traction control MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2008 Owners Manual

18
INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPSRed: have it checked soon
Airbags
+
There is a malfunction in the airbag
system. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
More information on page80.
Yellow: have it checked soon
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
+
The ABS has failed. Conventional
braking efficiency is available. Have
the system checked as soon as possible.
More information on page72.
Canadian models display this
warning lamp.
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction ASC/Dynamic Stability
Control DSC
+
Indicator lamp flashes:
System active: drive and brake forces are
regulated.
Indicator lamp lights up continuously:
ASC/DSC has been deactivated at the but-
ton or is malfunctioning.
If there is a malfunction: have the system
checked as soon as possible.
More information on page72.
Engine
+
The exhaust emissions have deteri-
orated.
Have the vehicle checked as soon as possi-
ble.
Canadian models display this
warning lamp.
Engine electronics
* +
The engine electronics are mal-
functioning. You can continue to
drive with reduced engine output or engine
speed. Have the vehicle checked as soon as
possible.
Brake pads
The brake pads have reached the
minimum safe limit for lining wear.
Have the brake pads replaced immediately.
More information on page103.

55
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
PARKING BRAKE MANUAL TRANSMISSIONforce. Keep your thumb pressed against the
release button while pulling the lever up
carefully.
Otherwise, excessive force could lead to
overbraking and loss of traction, i.e. fish-
tailing, at the rear axle.<
To avoid corrosion and one-sided
braking, apply the parking brake
lightly from time to time when coasting to
a standstill, for instance at a traffic light,
provided that it is safe to do so. The brake
lamps do not come on when the parking
brake is engaged.<
6-speed transmission*
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear,
press the gearshift lever to the right.
Otherwise, the engine could be damaged
by accidentally engaging 3rd or 4th gear.<
Reverse gearBefore selecting reverse gear, ensure the
vehicle is stationary; then, fully depress the
clutch and pause briefly before moving the
gearshift lever into position.
5-speed transmission:
Press the gearshift lever to the right and to
the back.
6-speed transmission:
Press the gearshift lever towards the left.
Thereby overcome the slight resistance and
press forward.

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.<

112
TIRE CODINGKnowing the tire code on the tire's sidewall
makes it easier for you to choose and iden-
tify the correct tires.Tire sizee.g. 205/45 R 17 84 V
Nominal width in mm
Cross-sectional
ratio in %
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load index,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter,
in front of the R on ZR tires
Speed code letters:
Q = up to 100 mph / 160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph / 190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph / 210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph / 240 km/h
W= up to 167 mph / 270 km/hTire Identification NumberTires with DOT codes meet the guidelines
of the US Department of Transportation.DOT code:
e.g. DOT xxxx xxx 3506
Manufacturer's code
for tire make
Tire size and
tire version
Tire age
Tire ageThe tire's date of manufacture is included
in the tire coding:
DOT...3506 means that the tire was manu-
factured in the 35th week of the year 2006.
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends replacing all tires after 6 years at
the latest, even if a tire service life of
10 years is possible.Uniform Tire Quality GradingQuality grades can be found where applica-
ble on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width.
For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT quality gradesTread 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. ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government 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,
however, and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.

113
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
TIRE CODING TIRE CONDITION Traction The traction grades, from highest to low-
est, 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 govern-
ment test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction per-
formance.
The traction grade assigned to this
tire is based on straight-ahead brak-
ing traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics. B and C, representing the tire's resistance
to the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under con-
trolled conditions on a specified indoor lab-
oratory test wheel.
Sustained 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 meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the labora-
tory test wheel than the minimum required
by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading,
either separately or in combination, can
cause heat buildup and possible tire fail-
ure. lar symbol containing the letters RSC on
the side of the tire, refer to page115.M+SWinter and all-season tires.
These have better winter performance
properties than summer tires.
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects
lodged in the tread. Check the tread depth.Tire treadTread depth should not be allowed to go
below 1/8 in/3 mm even though in Europe,
for example, the legally specified minimum
tread depth is only 1/16 in/1.6 mm.
Below 1/8 in/3 mm tread depth, there is a
very high danger of hydroplaning at higher
speeds, even with only small amounts of
water on the road.
At tread depths below approx. 1/6 in/
4 mm, the ability of winter tires to cope
with winter driving conditions decreases
perceptibly. For safety reasons, new tires
should be mounted.

