2010 MINI COOPER park assist

Technology for driving comfort and safety
64
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

Technology for driving comfort and safety
66
Dynamic Traction Control DTC*
DTC is a type of DSC that is propulsion optimized
for special road conditions such as uncleared
snowy roads. The system ensures maximum
propulsion though with restricted driving stabil-
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 Assist
Hill 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 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 Assist only holds
the vehicle for about 2 seconds, and it will start
to roll backwards.<

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 Assist*,
refer to page66.
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, page49.
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.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
137
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 vehicle tool kit in the
cargo bay underneath the cover on the right-
hand side, page125.
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
161
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders89
Brake Assist65
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements60
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs129
Brake pads, breaking in92
Brake rotors93
– brakes92
– breaking in92
Brake system92
– breaking in92
– disc brakes93
– MINI Maintenance
System119
Brakes
– ABS65
– breaking in92
– MINI Maintenance
System119
– parking brake47
– service requirements60
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely93
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance136
Break-in period92
Breaking in the clutch92
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs125
Button for starting the
engine46
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders89
Capacities158
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery135
Car care121
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls20Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest87
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash, care121
Car washes121
Care121
– car washes121
– car-care products121
– CD/DVD drives124
– external121
– high-pressure washers122
– internal123
– leather123
– manual washing122
– upholstery and fabrics123
– windows122
– wiper blades122
Cargo area
– capacity157
Cargo bay94
– Comfort Access29
– cover94
– lamp78
– opening from outside26
Cargo bay, expanding94
Cargo bay lamp78
Cargo bay lid, refer to
Tailgate26
Cargo loading95
– securing cargo96
– stowing cargo96
– vehicle94
Cargo, securing96
Carpets, care123
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system92
Center armrest87
Center brake lamp129
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking system21
– Comfort Access28
– from inside25
– from outside21
Changing bulbs
125
Changing wheels132Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment117
Check Control62
Child restraint systems43
Child seats43
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH44
Chock, folding
– space-saver spare tire132
Chrome parts, care123
Chrome parts, refer to
Care121
Cigarette lighter89
Cleaning headlamps52
– washer fluid53
Clock55
– 12h/24h mode59
– setting time62
Closing
– from inside25
– from outside21
Clothes hooks88
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine47
Comfort Access28
– replacing the battery30
– what to observe before
entering a car wash29
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock46
Computer56
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked93
Condition Based Service
CBS119
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile20
Confirmation signals for
vehicle locking/unlocking23
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances89
Consumption indicator
– average fuel consumption56

From A to Z
162
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption56
Control Display
– settings58
Controls and displays10
Convenient access, refer to
Comfort Access28
Convenient operation
– convertible top24
– windows22
Convenient start, refer to
Starting the engine47
Convertible top32
Coolant118
– checking level118
– filling118
Coolant temperature55
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant118
Cooling, maximum83
Copyright2
Cruising range56
Cupholders89
Curb weight, refer to
Weights157
Current fuel consumption56
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting78
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data154
– capacities158
– dimensions155
– engine154
– weights157
Data recorders120
Date
– setting62
Daytime running lights76
DBC Dynamic Brake Control,
refer to Brake Assist65
Deactivating front passenger
airbags73Deadlocking, refer to
Locking22
Defect
– door lock24
– fuel filler flap102
Defogging windows82,83
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows82,83
Defrosting windows82,83
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner82
– automatic climate control83
Differential, breaking in92
Digital clock55
Dimensions155
Dipstick, engine oil117
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals50
Displacement, refer to Engine
data154
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting78
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care124
Disposal
– of coolant118
– remote control battery30
– vehicle battery135
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements60
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC64
Diving stability control
systems64
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control
20
Door lock24
Door lock, confirmation
signals23
Doors, manual operation24
DOT Quality Grades112
Drinks holders, refer to
Cupholders89Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Assist66
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button67
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams75
Driving notes92
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Assist66
Driving through water93
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes92
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function84
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC66
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake Assist65
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC65
Dynamic Traction Control66
E
Electric power windows
– initializing31
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top34
– door lock24
– fuel filler flap102
– trunk lid26
Electronic brake-force
distribution65
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC65
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top34
– door lock24
– fuel filler flap102
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission50
– trunk lid26
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance136

