traction control MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2015 Owner's Manual

The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in‐
strument cluster, followed by the currently se‐
lected gear.
Manual mode M/S: prevent automatic
upshifting
Once maximum engine speed is attained, M/S
manual mode is automatically upshifted as
needed.
For vehicles with Steptronic Sport transmission,
automatic shift operations are not performed if
one of the following conditions is met:▷DSC is deactivated.▷TRACTION is activated.
In addition, the kickdown is deactivated.
With the respective transmission version, the
lowest possible gear can be selected by simul‐
taneously operating the kickdown and the left
shift paddle. However, this effect is not pro‐
duced via the shift paddles when switching
briefly from D to manual mode.
Ending the sport program/manual
mode
Push the selector lever to the right.
D is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Shift paddles for Steptronic Sport
transmission
The shift paddles on the steering wheel allow
you to shift gears quickly while keeping both
hands on the steering wheel.
▷Shift up: briefly pull right shift paddle.▷Shift down: briefly pull left shift paddle.▷With the respective transmission version,
the lowest possible gear can be selected by
pulling and holding the left shift paddle.
Gears will only be shifted at appropriate engine
and road speeds, for example downshifting is
not possible if the engine speed is too high.
The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in‐
strument cluster, followed by the current gear.
If the shift paddles on the steering wheel are
used to shift gears in automatic mode, the
transmission temporarily switches to manual
mode.
If the selector lever is still in selector lever posi‐
tion D with the respective transmission version,
it is possible to switch back into the automatic
mode:
▷Pull and hold right shift paddle.
Or▷In addition to the briefly pulled right shift
paddle, briefly pull the left shift paddle.
In the manual mode, after conservative driving
for a certain amount of time or if there has
been no acceleration or shifting of the shift
paddles within a certain amount of time, the
transmission switches back to automatic mode.
Displays in the instrument cluster The selector lever position is dis‐
played, e.g.: P.
Manually release the transmission lock Should the selector lever be blocked in selector
lever position P despite the ignition being
turned on, the brake being depressed and the
unlock button being pressed, the transmission
lock can be manually canceled:
Seite 57DrivingCONTROLS57
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 961 140 - II/15

Before unlocking the transmission lock man‐
ually, engage the parking brake forcefully to
prevent the vehicle from rolling away.1.Loosen the sleeve of the selector lever.2.Pull the sleeve over the selector lever. Un‐
plug the cable connector if needed.3.Using the screwdriver from the onboard ve‐
hicle tool kit, refer to page 199, press the
yellow release lever downward, arrow.4.Move the selector lever slightly toward the
rear; to do this press the unlock button on
the front of the selector lever.
Release the release lever.5.Bring the selector lever into the desired po‐
sition.
Steptronic Sport transmission: Launch
Control
The concept
Launch Control enables optimum acceleration
on surfaces with good traction.
Hints Component wear
Do not use Launch Control too often; oth‐
erwise, this may result in premature wear of
components due to the high stress placed on
the vehicle. ◀
Do not use Launch Control during the break-in,
refer to page 134, period.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
An experienced driver may be able to achieve
better acceleration values in DSC OFF mode, re‐
fer to page 94.
Requirements Launch Control is available when the engine is
warmed up, that is, after uninterrupted driving
of at least 6 miles/10 km.
To start with Launch Control do not steer the
steering wheel.
Start with launch control
While the engine is running:1. Press button and select SPORT with
Driving Dynamics Control, refer to
page 96.
The instrument cluster displays TRACTION
in combination with SPORT. The DSC OFF
indicator lamp lights up.2.Engage selector lever position S.3.With the left foot, forcefully press down on
the brake.4.Step on the accelerator pedal beyond the
resistance point at the full throttle position.
A flag symbol is displayed in the instrument
cluster.5.The starting engine speed adjusts. Within
3 seconds, release the brake.
Before using Launch Control, allow the trans‐
mission to cool down for approx. 5 minutes.
Seite 58CONTROLSDriving58
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 961 140 - II/15

