2009 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE park assist

Technology for driving comfort and safety
62
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
in hazardous driving thereby running the risk of
an accident.<

Technology for driving comfort and safety
64
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 deacti-
vated.
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.
>Engine responds more spontaneously to
movements of the accelerator.
>Steering response is more direct.
With automatic transmission:
>More rapid gear shifting in Sport program.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
91
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page110.
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 page64.
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. shifting down, all the way to first gear if necessary.
This strategy helps you avoid placing excessive
loads on the brake system. Downshifting in man-
ual mode of the automatic transmission, page46.
Never drive with the clutch held down, with
the transmission in neutral 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 ped-
als, 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.
Before driving into a car wash
Avoid car washes with tracks higher than
4 in/10 cm, otherwise the chassis could be
damaged.<
Additional information about the wash/wipe
system as well as general care instructions for
your MINI start on page119.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
135
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 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 in the cargo
bay underneath the cover on the right-hand
side, page123.
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.<

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
159
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders87
Brake Assist63
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements57
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs127
Brake pads, breaking in90
Brake rotors91
– brakes90
– breaking in90
Brake system90
– breaking in90
– disc brakes91
– MINI Maintenance
System117
Brakes
– ABS63
– breaking in90
– MINI Maintenance
System117
– parking brake45
– service requirements57
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely91
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance134
Break-in period90
Breaking in the clutch90
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs123
Button for starting the
engine43
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders87
Capacities156
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery132
Car care119
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest85
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash91
Car wash, care119
Car washes119
Care119
– Car washes119
– Car-care products119
– CD/DVD drives122
– High-pressure washers120
– internal121
– Leather121
– Manual washing120
– Upholstery and fabrics121
– Windows120
– Wiper blades120
Cargo area
– capacity155
Cargo bay92
– convenient access26
– cover92
– lamp76
– opening from outside23
Cargo bay, expanding92
Cargo bay lamp76
Cargo bay lid, refer to
Tailgate23
Cargo loading94
– securing cargo95
– stowing cargo94
– vehicle92
Cargo, securing95
Carpets, care121
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system90
Center armrest85
Center brake lamp127
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking system19
– convenient access26
– from inside22
– from outside19
Changing bulbs
123
Changing wheels129Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment114
Check Control60
Child's seats40
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH41
Child-restraint systems40
Chock, folding
– space-saver spare tire130
Chrome parts, care121
Chrome parts, refer to
Care119
Cigarette lighter87
Cleaning headlamps49
– washer fluid50
Clock52
– 12h/24h mode56
– setting time59
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
lock43
Computer53
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked91
Condition Based Service
CBS117
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Confirmation signals for
vehicle locking/unlocking20
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances87
Consumption indicator
– average fuel consumption53

From A to Z
160
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption53
Control Display
– settings55
Controls and displays10
Convenience operation
– convertible top22
Convenience start, refer to
Starting the engine44
Convenient access26
– replacing the battery27
Convenient operation
– windows20
Convertible top29
Coolant115
– checking level115
– filling115
Coolant temperature52
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant115
Cooling, maximum81
Copyright2
Cruising range53
Cup holders87
Curb weight, refer to
Weights155
Current fuel consumption54
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting76
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data152
– capacities156
– dimensions153
– engine152
– weights155
Date
– setting59
Daytime running lamps74
DBC Dynamic Brake Control,
refer to Brake assist63
Deactivating front passenger
airbags71
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler door100
Defogging windows80,82
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows80,82
Defrosting windows80,82
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control82
Differential, breaking in90
Digital clock52
Dimensions153
Dipstick, engine oil114
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals47
Displacement, refer to Engine
data152
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting76
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care122
Disposal
– of coolant115
– remote control battery27
– vehicle battery132
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements57
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC62
Diving stability control
systems62
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Door lock22
Door lock, confirmation
signals20
Doors, manual operation22
DOT Quality Grades109
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders87
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Start Assist64
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button64Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams73
Driving notes90
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Start Assist64
Driving through water91
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes90
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function82
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC63
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake assist63
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC63
Dynamic Traction Control63
E
Electric power windows
– initializing29
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler door100
– trunk lid24
Electronic brake-force
distribution63
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC63
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler door100
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission47
– trunk lid24
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance134

From A to Z
162
Glass sunroof, electric27
– convenient operation20,22
– opening, closing28
– raising28
– remote control20
Glove compartment85
Grills, refer to Air vents78
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights155
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb124
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake45
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags70
Head restraints36
– sitting safely34
Headlamp control,
automatic73
Headlamp flasher47
– indicator lamp11,138
Headlamps
– replacing bulb124
Headlamps, care120
Heated
– mirrors38
– rear window79,82
– seats37
Heating78
– mirrors38
– rear window79,82
– seats37
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo94
Height adjustment
– seats35
– steering wheel39
Height, refer to
Dimensions153
High beams75
– headlamp flasher75
– indicator lamp138
– replacing bulb124
High water, refer to Driving
through water91Hill Start Assist64
Hills91
Holders for cups87
Homepage4
Horn10
Hot exhaust system90
Hydroplaning90
I
Ice warning52
Icy roads, refer to Outside
temperature warning52
Ignition43
– switched off43
– switched on43
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness43
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on43
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18
Ignition lock43
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13,138
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM67
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting76
Individual air distribution80
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM66
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM65
– glass sunroof, electric28
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays12
Instrument lighting76
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays12
Integrated key18
Integrated universal remove
control83Interior lamps76
– remote control21
Interior rearview mirror38
– automatic dimming
feature38
Interlock46
Intermittent mode of the
wipers48
Internet page4J
Jacking points131
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles50
Jump starting134
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting134
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-down46
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Knock control101
L
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs123
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams73
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo95
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system41
Leather care121
LEDs light-emitting diodes124
Length, refer to
Dimensions153

From A to Z
164
Oil, refer to Engine oil114
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal132
Onboard tool kit123
Opening and closing
– convenient access26
– from inside22
– from outside19
– using the door lock22
– via the remote control19
Opening and unlocking
– from inside22
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation82
Outlets, refer to Air vents78
Output, refer to Engine
data152
Outside temperature
display52
– changing unit of measure56
– on onboard computer56
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control81
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature52
P
Paintwork, care120
Park Distance Control PDC62
Parking
– vehicle44
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC62
Parking brake45
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb125
Parking lamps/low beams73
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle4
Pathway lighting73
Personal Profile18
Pinch protection system
– windows29
Plastic parts, care122Pollen
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner80
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control82
Power convertible top30
Power failure132
Power windows28
Power windows, refer to
Windows28
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM66
Pressure monitoring, tires65
– Flat Tire Monitor65
Pressure, tires102
Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– windows29
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor65
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness43
Radio readiness43
– switched off43
– switched on43
Rain sensor49
Range, refer to Cruising
range53
Reading lamps77
Rear fog lamp76
– indicator lamp138
– replacing bulb127
Rear lamps
– bulb replacement127
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps126
Rear luggage rack*96
Rear seat backrest, folding92
Rear seats
– folding the backrests92
Rear window heating79,82Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors38
Recirculated-air mode79,81
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode79,81
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest35
Refueling100
Releasing
– bonnet113
Remote control18
– battery renewal27
– convenient access26
– garage door opener83
– malfunctions21,27
– service data117
– tailgate21
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs123
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires111
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge53
Reservoir for washer
systems50
Restraint systems
– for children40
– refer to Safety belts37
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– manual transmission45
Roadside Assistance134
Roadside parking lamps75
– replacing bulb125
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements57
Roof load capacity155
Roof-mounted luggage
rack95
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away136
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires111