traction control MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2007 Owner's Manual

Reference
At a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
15
1Microphone for voice command system*
and for telephone in hands-free mode*
2Indicator/warning lamp* for front passen-
ger airbags58
4Hazard warning flashers
5Speedometer12
6Audio CD drive
*
7Switching audio sources on/off and adjust-
ing volume
8Heating, air conditioner or automatic cli-
mate control
*
9Switches in center console
10Driving stability control systems
>ASC All-Season Traction Control
*54
>DSC Dynamic Stability Control
*54
11Sport button
*39 3
Reading lamps
*63
Color of ambient lighting
*63
Glass sunroof, electric
*26
Interior lamps62
Temperature65, 67
Recirculated-air mode65, 67
AUC automatic recirculated-air con-
trol
* and recirculated-air mode67
Air distribution for air
conditioner65
Air distribution to the
windshield
*67
Air distribution to the upper body
area
*67
Air distribution to the footwell
*67
Automatic air distribution and flow
rate
*67
Maximum cooling
*67
Cooling function
*65, 68
Defrosting windows
*66, 67
Rear window defroster65, 67
Windshield heating
*66, 68
Air flow rate65, 66
Seat heating
*30
Power windows26
Rear fog lamp
*62
Central locking system, inside22
Fog lamps
*62

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
37
Parking brake
The parking brake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it
brakes the rear wheels.
Applying
The lever locks in position automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upwards, press the button and lower
the lever.
In exceptional cases, if the parking brake
has to be used to slow or stop the car, do
not pull the lever up too hard. In doing so, con-
tinuously press the button of the parking brake
lever.
Otherwise, excessive force could lead to over-
braking and loss of traction, i.e. fishtailing, at the
rear axle.<
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, press
the gearshift lever to the right. Otherwise
the engine could be damaged if you inadvert-
ently shift into 3rd or 4th gear.<
Reverse gear
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
When the gearshift lever is pressed to the left, a
slight resistance has to be overcome.
Automatic transmission*
with Steptronic
In addition to the fully automatic mode, you can
shift gears manually using Steptronic, page38.
Parking the vehicle
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always
select position P and apply the parking
brake before leaving the vehicle with the engine
running.<
Removing the key
1.Move the selector lever to position P.
2.Switch off the engine.
3.Remove the key.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Displays in the tachometer
P R N D DS M1 to M6
The selector lever position is displayed, or the
current gear in the manual mode.
Changing selector lever positions
>With the ignition switched on or the engine
running, the selector lever can be moved out
of position P: interlock.

Technology for driving comfort and safety
54
ABS Antilock Brake System
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 page77.
ABS includes the following functions:
>CBC Cornering Brake Control
>Electronic brake-force distribution
Cornering Brake Control
Driving stability and steering characteristics are
further enhanced while braking in turns or dur-
ing a lane change.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Brake Assist
Rapid braking causes the system to automati-
cally develop maximum braking force. The sys-
tem helps keep the braking distance to a mini-
mum.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the
duration of the full braking application.
ASC All-Season Traction Control*
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:
>ABS Antilock Brake System
>Brake Assist
>Hill Start Assist
DSC Dynamic Stability Control*
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. DSC also recognizes unstable driving con-
ditions, 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 physi-
cal limits by reducing engine output and
through braking actions at the individual
wheels.
DSC also encompasses the following functions:
>ASC All-Season Traction Control
>ABS Antilock Brake System
>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 lamps go
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 fully deactivated.

