2011 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE traction control

15
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
1MINI: microphone for voice processing sys-
tem
* and for hands-free telephone*
MINI Convertible: microphone in the steer-
ing column
2Indicator/warning lamp
* for front passen-
ger airbags71
4Hazard warning flashers
5Speedometer12
6Radio/CD, refer to separate owner's manual
7Air conditioner or automatic climate
control
*788Switches in the center console
9AUX-IN port, USB audio interface*85
10Driving stability control systems
>Dynamic Stability Control DSC63
>Dynamic Traction Control
DTC* 63
11Sport button
*64 3
Reading lamps
*77
Color of ambient lighting
*77
Glass sunroof, electric
*28
MINI Convertible: opening and clos-
ing the sliding/tilting roof30
Interior lamps77
Temperature
Recirculated-air mode
Air distribution for air conditioner
Air distribution to the windshield
*
Air distribution to the upper body
area
*
Air distribution to the footwell*
Automatic air distribution and flow
rate
*
Maximum cooling*
Cooling function
Defrosting windows
*
Rear window defroster
Windshield heating
*
Air flow rate
Seat heating
*38
Power windows29
MINI Convertible: central power
window unit29
Rear fog lamp
*76
Fog lamps
*76
Central locking system, inside23

63
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
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 response is maintained even
during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
Braking safely, refer to page93.
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-force 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 braking actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.
Deactivating DSC
Press the button repeatedly until the DSC indica-
tor lamps come on. DSC is deactivated. Stabiliz-
ing and propulsion promoting actions are no
longer executed.
When driving with snow chains or to 'rock free'
in snow, it can be helpful 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
go out.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
The DSC controls the driving and break-
ing forces.
The indicator lamp in the display ele-
ments lights up:
DSC is deactivated.
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

Technology for driving comfort and safety
64
Activating DTC
Press the button, the indicator lamp for DTC
lights up in the display elements and TRACTION
is displayed in the tachometer.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DTC controls the driving and breaking
forces.
The indicator lamp lights up and TRAC-
TION is displayed in the tachometer:
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 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.

123
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Tire coding
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Speed code letter
Q = up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph or 190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph or 210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph or 240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph or 270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph or 300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the
US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1γ) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, corner-
ing, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteris-
tics.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter, in
front of the R on ZR tires
225/45 R 17 91 V
For instance:
Manufacturer's
code for tire make
Tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 3010

Indicator and warning lamps
158
Indication* in Canadian models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in red: Have the system in question checked
without delay.
>Starter failed or The engine cannot be restarted.
>ignition malfunctioning. Engine
restart only possible when brake
is depressed or
>lighting system failed. Low
beams/tail lamps and brake
lamps still operational. All other
lamps failedDepress the brake to start the engine
again.
Lights up in yellow:
>Control of the brake lamps failed
or
>fuel supply malfunctioningYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system in ques-
tion checked without delay.
>Drive malfunctioningYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Transmission limp-home
program active with restricted range
of gears. Have the system checked
immediately.
Flashing:
Dynamic Stability Control DSC or
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is con-
trolling drive and braking forces, refer
also to page62
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is acti-
vated, refer also to page63
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC
and Dynamic Traction Control DTC
are deactivated, refer also to page62Driving stability limited during accel-
eration and cornering.
Driving style must be adjusted.
12Cause What to do

159
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC
and Dynamic Traction Control DTC
have failed.Driving stability limited during accel-
eration and cornering.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
Indication in US models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Tire Pressure
Monitor, have failed, refer also to
page62Reduced braking and driving stability.
Drive cautiously and think well ahead.
Avoid braking with full force, driving
on rough tracks, and depressing the
accelerator pedal to full throttle or
kickdown position. Have the system
checked immediately.
Indication
* in Canadian models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Flat Tire Moni-
tor or the Tire Pressure Monitor
*,
have failed, refer also to page62Reduced braking and driving stability.
Drive cautiously and think well ahead.
Avoid braking with full force, driving
on rough tracks, and depressing the
accelerator pedal to full throttle or
kickdown position. Have the system
checked immediately.
Vehicles with Flat Tire Monitor
*
Light up in yellow and red:
>Tire damageCarefully bring the car to a stop.
Observe the information starting on
page65.
>Flat Tire Monitor not initializedInitialize Flat Tire Monitor, page65.
Light up in yellow:
Flat Tire Monitor failed. Punctures are
not indicatedHave the system checked.
12Cause What to do

