Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
77
On the on-board computer, the tires are shown
in gray and a message appears.
No punctures can be detected.
Display in the following situation:
>Malfunction because of other equipment or
devices, same radio frequency:
After leaving the interf erence area, the sys-
tem is again active automatically.
Message for unsuccessful system reset
Yellow warning light is on. A message
appears on the on-board computer.
The system has detected a wheel change, but
has not yet been reset. It is not possible to pro-
vide a reliable warning about the current infla-
tion pressure.
Check the tire inflation pressure and reset the
system, page 75.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring
Systems
Each tire, including the spare, should be
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label. If yo ur vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehi-
cle placard or tire inflat ion pressure label, you
should determine the prop er tire inflation pres-
sure for those tires. As an added safety feature,
your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pres-
sure monitoring system TPMS that illuminates a
low tire pressure telltale when one or more of
your tires are significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should st op and check your tires
as soon as possible, an d inflate them to the
proper pressure. Drivin g on a significantly
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat
and can lead to tire failure. Underinflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substi-
tute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the
driver's responsibility to
maintain correct tire
pressure, even if underi nflation has not reached
the level at which the TPMS low tire pressure tell-
tale illuminates.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys-
tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash
for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously lit. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle startups as long as the
malfunction exists. When the malfunction indi-
cator is illuminated, the system may not be able
to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the in stallation of replace-
ment or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle
that prevent the TPMS from functioning prop-
erly. Always check the TP MS malfunction telltale
after replacing one or mo re tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
78
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:1
Front airbags
2 Side airbags in backrests
3 Head airbags at the front and rear
Protective effect
Observe the instructions on page 37 to
ensure the best possible personal protec-
tion. <
The front airbags help protect the driver and
front passenger by re sponding to frontal
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the head
and side airbags help provide protection in the
event of side impact. The relevant side airbag
supports the side upper body area. The respec-
tive head airbag supports the head.
The airbags are designed to not be triggered in
every type of collision, e.g. not in minor acci-
dents, certain rollover situations or rear impacts.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way.
Keep the dashboard and window on the passen-
g e r s i d e f r e e f r o m o b s t r u c t i o n , i . e . d o n o t c o v e r i t
with adhesive film or co verings, and do not affix
any holders such as for a navigation device or a
mobile phone.
Do not attach seat cove rs, cushions or other
objects not specifically approved for seats with
integral side airbags to the front seats. Do not
hang items of clothing su ch as coats or jackets
over the backrests. Do not attempt to remove
the airbag retention system from the vehicle. Do
not modify the individual components of the syste m o r its w iring in any way. Th is includ es the
upholstery in the center of the steering wheel,
on the instrument cluster, the doors, and the
roof pillars as well as the sides of the headliner.
Do not attempt to remove or dismantle the
steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or
triggering of the airbag
restraint system, have
the testing, repair, remova l, and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a MINI dealer
or a workshop that work s according to repair
procedures of the manufacturer of your MINI
with correspondingly trained personnel and has
the required explosives licenses. Otherwise,
unprofessional attempts to service the system
could lead to failure in an emergency or undes-
ired airbag activation, either of which could
result in personal injury. <
Warning notices and information about the air-
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
LampsCONTROLS
81
Lamps
Parking lamps/low beams
0Lamps off and daytime running lights
1 Parking lamps and daytime running lights
2 Low-beam headlamps and welcome lamps
3 Automatic headlamp control
*, daytime run-
ning lights, welcome lamps, and Adaptive
Light Control
*
When you open the driver's door with the igni-
tion switched off, the exterior lighting is auto-
matically switched off if the light switch is in
position 0, 2 or 3.
Switch on the parking lamps if necessary, switch
position 1.
Parking lamps
Turn the light switch to position 1.
The front, rear and side vehicle lighting is
switched on.
Activation of lights on one side of the vehicle for
parking, page 83.
The parking lamps will discharge the bat-
tery. Therefore, do not leave them on for
unduly long periods of time; otherwise, the bat-
tery might not have enough power to start the
engine. <
Low beams
Turn the light switch to position 2.
The low beams come on when the ignition is on.
Automatic headlamp control*
When the switch is in position 3, the low beams
are switched on and of f automatically depend-
ing on ambient light condit ions, e.g. in a tunnel,
in twilight, or if there is precipitation. Adaptive
Light Control
* is active.
The headlamps may also come on when the sun
is sitting low on a blue sky.