Wheels and tires
90
Tire coding
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Speed code letter
Q = up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph or 190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph or 210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph or 240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph or 270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph or 300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the
US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread 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.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment 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, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction
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 government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, corner-
ing, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteris-
tics.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus-
tained 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 e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter, in
front of the R on ZR tires
225/45 R 17 91 V
e.g.
Manufacturer's code
for tire make
Tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 4706

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
93
Run-Flat Tires*
When mounting new tires or changing over from
summer to winter tires and vice versa, mount
Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. Keep in mind
that no space-saver spare tire is available in the
event of a flat. Your MINI Dealer will be glad to
advise you.
For safety reasons, the manufacturer of
your MINI recommends having Run-Flat
Tires replaced, not repaired, if they are dam-
aged.<
Special characteristics of winter tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
winter tires for driving in adverse winter road
conditions. Although all-season M+S tires pro-
vide better winter traction than summer tires,
they generally fail to provide the same levels of
cold-weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view. Spe-
cialist tire dealers and your MINI Dealer can sup-
ply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres-
sure indicated on the sidewall of the tire.
Swapping wheels among the axles
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
that you swap the front wheels with the rear
wheels and vice-versa at intervals of 3,000 to
4,000 miles/5,000 to 7,000 km. This will counter
the varying rates of tire wear at the front and
rear axles, which will have a positive effect on the handling characteristics of your MINI. The
direction in which the tires rotate should be kept
the same.
Snow chains*
Only certain types of fine-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI,
classified as road-safe and recommended. Con-
tact your MINI Dealer for more details.
Only attach snow chains in pairs to the front
wheels with the following tires.
>175/65 R 15 M+S
>175/60 R 16 M+S
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph or 50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted, otherwise the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.<

From A to Z
134
From A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake System54
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle5
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control68
Additives
– coolant96
– engine oil96
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner65
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control66
Airbags57
– sitting safely28
– warning lamp58
Air conditioner64
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner65
– automatic climate control66
– ventilation68
Air distribution
– automatic67
– individual65
– manual65
Air flow rate65,66
– air conditioning system65
– automatic climate control66
– heating, ventilation65
Airing, refer to Ventilation68
Air outlets, refer to Air vents64
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure86
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode65,67
Air supply
– air conditioner65
– automatic climate control66
– ventilation68Air vents64
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications85
Alarm system, preparation
package24
Alarm system preparation
package24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires93
All-Season Traction Control
ASC54
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode65,67
Âmbient lighting63
Antenna, care100
Antifreeze
– coolant96
– washer fluid
42
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights132
Approved engine oils96
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights132
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest71
Arrival time
– computer46
ASC All-Season Traction
Control54
Ashtray72
Assistant systems, refer to
– All-Season Traction Control
ASC54
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC54
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control67
Audio device, external71Automatic
– air distribution67
– air flow rate67
– cruise control42
– headlamp control59
Automatic climate control64
– automatic air distribution67
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC67
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic37
– interlock37
– overriding selector lever
lock39
– shiftlock38
– sport program38
AUTO program for automatic
climate control67
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device71
Average fuel consumption45
– setting the units47
Average speed46
Axle loads, refer to
Weights132
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting63
Backrests, refer to Seats28
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb105
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps105
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch112
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away114

From A to Z
140
Pathway lighting59
PDC Park Distance Control53
Personal Profile18
Plastic parts, care101
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control68
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner66
Power failure111
Power windows26
Power windows, refer to
Windows26
Pressure, tires86
Pressure monitoring, tires55
– Flat Tire Monitor55
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor55
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness35
Radio readiness35
– switched off35
– switched on35
Rain sensor40
Range, refer to Cruising
range45
Reading lamps63
Rear fog lamp62
– replacing bulb106
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps105
– replacing bulb105
Rear seat backrest, folding78
Rear seats
– folding the backrests78
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors31
Rear window defroster65,67
Recirculated-air mode65,67
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode65,67Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest29
Refueling84
Releasing
– bonnet94
Remote control18
– battery renewal25
– convenient access24
– garage door opener69
– malfunctions21,25
– service data98
– tailgate21
Replacement fuses, refer to
Fuses111
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs102
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires92
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge45
Reservoir for washers42
Restraint systems
– for children33
– refer to Safety belts30
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic38
– manual transmission37
Roadside Assistance112
Roadside parking lamps61
– replacing bulb104
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements49
Roof load capacity132
Roof-mounted luggage
rack80
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away114
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires92
Rubber parts, care100
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires92Run-Flat Tires92
– puncture56
– replacing92
– tire inflation pressure86
– winter tires93
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-Flat
Tires92
S
Safety belts30
– damage31
– indicator lamp31
– reminder31
– sitting safely28
Safety belts, care101
Safety systems
– airbags57
– All-Season Traction Control
ASC54
– Antilock Brake System
ABS54
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC54
– safety belts30
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires92
Screw thread for tow
fitting113
Seat adjustment
– mechanical29
Seats28
– adjusting the seats29
– heating30
– sitting safely28
Securing the vehicle
– from inside22
– from outside19
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic37
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock37
– manual override39
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic37