117
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
NEW WHEELS AND TIRES SNOW CHAINS
*
Special characteristics of winter tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends winter tires for driving in adverse
winter road conditions. While all-season
tires with the M+S designation provide bet-
ter winter traction than summer tires, they
generally do not achieve the full perfor-
mance of winter tires.
Observe speed ratings:
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the winter tires are rated. them against light whenever possible. Pro-
tect the tires against contact with oil,
grease and fuel. Do not exceed the tire
inflation pressure specified on the tire side-
wall.
Only certain types of snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your
MINI, classified as road-safe and recom-
mended. Contact your MINI Dealer for
more details. Their use is only permitted in
pairs on the front wheels on winter tires of
the following types:
>175/65 R 15 M+S
>175/60 R 16 M+S.
When fitting, comply with the manufac-
turer's instructions. With chains, do not
exceed a speed of 30 mph / 50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor
after attaching snow chains to the
tires.
When driving with snow chains, it can be
helpful to switch off the ASC or DSC for a
brief period, refer to page72.<

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
160
A
ABS Antilock Brake System72
indicator lamp17
,18
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle6
Activated-charcoal filter87
Adjusting interior
temperature83
,86
Airbags79
passenger airbag status
lamp80
safe seating position42
warning lamp18
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated air mode83
,86
Air conditioning system82
Air distribution
air conditioning system83
automatic climate control86
individual87
manual83
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation84
,87
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure108
Air volume
air conditioning system83
automatic climate control86
AKI, refer to Fuel quality105
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires117All Season traction Control
(ASC)72
indicator lamps17
,18
Antenna127
Antifreeze
coolant122
washer fluid64
Antilock Brake System (ABS)72
indicator lamp17,18
Anti-theft system24
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights155
,156
Approved engine oils122
Approved gross vehicle weight,
refer to Weights155
,156
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest89
ASC All Season traction
Control72
indicator lamps17
,18
Assistant systems, refer to
All Season traction Control
(ASC)72
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
Automatic
air distribution86
air volume86
cruise control65
Automatic car washes126
Automatic climate control85Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
ignition53
indicator lamp57
interlock53
selector lever lock56
shiftlock56
towing148
tow-starting149
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution86
Aux-In socket88
Average consumption71
setting units71
Average speed71
setting units71
Axle loads, refer to
Weights155
,156
B
Backrests, refer to
Adjusting seats44
Backup lamp
bulb replacement135
Bar, towing148
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone89Battery144
charging144
disposal144
indicator lamp16
jump-starting146
power failure144
Battery care69
,125
Being towed148
Belts, refer to Safety belts46
Beverage holders89
Black ice, refer to Temperature
warning70
Blower
air conditioning system83
automatic climate control86
Blower, refer to Air volume83
Blowers, refer to Draft-free
ventilation84,87
Bonnet118
indicator lamp17
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders89
Brake discs
brake system103
break-in procedures102
Brake fluid124
level124
warning lamp16
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement135

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
168
Remote control key, refer to
Master keys with remote
control24
Replacement key24
Replacement of tires
changing tires137
new wheels and tires116
Reporting safety defects9
Reserve indicator light, refer to
Fuel gauge67
,68
Reservoir, washing systems64
Reservoir for washer fluid64
Restraint systems
for children50
refer to Safety belts46
Retaining straps97
Reverse
automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
manual transmission55
Rod antenna127
Roller sun blind34
Roof load, refer to
Weights155,156
Roof-mounted luggage rack98
Rope, refer to Towing and Tow-
starting148
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to
Run-Flat Tires115Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires115
Run-Flat Tires115
puncture114
replacing116
tire inflation pressure109
winter tires116
S
Safety belt height
adjustment46
Safety belts46
care128
height adjustment46
indicator lamp17
,46
reminder46
safe seating position42
Safety lock buttons, doors,
refer to Locking28
Safety systems, refer to
Airbags79
All Season traction Control
(ASC)72
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)72
Brake system72
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
Safety tires, refer to
Run-Flat Tires115Seat adjustment43
Seat-belt tensioner, refer to
Safety belts47
Seat heating47
Seats
heating47
safe seating position42
Securing loads, refer to Loading
cargo95
Securing the load97
Securing the vehicle
from inside28
from outside26
Selector lever, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56
Selector lever positions,
automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
Selector lever shiftlock, refer to
Shiftlock56
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models125
Service interval display69
,125
Shifting gears in the automatic
transmission with
Steptronic58Shiftlock, refer to Range
selection56
Shift paddles58
Side airbags79
Side turn signal indicators, bulb
replacement135
Signal horn, refer to Horn12
Sitting safely42
with airbags42
with head restraints42
with safety belt42
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector39
Smoker's equipment package,
refer to Ashtray89
Snow chains117
Socket 12 V90
Socket for
onboard diagnostics126
Socket in the luggage
compartment90
Space-saver spare tire
changing tires137
inflation pressure109
Spare key24
Spare tire, refer to Space-saver
spare tire137
Special oils, refer to Specified
engine oils122
Special wash program126
Specified oils122

