ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
53
Technology for driving comfort and
safety
PDC Park Distance Con-
trol*
The concept
PDC assists you with parking backwards. Acous-
tic signals warn you of the presence of an object
behind the vehicle. To measure the distance,
there are four ultrasonic sensors in either
bumper.
However, an acoustic warning does not sound
until an object is approx. 24 in/60 cm from the
corner sensors, or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m from the
center sensors.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached slowly,
as is usually the case when parking. Avoid
approaching an object at high speed, otherwise
physical circumstances may lead to the system
warning being issued too late.<
Automatic mode
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, the system is activated automatically after
approx. 1 second when you engage reverse gear
or move the automatic transmission selector
lever to position R. Wait this short period before
driving.
Acoustic signals
As the distance between vehicle and object
decreases, the intervals between the tones
become shorter. If the distance to the nearest
object falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a
continuous tone sounds.
If the distance remains constant, e.g. when driv-
ing parallel to a wall, the acoustic signal stops
after approx. 3 seconds.
Malfunction
Indicator lamp comes on: PDC is mal-
functioning. Have the system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors
clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they will continue to operate effectively.
When using a high-pressure cleaner, do not
spray the sensors for extended periods of time
and only from a distance of at least 4 in/10 cm.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for esti-
mating the distance between the vehicle
and any obstructions always remains with the
driver. Sensors, too, have blind spots in which
objects cannot be detected. Moreover, ultra-
sonic detection can reach its physical limits with
objects such as trailer tow bars and couplings,
thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low
objects already indicated, such as curbs, may
enter the sensors' blind spots before or after a
continuous audible signal is given. Higher, pro-
truding objects, such as wall ledges, may not be
detectable. Loud sound sources outside or
inside the car can drown out the PDC signal.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your MINI has a number of systems that help to
maintain the vehicle's stability even in adverse
driving conditions.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with driving stability control systems.
An appropriate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Therefore, do not
reduce the additional safety margin again by
taking risks.<
ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
55
Malfunction in the driving stability
control systems
The warning lamps come on. ASC or DSC
is malfunctioning.
The vehicle remains operational. Have
the system checked as soon as possible.
Drive cautiously and think well ahead,
otherwise unstable driving conditions
could result.<
Hill Start Assist*
Hill Start Assist is a component of DSC and assists
you in comfortably driving off on inclines. It is
not necessary to use the parking brake for this.
1.Hold the MINI with the brake.
2.Release the brake and immediately drive
off.
Hill Start Assist holds the car in place for approx.
2 seconds after the brake is released.
Depending on vehicle load and road incli-
nation, the car may roll backwards a little
during this time span. Drive off immediately
after releasing the brake. Otherwise, Hill Start
Assist will no longer hold the car in place after
approx. 2 seconds and the car will start to roll
backwards.<
Flat Tire Monitor FTM*
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor monitors tire pressures
while the car is being driven. The system reports
any significant loss of pressure in one tire in rela-
tion to another.
If a tire loses pressure, its rolling radius changes,
and this in turn alters the speed of rotation. This
change is detected and is reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat
tire, the system must be initialized for the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure.Each time you correct the pressure in a
tire, or change a wheel or tire, the system
must be reinitialized.<
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor is unable to warn the
driver of sudden, severe tire damage
caused by external factors, nor can it identify the
gradual loss of pressure that will inevitably occur
in all four tires over a lengthy period of time.<
In the following situations, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
>System has not been initialized
>Driving on snowy or slippery road surface
>Performance-oriented style of driving: slip in
the drive wheels, high lateral acceleration
>Snow chains are attached
When the vehicle is driven with a space-saver
spare tire
*, the Flat Tire Monitor cannot func-
tion.
Initializing the system
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing, which can be interrupted at any time.
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically.
Do not initialize the system if you are driving
with snow chains or a space-saver spare tire
*.<
1.Start the engine, but do not start driving.
2.Briefly press the button in the turn indicator
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
3.Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
77
that the radiation which results from transmis-
sion will be dissipated from the vehicle inte-
rior.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can
cause partial or complete loss of tire contact
with the road surface, so that the car cannot be
steered or braked properly.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page91.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-
wise greater clutch wear will result.<
For information on driving off using Hill Start
Assist
*, refer to page55.
Braking safely
Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a
situation which requires full braking, it is best to
brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the
vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you
can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with
the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that
ABS is actively taking effect.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger other
road users. The heat generated in this process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that
Then full braking force will be immediately avail-
able when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mode of the automatic transmis-
sion, page38.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in idle or with the
engine switched off; otherwise, engine braking
action will not be present or there will be no
power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic climate
control is in operation, and then exits under the
ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
113
1Positive terminal
2Negative terminal
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order, so that no sparks which could cause
injury occur.<
1.Open the cover over the battery in the
engine compartment.
2.Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or a starting-aid terminal of the vehi-
cle providing assistance.
3.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of
the vehicle to be started.
4.Attach one terminal clamp of the minus/–
jumper cable to the negative terminal of the
battery or to an engine or body ground of
the assisting vehicle.
5.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the donor vehicle and
allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly
increased idle speed.
2.Start the engine of the other vehicle in the
usual manner.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting, towing
away
Observe the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-
cles.<
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the MINI.
It is stored in the onboard tool kit underneath
the cover on the right-hand side of the cargo
area, page102.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Push out the rectangular cover panel in the
bumper at the recesses.
