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
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.
Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
91
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 133.
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 63.
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 45.
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
Giving and receiving assistanceMOBILITY
157
Giving and receiving assistance
Roadside Assistance
Roadside Assistance is available by phone
24 hours a day in many countries. You can
receive assistance there in the event of an emer-
gency.
First aid pouch*
Some of the articles co ntained in the first aid
pouch have a limited se rvice life. Therefore,
check the expiration dates of the contents regu-
larly and replace any items in good time, if nec-
essary.
The first aid pouch is located on the rear cargo
well by the left side trim panel or under the flat
load floor.
Warning triangle*
In the cargo area under the loading sill. Open the center lock to take it out.
Jump-starting
If the car's own battery is flat, your MINI's engine
can be started by connecting two jumper cables
to another vehicle's battery. You can also use
the same method to help start another vehicle.
Only use jumper cables with fully-insulated
clamp handles.
Do not touch any electrically live parts
w hen the e ngin e is run ning, or a fatal acci-
dent may occur. Carefully adhere to the follow-
ing sequence, both to prevent damage to one or
both vehicles, and to guard against possible per-
sonal injuries. <
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other vehi-
cle has a voltage of 12 volts and approxi-
mately the same capacitance in Ah. This
information can be found on the battery.
2. Switch off the engine of the support vehicle.
3. Switch off any consumers in both vehicles.
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
o r d e r , s o t h a t n o s parks which could cause
injury occur. <
Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
165
Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunctionSwitch off all unne
cessary electrical
consumers. Have the battery checked
without delay.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connected Have the battery checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied
Indication in US models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Braking action is reduced, stop with care. Contact the nearest MINI dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Hill Assist failed. The car will not be
held in place after the brake is
released Have the system ch
ecked as soon as
possible.
12Cause What to do
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
181
Being towed159
Bell
– volume 100
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts 35
Belts, refer to Safety belts 35
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders 87
Black ice, refer to External temperature warning 52
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 79,81
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating 114
Bottle holders, refer to Cupholders 87
Brake Assist 61
Brake fluid, refer to Service requirements 56
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs 150
Brake pads, breaking in 90
Brake rotors 91
– brakes 90
– breaking in 90
Brake system 90
– breaking in 90
– disc brakes 91
– MINI Maintenance System 140
Brakes
– ABS 61
– breaking in 90
– MINI Maintenance System 140
– parking brake 43
– service requirements 56
Brakes, refer to Braking safely 91
Breakdown service, refer to Roadside Assistance 157
Break-in period 90
Breaking in the clutch 90
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 147
Button for starting the engine 41 Buttons on the steering
wheel 11
C
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call
– accepting 117
– ending 118
– rejecting 118
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 118
Can holders, refer to Cupholders 87
Capacities 179
Car battery, refer to Vehicle battery 155
Car care 142
Car key, refer to Keys/remote controls 20
Car phone
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 85
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car phone, refer to Telephone 112
Car wash, care 142
Car washes 142
Care 142
– car washes 142
– car-care products 142
– CD/DVD drives 145
– external 142
– high-pressure washers 143
– internal 144
– leather 144
– manual washing 143
– upholstery and fabrics 144
– windows 143
– wiper blades 143 Cargo area
92
– capacity 178
– Comfort Access 29
– doors, refer to Split Rear Barn
Doors 26
– lamp 76
– opening from outside 26
– trunk lid, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 26
Cargo area doors, refer to Split
Rear Barn Doors 26
Cargo area, expanding 92
Cargo area lamp 76
Cargo area partition net, refer to Cargo net 93
Cargo loading 94
– securing cargo 95
– stowing cargo 95
– vehicle 92
Cargo net 93
Cargo, securing 95
Carpets, care 144
Cataly
tic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system 90
CD player 105
– changing the track 106
– fast forward/reverse 106
– playing a track 106
– random order 106
– starting 105
– volume 100
Center armrest 85
Center brake lamp 151
Center console, refer to Around the center
console 14
Central locking system 21
– Comfort Access 28
– from inside 24
– from outside 21
Changing bulbs 147
Changing wheels 153
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 137
Check Control 58
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 39
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
182
Child restraint systems38
Child seats 38
Chrome parts, care 144
Chrome parts, refer to
Care 142
Cigarette lighter 87
Cleaning headlamps 48
– washer fluid 49
Clock
– 12 h/24 h mode 55
– setting time 57
Closing
– from inside 24
– from outside 21