DSC Dynamic Stability Control is deactivated
or DTC Dynamic Traction Control is activated
Dynamic Stability Control DSC is
switched off or Dynamic Traction Con‐
trol DTC is switched on.
For additional information, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control, refer to page 94, and Dy‐
namic Traction Control, refer to page 95.
Flat Tire Monitor FTM The Flat Tire Monitor signals a loss of
tire inflation pressure in a tire.
Reduce your speed and stop cautiously.
Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers.
For additional information, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor, refer to page 84.
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM Illuminated: the Tire Pressure Monitor
signals a loss of tire inflation pressure in
a tire.
Reduce your speed and stop cautiously. Avoid
sudden braking and steering maneuvers.
Flashing and then continuously illuminated: no
flat tire or loss of tire inflation pressure can be
detected.▷Interference through systems or devices
with the same radio frequency: after leav‐
ing the area of the interference, the system
automatically becomes active again.▷TPM could not conclude the reset: perform
the reset of the system again.▷A wheel without TPM electronics is fitted:
have the service center check it if needed.▷Malfunction: have the system checked by
your service center.
For additional information, refer to Tire Pres‐
sure Monitor, refer to page 81.
Steering system
Steering system in some cases defec‐tive.
Have the steering system checked by
the service center.
Engine functions Illuminated: vehicle generates in‐
creased exhaust emissions. It is possible
to continue driving. Exhaust system in
some cases defective.
Flashing: increased engine load damages the
catalytic converter. Continue driving with a
lower engine load. Possible engine problem.
Have the vehicle checked by the service center.
For additional information, refer to On-board
Diagnostics socket, refer to page 198.
Green lights
Turn signal Turn signal on.
Unusually rapid flashing of the indicator
lamp indicates that a turn signal bulb
has failed.
For additional information, refer to Turn signal,
refer to page 52.
Parking lights, headlight control Parking lights or headlights are acti‐
vated.
For additional information, refer to
Parking lights/low beams, headlight control, re‐
fer to page 73.
Front fog lights Front fog lights are activated.
For additional information, refer to
Front fog lights, refer to page 76.Seite 62CONTROLSDisplays62
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 961 140 - II/15

InitializationWhen initializing the once set inflation tire pres‐
sures serve as reference values in order to de‐
tect a flat tire. Initialization is started by con‐
firming the inflation pressures.
Do not initialize the system when driving with
snow chains.1. Press button.2. "Vehicle Info"3."Vehicle status"4."Flat Tire Monitor (FTM)"5.Start the engine - do not drive off.6.Start the initialization with "Flat Tire
Monitor (FTM) reset".7.Drive away.
The initialization is completed while driving,
which can be interrupted at any time.
The initialization automatically continues when
driving resumes.
Indication of a flat tire The yellow warning lamp lights up. A
Check Control message is displayed.
There is a flat tire or a major loss in tire
inflation pressure.
1.Reduce your speed and stop cautiously.
Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu‐
vers.2.Check whether the vehicle is fitted with
regular tires or run-flat tires.
Run-flat tires, refer to page 184, are la‐
beled with a circular symbol containing the
letters RSC marked on the tire's sidewall.
Do not continue driving without run-flat
tires
Do not continue driving if the vehicle is not
equipped with run-flat tires; continued driving
may result in serious accidents. ◀
When a flat tire is indicated, DSC Dynamic Sta‐
bility Control is switched on if needed.
System limits Sudden tire damage
Sudden serious tire damage caused by
external circumstances cannot be recognized in
advance. ◀
A natural, even tire inflation pressure loss in all
four tires will not be recognized. Therefore,
check the tire inflation pressure regularly.
The system could be delayed or malfunction in
the following situations:▷When the system has not been initialized.▷When driving on a snowy or slippery road
surface.▷Sporty driving style: spinning traction
wheels, high lateral acceleration (drifting).▷When driving with snow chains.
Actions in the event of a flat tire
Normal tires
1.Identify the damaged tire.
Do this by checking the air pressure in all
four tires.
The tire pressure gauge of the Mobility Sys‐
tem, refer to page 185, can be used for this
purpose.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires is
correct, the Flat Tire Monitor may not have
been initialized. In this case, initialize the
system.
If an identification is not possible, please
contact the service center.2.Fix the flat tire using the Mobility System,
refer to page 185.Seite 85SafetyCONTROLS85
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 961 140 - II/15