When driving into tunnels with bright overhead
lights, there may be a delay before the head-
lamps come on.
The low beams remain switched on indepen-
dent of the ambient lighting conditions when
you switch on the fog lamps
*.
If the daytime running lights are activated,
page 82, the low beams are al ways switched on
with the light switch in position 3 and the igni-
tion on. The exterior lamps are automatically
switched off after the vehicle is parked.
The automatic headlamp control cannot
serve as a substitute for your personal
judgment in determin ing when the lamps
should be switched on in response to ambient
lighting conditions. For example, the system
cannot detect fog or hazy weather. To avoid
safety risks, you should respond to these kinds
of low-visibility situations by switching the head-
lamps on manually. <
Welcome lamps
If you leave the light switch in the low beam or
automatic headlamp control position when you
switch off the ignition, the parking lamps and
interior lamps come on fo r a certain time as soon
as the vehicle is unlocked.
Pathway lighting
If you activate the headlamp flasher after
switching off the ignition with the lamps
switched off, the lo w beams come on and
remain on for a certain time.
LampsCONTROLS
83
High beams/
roadside parking lamps
1Turn signals/roadside parking lamps*
2Switching on high beams
3 Switching off high be ams/headlamp flasher
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
The vehicle can be illumi nated on one side for
parking. Comply with local regulations when
doing so.
Switching on
After parking the vehicle, press the lever up or
down, arrow 1.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Therefore, do not leave them on for
unduly long periods of time; otherwise, the bat-
tery might not have enough power to start the
engine. <
Switching off
Press the lever up or down to the pressure point.
Fog lamps*
1Fog lamps*
2Rear fog lamp*
Press the respective switch to turn the lamps on/
off.
Fog lamps*
The parking lamps or low beams must be
switched on for the fog lamps to operate. The
green indicator lamp lights up when the fog
lamps are switched on.
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the fog
lamps are switched off when you activate the
headlamp flasher or switch on the high beams.
If the automatic headlamp control is acti-
vated, the low beams will come on auto-
matically when you switch on the fog lamps. <
Rear fog lamp*
The low beams or parking lamps with fog lamps
must be switched on. The yellow indicator lamp
comes on when the rear fog lamp is switched on.
Instrument lighting
You can adjust the brightness of the instrument
lighting only when the parking lamps or the low
beams are on.
CONTROLSPractical interior accessories
90
Practical interior accessories
Integrated universal
remote control*
The concept
The integrated universal remote control can
replace as many as three hand-held transmitters
for various remote-controlled devices, such as
garage and gate openers and lighting systems.
The integrated universal remote control regis-
ters and stores signals from the original hand-
held transmitters.
The signal of an original hand-held transmitter
can be programmed on one of the three mem-
ory buttons 1. The system in question can then
be operated by means of the programmed
memory button 1. The LED 2 flashes to confirm
transmission of the signal.
If you decide to sell your vehicle one day, in the
interest of your own security, remember to clear
the stored programs before the vehicle leaves
your possession, page 91.
To prevent possible damage or injury,
before programming or using the inte-
grated universal remote control, always inspect
the immediate area to make certain that no
people, animals or object s are within the travel
range of the device. Comply also with the safety
instructions supplied with the original hand-held
transmitter. <
Checking compatibility
If this symbol a ppears on the package
or in the instructions supplied with the
original hand-held transmitter, you can
assume that the radio remote control device is
compatible with the integrated universal remote
control.
For additional informatio n, please contact your
MINI dealer or call: 1-800-355-3515.
You can also obtain info rmation on the Internet
at: www.homelink.com
HomeLink is a registered trademark of Johnson
Controls, Inc.
Programming
1
Memory buttons
2 LED
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters
1.Switch on the ignition, page 46.
2. When starting operation for the first time:
press both outer memory buttons 1 for
approx. 20 seconds until the LED 2 flashes
rapidly. All stored programs are cleared.
3. Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a
distance of approx. 1in/2.5cm to 3in/8cm
from the memory buttons 1.
The required distance between the
hand-held transmitter and the mem-
ory buttons 1 depends on the system of the
respective original hand-held transmitter
used. <
4. Simultaneously press the transmit key on
the original hand-hel d transmitter and the
desired memory button 1 on the integrated
universal remote control. The LED 2 flashes
slowly at first. As soon as the LED 2 flashes
rapidly, release both buttons. If the LED 2
does not flash rapidly after approx.
