored speed is cleared.To maintain, store and increase speedPress button 3.
The system maintains and stores the cur-
rent vehicle speed. Every time you tap the
button, the speed increases by approx.
1mph/ 2km/h.
Press and hold button 3.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure
on the accelerator pedal. When you release
the button, the system maintains and
stores the current speed.
If, on a downhill grade, the engine
braking effect is not sufficient, the
controlled speed can be exceeded. Speed
can drop on uphill grades if the engine out-
put is insufficient. If you are already driving with active cruise
control, the speed is decreased by approx.
1 mph / 2 km/h every time you tap the but-
ton.
Press and hold button 4.
With the cruise control active, the system
automatically reduces the throttle opening
to slow the vehicle. When you release the
button, the system maintains and stores
the current speed.
To cancel the cruise controlThe cruise control is automatically can-
celed:
>When the brakes are applied
>When the clutch is depressed
>If the cruising speed is either exceeded or
not met for an extended length of time,
for example if you press the accelerator
pedal and exceed the stored speed
>When ASC or DSC is in action.
The indicator lamp stays lit.
You can use the cruise control again as
required.
On the multifunction steering wheel, the
cruise control can be interrupted manually:
When the system is activated, press
button 2.To continue cruise controlPress button 1.
The vehicle accelerates to and maintains
the last speed stored.

72
DRIVING STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEMSYour MINI or MINI Convertible is equipped
with a series of systems that help maintain
driving stability even in adverse driving sit-
uations.Antilock Brake System (ABS)ABS keeps the wheels from locking during
braking. Steering stability is maintained
even during full brake applications. In this
way, active safety is enhanced.
ABS is operational each time the engine is
started. Braking safely, refer to page103.Cornering Brake Control CBCDriving stability and steering characteris-
tics are further enhanced while braking in
turns or during a lane change.Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD)The system controls brake-force applica-
tion at the rear wheels in order to obtain
increased stability in the vehicle's braking
response.All Season traction Control (ASC)*ASC prevents slip at the drive wheels while
starting off and accelerating the vehicle.
ASC also recognizes unstable vehicle condi-tions, such as fishtailing or nose-diving. In
these cases, and subject to physical limits,
ASC helps to keep the vehicle on a steady
course by reducing engine speed and by
applying brakes at individual wheels. This
system optimizes driving stability and trac-
tion, especially when just starting off,
when accelerating or when cornering.
The ASC is operational each time you start
the engine. It integrates the Antilock Brake
System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD).
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with ASC. An appropri-
ate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Avoid using the
additional safety margin provided by the
system as an excuse for taking unnecessary
risks.
Do not make any modifications to the ASC
system. Allow only authorized technicians
to perform service procedures on the
ASC.<
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)*DSC prevents slip at the drive wheels while
starting off and accelerating the vehicle.
DSC also recognizes unstable vehicle condi-
tions, such as fishtailing or nose-diving. In
these cases, and subject to physical limits,
DSC helps to keep the vehicle on a steady
course by reducing engine speed and by
applying brakes at individual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you start
the engine. It integrates All Season traction
Control (ASC).
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An appro-
priate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Avoid using the
additional safety margin provided by the
system as an excuse for taking unnecessary
risks.
Do not make any modifications to the DSC
system. Allow only authorized technicians
to perform service procedures on the
DSC.<

74
FLAT TIRE MONITOR The conceptAs you drive, the Flat Tire Monitor keeps
track of the tire inflation pressure in all four
tires. The system alerts you when there is a
substantial pressure loss in one of the tires
relative to another.
In the event of tire pressure loss, the rolling
radius of the tire changes, thereby affect-
ing the rotational speed of the wheels. This
change is detected, and a flat tire warning
is issued to the driver.System requirementsTo ensure the reliability of flat tire warn-
ings, the system must be initialized with
the correct tire inflation pressures.
Each time you correct the pressure in
a tire, or change a wheel or tire, the
system must be reinitialized.<
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot alert you
to severe and sudden tire damage
caused by external factors, nor does it
detect the gradual and minor loss of pres-
sure in all four tires.<
The system could issue a false warning or
function in a delayed manner in the follow-
ing situations:
>System was not initialized
>You are driving on a snow-covered or
slippery road surface
>Sporty driving style: slip at the drive
wheels, high lateral acceleration
>You are driving with snow chains.
When driving with a space-saver spare tire,
the Flat Tire Monitor cannot function.
Initializing the system
Initialization is completed while you
are driving, but you can stop the car
at any time. Initialization is automatically
continued when you continue driving. Do
not initialize the system if you are driving
with snow chains or a space-saver spare
tire.<
1. Before a journey, start the engine, but do
not start driving.
2. Press the button until the indicator lamp
in the display elements lights up in yel-
low for several seconds.
3. Drive off.
Initialization is completed during the
drive, without any feedback issued.