Everything from A to Z
174
Condition Based Service
CBS131
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances87
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption54
Control Display
– settings56
Controls and displays10
Convenient access, refer to
Comfort Access26
Convenient operation
– convertible top22
– windows20
Convenient start, refer to
Starting the engine45
Convertible top30
Coolant129
– checking level129
– filling129
Coolant temperature53
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant129
Cooling, maximum81
Copyright2
Cornering light, refer to
Adaptive Light Control75
Cruising range54
Cupholders87
Curb weight, refer to
Weights169
Current fuel consumption54
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting76
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data166
– capacities170
– dimensions167
– engine166
– weights169
Data memory132Date
– setting60
Daytime running lights74
DBC Dynamic Brake Control,
refer to Brake Assist63
Deactivating front passenger
airbags71
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20
Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap116
Defogging windows80,82
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows80,82
Defrosting windows80,82
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control82
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting windows80,82
Differential, breaking in92
Dimensions167
Dipstick, engine oil128
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals48
Displacement, refer to Engine
data166
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting76
Displays12
– instrument cluster12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care136
Disposal
– of coolant129
– remote control battery28
– vehicle battery147
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements58
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC62
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control
18
Door lock22
Door lock, confirmation
signals21Doors, manual operation22
DOT Quality Grades123
Drinks holders, refer to
Cupholders87
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Assist64
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button64
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams73
Driving notes92
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Assist64
Driving stability control
systems62
Driving through water93
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes92
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function82
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC63
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake Assist63
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC63
Dynamic Traction Control63
E
Electric power windows
– initializing29
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap116
– liftgate24
Electronic brake-force
distribution63
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC63

181
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Tow bar150
Tow fitting150
– screw thread150
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away150
Tow rope151
Towing150
– car with automatic
transmission150
– methods150
Tow-starting150
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor67
Track width, refer to
Dimension167
Traction control, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC63
Trailer operation
– trailer loads and gross vehicle
weight169
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– manual transmission46
– overriding selector lever lock
for automatic transmission
with Steptronic48
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo97
Transporting children safely41
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread124
Trip odometer53
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer53
Triple turn signal activation48
Trunk, refer to Luggage
compartment in the MINI
Convertible95
Turn signal48
– front, replacing bulb139
– indicator lamp12
– rear, replacing bulb140
– side, replacing bulb140
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions167
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading97U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
UTQR123
Units
– average fuel consumption57
– temperature57
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control83
Universal remote control83
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking27
Unlocking
– from inside23
– from outside19
– liftgate27
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access26
Upholstery, care135
USB audio interface86
V
Valve
– dust cap145
Vehicle
– battery146
– breaking in92
– cargo loading94
– dimensions167
– identification number, refer
to Engine compartment128
– parking45
– storage136
– weight169
Vehicle jack144
– jacking points146
Ventilation
– air conditioner82
Vents, refer to Air vents78
Vents, refer to Ventilation82
Voice commands
– telephone111
Voice phone book112
Volume
– mobile phone108
Volume of cargo area169
W
Warning and indicator
lamps13,152
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control60
Warning triangle148
Washer fluid51
– capacity of reservoir51
Washer fluid reservoir51
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray87
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water93
Waterfall lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting77
Wear indicators in tires, refer to
Minimum tread depth124
Weights169
Welcome lamps73
Wheel stud wrench
– space-saver spare tire144
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions167
Wheels and tires118
Wheels, new125
Width, refer to
Dimensions167
Wind deflector33
Window washer, refer to
Washer fluid51
Window washer reservoir,
refer to Washer fluid
– volume, refer to
Capacities170
Window washer system49
– washer fluid51
– washer jets51
Windows29
– closing29
– Convenient operation20
– opening29
– pinch protection system30
Windshield
– cleaning50
– defrosting and removing
condensation80,82
Windshield wiper blades,
changing137