Indicator and warning lamps
120
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied
Indication in US models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Brake pedal travel may be markedly
longer. Stop immediately. Contact
the nearest MINI Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Hill Start Assist failed. The car will not
be held in place after the brake is
releasedHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in Canadian models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Brake pedal travel may be markedly
longer. Stop immediately. Contact
the nearest MINI Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Hill Start Assist failed. The car will not
be held in place after the brake is
releasedHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
12Cause What to do
ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
135
Battery111
– charging111
– disposal26,111
– jump starting112
– temporary power failure111
Battery renewal
– remote control26
Being towed114
Belts, refer to Safety belts30
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts30
Beverage holders, refer to Cup
holders72
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate65,66
Bonnet94
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders72
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements49
Brake lamps
– replacing bulb105
Brake pads, breaking in76
Brake rotors77
– brakes76
– breaking in76
Brakes
– ABS54
– breaking in76
– MINI Maintenance System98
– parking brake37
– service requirements49
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely77
Brake system76
– breaking in76
– disc brakes77
– MINI Maintenance System98
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance112
Breaking in the clutch76
Break-in period76
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs102
Button for starting the
engine35
Buttons on the steering
wheel11C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders72
Capacities133
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery111
Car care100
Car-care products, refer to
Suitable car-care
products100
Care100
Cargo, securing80
Cargo area78
– capacity132
– convenient access24
– cover78
– lamp62
– lid, refer to Tailgate23
– opening from outside23
Cargo area, expanding78
Cargo loading
– securing cargo80
– stowing cargo79
– vehicle78
Car jack
– jacking points110
Car key, refer to Key/remote
control18
Carpets, care101
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest71
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash78
Car wash, refer to Care100
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system76
CBS Condition Based
Service98
CDs/DVDs, care101
Cell phones, use inside the car,
refer to Mobile phone in the
vehicle76
Center armrest71
Center brake lamp106Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking system19
– convenient access24
– from inside22
– from outside19
Changing bulbs102
Changing wheels108
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment95
Check Control51
Child's seats33
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH34
Child-restraint systems33
Chock, folding
– space-saver spare tire108
Chrome parts, care100
Chrome parts, refer to
Care100
Cigarette lighter72
Cleaning headlamps41
– washer fluid42
Clock44
– 12h/24h mode47
– setting time50
Closing
– from inside22
– from outside19
Clothes hooks72
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine36
Comfort access, refer to
Convenient access24
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock35
Computer45
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked77
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Confirmation signals for
vehicle locking/unlocking20
From A to Z
136
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances72
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption45
Consumption display
– average fuel consumption45
Control Display
– settings46
Controls and displays10
Convenience start, refer to
Starting the engine36
Convenient access24
– replacing the battery25
– what to observe before
entering a car wash25
Convenient operation
– windows20
Coolant96
– checking level96
– filling96
Coolant temperature44
Cooling, maximum67
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant96
Cruising range45
Cup holders72
Curb weight, refer to
Weights132
Current fuel consumption46
D
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting62
Data130
– capacities133
– dimensions131
– engine130
– weights132
Date
– setting51
Daytime running lamps60
Deactivating front passenger
airbags57Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20
Defect
– door lock21
– fuel filler door84
Defogging windows66,67
Defrosting windows66,67
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner66
– automatic climate control67
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows66,67
Differential, breaking in76
Digital clock44
Dimensions131
Dipstick, engine oil95
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals39
Displacement, refer to Engine
data130
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting62
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– of coolant96
– remote control battery26
– vehicle battery111
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements49
Distance warning, refer to PDC
Park Distance Control53
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Door lock21
Door lock, confirmation
signals20
Doors, manual operation21
DOT Quality Grades90
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders72
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Start Assist55
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button39Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams59
Driving notes76
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Start Assist55
Driving stability control
systems53
Driving through water77
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes76
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function68
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control54
E
Electrical malfunction
– door lock21
– fuel filler door84
Electronic brake-force
distribution54
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock21
– fuel filler door84
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission39
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance112
Engine
– breaking in76
– data130
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature44
– speed130
– starting36
– starting, convenient
access24
– switching off36
Engine compartment95
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant96
From A to Z
138
Headlamp control,
automatic59
Headlamp flasher39
– indicator lamp11,116
Headlamps
– replacing bulb103
Headlamps, care100
Head restraints30
– sitting safely28
Heated
– mirrors31
– rear window65,67
– seats30
Heating64
– mirrors31
– rear window65,67
– seats30
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo80
Height, refer to
Dimensions131
Height adjustment
– seats29
– steering wheel32
High beams61
– headlamp flasher61
– indicator lamp116
– replacing bulb103
High water, refer to Driving
through water77
Hills77
Hill Start Assist55
Holders for cups72
Homepage4
Horn10
Hot exhaust system76
Hydroplaning77
I
Ice warning44
Icy roads, refer to Outside
temperature warning44
Ignition35
– switched off35
– switched on35
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness35
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on35
Ignition lock35
Indicator and warning
lamps13,116
Individual air distribution65
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM55
– glass sunroof, electric27
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays12
Instrument lighting62
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays12
Integrated key18
Integrated universal remote
control operation69
Interior lamps62
– remote control21
Interior rearview mirror32
– automatic dimming
feature32
Interlock37
Intermittent mode of the
wipers41
Internet page4
J
Jacking points110
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles41
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting112
Jump starting112
K
Key, refer to Key/remote
control18
Keyless go, refer to Convenient
access24Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Convenient
access24
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile18
Kick-down38
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic38
Knock control85
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams59
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs102
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo80
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system34
LEDs light-emitting diodes103
Length, refer to
Dimensions131
License plate lamp
– replacing bulb106
Light-alloy wheels, care100
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs103
Lighter72
– socket72
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs102
– of the instruments62
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps59
Light switch59
Limit126
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo80
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking22
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal20
– from inside22
– from outside20
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access24