76
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR
*
The concept
TPM checks the inflation pressures of the
four mounted tires. The system notifies you
if there is a significant loss of pressure in
one or more tires.System requirementsIn order to assure the reliable reporting of a
flat tire, the system must be reset while all
tire inflation pressures are correct.
Always use wheels with TPM electronics
and a metal valve. Otherwise, the system
may malfunction.
Each time a tire inflation pressure has
been corrected or a wheel or tire has
been changed, reset the system.<
System limitations
TPM cannot warn you in advance of
sudden severe tire damage caused by
outside influences.<
The system does not work correctly if it has
not been reset; for example, a flat tire may
be indicated even though the tire inflation
pressures are correct.
The system is inactive and cannot indicate
a flat tire if a wheel without TPM electron-
ics, such as a compact spare wheel, has
been mounted, or if TPM is temporarily
malfunctioning due to other systems or de-
vices using the same radio frequency.
Resetting the system
Each time a tire inflation pressure has
been corrected or a wheel or tire has
been changed, reset the system.<
1. Start the engine, but do not start driving.
2. Press the button until the yellow warn-
ing lamp in the display elements lights
up yellow for several seconds.
3. Drive off.
After driving a few minutes, the set
inflation pressures in the tires are
accepted as the target values to be mon-
itored. The system reset is completed
without notification during your drive,
which can be interrupted at any time.
When driving resumes, the reset is con-
tinued automatically.

77
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR
*
Message for low tire inflation pressure
The warning lamp lights up in yel-
low. An acoustic signal also sounds.
A flat tire or a severe loss in pres-
sure has occurred in one or more tires.
1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with
caution. Avoid hard brake applications
and steering maneuvers.
2. Identify the damaged wheel or wheels.
If this cannot be determined, con-
tact your MINI Dealer.<
3. Replace the damaged wheel, refer to
Wheel change on page139.
4. Check the tire inflation pressure and cor-
rect it if necessary.
The compact wheel is not equipped with
the necessary TPM electronics and is not
monitored after it is mounted. When driv-
ing with a compact wheel, the system indi-
cates that a malfunction is occurring.
Vehicles with Run Flat tires:
1. Reduce vehicle speed carefully to under
50 mph / 80 km/h. Avoid hard brake
applications and steering maneuvers.
Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph /
80 km/h.
Do not continue driving if the vehi-
cle is not equipped with Run Flat
tires, refer to page115. If you continue
to drive with a flat tire, a serious acci-
dent could result.<
2. Check the tire inflation pressure in all
four tires at the earliest opportunity.
If the tire inflation pressure is cor-
rect in all four tires, it is possible
that the Tire Pressure Monitor was not
initialized. In this case, initialize the sys-
tem.<
3. If there is a total loss of tire inflation
pressure, 0 psi/0 kPa, or obvious tire
damage, you can gauge the mileage for
continued driving on the basis of the fol-
lowing indications:
>With a light load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km
>With a medium load:
2 persons, luggage compartment full, or
4 persons without luggage:
approx. 90 miles/150 km
>With a full load:
4 or more persons, luggage compart-
ment full:
ca. 30 miles/50 km.
Drive cautiously. Do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h. In case of
tire pressure loss you must expect changes
in vehicle handling such as lower track sta-
bility during braking, longer braking dis-
tances and changes in self-steering proper-
ties when close to the handling limit.
For safety reasons, the manufacturer of
your MINI recommends not having dam-
aged Run Flat tires repaired, but to consult
a MINI Dealer in such cases. The yellow warning lamp flashes
and then lights up permanently.
No punctures can be detected.
This type of message is shown in the fol-
lowing situations:
>If there is a malfunction
Have the system checked.
>If a wheel without TPM electronics is
mounted, e.g. a compact wheel.

78
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR
*
>If TPM is temporarily malfunctioning due
to other systems or devices using the
same radio frequency.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring
SystemEach tire should be checked monthly when
cold and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pres-
sure label. If your vehicle has tires of a dif-
ferent size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires. As an
added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system, TPMS, that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires are significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly underinflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire fail-
ure. Underinflation also reduces fuel effi-
ciency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substi-
tute for proper tire maintenance, and it is
the driver's responsibility to maintain cor-
rect tire pressure, even if underinflation has not reached the level at which the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale illuminates.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is com-
bined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction,
the telltale will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously lit.
This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle startups as long as the mal-
function exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may
not be able to detect or signal low tire pres-
sure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may
occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate
tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction tell-
tale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels
allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.