From A to Z
164
Glove compartment86
Grills, refer to Air vents80
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights157
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb126
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake47
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags72
Head restraints39
– sitting safely37
Headlamp control,
automatic75
Headlamp flasher50
– indicator lamp11,140
Headlamps
– replacing bulb126
Headlamps, care122
Heated
– mirrors41
– rear window81,83
– seats40
Heating80
– mirrors41
– rear window81,83
– seats40
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo96
Height adjustment
– seats38
– steering wheel42
Height, refer to
Dimensions155
High beams77
– headlamp flasher77
– indicator lamp140
– replacing bulb126
High water, refer to Driving
through water93
Hill Assist66
Hills93
Holders for cups89
Homepage4Horn10
Hot exhaust system92
Hydroplaning92
I
Ice warning55
Icy roads, refer to Outside
temperature warning55
Ignition46
– switched off46
– switched on46
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness46
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on46
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control20
Ignition lock46
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13,140
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM70
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting78
Individual air distribution82
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile20
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM69
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM67
– glass sunroof, electric30
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays12
Instrument lighting78
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays12
Integrated key20
Integrated universal remote
control85
Interior lamps78
– remote control23Interior rearview mirror41
– automatic dimming
feature42
Interlock48
Intermittent mode of the
wipers51
Internet page4
J
Jacking points134
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles53
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting136
Jump-starting136
K
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile20
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls20
Keyless go, refer to Comfort
Access28
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access28
Kickdown49
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
Knock control103
L
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs125
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams75
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo96
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system44
Leather care123
LEDs light-emitting diodes126
Length, refer to
Dimensions155
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement129

From A to Z
166
Oil consumption117
Oil level117
Oil, refer to Engine oil117
Oil types118
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal135
Onboard vehicle tool kit125
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access28
– from inside25
– from outside21
– using the door lock24
– via the remote control21
Opening and unlocking
– from inside25
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation84
Outlets, refer to Air vents80
Output, refer to Engine
data154
Outside temperature
display55
– changing unit of measure59
– on onboard computer59
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control83
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature55
P
Paintwork, care122
Park Distance Control PDC64
Parking
– vehicle47
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC64
Parking brake47
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb127
Parking lamps/low beams75
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle4
Pathway lighting75
Personal Profile20
Pinch protection system
– windows32
Plastic parts, care124Pollen
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner82
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control84
Power convertible top32
Power failure135
Power windows31
Power windows, refer to
Windows31
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM69
Pressure monitoring, tires67
– Flat Tire Monitor67
Pressure, tires104
Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– windows32
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor67
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control20
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness46
Radio readiness46
– switched off46
– switched on46
Rain sensor52
Range, refer to Cruising
range56
Reading lamps79
Rear fog lamp78
– indicator lamp140
– replacing bulb129
Rear lamps
– bulb replacement129
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps128
Rear luggage rack97
Rear seat backrest, folding94
Rear seats
– folding the backrests94
Rear window heating81,83Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors41
Recirculated-air mode81,83
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode81,83
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest38
Refueling102
Releasing
– bonnet116
Remote control20
– battery renewal30
– Comfort Access28
– garage door opener85
– malfunctions24,29
– service data119
– tailgate23
Replacement remote
control20
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs125
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires114
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge56
Reservoir for washer
systems53
Restraint systems
– for children43
– refer to Safety belts40
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
– manual transmission48
Roadside Assistance136
Roadside parking lamps77
– replacing bulb127
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements60
Roof load capacity157
Roof-mounted luggage
rack97
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away138
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-flat
tires114