2009 MINI Convertible park assist

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
63
Technology for driving comfort
and safety
Park Distance
Control PDC*
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.
Adjustments
The volume of the acoustic signals can be
adjusted, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio.
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
direct the jet toward the sensors for lengthy
periods and only spray from a distance of at least
4in/10cm.
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. Therefore, always drive cautiously,
otherwise there is a risk of personal injury or
property damage. 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 by engaging

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
65
ity. You therefore need to drive with suitable
caution.
In the following exceptional situations, it can be
useful to briefly activate DTC:
>when driving on snow-covered inclines, in
slush, or on uncleared snowy roads
>when rocking the vehicle free, driving out of
deep snow or on loose surfaces
>when driving with snow chains
Activating DTC
Press the button: the DTC indicator lamps
come on.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DTC controls the driving and breaking
forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DTC is activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps
go out.
Deactivating both DTC and DSC
Press the button for at least 3 seconds: the DSC
indicator lamps in the display elements come
on. The Dynamic Traction Control DTC and
Dynamic Stability Control DSC are both deacti-
vated. There will be no more stabilizing inter-
ventions.
Interventions (differential lock
*) in braking
occur to improve propulsion when drive wheels
are rotating unevenly, even when the DSC is
deactivated.
Activating DSC
Press the button again: the indicator lamps
go out.
Hill Start Assist
Hill Start Assist aids 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 the load and gradient, the
vehicle can roll backward slightly during
this period. After you release the brake, immedi-
ately start driving since the hill start assist only
holds the vehicle for about 2 seconds, and it will
start to roll backwards.<
Sport button*
Pressing the button causes your MINI to respond
even more sportily.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
93
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 page113.
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 page65.
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, page47.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine brak-
ing 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
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
In the MINI Cooper S, the coolant pump may
continue to run for some time after the engine is
switched off. This will generate noise in the
engine compartment.

Giving and receiving assistance
138
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise
there is a danger of shorting.<
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order, so that no sparks which could cause
injury occur.<
1.Open the battery cover in the engine com-
partment to access the positive terminal of
your MINI.
2.Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or to a starting-aid terminal of the
vehicle 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.
Body ground in MINI:
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 regu-
lations for tow-starting and towing
vehicles.<
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 in the cargo
bay underneath the cover on the right-hand
side, page126.
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.<

Indicator and warning lamps
146
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.
Indication in Canadian 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
163
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders88
Brake Assist64
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements58
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs130
Brake pads, breaking in92
Brake rotors93
– brakes92
– breaking in92
Brake system92
– breaking in92
– disc brakes93
– MINI Maintenance
System120
Brakes
– ABS64
– breaking in92
– MINI Maintenance
System120
– parking brake45
– service requirements58
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely93
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance137
Break-in period92
Breaking in the clutch92
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs126
Button for starting the
engine44
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders88
Capacities160
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery135
Car care122
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest86
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash, care122
Car washes122
Care122
– car washes122
– car-care products122
– CD/DVD drives125
– external122
– high-pressure washers122
– internal124
– leather124
– manual washing123
– upholstery and fabrics124
– windows123
– wiper blades123
Cargo area
– capacity159
Cargo bay94
– convenient access26
– cover94
– lamp77
– opening from outside23
Cargo bay, expanding94
Cargo bay lamp77
Cargo bay lid, refer to
Tailgate23
Cargo loading95
– securing cargo96
– stowing cargo96
– vehicle94
Cargo, securing96
Carpets, care124
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system92
Center armrest86
Center brake lamp130
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking system19
– convenient access26
– from inside22
– from outside19
Changing bulbs
126
Changing wheels133Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment117
Check Control60
Child's seats41
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH42
Child-restraint systems41
Chock, folding
– space-saver spare tire133
Chrome parts, care124
Chrome parts, refer to
Care122
Cigarette lighter88
Cleaning headlamps50
– washer fluid51
Clock53
– 12h/24h mode57
– setting time60
Closing
– from inside22
– from outside19
Clothes hooks87
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine44
Comfort access
– what to observe before
entering a car wash27
Comfort access, refer to
Convenient access26
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock44
Computer54
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked93
Condition Based Service
CBS120
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Confirmation signals for
vehicle locking/unlocking20
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances88
Consumption indicator
– average fuel consumption54

From A to Z
164
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption54
Control Display
– settings56
Controls and displays10
Convenience operation
– convertible top22
Convenience start, refer to
Starting the engine44
Convenient access26
– replacing the battery27
Convenient operation
– windows20
Convertible top30
Coolant118
– checking level118
– filling118
Coolant temperature53
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant118
Cooling, maximum82
Copyright2
Cruising range54
Cup holders88
Curb weight, refer to
Weights159
Current fuel consumption55
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting77
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data156
– capacities160
– dimensions157
– engine156
– weights159
Date
– setting60
Daytime running lamps75
DBC Dynamic Brake Control,
refer to Brake assist64
Deactivating front passenger
airbags72
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler door102
Defogging windows81,82
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows81,82
Defrosting windows81,82
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner81
– automatic climate control82
Differential, breaking in92
Digital clock53
Dimensions157
Dipstick, engine oil117
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals48
Displacement, refer to Engine
data156
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting77
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care125
Disposal
– of coolant118
– remote control battery27
– vehicle battery135
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements58
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC63
Diving stability control
systems63
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Door lock22
Door lock, confirmation
signals20
Doors, manual operation22
DOT Quality Grades112
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders88
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Start Assist65
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button65Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams74
Driving notes92
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Start Assist65
Driving through water93
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes92
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function83
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC64
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake assist64
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC64
Dynamic Traction Control64
E
Electric power windows
– initializing29
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler door102
– trunk lid24
Electronic brake-force
distribution64
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC64
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler door102
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission48
– trunk lid24
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance137

From A to Z
166
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights159
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb127
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake45
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags71
Head restraints37
– sitting safely35
Headlamp control,
automatic74
Headlamp flasher48
– indicator lamp11,141
Headlamps
– replacing bulb127
Headlamps, care123
Heated
– mirrors39
– rear window80,82
– seats38
Heating79
– mirrors39
– rear window80,82
– seats38
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo96
Height adjustment
– seats36
– steering wheel40
Height, refer to
Dimensions157
High beams76
– headlamp flasher76
– indicator lamp141
– replacing bulb127
High water, refer to Driving
through water93
Hill Start Assist65
Hills93
Holders for cups88
Homepage4
Horn10
Hot exhaust system92
Hydroplaning92
I
Ice warning53
Icy roads, refer to Outside
temperature warning53
Ignition44
– switched off44
– switched on44
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness44
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on44
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18
Ignition lock44
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13,141
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM69
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting77
Individual air distribution81
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM68
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM66
– glass sunroof, electric28
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays12
Instrument lighting77
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays12
Integrated key18
Integrated universal remove
control84
Interior lamps77
– remote control21
Interior rearview mirror39
– automatic dimming
feature39
Interlock46
Intermittent mode of the
wipers49Internet page4J
Jacking points134
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles51
Jump starting137
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting137
K
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile18
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18
Keyless go, refer to Convenient
access26
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Convenient
access26
Kick-down47
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
Knock control103
L
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs126
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams74
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo96
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system42
Leather care124
LEDs light-emitting diodes127
Length, refer to
Dimensions157
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement130
Light switch74
Light-alloy wheels, care124
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs127
Lighter88
– socket88