traction control MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2004 Owner's Manual

3
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX

Driving:
Ignition lock41
Starting the engine41
Switching off the engine43
Parking brake43
Manual transmission44
Continuously Variable automatic
Transmission (CVT)45
Parking lamps/Low beams48
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher49
Instrument lighting49
Fog lamps49
Interior lamps50
Washer/wiper system50
Cruise control52
Everything under control:
Odometer54
Tachometer54
Fuel gauge54
Coolant temperature gauge55
Service interval display56
Clock56
Onboard computer57
Technology for safety and driving
convenience:
All Season traction Control (ASC)59
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)60
Antilock Brake System (ABS)61
Flat Tire Monitor62
Park Distance Control (PDC)64
Airbags65
Controlling the climate for pleasant
driving:
Air conditioning system67
Automatic climate control70
Interior conveniences:
Glove compartment73
Ashtray, beverage holders74
Cigarette lighter, 12 V power supply74
Loading and transporting cargo:
Cargo area75
Loading cargo76
Roof-mounted luggage rack78

OPERATION, CARE, MAINTENANCE
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures82
General driving notes83
Refueling84
Fuel specifications85
Brake system86
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure87
Tire coding89
Tire condition91
Wheel and tire replacement92
Run Flat tires93
Snow chains94

17
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX

INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPS

Yellow: check as soon as possible
Flat Tire Monitor
+

Stays lit: the system is defective.
Please have the system inspected
at your MINI Dealer.
More information on page 62.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
+

ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able. Please have the system inspected at
your MINI Dealer.
More information on page 61.
ABS indicator lamp for Canadian
models.
All Season traction Control (ASC)/
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
+

Indicator lamp flashes:
System active: drive and braking forces are
regulated.
The indicator lamp stays lit: ASC/DSC
switched off with button or defective. In
the event of a defect: please have the sys-
tem inspected at your MINI Dealer.
More information on pages 59, 60.
Service Engine Soon
+

If the warning lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a malfunction in the
emissions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains operational,
you should have the systems checked by
your MINI Dealer at the earliest possible
opportunity.
Service Engine Soon warning lamp
for Canadian models.
Engine electronics
*

+

Malfunction in the engine electron-
ics. You can continue to drive with
reduced engine output or engine speed.
Please have the system inspected at your
MINI Dealer.
Check Gas Cap
*
+

This indicator lamp comes on
when the fuel gas cap is loose or
missing. Close the gas cap tightly:
Refer to page 85.
Depending on the level of equipment,
the indicator lamp is in the vicinity of
the navigation system.
<

Green: for your information
Turn signal indicators
Flashes when turn signal indicator
is on.
Rapid flashing: the system is defective.
More information on page 49.
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise control is
activated: operation via the multi-
function steering wheel or multifunction
sports steering wheel.
More information on page 52.
Blue: for your information
High beams
Comes on when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher is
actuated.
More information on page 49.

39
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
TRANSPORTING CHILDREN SAFELYInstalling child-restraint systemsBefore installing any child-restraint system
or child seat, read the following:
Always follow the manufacturer's
instructions concerning installation
and use; otherwise the system's protective
function could be impaired.
After an accident, have all parts of the
affected safety belt system inspected and/
or replaced by your MINI Dealer.<
Commercially available child-restraint sys-
tems are designed to be secured with a lap
belt or with the lap belt portion of a combi-
nation lap/shoulder belt. Improperly or
inadequately installed restraint systems
can increase the risk of injury to children.
Always read and follow the instructions
that come with the system.
Child seat securityAll of the rear belt retractors and the front
passenger's safety belt can be locked for
mounting and securing child-restraint sys-
tems.
Information regarding this is located near
the buckle latch of each safety belt.To lock the beltPull the entire length of the belt from the
belt retractor. Allow the reel to retract the
belt somewhat and engage the buckle,
then tighten the belt against the child-
restraint system.
The retraction mechanism is now locked.
To unlock the beltRelease the buckle, remove the child-
restraint system and allow the belt retrac-
tor to reel the belt completely in.

