Controls overviewCONTROLS
51
Controls overview
Tachometer
Never operate the engine with the needle in the
red overspeed zone of the gauge. In this range,
the fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine.
Displays in tachometer
1Current vehicle speed
2 Odometer, trip odometer, outside tempera-
ture display
3 Resetting the trip odometer
Odometer and trip odometer
Resetting the trip odometer
With the ignition switched on, press knob 3 in
the tachometer.
Units of measure
Select the respective units of measure, miles or
km for the odometer as well as 7 or 6 for the
outside temperature, page 55.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 13.2USgal/50liters.
You can find information on refueling on
page126.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period,
when you are driving in mountainous areas, for
example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
The arrow next to the gas pump symbol of the
fuel gauge points toward the side of the vehicle
with the fuel filler flap.
Reserve
Once the fuel level has fallen to the reserve zone
of approx. 2.1 US gal/8 liters, the remaining indi-
cator lamps change from orange to red, arrow.
The tachometer
displays the remaining cruising
range. An indicator la mp comes on when the
remaining range is less than approx. 30 miles/
50 km.
If the range displayed is less than
30 miles/50 km, be sure to refuel; other-
wise, engine functions are not guaranteed and
damage could occur.<
CONTROLSControls overview
52
With a dynamic driving style, e.g. rapid corner-
ing, engine functions are not always assured.
Computer*
Displays in tachometer
Press the button in the tu rn signal lever repeat-
edly to call up various items of information.
The following items of information are displayed
in the order listed:
> Cruising range
> Average fuel consumption
> Current fuel consumption
> Average speed
> Outside temperature display
To set the corresponding units of measure, refer
to Formats and units of measure on page 55.
Cruising range
Displays the estimated cruising range available
with the remaining fuel. The range is calculated
on the basis of the way the car has been driven
over the last 18 miles/30 km and the amount of
fuel currently in the tank.
If the range displayed is less than
30 miles/50 km, be sure to refuel; other-
wise, engine functions are not guaranteed and
damage could occur. <
Average fuel consumption
Calculated for the time the engine has been run-
ning.
To reset average fuel consumption: press the
button in the turn signal lever for approx.
2seconds.
Current fuel consumption
Displays the current fuel consumption to allow
you to see whether your current driving style is
conducive to fuel economy with minimum
exhaust emissions.
Average speed
Periods with the vehicle parked and the engine
switched off are not includ ed in the calculations
of average speed.
To reset average speed: press the button in the
turn signal lever for approx. 2 seconds.
External temperature warning
When the displayed temperature sinks to
approx. +37 7/+3 6, a signal sounds and a
warning lamp lights up. There is an increased
risk of black ice.
Even at temperatures above +37 7/+3 6
ice can form. Therefore, drive carefully,
e.g. on bridges and sect ions of road in the
shade; otherwise, there is an increased accident
risk. <
CONTROLSControls overview
54
Exiting displays
1.Press the button on the turn signal indicator
as often as necessary until "HOME" is dis-
played.
2. Press the button for a longer period.
Current vehicle speed is once again displayed.
Displays are also exited if no entries are made
for approx. 8 seconds.
Next setting or item of information
1. Within a setting or information, press the
button on the turn signal indicator as often
as necessary until "NEXT" is displayed.
2. Press the button for a longer period.
The display changes direct ly to the next setting
or item of information.
Setting formats and units
of measure, resetting to
factory settings
55
Adjusting settings >Confirmation sig-
nals when locking
and unlocking the
vehicle 22
> Response during
unlocking
procedure 21
> Automatic
locking 25
> Pathway
lighting 73
> Daytime running
lights 73
> Triple turn signal
activation 46
Exiting the menu
SymbolFunction
CONTROLSControls overview
58
Date
Setting date
Radio MINI Boost CD:
1.Press the MENU button.
2. Press the button.
3. Press the button.
4. Select the desired menu item "TT", "MM" or
"JJ".
5. Turn the button on the right to set values.
6. Press the button on the right to store values.
7. Press the button to exit setting val-
ues.
Check Control
The concept
The Check Control monitors vehicle functions
and alerts you to any malfunctions in the sys-
tems monitored. Check Control messages
involve indicator or warning lamps in the dis-
plays and, in some circumstances, an acoustic
signal.
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in var-
ious combinations and colors in the indicator
areas 1 and 2.
What to do in case of a malfunction
The meaning of each lamp in the event of a mal-
function and tips on how to respond are listed
starting on page 161.
Hiding Check Control messages
Press the button in th e turn signal lever.
> Some Check Control messages are displayed
until the malfunctions have been rectified.