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
170
Tire puncture
Run-Flat Tires75
Run Flat tires77
Tires
age112
air loss77
break-in procedures102
changing139
condition113
damage114
flat tire115
,137
inflation pressure108
pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM76
replacement116
size, refer to New wheels and
tires116
storage117
tread113
wear indicator, refer to Tire
tread113
winter tires117
Tires with emergency
properties, refer to Run-Flat
Tires115
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit132
Torque
engine152
lug bolts140Tow bar148
Towing147
with automatic
transmission148
,149
Towing eyelet147
Tow rope148
Tow-starting149
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor76
Track width, refer to
Dimensions153,154
Traction grades113
Transmission
automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
manual transmission55
Transmission lock, refer to
Range selection56
Transmission malfunction,
refer to Malfunction58
Transporting children safely50
Transporting securely, refer to
Securing the load97
Trash container, refer to
Ashtray89
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread113
Treadwear grade112
Trip odometer67Trunk, refer to Luggage
compartment in the MINI
Convertible94
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions153
,154
Turn signal indicators61
indicator lamp19
Turn signal indicators on the
side, bulb replacement135
U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading112
Units
average consumption71
average speed71
temperature70
Universal garage door
opener91
Universal remote control91
Unlocking
bonnet118
from inside28
from outside26
Used batteries, refer to
Disposal144
Using antifreeze64,122V
Vacuum cleaner, connecting,
refer to Cigarette lighter
socket90
Valve
core141
dust cap139
remover141
spare141
Valve remover, refer to
Onboard tool kit141
Valve stem and replacement
valve, refer to Onboard tool
kit141
Vanity mirror, illuminated48
Vehicle
battery144
break-in procedures102
care126
dimensions153
loading cargo95
parking104
storage129
washing126
weight155
,156
Vehicle battery144
Vehicle identification number,
refer to Engine
compartment119
,120
Vehicle illumination, refer to
Lamps60

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
171
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Vehicle Memory49
Ventilation, draft-free84
,87
Ventilation, refer to
Air conditioning system84
Automatic climate control86
Ventilation, refer to Draft-free
ventilation84
,87
Volume
luggage
compartment155
,156
W
Warning and indicator
lamps16
Washer/wiper system63
Washer fluid64
Washer fluid reservoir,
capacity157
Washer fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer/wiper system64
Washer systems64
Washing your vehicle126
Water on roadways, deep
water104
Wear indicators in the tires,
refer to Tire condition114
Weights155
,156
Wheel/tire combination116
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions153
,154
Wheels and tires116Wheelslip control
All Season traction Control
(ASC)72
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
Wheel stud wrench
MINI Mobility System141
space-saver spare tire137
Width, refer to Dimensions153
Wind deflector39
Windows, convenience
operation26
,27
Window washer reservoir64
capacity, refer to
Capacities157
Window washer system
washer/wiper system63
washer fluid64
Windscreen wipers
replacement132
,133
Windshield, cleaning64
Windshield heating
air conditioning system83
automatic climate control86
Windshield washer jets64
Windshield wiper blades
care128
replacement132,133
Windshield wipers
intermittent operation63Windshield wipers, refer to
Washer/wiper system63
Winter tires117
changing139
condition113
Run-Flat Tires116
storage117
Wood paneling128
Work in the engine
compartment118
Wrench/screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit132
X
Xenon lamps
bulb replacement134
Y
Your individual vehicle6