Driving stability control systemsVehicle features and op‐
tions
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems. The respectively applicable country provi‐
sions must be observed when using the respec‐
tive features and systems.
Antilock Brake System
ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking.
The vehicle contains its steering power even
during full brake applications, thus increasing
active safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the en‐
gine.
Brake assistant
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the greatest possible
braking force boost. It reduces the braking dis‐
tance to a minimum during emergency stop.
This system utilizes all of the benefits provided
by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the emergency stop.DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
The concept
DSC prevents traction loss in the power wheels
when driving off and accelerating.
DSC also recognizes unstable vehicle conditions
such as fishtailing or nose-diving. Within the
physical limits DSC helps to keep the vehicle on
a steady course by reducing engine speed and
by applying brakes to the individual wheels.
Adjust your driving style to the situationAn appropriate driving style is always the
responsibility of the driver.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, not
even with DSC.
Therefore, do not reduce the additional safety
margin by driving in a risky manner. ◀
Indicator/warning lights The indicator lamp flashes: DSC controls
the drive and braking forces.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC has
failed.
Deactivating DSC: DSC OFF
When DSC is deactivated, driving stability is re‐
duced during acceleration and when driving in
curves.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Deactivating DSC Press and hold this button but not lon‐
ger than approx. 10 seconds, until the
indicator lamp for DSC OFF lights up in the in‐
strument cluster and displays DSC OFF.Seite 94CONTROLSDriving stability control systems94
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 961 140 - II/15

The DSC system is switched off.
Activating DSC Press button.
DSC OFF and the DSC OFF indicator
lamp go out.
Indicator/warning lights
When DSC is deactivated, DSC OFF is displayed
in the instrument cluster.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC is de‐
activated.
Automatic activation When DSC is deactivated, automatic activation
occurs in the following situations:▷The vehicle has a flat tire.▷When activating cruise control in TRACTION
or DSC OFF mode.
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control
The concept
The DTC system is a version of the DSC where
forward momentum is optimized.
The system ensures maximum headway on
special road conditions or loose road surfaces,
e.g., unplowed snowy roads, but with some‐
what limited driving stability.
Activating the Dynamic Traction Control DTC
provides maximum traction. Driving stability is
limited during acceleration and when driving in
curves.
Therefore drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:
▷When driving in slush or on uncleared,
snow-covered roads.▷When freeing vehicle from deep snow or
driving off from loose grounds.▷When driving with snow chains.
Deactivating/activating DTC Dynamic
Traction Control
Activating DTC Press button.
TRACTION is displayed in the instru‐
ment cluster and the indicator lamp for DSC
OFF lights up.
Deactivating DTC Press button again.
TRACTION and the DSC OFF indicator
lamp go out.
Performance Control
Performance Control enhances the agility of the
vehicle.
To increase maneuverability, with a corre‐
spondingly sporty driving style, wheels are
braked individually.
Dynamic Damping Con‐
trol
The concept
The tuning of the suspension can be changed
with the system.
Programs
The system offers several different programs.
Select the programs via the Driving Dynamics
Control, refer to page 96.
Seite 95Driving stability control systemsCONTROLS95
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 961 140 - II/15

At a glance
Buttons on the steering wheelPress buttonFunctionCruise control on/off, interrupt, re‐
fer to page 99Store/maintain speed, refer to
page 100Resume speed, refer to page 100Reduce distance, refer to
page 100Increase distance, refer to
page 100Increase, maintain, and store
speed, refer to page 100Reduce, maintain, and store
speed, refer to page 100
Buttons are arranged according to vehicle's ser‐
ies, optional features and country specifica‐
tions.
Camera
The camera is found near the interior rearview
mirror.
Keep the windshield in the area behind the in‐
terior rearview mirror clean and clear.
Switching on/off and interrupting cruise control
Switching on Press button on the steering wheel.
Display in the instrument cluster lights
up.
Display in the instrument cluster lights up. The current speed is adopted as de‐sired speed and displayed with symbol.
Cruise control can be used.
Switch off Deactivated or interrupted system
With deactivated or interrupted system
use your brakes, steering and moves as usual
to avoid the chance of an accident. ◀
Press button on the steering wheel.▷If active: press twice.▷If interrupted: press once.
The displays go out. The stored desired speed is
deleted.
Interrupting Press button on the steering wheel.
The system is automatically interrupted if:
▷The brakes are applied.▷The clutch pedal is depressed for a few sec‐
onds or released while a gear is not en‐
gaged.▷Selector lever position N is set.▷DTC Dynamic Traction Control is activated
or DSC is deactivated.▷DSC is actively controlling stability.Seite 99Driving comfortCONTROLS99
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 961 140 - II/15