They cannot be hidden. If several malfunc-
tions occur at the same time, they are dis-
played in succession.
> Other Check Control messages are automat-
ically hidden after approx. 20 seconds, but
remain stored.
The symbol indicates that Check Control mes-
sages have been stor ed. Check Control mes-
sages can be viewed whenever it is convenient.
CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
60
Technology for driving comfort and
safety
Park Distance Control
PDC*
The concept
PDC assists you with parking in reverse. Acoustic
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 se nsors. PDC is a parking
aid that can indicate objects when they are
approached slowly, as is usually the case when
parking. Avoid a pproaching an object at high
speed; otherwise, physical circumstances may
lead to the system wa rning 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 selec-
tor 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 co nstant, e.g. when driv-
ing parallel to a wall, th e acoustic signal stops
after approx. 3 seconds.
Adjustments
The volume of the acoustic signals can be set,
refer to page 100.
Malfunction
Indicator lamp lights up: PDC has failed.
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 dete cted. 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.
Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
61
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. <
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during brak-
ing. Safe steering respon se is maintained even
during full braking. Act ive safety is thus
increased.
Braking safely, refer to page 91.
ABS is operational every time you start the
engine.
Cornering Brake Control CBC
Driving stability and steering characteristics are
further enhanced while braking in turns or dur-
ing a lane change.
Electronic brake-forc e distribution EBV
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Brake Assist
Rapidly depressing the brake causes this system
to automatically develop maximum braking
force. Thus, the system helps keep braking dis-
tance to a minimum. At the same time, all the
benefits provided by ABS are exploited.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the
duration of the full braking application.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
The concept
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. DSC also detects unstable driving conditions
such as when the vehicle'
s rear end fishtails or
the vehicle is sliding on its front wheels. In these
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe
course within physical limits by reducing engine
output and through brakin g actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.
Every time that the engine is started, the DSC is
ready to operate.
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC OFF indicator light
on the speedometer is on and DSC OFF is dis-
played on the tachometer. DSC is deactivated.
Stabilizing and pr opulsion promoting actions are
no longer executed.
When driving with snow chains or to 'rock free'
in snow, it can be helpfu l to switch off DSC for a
brief period.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps
in the display elements go out.
For better control
Indicator light on the tachometer is
flashing:
The DSC controls the driving and brak-
ing forces.
CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
62
The indicator light DSC OFF on the
speedometer is on and DSC OFF is dis-
played on the tachometer:
DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC*
The concept
DTC is a type of DSC that is propulsion optimized
for special road conditions such as uncleared
snowy roads. The syst em ensures maximum
propulsion though with restricted driving stabil-
ity. You therefore need to drive with suitable
caution.
In the following exceptiona l situations, it can be
useful to briefly activate DTC:
> When driving on snow-c overed 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 the DTC*
Press the button; the indicator light DSC OFF on
the speedometer comes on and TRACTION is
displayed on the tachometer. The Dynamic Stability Control DSC is deacti-
vated; the Dynamic Traction Control DTC is acti-
vated.
For better control
The indicator light on the tachometer is
flashing:
DTC controls the driving and braking
forces.
The indicator light on the speedometer
is on and TRACTION is displayed on the
tachometer:
DTC is activated.
Deactivating the DTC*
Press the button again ; the indicator light
DSC OFF on the speedometer and TRACTION on
the tachometer go off.
Deactivating the DTC* and DSC together
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator light DSC OFF on the speedometer comes
on and DSC OFF is displayed on the tachometer.
The Dynamic Traction Control DTC and Dynamic
Stability Control DSC are both deactivated. There
will be no more stabilizing interventions.
Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
63
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 co mfortably 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 backwa rd 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 backward. <
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.
> Cooper S, John Cooper Works: the engine
sounds more sporty in coasting mode.
With automatic transmission:
> More rapid gear shifting in Sport program.
Activating the system
Press the SPORT button.
The LED lights up.
SPORT is briefly displayed in the tachometer.
Deactivating the system
>Press the SPORT button again.
> Switch off the engine.
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
The concept
The system does not me asure the actual infla-
tion pressure in the tires.
The system detects a pre ssure loss in a tire by
comparing the rotational speeds of the individ-
ual wheels while moving.
In the event of a pressure loss, the diameter and
therefore the rotational speed of the corre-
sponding wheel change. This is detected and
reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
The system must have been initialized while the
tire inflation pressure was correct; otherwise,
reliable signaling of a fl at tire is not ensured.
Initialize the system afte r every correction of the
tire inflation pressure and after every tire or
wheel change.