From A to Z
142
Temperature of coolant, refer
to Coolant temperature44
Temperature setting
– air conditioner65
– automatic climate control67
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo80
The individual vehicle5
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp106
Three-point safety belt30
Tightening the lug bolts
– keys108
– torque110
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening the lug bolts110
Tire change set
– MINI Mobility System108
– space-saver spare tire108
Tire failure
– MINI Mobility System106
– space-saver spare tire108
Tire inflation pressure86
– loss56
– space-saver spare tire86
Tire pressure monitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor55
Tire Quality Grading90
Tires
– age91
– breaking in76
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels108
– condition91
– damage91
– flat tire92
– inflation pressure86
– minimum tread depth91
– new tires92
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor55
– puncture56
– size90
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth91
– winter tires93
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-Flat Tires92Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit102
Torque130
– lug bolts110
Tow bar114
Tow fitting113
– screw thread113
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away113
Towing113
– car with automatic
transmission114
– methods
114
Tow rope114
Tow-starting113
Track width, refer to
Dimensions131
Traction control, refer to
– DSC Dynamic Stability
Control54
Trailer towing
– trailer load and gross
weight132
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic37
– manual transmission37
– overriding selector lever lock
for automatic transmission
with Steptronic39
Transporting children safely33
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo80
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread91
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer44
Triple turn signal activation40
Trip odometer44
Trunk lamp, refer to Cargo area
lamp62
Trunk lid, refer to Tailgate23
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions131
Turn signal indicator
– front, replacing bulb104
– rear, replacing bulb105
– side, replacing bulb105Turn signal indicators39
– indicator lamp12
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading80
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
UTQR90
Units
– average consumption47
– temperature47
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control69
Universal remote control69
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking24
Unlocking
– from inside22
– from outside19
– tailgate24
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access24
Upholstery, care100
V
Valve
– dust cap109
Vehicle
– battery111
– breaking in76
– cargo loading78
– dimensions131
– Identification Number, refer
to Engine compartment95
– parking36
– storage101
– weight132
Vehicle jack108
Ventilation
– air conditioner68
Vents, refer to Air vents64
Vents, refer to Ventilation68
Volume of cargo area132

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
143
W
Warning and indicator
lamps13,116
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control51
Warning triangle112
Washer fluid42
– capacity of reservoir42
Washer fluid reservoir42
Washer fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid42
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray72
Waterfall lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting63
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water77
Wear indicators in tires, refer to
Minimum tread depth91
Weights132
Welcome lamps59
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions131
Wheels, new92
Wheels and tires86
Wheelslip control, refer to
– All-Season Traction Control
ASC54
Wheel stud wrench
– space-saver spare tire108
Width, refer to
Dimensions131
Windows26
– convenient operation20
– opening, closing26
Window washer reservoir,
refer to Washer fluid
– volume, refer to
Capacities133
Window washer system40
– washer fluid42
– washer nozzles41
Windshield
– cleaning41
– defrosting and removing
condensation66,67
Windshield, defrosting, refer to
Defrosting windows66,67Windshield wiper blades,
changing102
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper system40
Winter tires93
– storage93
Wiper blade replacement102
Wiper blades, care101
Wiper system40
Work in the engine
compartment94
Wrench/screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit102
X
Xenon lamps
– replacing bulb103