Clothes hooks 86
Club Door 26
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting the engine 42
Comfort Access 28
– replacing the battery 30
– what to observe before
entering a car wash 29
Comfort area, refer to Around the center console 14
Compartment for remote control, refer to Ignition
lock 41
Compressed audio files 105
Computer 52
Condensation, refer to When the vehicle is parked 92
Condition Based Service
CBS 140
Configuring settings, refer to Personal Profile 20
Connecting vacuum cleaner, refer to Connecting electrical
appliances 87
Consumption, refer to Average fuel consumption 52
Control Display
– settings 53
Controls and displays 10
Convenient access, refer to
Comfort Access 28 Convenient operation
– windows
22
Convenient start, refer to Starting the engine 42
Coolant 139
– checking level 139
– filling 139
Coolant temperature 139
Cooling fluid, refer to Coolant 139
Cooling, maximum 81
Copyright 2
Cornering light, refer to
Adaptive Light Control 74
Cruising range 52
Cupholders 87
Curb weight, refer to Weights 178
C
urrent fuel consumption 52
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays 12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 76
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit 10
Data 176
– capacities 179
– dimensions 177
– engine 176
– weights 178
Data memory 141
Date
– setting 58
Date setting 101
Daytime running lights 73
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to Brake Assist 61
Deactivating front passenger airbags 70
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking 22
Defect
– door lock 24
– fuel filler flap 126
Defogging windows 80,82 Defrost positi
on, refer to
Defrosting windows 80,82
Defrosting windows 80,82
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner 80
– automatic climate control 82
Defrosting windshield, refer to Defrosting windows 80,82
Differential, breaking in 90
Digital radio, refer to HD Radio 103
Dimensions 177
Dipstick, engine oil 137
Directional indicators, refer to Turn signals 46
Displacement, refer to Engine data 176
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 76
Displays 12
– instrument cluster 12
Displays and controls 10
Displays, care 145
Disposal
– of coolant 139
– remote control battery 30
– vehicle battery 155
Distance remaining to service, refer to Service
requirements 56
Distance warning, refer
to Park
Distance Control PDC 60
Door
– rear, refer to Club Door 26
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 20
Door lock 24
Door lock, confirmation
signals 22
Doors, manual operation 24
DOT Quality Grades 132
Double doors, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 26
Drinks holders, refer to
Cupholders 87
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
183
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Assist 63
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 63
Driving lamps, refer to Parking lamps/low beams 72
Driving notes 90
Driving off on inclines, refer to Hill Assist 63
Driving stability control
systems 60
Driving through water 91
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes 90
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 82
DSC Dynamic Stability Control 61
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 62
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, refer to Brake Assist 61
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 61
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC 62
E
Eject button 106
Electrical malfunction
– door lock 24
– fuel filler flap 126
Electronic brake-force distribution 61
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 61
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock 24
– fuel filler flap 126
– transmission lock, automatic transmission 45
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance 157Engine
– breaking in
90
– data 176
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature 139
– speed 176
– starting 42
– starting, Comfort Access 28
– switching off 42
Engine compartment 137
Engine coolant, refer to Coolant 139
Engine oil
– adding 138
– additives, refer to Approved engine oils 138
– alternative oil types 138
– approved engine oils 138
– capacity 138
– checking level 137
– dipstick 137
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements 56
– MINI Maintenance
System 140
Engine oil level, checking 137
Engine output, refer to Engine
data 176
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine 42
ESP Electronic Stability Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 61
Exhaust system, refer to Hot exhaust system 90
Exterior mirrors 36
– adjusting 36
– automatic heating 36
– folding in and out 36
External audio device 85,100
External temperature display
– change units of measure 55
– in the on-board computer 55Eyes
– for tow-
starting and towing
away 159
– for tying down loads 95
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 58
Failure of an electrical
consumer 156
Fast forward
– CD 106
Fastening safety be lts, refer to
Safety belts 35
Fault messages, refer to Check
Control 58
Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner 80
– microfilter/activated- charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 82
Fine wood, care 145
First aid pouch 157
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 41
Flash when locking/
unlocking 22
Flat load floor 94
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 134
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 65
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 63
– indicating a flat tire 64
– initializing the system 64
– snow chains 64
– system limits 64
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition 133
Floor mats, care 144
Floor plate, refe r to Flat load
floor 94
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 149,150
Folding rear seat backrest 92