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.
MOBILITYCare
142
Care
Car-care products
Regular cleaning and care helps to maintain the
value of your MINI.
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
using manufacturer-approved products to clean
and care for your vehicle.
Your MINI dealer would be pleased to advise
you on cleaning and care products and services
for your MINI.The ingredients of original MINI Care Prod-
ucts have been tested, and the products
have been tested in the laboratory and in prac-
tice. They offer optimum care and protection for
your vehicle. <
Do not use any cleansers containing alco-
hol or solvents as these may cause dam-
age. <
Cleaning agents may contain hazardous
or health-damaging substances. Follow
the warning and hazard instructions on the
packaging. For interior cleaning, always open
the doors or windows of the vehicle.
Do not use any products that are not intended
for cleaning the vehicle. <
External care
Washing your vehicle
Especially during the winter months the
vehicle should be frequently washed. Dirt
and road salt can damage the vehicle. <
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them; otherwise,
water can reduce braking efficiency over the
short term and the brake rotors can corrode. <
Car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes. Do not use automatic high-pressure car
washes; otherwise, water may drip into
the vehicle around the windows. <
Before driving in to the car wash, check if the sys-
tem is suitable for your MINI. Observe the fol-
lowing points:
> Vehicle dimensions, page 177
> If necessary: fold in the outside mirrors,
page 36
> Maximum permissible tire width
Avoid car washes with tracks higher than
4 in/10 cm; otherwise, the chassis could
be damaged. <
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
> Unscrew the rod antenna.
> Deactivate the rain sensor
* to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
> Deactivate the rear window wiper
* and pro-
tect it from damage. Ask the car wash oper-
ator about measures that can be taken to
protect the wipers.
> Remove additional atta chments, e.g. spoil-
ers or telephone antennas, if there is a pos-
sibility that they could be damaged.
> Inserting the remote control into the ignition
lock.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, make sure that
the vehicle can roll:
1.Place the remote control, even with Comfort
Access, in the ignition lock.
2. Move the selector le ver to position N.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Switch off the engine.
5. Insert the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
187
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter for air conditioner 80
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 82
Power failure 155
Power windows 31
Power windows, refer to Windows 30
Pressure monitoring of tires, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 65
Pressure monitoring, tires 63
– Flat Tire Monitor 63
Pressure, tires 128
Protective function, refer to Pinch protection system
– windows 31
PTY 103
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor 63
R
Radio
– HD Radio103
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 20
Radio MINI Boost CD
– playing stations 102
– recalling stations 102
– satellite radio 104
– searching stations 101
– storing stations 102
– switching on/off 100
– tone control 101
– volume 100
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness 41
Radio readiness 41
– switched off 42
– switched on 41
Rain sensor 47
Range, refer to Cruising
range 52
RDS 102 Reading lamps
76
Rear door, refer to Club Door 26
Rear doors, refer to Split Rear
Barn Doors 26
Rear double doors, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 26
Rear fog lamp 75
– indicator lamp 161
– replacing bulb 150
Rear lamps
– bulb replacement 150
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps 150
Rear seat backrest, folding 92
Rear seats
– folding down the backrests 92
Rear window defroster 79,81
Rearview mirror, refer to Mirrors 36
Reception
– quality 102
– radio station 101
Recirculated-air mode 79,81
Recirculation of air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 79,81
Reclining seat, refer to Backrest 33
Refueling 126
Releasing
– hood 136
Remote control 20
– battery renewal 30
– Comfort Access 28
–
garage door opener 83
– malfunctions 23,29
– service data 140
– Split Rear Barn Doors 23
Replacement remote control 20
Replacing bulbs, refer to Lamps and bulbs 147
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires 134
Reporting safety defects 6Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge 51
Reservoir for washer systems 49
Reset, resetting tone settings 101
Restraint systems
– for children 38
– refer to Safety belts 35
Reverse
– CD 106
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 44
– manual transmission 43
Roadside Assistance 157
Roadside parking lamps 75
– replacing bulb 149
Roadworthiness te st, refer to
Service requirements 56
Roof load capacity 178
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 95
Rope, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 159
RSC Run-flat System Component, refer to Run-flat
tires 134
Rubber parts, care 143
Run-flat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires 134
Run-flat tires 134
– flat tire 64
– tire inflation pressure 128
– tire replacement 134
– winter tires 135
S
Safety belt
– number32
Safety Belt Reminder 35