Engaging Selector Lever Position P
Press button P.
Rolling or Pushing the Vehicle
General information: In some situations, the vehicle is to roll without its own power for a short distance, for instance in a vehicle wash, or be pushed.
Engaging Selector Lever Position N: With a Latching Selector Lever
- Switch on the ignition.
- If necessary, release the parking brake.
- Depress the brake pedal.
- Touch the selector lever lock and engage selector lever position N.
- Release brake. The vehicle may roll.
If there is a malfunction, you may not be able to change the selector lever position. Manually unlock the transmission lock if needed (refer to page 88).
Engaging Selector Lever Position N: With a Tap-Operated Selector Lever
- Start the engine while pressing on the brake pedal.
- If necessary, release the parking brake.
- Depress the brake pedal.
- Touch the selector lever lock and engage selector lever position N.
- Switch the engine off. In this way, the ignition remains on and a Check-Control message is displayed. The vehicle may roll.
NOTE: Selector lever position P is automatically engaged when the ignition is switched off. There is a risk of damage to property. Do not switch drive-ready state off in vehicle washes. Irrespective of the ignition, selector lever position P is automatically engaged after approx. 15 minutes. If there is a malfunction, you may not be able to change the selector lever position. Electronically unlock the transmission lock if needed (refer to page 89).
Kickdown
Kickdown is used to achieve maximum driving performance. Step on the accelerator pedal beyond the resistance point at the full throttle position.
Sport Program M/S
Concept: The shifting points and times in the Sport program are designed for a sportier driving style. The transmission shifts up later and the shifting times are shorter.
Activating the Sport Program
Press the selector lever to the left out of selector lever position D. The engaged gear is displayed in the instrument cluster (e.g., S1). The sport program of the transmission is activated.
Ending the Sport Program
Push the selector lever to the right. D is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Manual Mode M/S
Concept: Manual gear-shifting is possible in manual mode.
Activating Manual Mode
- Press the selector lever to the left out of selector lever position D (arrow 1).
- Push the selector lever forward or pull it backward (arrows 2). Manual mode M/S becomes active and the gear is changed. The engaged gear is displayed in the instrument cluster (e.g., M1).
Shifting
- To shift down: press the selector lever forward.
- To shift up: pull the selector lever backward.
The Steptronic transmission continues shifting automatically in certain situations, e.g., when engine speed limits are reached.
Avoiding Automatic Upshifting
Once a particular engine speed is attained, M/S manual mode is automatically upshifted as needed. Certain models (e.g., MINI John Cooper Works) do not upshift automatically in manual mode.
Shift Paddles for Steptronic Sport Transmission
Concept: The shift paddles on the steering wheel allow quick gear changes while keeping both hands on the wheel.
Shifting
- Short-term manual mode: in selector lever position D, actuating a shift paddle switches into manual mode temporarily. The transmission switches back to automatic mode after a certain time.
- Continuous manual mode: in selector lever position S, actuating a shift paddle switches into manual mode permanently. Use right paddle to shift up, left paddle to shift down. Hold left paddle to select the lowest gear.
Displays in the Instrument Cluster
The selector lever position is displayed, e.g., P.
Releasing the Transmission Lock Manually
With a latching selector lever, if locked in P despite ignition on, brake depressed, and button pressed, follow these steps:
- Engage the parking brake forcefully.
- Loosen the selector lever sleeve and lower retaining ring.
- Lift the sleeve and unplug cable connector if needed.
- Use a screwdriver to press the yellow release lever downward.
- Press the button on the front of the selector lever and move it back slightly. Release the release lever.
- Bring the selector lever into the desired position.
Releasing the Transmission Lock Electronically
With a tap-operated selector lever, to maneuver the vehicle from a danger area:
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Press the Start/Stop button. The starter must audibly start.
- Press the button on the selector lever and hold it into position N until displayed in the instrument cluster. A Check Control message is displayed.
- Release the selector lever.
- Release brake as soon as the starter stops.
- Maneuver the vehicle and secure it.
Steptronic Sport Transmission: Launch Control
Concept: Launch Control enables optimum acceleration on surfaces with good traction under dry conditions.
Do not use during break-in periods. Launch Control may cause premature component wear.
Functional Requirements
- Engine and transmission must be at operating temperature.
- Engine at operating temperature after at least 10 km uninterrupted driving.
- Transmission may require up to 50 km uninterrupted driving to reach operating temperature for Launch Control.
Start with Launch Control
- While engine is running, press button and select SPORT with the MINI Driving Modes switch.
- The instrument cluster displays TRACTION with SPORT. DSC OFF indicator light lights up.