60 seconds, alter the distance and repeat
this step.
Practical interior accessoriesCONTROLS
91
Canada: if the LED is not flashing rapidly
after 60 seconds, change the distance and
repeat the step or, if the programming was
interrupted by the hand-held transmitter,
press and hold the memory button and
press the button on the hand-held transmit-
ter for 2 seconds and release several times.
5. To program other original hand-held trans-
mitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.
The corresponding memory button 1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original
hand-held transmitter.
You can operate the system with the engine
running or with the ignition switched on.
If the system fails to function even after
repeated programming, check whether
the original hand-held transmitter uses an alter-
nating-code system. To do so, either read the
instructions for the original hand-held transmit-
ter or hold down the programmed memory
button 1 of the integrated universal remote con-
trol. If the LED 2 for the integrated universal
remote control quickly flashes for a short period
of time and is then continuously on, then the
original hand-held transmitter is equipped with
an alternating-code system . If it uses an alter-
nating-code system, program the memory
buttons 1 as described under Alternating-code
hand-held transmitters. <
Alternating-code hand-held
transmitters
To program the integrated universal remote
control, consult the operating instructions for
the device to be set. You will find information
there on the possibilities for synchronization or
programming of additional hand-held transmit-
ters.
When programming hand-held transmitters that
employ an alternating co de, please observe the
following supplementary instructions:
Programming will be easier with the aid of
a second person. < 1.
Park your vehicle within the range of the
remote-controlled device.
Do not exceed the 164 ft/50 m range
of the remote-controlled device.
2. Program the integrated universal remote
control as described above in the section
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters.
3. Locate the button on the receiver of the
device to be set, e.g. on the drive unit.
4. Press the button on the receiver of the
device to be set. After Step 4, there remain
approx. 30 seconds for Step 5.
5. Press and hold the programmed memory
button 1 on the integrated universal remote
control for approx. 3seconds.
If necessary, repeat the step up to three
times.
The corresponding memory button1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original
hand-held transmitter.
Clearing stored programs
Press both oute r memory buttons 1 for approx.
20 seconds until the LED 2 flashes: all stored
programs are cleared.
It is not possible to cl ear individual programs.
Reassigning individual programs
1.Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a
distance of approx. 1 in/2.5 cm to 3 in/8 cm
from the memory buttons 1.
The required distance between the
hand-held transmitter and the mem-
ory buttons 1 depends on the system of the
respective original hand-held transmitter
used. <
2. Press the desired memory button 1 of the
integrated universal remote control.
If the LED 2 flashes slowly after approx.
20 seconds, press the transmit key of the
original hand-held tr ansmitter and release
both buttons as soon as the LED 2 flashes
rapidly.
Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
99
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form betw een 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 page 195.
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 drivin g off using Hill Assist,
refer to page 71.
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 steeri ng 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 functioning properly.
Objects in the move ment range of the
pedals
Keep floor mats, carpet, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhibit the function of the
pedals during driving.
Do not place additional floor mats onto an exist-
ing one or onto other objects. Only use floor mats that
have been approved for
the vehicle and can be appropriately fastened.
Make sure that the floo r mats are securely fas-
tened again after they have been removed, e.g.
for cleaning. <
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or ther e 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 overheatin g 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 mo de of the automatic transmis-
sion, page 50.
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 th e 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
DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
100
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminan ts 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.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying ca pacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can
assume the form of a sudden blowout. <
Avoid fluid spills in the cargo area as they
could damage the vehicle. <
Luggage compartment roller cover
Do not place heavy or hard objects on the
luggage compartment roller cover. If you
do so, they may already po se a danger to vehicle
occupants during braking or evasive maneuvers.
Do not allow the luggage compartment roll-up
cover to snap back, ot herwise it can be dam-
aged. < The roll-up cover can be locked in place at the
intermediate positions
1to 3.
The roll-up cover can be removed to load bulky
luggage.
Removing
1. Pull on the handle to roll the cover up.
2. Pivot the roll-up cover upward at both ends,
arrow 1 and move it up out of the holders,
arrow 2.
Installing
1. Insert the left and right ends of the roll-up
cover into the mounts.
2. Push down until the roll-up cover is resting
on the holders.
Expanding the cargo area
The rear set backrest is split. Both sides can be
folded separately to expand the cargo area.
If necessary, remove th e third head restraint,
refer to Head restraints, Removing page 39.