43
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
SWITCHING OFF THE ENGINE PARKING BRAKE
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 you park on downward slopes,
engage the parking brake.<
Manual transmissionTurn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.Continuously Variable automatic
Transmission (CVT)Engage 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 page 16.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
pressure. Keep your thumb pressed against
the release button while carefully pulling
the lever up to apply moderate pressure.
Excessive pressure can lead to overbraking
and loss of traction, i.e. fishtailing, at the
rear axle. The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is engaged.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always engage the parking brake when
parking on hills and inclined surfaces, as
first gear or reverse may not provide ade-
quate resistance to rolling.
Vehicles with CVT:
Place the selector lever in P.<
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.<

59
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
ALL SEASON TRACTION CONTROL (ASC)
*
The concept
This system optimizes driving stability and
traction, especially when just starting off,
when accelerating or when cornering.
ASC recognizes the danger present in trac-
tion loss and will increase driving stability
and traction by reducing the engine's out-
put and, if necessary, by applying the
brakes to the front wheels.
ASC is operational each time you start the
engine. It contains the following functions:
>Antilock Brake System (ABS)
>Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
>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.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the display
elements will go out shortly after
the ignition has been switched on,
refer to pages 16, 17.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
ASC controls the drive and braking forces.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine is started, or if it comes on dur-
ing normal driving and stays on:
The system is defective or was turned off
using the button.
The described stabilizing operations are no
longer available.
You can, however, drive the vehicle nor-
mally without ASC.
In the event of a malfunction, please see
your MINI Dealer, refer to pages 16, 17.
To switch off the ASCBriefly press the switch.
The indicator lamp stays lit.
When driving with snow chains or to 'rock
free' in snow, it can be helpful to switch off
the ASC for a brief period.
To maintain vehicle stability, always
drive with the ASC switched on
whenever possible. Indicator lamp goes out.

60
DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL (DSC)
*
The concept
This system optimizes driving stability and
traction, especially when just starting off,
when accelerating or when cornering. It
also maintains driving stability even in criti-
cal driving situations.
DSC recognizes unstable vehicle conditions,
such as understeering or oversteering, and,
as far as is possible within the laws of phys-
ics, helps keep the vehicle on a steady
course by reducing the rpms and by brake
applications to the individual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you start
the engine. It contains the following func-
tions:
>All Season traction Control (ASC)
>Antilock Brake System (ABS)
>Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
>Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An appropri-
ate driving style always remains the respon-
sibility of the driver. Avoid using the addi-
tional 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.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the display
elements will go out shortly after
the ignition has been switched on,
refer to pages 16, 17.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive and braking forces.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine is started, or if it comes on dur-
ing normal driving and stays on:
The system is defective or was turned off
using the button.
The described stabilizing operations are no
longer available.
The vehicle will remain completely opera-
tional, however, without DSC.
In the event of a malfunction, please see
your MINI Dealer, refer to pages 16, 17.
To switch off the DSCBriefly press the switch.
The indicator lamp stays lit.
When driving with snow chains, it may be
effective to switch off the DSC for a brief
period.
To maintain stability, always drive
with the DSC switched on whenever
possible. Indicator lamp goes out.

89
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
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= bis 105 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 U.S. Department of Transportation. DOT code:
e.g. DOT xxxx xxx 3603
Manufacturer's code
for tire make
Tire size and
tire version
Tire age
Tire ageThe manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends replacing all tires, including the
space-saver spare tire, regardless of actual
wear, after 6 years at the latest.
The date on which the tire was manufac-
tured is indicated by the code on the side-
wall:
DOT … 3603 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in Week 36 of the year 2003.Uniform Tire Quality GradingQuality grades can be found where applica-
ble on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width.
For example:
DOT quality grades Treadwear 200
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 wearThe tread wear grade is a comparative rat-
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, 1 γ 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.

90
TIRE CODINGTraction 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 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 a sudden flat tire. 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 page 93.M+SWinter and all-season tires.
These have better winter performance
properties than summer tires.