▷Selector lever position N is set.▷DTC Dynamic Traction Control is activated
or DSC is deactivated.▷DSC is actively controlling stability.
Maintaining, storing, and changing the
speed
Hints Adjusting the desired speed
Modify desired speed to road conditions
and be ready to brake at all times; otherwise,
there is the risk of an accident. ◀
Maintaining/storing the speed Press button.
Or
or button: press while the system is in‐
terrupted.
When the system is switched on, the current
speed is maintained and stored as the desired
speed.
This is displayed in the instrument cluster.
When cruise control is maintained or stored,
DSC Dynamic Stability Control will be turned on
if needed.
Changing the speed
or button: press repeatedly until the de‐
sired speed is set.
If active, the displayed speed is stored and the
vehicle reaches the stored speed when the
road is clear.
▷ or button: each time it is pressed to
the point of resistance, the desired speed
increases or decreases by approx.
1 mph/1 km/h.▷ or button: each time it is pressed
past the point of resistance, the desired
speed increases or decreases by a maxi‐
mum of 5 mph/10 km/h.The maximum speed that can be set de‐
pends on the vehicle.▷ or button: pressing it to the resist‐
ance point and holding it there accelerates
or decelerates the vehicle without requiring
pressure on the accelerator pedal. After the
button is released, the vehicle maintains its
final speed. Pressing the switch beyond the
resistance point causes the vehicle to accel‐
erate more rapidly.
Resuming the desired speed
Press button.
The stored speed is reached and maintained.
Displays in the instrument cluster
Indicator lamp Depending on how the vehicle is equip‐
ped, the indicator lamp in the instru‐
ment cluster indicates whether the sys‐
tem is switched on.
Desired speed The desired speed is displayed together
with the symbol.
▷The indicator lights up green: the
system is active.▷The indicator lights up orange: the system
has been interrupted.▷No display: system is switched off.
Brief status display
Selected desired speed.
If --- appears briefly on the display for Check
Control messages, it is possible that the system
requirements are currently not ready for opera‐
tions.
Seite 105Driving comfortCONTROLS105
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 961 140 - II/15

Things to remember when drivingVehicle features and op‐tions
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems. The respectively applicable country provi‐
sions must be observed when using the respec‐
tive features and systems.
Breaking-in period General information Moving parts need time to adjust to one an‐
other (break-in time).
The following instructions will help accomplish
a long vehicle life and good efficiency.
During break-in, do not use the Launch Control,
refer to page 58.
Engine, transmission, and axle drive
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km Do not exceed the maximum engine and road
speed:▷For gasoline engine 4,500 rpm and
100 mph/160 km/h.
Avoid full load or kickdown under all circum‐
stances.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
Tires
Tire traction is not optimal due to manufactur‐
ing circumstances when tires are brand-new;
they achieve their full traction potential after a
break-in time.
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
Brake system Brakes require an initial break-in period of ap‐
prox. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimal per‐
formance between brake discs and brake pads.
Drive moderately during this break-in period.
Clutch The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement The same break-in procedures should be ob‐
served if any of the components above-men‐
tioned have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Closing the tailgate Drive with the tailgate closed
Only drive with the tailgate closed; other‐
wise, in the event of an accident or braking and
evasive maneuvers, passengers and other traf‐
fic may be injured, and the vehicle may be
damaged. In addition, exhaust fumes may en‐
ter the vehicle interior. ◀
If driving with the tailgate open cannot be
avoided:Seite 134DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving134
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 961 140 - II/15

The function is available in a certain speed
range.
A proactively driving style helps the driver to
use the function as often as possible and sup‐
ports the fuel-conserving effect of coasting.
Safety mode
The function is not available under one of the
following conditions.▷DSC OFF or TRACTION activated.▷Driving in the dynamic limit range and on
steep uphill or downhill grades.▷Battery charge status temporarily too low
or vehicle electrical system drawing exces‐
sive current.▷Cruise control activated.
Functional requirements
In GREEN mode, this function is available in a
speed range from approximately 30 mph, ap‐
prox. 50 km/h to 100 mph, approx. 160 km/h,
if the following conditions are met:
▷Accelerator pedal and brake pedal are not
operated.▷The selector lever is in selector lever posi‐
tion D.▷Engine and transmission are at operating
temperature.
Display
Display in the instrument cluster The mark in the bar display be‐
low the tachometer is high‐
lighted green and appears at the
zero point. The tachometer ap‐
proximately indicates idle speed.
Deactivating the system manually
The function can be deactivated via the radio,
e.g., to use the braking effect of the engine
when traveling downhill.1. "Settings"2.Select between "Driving mode" or "GREEN
Mode"3."Coasting"
Settings are saved for the profile currently be‐
ing used.
Seite 145Saving fuelDRIVING TIPS145
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 961 140 - II/15