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
138
A
ABS Antilock Brake System 61
indicator lamp 16, 17
Accessories, refer to
For your own safety 7
Your individual vehicle 6
Activated-charcoal filter 72
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated air mode 68, 71
Air conditioning
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 71
Air conditioning system 67
Air distribution
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 71
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation 69, 72
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 87
Air supply
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 72
Air, drying, refer to Air
conditioning 68, 71
Airbags 65
indicator lamp 16
safe seating position 31
AKI, refer to Fuel quality 85 All Season traction Control
(ASC) 59
indicator lamp 16, 17
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires 92
Antenna 103
Antifreeze
coolant 100
washer fluid 98
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 61
indicator lamp 16, 17
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights 134
Approved engine oils 99
Approved gross vehicle weight,
refer to Weights 134
ASC All Season traction
Control 59
indicator lamp 16, 17
Ashtray 74
Assistant systems, refer to
All Season traction Control
(ASC) 59
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 60
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution 71
Automatic
air distribution 71
air supply 71
cruise control 52 Automatic car washes 103
Automatic climate control 70
Automatic headlamp range
control for xenon lamps,
refer to Daytime driving
lamps 48
Average consumption
setting units 58
Average speed
setting units 58
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 134
B
Backrests, refer to
Adjusting seats 33
Backup lamp 44
bulb replacement 114
Bar, towing 128
Battery 124
disposal 22, 124
indicator lamp 15
jump-starting 126
remote control 22
Belts, refer to Safety belts 35
Beverage holders 74
Blower
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 72
Blower, refer to Air flow 68, 72 Blowers, refer to Draft-free
ventilation 69, 72
BMW 6
Bonnet 95
indicator lamp 16
Bore, refer to Engine data 132
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders 74
Brake discs
brake system 86
break-in procedures 82
Brake fluid 101
adding 101
level 86
warning lamp 15
Brake lamps
bulb replacement 114
Brake pads 86
break-in procedures 82
warning lamp 16
Brake system 86
brake fluid level 86
brake pads 86
disc brakes 86
warning lamp 16
Brake wear warning
brake pads 86
warning lamp 16

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
145
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Rear turn signal indicator
bulb replacement 113
Rear window wiper 51
replacement 111
Rearview mirror 36
Recirculated air mode
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 71
Reclining seat, refer to Backrest
tilt 33
Refueling 84
Remaining distance for
service 56
Remaining distance, refer to
Range 58
Remote control 23
changing battery 22
initializing 22
malfunctions 25
Remote control key, refer to
Master key with remote
control 22
Replacement key 22
Replacement of tires 92
changing tires 117
Reporting safety defects 9
Reserve indicator light, refer to
Fuel gauge 54, 55
Reservoir
washer system 98 Restraint systems
for children 38
refer to Safety belts 35
Reverse
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 46
manual transmission 44
Rod antenna 103
Roller sun blind 30
Roof load, refer to Weights 134
Roof-mounted luggage rack 78
Rope, refer to Towing 128
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run Flat
tires 93
Rubber parts 104
Run Flat tires 93
tire failure 93
tire inflation pressure 87
Runflat System Component
(RSC), refer to Run Flat
tires 93
S
Safety belt height
adjustment 35 Safety belts 35
care 104
height adjustment 35
safe seating position 31
warning lamp 16, 35
Safety lock buttons, doors,
refer to Locking 26
Safety systems, refer to
All Season traction Control
(ASC) 59
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 61
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 60
Screwdriver, refer to Onboard
tool kit 110
Seat adjustment 32
Seat heating 35
Securing loads, refer to Loading
cargo 76
Securing the load 77
Securing the vehicle
from inside 26
from outside 24
Selector lever
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 45 Selector lever positions
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 45
Selector lever shiftlock, refer to
Shiftlock 45
Service 56
Service interval display 56, 102
Service, refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models 102
Shifting
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 46
manual transmission 44
Shifting gears, refer to
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 45
Shiftlock, refer to Range
selection 45
Side airbags 65
Side turn signal indicators
bulb replacement 113
Signal horn, refer to Horn 12